Best of Rhode Island from the Editors of Yankee Magazine
Best of Rhode Island from the Editors of Yankee Magazine [easy-social-share buttons=”facebook,twitter,pinterest,google,mail,print,more” sharebtn_style=”icon” counters=0 style=”icon” point_type=”simple”] Table Of Contents: Best Attractions Best Lodging Best Dining Best Bargains Best Classic Attractions Best Outdoor Attractions Spotlight: Narragansett Bay Spotlight: Newport Best Attractions in Rhode Island Looking for fun in the Ocean State? You won’t have to look far! Read […]
Looking for fun in the Ocean State? You won’t have to look far! Read our picks for the best attractions in Rhode Island.
CINEMA OR DRIVE-IN
CABLE CAR CINEMA & CAFÉ, Providence
Founded more than four decades ago in a repurposed truck garage, this art-house theater coaxes audience members away from their streaming devices and into a fun little realm where moviegoing remains an active, shared experience. It’s not just the lure of bottomless popcorn and a menu of coffee drinks, baked goods, sandwiches, and beer that keeps Cable Car’s 100 or so seats filled. It’s also the thought-provoking handpicked flicks and the conversations they inspire (sometimes with even their creators). If it’s date night, arrive early to claim a loveseat.
401-272-3970; cablecarcinema.com
FAMILY ADVENTURE
RAIL EXPLORERS, Portsmouth
Buckle up. Don’t tailgate. Watch for turtles. A few simple rules—and the willingness of at least one person in your party to pedal—are all that’s required for an all-ages rail biking adventure. Tandem and quad options can be linked, so even extended families can share the camaraderie of a six-mile outing along Narragansett Bay. Riders glide along Old Colony Railway tracks, laid in the 1860s but reborn as a recreational attraction thanks in part to a Korean soap opera: Company founder Mary-Joy Lu brought these South Korean rail bikes to America after spotting them onscreen.
877-833-8588; railexplorers.net
FARMERS’ MARKET
HOPE STREET FARMERS’ MARKET, Providence
Homegrown and handmade join forces each Saturday from May through October, transforming tree-shaded Lippitt Memorial Park into the capital’s liveliest shopping destination. More than 40 farm, fish, and gourmet food businesses aren’t the only ones popping up perky white, red, and blue tents and arranging captivating displays: At the concurrent Providence Artisans Market, juried participants show off their freshest fashions and one-of-a-kind gifts. Unfurl a blanket, and enjoy a food-truck lunch, a jar of Fully Rooted’s cold-pressed carrot-apple juice, live music, and Tricycle Ice Cream’s latest cookie sandwich sensation.
hopestreetmarket.com
HISTORICAL EXPERIENCE
SLATER MILL, Pawtucket
No thief’s done more for America than that sneaky Samuel Slater. The English textile worker illegally crossed the pond with a headful of knowledge, and the water-powered cotton mill he built in 1793 is the centerpiece of this namesake complex in Pawtucket. Engaging tours of the birthplace of the American Industrial Revolution introduce visitors to the ingenious machinery and the families that powered a new era. You’ll see the 1758 cottage where Slater spent his first night in Pawtucket, and the 1810 Wilkinson Mill with its rare working waterwheel, too. The sounds and vibrations of old will transport you.
401-725-8638; slatermill.org
RIVER CRUISE
LA GONDOLA, Providence
Some of the most stirring musical performances in Rhode Island don’t take place in any concert hall. They’re sung—sometimes in Italian and quite often for an audience of only two—beneath the acoustically magical bridges that span the Woonasquatucket River in the heart of Providence. Authentic gondolas in their striped shirts serenading gondoliers are as much a part of this city’s allure as Venice’s. Bring a favorite beverage, request a meaningful song, and cherish the most romantic moments you’ll ever share with a third wheel.
