It has been way too long since I’ve done a “My Perfect Day” post! I know summer is peak travel season, but I personally love to travel in the fall. The weather is cooler, the prices are cheaper, and there are less tourists! Today I am so excited that my friend Jess Ann Kirby shared her perfect day in Newport, RI! Jess and I met years ago at a blogger conference in New York City and I was just as impressed by her and her style then as I am now. She’s one of my favorite people to follow on Instagram and now she really has me craving a trip to the East Coast!
My Perfect Day: Newport RI, with Jess Ann Kirby
Hi, I’m Jess and I write the lifestyle and wellness blog JessAnnKirby.com. I’m so excited and honored Mara (who was one of the first people I met in the blogging world almost 6 years ago!) asked me to share my perfect day because I always love talking about my hometown of Newport, RI. It is my absolute favorite time of year right now because the weather is just perfect, tourist season has slowed down and there’s so much to do. I was born and raised here, and aside from a few years living in NYC and LA, have lived here the majority of my life, and I am always thankful to call it home. My boyfriend Craig and I just bought our first house two years ago that we’ve been renovating ourselves, and we have three rescue pets, Nora, Fuji and Hunter.
If I had to pick a few things that Newport is known for, it would probably be the history, the mansions, and the coastline. So my perfect day would of course include all three.
Start your day with coffee and a bite to eat at one of my two favorite spots (or maybe even try both). The Coffee Grinder is a quaint cafe right on the water so you definitely can’t beat the view. A newer addition in town is Nitro, with a super funky interior, laid back vibe and arguably the best coffee in town.
Make your way to The Point Neighborhood and walk around to admire the history and charm with houses dating back as far as the 1600s. The Newport Restoration Foundation with the help of Doris Duke saved over 50 homes from being destroyed in 1960’s. The neighborhood is now the largest collection of colonial-era homes in the United States.
While you’re in the Point, take a stroll through the Newport Shipyard to see some of the world’s largest mega yachts on display. From beautifully restored sailboats to multi-million dollar yachts it’s a sight you won’t find many other places. They have a great restaurant on the water, Belle’s Cafe for breakfast or lunch. If you’re craving seafood check out The Lobster Shack just a few steps down the road.
Walk off your lunch with a stroll through Bowen’s Wharf for some shopping and harbor views. If you head back up the hill towards Bellevue Avenue you can walk by St. Mary’s church where the Kennedys were married in 1953. Two of my favorite local shops Kristen Coates (a gallery/boutique) and Farmaesthetics (a locally made natural skincare apothecary) are worth a stop.
You can’t visit Newport without visiting the Cliff Walk, a 3 1/2 mile scenic path along the coast. You’ll walk along stunning coastline with incredible views and some of Newport’s famous mansions. You can stop and do a tour along the way, the Breakers is the most grand of all the mansions.
Wrap up your day with a view of the sunset either on the harbor side at the quintessential Clarke Cooke House or on the Bay side with views of the bridge at Castle Hill.
If you happen to find yourself coming to Newport, you can also check out my Newport Guide with lots of recommendations on where to eat, what to do and see, and where to stay.
Thank you Jess for sharing all your great insider tips! I am dying to go to Newport, RI now!
P.S. Check out other city guides for Seattle, Connecticut, Fort Worth, Chicago, Venice Beach, Brooklyn, Raleigh, Houston, and Dallas!
xox
images by Jess Ann Kirby
