There’s something I love about a quick weekend getaway since I always leave feeling recharged (especially when it’s during the winter months and I get to escape the Buffalo snow). Jax and I decided on Newport, Rhode Island since it was a quick drive from NYC. With our busy lives and long-distance relationship between NYC and Buffalo, finding time to travel together is a rarity. So, when we finally got the chance to escape to Newport for a few days, we were so excited to relax and spend the weekend together. From scenic drives to delicious meals and stunning sights we had such a fun weekend and I wanted to share all of the details of our trip with you! I also included some photos + links to all of the looks I wore on the trip.

  

The Drive: NYC to Newport

We kicked off our trip with a scenic drive from New York City to Newport, RI. The drive itself was a lovely transition from city life to coastal charm. Mazda was kind enough to loan us the Mazda3 Hatch Turbo which was perfect for this trip. It was compact enough for city driving but also had a luxurious and spacious interior.  The two-and-a-half-hour drive was surprisingly relaxing, especially as we neared Newport’s coastline. I also convinced Jax to stop at a shop in Connecticut I’ve been wanting to visit on our way back which was an added perk of driving.

Where We Stayed: The Brenton Hotel

We stayed at the gorgeous Brenton Hotel, a beautiful property right on the waterfront. The modern design, cozy rooms, and incredible views of the harbor made it the perfect base for our weekend getaway. We woke up each morning to the sound of the water and enjoyed sipping coffee while taking in the breathtaking sunrise over Newport’s iconic harbor. The hotel’s location made it easy to explore the nearby attractions and restaurants, all within walking distance.

Dining in Newport: Where We Ate

Newport has no shortage of fantastic dining spots, and we made sure to sample a few of the best. We definitely visited in the off season so a few spots were closed for the season, but we can’t wait to head back in the summer. Here’s everywhere we ate and our thoughts!

• Bar ‘Cino: We started our culinary journey with a casual yet delicious lunch at Bar ‘Cino, a cozy Italian spot known for its handmade pastas and fresh ingredients. The ambiance was intimate, and the flavors were incredible – the perfect way to kick off our Newport trip. The sandwich we had was so delicious, I wish I lived closer so I could pop in for lunch!

• Flora at Gardiner House: The next day, we treated ourselves to drinks and appetizers at Flora at Gardiner House, a charming café with a modern twist on classic dishes. This hotel and restaurant recently opened so we wanted to check it out and I’m so glad we did. The staff was so kind and everything we had was divine. We will definitely visit next time we’re in the area.

• Clarke Cooke House: One of our favorite spots to dine when in Newport! We headed to Clarke Cooke House, one of Newport’s most iconic restaurants. The atmosphere here is a blend of historic elegance and contemporary flair, making it an unforgettable place to enjoy a delicious seafood dinner. We had oysters, steak, delicious cocktails, and of course dessert. The perfect meal for a coastal weekend!

• Nitro Bar: If you’re a big fan of TikTok you might have seen all of the fun lattes NitroBar creates so I was so excited to try a few. I went with the Black Raspberry Chip Latte and omg – good thing I don’t live close because I would want one everyday. I got one both mornings of our trip! I’ve also heard they have great food as well. My friend from college lives in the area so we loved meeting him and his boyfriend here to chat over coffee.

• Diego’s: During the afternoon we wanted a small bite so we popped by Diego’s for some creative Mexican food and margaritas. I had a perfect spicy marg with chips & guac that were so fresh and delicious.

Exploring Newport: Ocean Drive, Cliff Walk, and Mansions

Newport is a treasure trove of stunning natural beauty and historic charm, and we made sure to explore some of its best-known attractions.

• Ocean Drive: One of our favorite activities was driving down Ocean Drive, a scenic route along the coast with breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean. The coastal cliffs, lighthouses, and luxury mansions lining the road made it the perfect leisurely drive.

• Cliff Walk: We also walked part of the famous Cliff Walk, a 3.5-mile trail that hugs the coastline and offers spectacular views of the ocean on one side and the grand Newport mansions on the other. It was a great way to take in the beauty of the area. We hope to go back in the summer when it’s not so chilly and do the Cliff Walk again!

• The Mansions: Newport is home to some of the most opulent mansions in America, and we visited a few of them during our trip. We toured The Elms this time around but have also visited The Breakers and Marble House in the past. Each are beyond beautiful and offer a unique glimpse into Newport’s rich history.

 

Shopping at KJP

No trip to Newport would be complete without a stop at KJP (Kiel James Patrick). KJP is a brand I’ve worked with and loved for years and I always love to see their beautiful storefront. From cozy sweaters to nautical-themed jewelry and classic New England-inspired items, KJP has everything you need to bring a little piece of Newport home with you.

Final Thoughts

Even in the offseason Newport was such a great spot to spend the weekend! Jax and I had such a great stay and can’t wait to plan a trip back soon. Sharing details to all of the looks I wore below!

If you’re planning a trip to Newport, be sure to visit these spots for an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re exploring the mansions, driving along Ocean Drive, or enjoying a delicious meal, it’ll make for a wonderful weekend.

Thanks for reading!