401-421-8877; gondolari.com
SHORT HIKE
NORTH LIGHT, Block Island
If you’ve walked the Las Vegas Strip, you know that feeling that an attraction is closer than it turns out to be. From the parking lot near Settlers’ Rock, North Light is clearly visible. The half-mile trek through the Block Island National Wildlife Refuge doesn’t seem intimidating. Yet your hike over squishy sand and sea-polished stones will take twice as long as you anticipate. The exertion is worth it: The 1867 stone-block lighthouse, home to a seasonally operating museum, strikes a majestic pose above windswept dunes at land’s end.
401-466-3213; blockislandinfo.com
SPECIALTY MUSEUM
NEWPORT CAR MUSEUM, Portsmouth
There isn’t a museum anywhere that polishes its treasures to a higher gloss. Gunther and Maggie Buerman consider the 50-plus American and imported autos in their collection “kinetic art,” and these coveted machines’ brightly lit, sharply designed new home shows them off like gleaming sculptures. Playful midcentury furnishings invite you to sit and contemplate masterpieces of style and horsepower, from ’50s finned beauties to some of the fastest cars on the planet.
401-848-2277; newportcarmuseum.org
DISTILLERY
SONS OF LIBERTY SPIRITS CO., South Kingstown
Southern makers have the whiskey market cornered, but don’t underestimate Yankee ingenuity. Whiskey begins as beer, and Sons of Liberty’s founder realized that seasonal and craft brews could yield unique spirits. Try “Pumpkin Spice”—it’s made with locally harvested pumpkins and was named “best flavored” at 2014’s World Whiskies Awards. Tours offered.
1425 Kingstown Rd. 401-284-4006; solspirits.com
ENCHANTING BOAT RIDE
LA GONDOLA, Providence
It’s an authentic Venetian gondola ride without the plane ticket. As serenading boatmen steer these graceful river craft, many an endearment has been whispered. Bring your own bottle of bubbly to sip as the city’s sights light up at night. WaterFire evenings—the ultimate in romance—are booked far in advance.
1 Citizens Plaza. 401-421-8877; gondolari.com
OVERLOOKED MUSEUM
MUSEUM OF WORK & CULTURE, Woonsocket
Step into the lives of the French Canadian and other immigrants who poured into the Blackstone River Valley as the textile industry boomed. Walk-through, multimedia, and hands-on exhibits show how people—not just machines— powered America’s Industrial Revolution.
42 South Main St. 401-769-9675; rihs.org/museums/museum-of-work-and-culture/
ON-SITE ARTISANS
DOWNTOWN DESIGNS, Newport
Rhode Island was the first state to exempt citizens’ creative works from sales tax. But your joy in purchasing one-of-a-kind beaded jewelry, paintings, photography, pottery, and upcycled artwork from this weekdays-only gallery won’t stem from tax savings. You’d never guess—until you meet the artisans—that they’ve overcome disabilities to craft their livelihoods.
7 Dr. Marcus F. Wheatland Blvd. 401-835-2305; downtowndesignsnewport.com
HISTORIC HIGHLIGHT – OPEN-AIR MUSEUM
SWAN POINT CEMETERY, Providence (1846)
It’s where the tormented mind of Providence’s own horror master, H.P. Lovecraft, lies at rest, and where Edgar Allen Poe’s beloved rejected his marriage proposal: a 200-acre plot on the Seekonk River’s banks populated by angels with bowed heads. And yet, this 170-year-old garden cemetery is a lush park for the living, where every turn on a walk, drive, or bike ride unveils moving art and epitaphs.
585 Blackstone Blvd. 401-272-1314; swanpointcemetery.com
Best Mansion for Kids | The Breakers, Newport
Credit: Nat Rea
Best Mansion for Kids | The Breakers, Newport Credit: Nat Rea
MANSION FOR KIDS
THE BREAKERS, Newport
“I don’t like to brag, but I’m the biggest one,” says the voice on the family audio tour at the Vanderbilts’ 70-room “cottage” on mansion row. The Breakers are speaking to you. And the same children who rolled their eyes about touring an old house are instantly enthralled. By the time you reach the kitchen, they’ll be sad to relinquish their headphones.
