Any suggestions?

jennashadow

My husband and I were thinking of taking a short vacation to Rhode Island towards the end of the summer (from NY).  We were thinking of staying near Newport at the Marriot (Marriot points).  We wanted to hit up the beach and the mansions.  Can anyone offer any great places to eat or other places to go?  Are there certain mansions that are must-see compared to the others?  We are thinking of doing the 5 mansion pass --is that a one or two day thing?  We are hoping not to spend a fortune.  Any suggestions are appreciated:-)

asf619

Aside from Brick Alley Pub, where I highly recommend the stuffie / stuffed quahog appetizer (just looked, and it's actually called Baked Stuffed Clams a la Portuguese), I don't really have suggestions. I can count on one hand how many times I've been to Newport in the last 10 years. I know I've done Breakers and Marble House in one day, then walked the Cliff Walk. Have fun! Hopefully some other girls will chime in with recs.

micheleNYC

The Marriott is a great place to see, esp given Marriott rewards!! Love hotel rewards! I say just pick like 2 mansions to do - you can do 2 in one day. 5 would honestly be boring to me after a while. There is a TON of shopping, lost of walking and eating to be done as well. I usually go down for the day w/ my mom, aunt and cousin and we walk and shop, eat and drink, and just have a good girls' day. Then do the beach on the other day is my suggestion. I've only ever seen The Breakers and one other, that I can't recall. The Cliff Walk is great - you can walk and see the mansions from the outside, see the views, etc. 

Ali9381

For restaurants I loved the Black Pearl (fried Brie for an app-yum!) and I've heard great reviews from friends of Brick Alley Pub and The Red Parrot.  We've never been to any of the mansions so I can't tell you which one is best but the Cliff Walk is free and is a great view of the ocean and mansions.  We usually go to Second Beach before/after the Cliff Walk and go to Flo's Clam Shack for dinner, seriously awesome seafood  

AmyRI

5 mansions is too much for 1 day - maybe even for 2 unless you really like history. I'd probably just pick 2 to see. I've only been to the Breakers, but it was worth the trip.

Fort Adams State Park has great views of Narragansett Bay, and the Cliff walk is nice as well. 

The Atlantic Beach Club has good food. If you get sick of the crowds, drive north into Middletown - West Main Road has tons of restaurants with little or no wait. Becky's (BBQ), Bangkok City (Thai), Coddington Brewery (beer + pub food), and Gold's Wood Fired Grill (Italian, cash only) are all good.

There are a couple vineyards on the island if you like wine, but I haven't been to them to know if they're any good.

jennashadow

Thanks, Ladies.  I just made my reservations and was able to stay at the Marriott for 3 nights using my points.  So excited that we saved almost $600.  I wouldn't mind seeing the mansions.  I saw them years ago when I was younger and was impressed.  I also am a history teacher, so the history doesn't bore me as much.  Thank you for all the suggestions.  I really appreciate it.