Since most of you will be committing to staying a couple days in Newport for our wedding (thank you!), we figured we’d include a list of things to keep your time occupied. We may add more activities as we get closer to the wedding, so feel free to check back for any updates!

• Ocean Drive AKA 10 Mile Drive: If you have a car at your disposal, make sure you take the time to drive this 10 mile scenic route.  Our wedding venue (OceanCliff) is located along this route, and our drive along this loop last summer was definitely one of the reasons why we chose beautiful Newport as our wedding location.  We recommend stopping periodically to enjoy the beautiful scenery, especially Brenton Park (where Ryan and Katie witnessed a kite festival, equipped with a giant “Toothless” from How to Train Your Dragon), the Cliff Walk, Fort Adams State Park, and a number of the mansions (described below).
• Bellevue Avenue:  A two and a half mile walk, this historic district in Newport was home to many of America’s elite during the Gilded Age. Its residents included the Astors, Vanderbilts, Morgans and other members of “the Four Hundred” (New York’s premier social list), who made Newport Rhode Island their summer home.  Along Bellevue Avenue, you can also explore the Redwood Library, America’s oldest lending library (est. 1747), the International Tennis Hall of Fame, and the Newport Art Museum.
• Newport Cliff Walk:  One of the top attractions in Newport, the Cliff Walk is a 3.5 mile walk along the shoreline from Newport’s Bailey’s Beach to the west end of First Beach/Easton’s Beach.  Along this beautifully scenic route, you will pass by a number of Newport’s famous gilded mansions, such as Astor’s Beechwood, Rosecliff, Marble House, The Breakers, Ochre Court, and Rough Point.
• Mansion Tours:  There are many ornate and famous mansions worth exploring in Newport if you enjoy touring historic properties.  You can purchase tickets on the Preservation Society website.  Among those listed above along the Cliff Walk, you can also check out the Elms, Chateau-sur-Mer, Kingscote, and a few others on their website, including a Green Animals Topiary Garden, which might interest the kiddos.
• Newport History Tours:  Newport offers a number of 75-minute walking tours exploring different historical aspects of the city.  Check out their website for the various tour descriptions and for reservations.
• Fort Adams State Park:  Take a 60-minute walking tour of this historic fort and explore officers’ quarters, underground tunnels, and gorgeous views of Narraganset Bay.  Bring your bathing suit and some water shoes–there is a calm (albeit somewhat rocky) swimming area that is roped off and great for kids!  This fort is also home to Newport’s famous Jazz Festival and Folk Festival.  To reserve tickets for a tour, visit their website.
• National Museum of Illustration:  If you love museums, mansions, and illustrations (and art in general), this might be the activity for you.  It’s the first museum in the country devoted exclusively to illustration art. This museum is also a spectacular mansion (Vernon Court) with rooms modeled after the Marie Antoinette suites in the Palace of Versailles and boasts beautiful gardens.  More information and a long video featuring Whoopi Goldberg (no joke) can be found on their website.
• Trinity Church:  A historic landmark of downtown Newport, this church was built in 1726, and is famous for its incredible architecture and visits from George Washington, Queen Elizabeth II and others.
• Touro Synagogue:  America’s oldest synagogue, completed in 1763, is located right in downtown Newport.  Tours of this historical landmark include a rich history on the Jewish faith in America.
• Sightseeing Trolley or Bus Tours:  If you are not up for driving and walking a ton on your own, you can pick a tour of your choosing and hop on a trolley or tour bus with one of these companies.  Public tours leave from the Newport Visitor Center, 23 America’s Cup Avenue (next to the Marriott Hotel). Tickets may also be purchased at the Visitor Center on day of tour.
  • Viking Tours
  • Historic Tours of Newport
• Beaches: Keep in mind, July 4 is a HUGE beach weekend, so if you want to hit the sand, go early!
  • First Beach/Easton’s Beach:  Newport’s most popular beach, this spot will not leave you feeling bored! There is a $20 parking fee on weekends ($10 weekdays), but if you arrive before 10am or after 2pm, it’s free.  In addition to being the start of Newport’s famous Cliff Walk, Easton’s Beach also has a playground for kids, a carousel (!!), snack bar (with lobster rolls), a skateboard park, volleyball nets, and the Save the Bay Exploration Center and Aquarium.
  • Second Beach/Sachuest Beach: Not as busy with activity as first beach, second beach is a favorite for surfers because of the nicer waves.  On the surfer end (Western end) of the beach, you can also hike up to Purgatory Chasm, a beautiful chasm cut out between rocks over millions of years of erosion.  This beach has a concession stand and Del’s Lemonade truck for some local Rhode Island flavor.  Parking is $20 on weekends and $10 on weekdays.
  • Third Beach: A smaller beach, this spot is much calmer and great for kids.  While there are no big waves, this beach does get some wind which makes it a good place to try some wind surfing.  Parking here is free.
• Newport Storm Brewery: If you like craft beer as much as we do, this might be a good mid-day activity for you!  Four Colby grads (yay Emily!) started this brewery back in 1997, right after graduating from their alma mater. Beer tastings are $7 and rum tastings are $9, and the brewery should be open all weekend long for both guided and self-guided tours.  Try the Hurricane Amber Ale, the brewery’s first beer.
• Shopping in Downtown Newport: Downtown Newport is also home to some excellent shopping.  Not only does it house some of the bigger name brands we all know and love, you can also enjoy some smaller, privately-owned and unique shops along Thames Street.  We recommend you take your time walking along the historic streets and popping in and out of shops.
• Dining: There are also some great restaurants in downtown Newport, including Brick Alley Pub, The Red Parrot, Busker’s Irish Pub, Smokehouse Newport, and Sardella’s (although their website is super annoying–make sure you turn your sound off).  A little further off the downtown area is Malt, one of Katie and Ryan’s top picks.