44 Ochre Point Ave. 401-847-1000; newportmansions.org/explore/the-breakers
ADVENTURE
POND AND BEYOND KAYAK, Block Island
Kayak guide Corrie Heinz will have you paddling like a pro, even if you’re a nervous first-timer. She’ll make you leave your cell phone behind. And she’ll show you her native island on a two-and-a-half-hour small-group ecotour of the shallow, serene Great Salt Pond. Wildlife, history, oyster cultivation, conservation, island gossip: You’ll see and hear the real scoop and appreciate that “it’s not just by chance that Block Island is the way it is.”
216 Ocean Ave. 401-578-2773; pondandbeyondkayak.com
VINTAGE EXPERIENCE
SUITE TART, Providence
You can be a ’30s silver-screen siren, a ’40s pin-up sweetheart, or a ’70s Bond girl. Yes—you! Salon owner LuLu Locks and her team of celebrity-caliber hair, makeup, wardrobe, and photography pros transform women of all ages for a memorable photo shoot and a long-lasting confidence boost. They’re the same artists who style the ’Gansett Girls: the glammed-up everyday gals who promote Rhode Island’s Narragansett Beer.
150R Broadway. 401-272-8278; suitetart.com
TOURIST HOT SPOT
WATCH HILL, Westerly
The population? Fewer than 200 residents. The buzz? Off the charts. And it’s not solely because international country-pop superstar Taylor Swift owns a $17 million waterfront mansion in Watch Hill. As accessible as the Hamptons, but far more vintage classic, this Victorian village (part of the town of Westerly) offers exclusive lodgings and celebrity spotting, true. But simple pleasures like concerts in the park, walks on the beach or to the museum at the lighthouse, and rides for kids on the historic Flying Horse Carousel, with its original wooden steeds, make it popular with daytrippers, too.
401-348-6540; watchhillfiredistrict.org, watchhillbeachandcarousel.com, whmlis.org
GARDEN
BLITHEWOULD MANSION, GARDENS & ARBORETUM, Bristol
One of New England’s most intensely planted and lovingly tended landscapes, the 33 acres of gardens, lawns, specimen trees, and rare and unusual plants at this Narragansett Bay estate are equal parts historic treasure and living classroom. True to the early-1900s vision of owner Bessie Van Wickle McKee and landscape architect John De Wolf, Blithewold’s exotic abundance continually inspires those who wrestle with nature and those who simply relish watching it unfold.
101 Ferry Road. 401-253-2707; blithewold.org
DAY SPA
BODHI SPA, Newport
A day pass—half off with any massage, facial, or body therapy—provides unlimited access to the soothing and rejuvenating “Water Journey” at New England’s first Euro-style hydrotherapy spa. Luxuriate in the Dead Sea and Epsom salt pools, eucalyptus steam room, and cedar and infrared saunas. The cold-plunge pool is less heavenly, but brave the 55-degree water for 30 to 60 seconds after each body-warming experience for maximum detoxifying benefits.
654 Thames St. 401-619-4916; thebodhispa.com
RETRO FUN
BREAKTIME BOWL & BAR, Pawtucket
Built for Hope Webbing millworkers’ entertainment circa 1920, the six remarkably preserved lanes of the last surviving industrial duckpin bowling alley echo once again with the clatter of palm-sized balls scattering short, squat pins. Dine, drink: Breaktime is kid-friendly until 8:00 p.m., then morphs into the ultimate throwback, grown-up hangout, with pub food and a full bar. Rolling a strike is pure joy … well, maybe not for the human pinsetters.
999 Main St., Suite 1330. 401-427-7006; breaktimebowlandbar.com
COOKING CLASSES
OCEAN HOUSE CENTER FOR WINE & CULINARY ARTS, Watch Hill
Create, taste, take home new skills, and cele¬brate New England’s bounty when you enroll in public classes overseen by Ocean House food forager and director of culinary education Paul McComiskey. The grand hotel’s immersive, 3,000-square-foot culinary center, which débuted in May 2015, is outfitted with a state-of-the-art demonstration kitchen and cellars to house an enviable collection of 8,000 bottles of wine.
1 Bluff Ave. 401-584-7000; oceanhouseevents.com
WINERY
VERDE VINEYARDS, Johnston
Retired 77-year-old CCRI biology professor Jim Verde admits, “Something went wrong; I kept planting too many grapes.” In 2012, his fervor spawned a commercial enterprise, but this vineyard—down a long dirt road on Moswansicut Lake—seems anything but. Yes, those are photovoltaic cells: “My energy bill is zero,” says Verde, whose last name means “green” in Italian. Take a weekend tour, attend a tasting, bring a picnic lunch, and relax under the oaks.
50 Hopkins Ave. 401-934-2317; verdevineyardsri.com
SUNSET WALK
SACHUSET POINT NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE, Middletown
This 242-acre expanse of former farmland is prime wildlife-watching territory. The 1.5-mile, pedestrians-only Ocean View Loop is smooth and paved; Newport is in view. But when the sky turns wispy cotton-candy shades, then burns golden-orange as the sun dives into the sea, the only sounds are the scamper of bunnies and deer, the whisper of bird and butterfly wings, and perhaps a joyous shout as a surfcaster lands a bluefish.
769 Sachuest Point Road. 401-847-5511; fws.gov/refuge/Sachuest_Point
LEARNING OUTING
BLACKSTONE RIVER VALLEY NATIONAL HISTORIC PARK, Lincoln
Within the two-state heritage corridor linking landscapes and landmarks pivotal in the birth of American industry, there’s a new experience for visitors who pedal the Blackstone River Bikeway or tour attractions like Slater Mill: bumping into National Park Service rangers. America’s 402nd national park was created in December 2014, and even as long-term plans remain in their infancy, ranger-led adventures are enriching understanding of this storied region during the Park Service’s centennial.
401-762-0250; nps.gov/blac
TREASURE HUNT
RHODE ISLAND ANTIQUES MALL, Pawtucket
Scott and Rae Davis went antiquing on their first date. Three decades later, their passion-driven, eight-year-old enterprise is a 20,000-square-foot mega-destination for fans of rare finds and funky old stuff in this river city on the Massa¬chusetts border. Block out hours to browse. With 200 dealers and 150 consignors, you won’t find a more diverse assortment of antiques and collectibles under one roof anywhere else in New England.
345 Fountain St. 401-475-3400; riantiquesmall.com
Best Lodging in Rhode Island
Looking to rest you head in the Ocean State? We’ve got you covered! Check out our picks for the best lodging in Rhode Island.
CITY STAY, AFFORDABLE
NYLO, Warwick
A 19th-century brick factory that churned out cloth for Civil War uniforms and, later, Fruit of the Loom underwear may seem an odd place to spend the night. But if you’re budget- and open-minded, NYLO’s modern, loftlike rooms will suit you well. Located three miles from T.F. Green Airport and 10 from downtown Providence, this pet-friendly hotel’s industrial walls and exposed ductwork add character to funky spaces such as a riverside restaurant and bar with a string-lit outdoor lounge.
401-734-4460; nylohotels.com
CITY STAY, UPSCALE
RENAISSANCE PROVIDENCE DOWNTOWN HOTEL, Providence
Providence’s swankiest lodging property turns 90 this year—at least, on the outside. The grand marble-pillared exterior of the Renaissance went up in 1928, but the structure, designed as a Masonic temple, was left unfinished and empty for decades. Then in 2007, a monumental restoration project gave the city an instant landmark hotel; a recent facelift cemented the Renaissance Providence’s position at the top of the luxury scale. You’ll appreciate top-tier amenities such as plush bedding and all-day room service, but don’t sleep in: City highlights are right outside the door.
401-919-5000; marriott.com
FAMILY LODGING
PLEASANT VIEW INN, Westerly
Yes, Rhode Island is the Ocean State, but a family property directly on a private beach here is still a rarity. So forget that the rooms at the Pleasant View Inn aren’t fancy or huge. Stepping out the door and into the surf is the real luxury here. Just hearing the roll of waves throughout your stay is priceless, and a heated outdoor pool and an arcade will keep kids happy as clams (a three-meals-a-day restaurant and full bar are added stay-put conveniences). Book a balconied room, so you can unwind in the sea air after the littles’ bedtime.
401-348-8200; pvinn.com
NEW HOTEL
EAST ISLAND RESERVE HOTEL, Middletown
Think a dense cluster of cute vacation cottages seems oh-so-’60s? This year-round resort updates the model for a generation that’s made Airbnb a hit. You’ll receive the entry code for your two-story “tiny house” before you arrive, so you can come and go on your own schedule—and your dog’s, if he has a reservation. Central air and full kitchens make extended stays comfortable. Even the hotel-style rooms in the main lodge feature kitchenettes. A new outdoor pool will make this second summer even cooler than the first.
401-685-0233; eastislandreserve.com
ROMANTIC GETAWAY
THE VILLA, Westerly
Love takes time. No innkeepers know this better than Michael and Betsy Cardiff, who tumbled for each other in 1965 and were married … in 2014. Knowing how precious time away is for twosomes, they’ve created an adults-only B&B where pampering and privacy prevail. With its rough-cut stone walls, fireplace, and Jacuzzi for two, the Blue Grotto is the most sought-after room. Share an elaborate breakfast in bed, poolside, or in the dining room. When night falls, the garden-enshrouded hot tub is your own personal Eden.
401-596-1054; thevillaatwesterly.com
LUXURY ESCAPE
OCEAN HOUSE, Watch Hill
In a class all its own, Ocean House boasts architectural splendor, Atlantic views, and a level of service that should be experienced by everyone who appreciates superlatives. Drinks on the veranda are the perfect entrée to this Gilded Age hotel, meticulously rebuilt to preserve as many original 1868 features as possible. You won’t want to leave, and the perks of staying include every imaginable amenity, from private beach to nature-inspired spa to indoor saltwater lap pool. Learn from chefs, play croquet or squash, hear live music, savor made-to-order mini doughnuts—every activity is destined to linger in your sense memory.
401-584-7000; oceanhouseri.com
Best Cooking Classes | Ocean House Center for Wine & Culinary Arts, Watch Hill
Credit: Aimee Seavey
Best Cooking Classes | Ocean House Center for Wine & Culinary Arts, Watch Hill Credit: Aimee Seavey
PET-FRIENDLY INN
THE DARIUS INN, Block Island
Dogs travel free on the Block Island Ferry, and island beaches are open to leashed puppies. But where will you stay? Easy! Vibrant, casual, energetic, fun—all describe can-do sisters Christy and Becca Zendt and the centrally located, shabby-chic beach house they run, where five first-floor suites are pet-friendly.
62 Dodge St. 401-466-2722; dariusblockisland.com
RETREAT HOUSE
PARADISE FARMHOUSE AT NORMAN BIRD SANCTUARY, Middletown
A thoughtful renovation and update, in keeping with its National Register of Historic Places status, has transformed a centuries-old structure into a bright, airy, six-bedroom refuge on the grounds of Newport County’s largest wildlife sanctuary. Reserve the farmhouse for a private eco-escape or retreat of your own design, or find rooms available by the night in conjunction with birding programs hosted at this 325-acre site.
583 Third Beach Road. 401-846-2577; normanbirdsanctuary.org/farmhouse
CAPITAL DIGS
THE DEAN, Providence
Think European hostel meets minimalist, mid-century American home inside an art professor’s apartment, and you’ll intuit the vibe at Providence’s sleek new boutique hotel. Yes, you can snooze in bunk beds if you choose. Karaoke in The Boombox is also optional. The staff ’s genuine desire to assist makes this the ideal crashpad for city newcomers.
122 Fountain St. 401-455-3326; thedeanhotel.com
BEACH VALUE
THE ANCHOR MOTEL, Narragansett
A family beach vacation is within your budget. This clean, comfy motel is just steps across the street from Rhode Island’s most popular sandbox, Scarborough State Beach. All 15 rooms boast ocean views. Kids 10 and under stay free; parking’s free; beach admission’s free. Coffee and doughnuts? Also free for guests in the B & B rooms.
825 Ocean Road. 401-792-8550; theanchormotel.com
HISTORIC HIGHLIGHT – VILLA-STYLE STAYS
WATCH HILL INN, Watch Hill (1845)
With all the amenities of its acclaimed sister property, Ocean House, just a short walk away, this lavishly remodeled allsuite, coastal-chic property gives families and small groups a luxurious option for extended stays. With ultra-modern kitchens, in-room laundry, waterview terraces, and designer touches, these 650- to 4,000-square-foot accommodations feel like dream homes.
38–44 Bay St. 855-677-7686; watchhillinn.com
BOUTIQUE MOTEL
BREEZEWAY RESORT, Westerly
This Misquamicut-area standout has a private beach just a short walk, drive, or bike ride away; a heated outdoor pool; and thoughtful staffers who anticipate vacationers’ needs. There’s a towel-filled beach tote waiting in your cottage-style accommodations; some rooms even have pull-down Murphy beds. Bikes are complimentary for grown-ups; breakfast is free for the whole family.
70 Winnapaug Road. 401-348-8953; breezewayresort.com
Best Coastal Chic | The Break, Narragansett
Credit: Rare Brick
Best Coastal Chic | The Break, Narragansett Credit: Rare Brick
COASTAL CHIC
THE BREAK, Narragansett
It’s city-meets-seashore at this year-old, 16-room boutique hotel with beach-cottage style and big-time amenities. Stroll to Scarborough Beach, or laze by the heated pool. Try a Surfset fitness class, or book a surfer’s massage. Complete an Instagram scavenger hunt or take sunset selfies on the rooftop cocktail deck. Then savor Chef Basil Yu’s tantalizing fare at Chair 5.
1208 Ocean Road. 401-363-9800; thebreakhotel.com
RIVERVIEW INN
STAGECOACH HOUSE INN, Wyoming
The rustic, homey accommodations—with jetted tubs, fireplaces, and views of the Wood River gliding gently by—feel more Adirondack than Ocean State, and that’s the appeal of this renovated 1796 stagecoach stop in the midst of inland Rhode Island’s outdoor enticements. Fresh-baked a.m. treats will fuel you for trout fishing, kayaking, golfing, birdwatching, or hiking.
1136 Main St. 401-539-9600; stagecoachhouse.com
LANDMARK HOTEL
RENAISSANCE PROVIDENCE, Providence
From the instant you step into the lobby, restyled in 2014, there’s palpable energy to this history-meets-luxury property—making it incomprehensible that the Classical Revival structure sat vacant for more than 75 years. Intended as a Masonic temple, abandoned during construction in 1928, resuscitated with a $100 million investment in 2007, the Renaissance’s rebirth continues with more than $1 million in new room upgrades.
5 Avenue of the Arts. 401-919-5000; renaissanceprovidenceri.com
Best Dining in Rhode Island
Hungry? The Ocean State offers plenty of restaurant options for hungry residents and visitors alike. Here are our picks for the best food & dining in Rhode Island.
BURGERS
CHOMP, Warren
Even armed with a knife and fork, diners may not know quite how to attack these burger behemoths. The Mac & Cheeseburger erupts with molten-cheddar-pasta lava. Burgers showcasing pork dumplings and glazed salmon more than satisfy nontraditionalists. And nothing says “supersize” like the Stack: a 10-inch tower of beef, chicken, pork, house-made bacon, and cheeses. The lineup of craft beers is assembled with equal care.
401-289-2324; chompri.com
CAFÉ
SYDNEY PROVIDENCE, Providence
A tribute to Australia’s independent-coffeehouse culture, this newcomer turns usually ho-hum coffee shop fare on its head—try a Sapphire latte brewed with Blue Majik algae extract or the latest neon-shade lemonade. Home-baked goodies, seasonal salads, and dishes such as smoked salmon–topped avocado toast studded with watermelon radishes add even more color to your day.
401-648-4994; sydneypvd.com
DINER
JIGGER’S DINER, East Greenwich
Made from cornmeal stone-ground just up the road at the venerable Kenyon’s Grist Mill and doused with real maple syrup, the state’s best johnnycakes are just one of the dishes done right inside this 1950-vintage Worcester diner car. The specials supplement a voluminous menu, and portions are more than you bargained for. Classics from eggs Benedict to grilled cheese get grown-up makeovers, and there’s no question the milkshake-like coffee cabinets are authentically local.
401-884-6060; jiggersdiner.com
DOUGHNUTS
PVDONUTS, Providence
So enormous, so artful, these doughnuts look as if they were handcrafted for a “food that’ll blow your mind” photo shoot. But they were baked in the wee hours for devoted fans waiting in a line out the door (thankfully, it moves fast). Each month’s new menu of limited-edition delights features both crumbly, cake batter–style doughnuts and brioche dough creations that are surpassingly fluffy.
pvdonuts.com
INVENTIVE BAKED GOODS
NORTH BAKERY, Providence
A pastry chef without a sweet tooth? Kelly Dull says that it’s the pastry world’s artistry that inspired her at Johnson & Wales. Savory muffins and hand pies coexist with sugary treats. Salt-dusted chocolate-chip cookies outsell them all.
70 Battey St. 401-421-4062; northbakery.com
NEW RESTAURANT
TROOP PVD, Providence
The decor is off the chain, the ’90s hip-hop beats are uncensored—and there’s nothing curbing chef Jason Timothy’s creativity. The Johnson & Wales grad and his partners finally have a permanent venue for the authentic and accessible street food that’s made their Laughing Gorilla Catering a smash. Revival Brewing founder Sean Larkin is among the owners, so expect hyperfresh beers for washing down diverse global treats such as Korean short ribs; black bean falafel; spicy, melty pork belly banh mi; and the best tacos in the state.
trooppvd.com
SEAFOOD SHACK
BLOUNT CLAM SHACK, Warren
If you were designing a place worthy of the name “Home of the Giant Lobster Roll,” you’d situate it waterside, with boats coming and going. There’d be umbrella tables and a tent for shade. And the Adirondack chairs would be red, of course. Now that the setting’s perfect, let’s get to what really counts. At Warren’s Blount Clam Shack, “giant” is no exaggeration: A half pound of buttered or dill-mayo-dressed lobster gives grilled rolls their blimplike shape. The chowders and meaty clam strips here are colossal winners, too.
401-245-3210; blountretail.com
WATERFRONT DINING
COAST GUARD HOUSE, Narragansett
Stationed overlooking Narragansett Bay’s famously vigorous waves, the enduring Coast Guard House is a year-round destination for all the sea-born delicacies Ocean State visitors crave. Raw clams and oysters are just-plucked. Calamari’s caught off Point Judith. Local lobster is served whole, heaped in a roll, or nestled inside cheesy mac or homemade ravioli. Bring a jacket even on warm summer days: If you’re lucky, you’ll land a table on the terrace or rooftop deck, where surf sounds and salty breezes will spike your thirst for cocktails mixed with regional spirits.
401-789-0700; thecoastguardhouse.com
FULL ALL-DAY BREAKFAST
CORNER CAFE, Newport
Imagine: a breakfast sandwich so enormous you can’t hoist it, even though it’s cut in half. Or Portuguese sweet-bread so heaped with scrambled eggs, chouriço, red peppers, and feta you may never find it. Locals know that this cramped but cheery Euro-café is the place to overfill for under concept that ensures that Albert and Sarah Bouchard’s latest venture will perpetually be Newport’s most buzz-worthy dining experience. Short stints by well-vetted guest chefs challenge barman Jason Kindness to continually invent rum-centric cocktail pairings, too.
110 Broadway; 401-84-0606; cornercafenewport.com
ROOFTOP BAR
ROOFTOP AT THE PROVIDENCEG, Providence
A seven-story elevator ride lands you among the chic locals and in-the-know out-of-towners nibbling raw-bar selections and eclectic small plates while sipping cocktails with high-altitude prices. patio with sparkling nighttime views.
100 Dorrance St. 401-585-8005; providenceg.com/venues/rooftop-at-the-providenceg
NEWPORT NEWCOMER
REVOLVING DOOR, Newport
A new chef every two to four weeks: No, it’s not a restaurant owner’s worst nightmare. It’s the concept that ensures that Albert and Sarah venture will perpetually be Newport’s most buzz-worthy dining experience. Short stints by well-vetted guest chefs challenge barman Jason Kindness to continually invent rum-centric cocktail pairings, too.
509 Thames St. 401-846-0400; revolvingdoorri.com
FEAST
NORDIC LODGE, Charlestown
It’s the buffet to beat all buffets, where even seawater- boiled whole lobsters are all-you-can-eat. Owned by the Persson family for more than 50 years, the formula here is equal parts quantity and quality. The price to feast on 100+ menu items is steep, but it’s free to walk or nap off your meal on the picturesque grounds.
178 East Pasquiset Trail. 401-783-4515; nordiclodge.com
BREAKFAST
KITCHEN, Providence
Outside this cash-only, five-table breakfast shrine, seekers and the faithful wait in line, often for an hour plus. Chef/owner Howard Crofts is the guru of French-, American-, or frittata-style omelets and croissant French toast, as well as shotput-sized muffins split and toasted on the grill. And his hand-cut, super-thick slab bacon is of another world.
94 Carpenter St. 401-272-1117
Best Lunch | Crazy Burger, Narragansett
Credit: Nat Rea
Best Lunch | Crazy Burger, Narragansett Credit: Nat Rea
LUNCH
CRAZY BURGER, Narragansett
Suspend your notion of burgers. Here, they’re made not only with beef but lamb, salmon, chicken, turkey, mahi mahi, and vegan-friendly quinoa, mushrooms, and nuts—all intriguingly spiced, topped, and wrapped in everything from bolos to phyllo dough. With an equally extra¬ordinary breakfast menu served until 4:00 p.m., midday is the best time to sip juice-bar concoctions like basil–lime lemonade on the vine-sheltered patio, and embrace the zaniness.
144 Boon St. 401-783-1810; crazyburger.com
CALAMARI
SIMPATICO, Jamestown
Rhode Island dominates the lucrative squid fishery with more than half of Northeast landings, and in 2014, lawmakers christened calamari the state’s official appetizer. There’s no better place to try it than this island hangout, which diverges from traditional Rhode Island style by tossing lightly breaded, delicately fried tubes in an eye-pleasing, zingy antipasto with hot peppers, red onions, olives, spinach, salami, and capicola.
13 Narragansett Ave. 401-423-2000; simpaticojamestown.com
ICE CREAM
SUSANNA’S ICE CREAM AT SWEET BERRY FARM, Middletown
Susanna Williams practices ice-cream alchemy in the kitchen at this lovely land-trust farm. Melding premium local and exotic ingredients, fresh cream from Arruda’s Dairy in Tiverton, and fruits that have burst into season on site, her handcrafted, all-natural ice creams, such as crème fraîche with blueberries and salted caramel swirl, are luscious and dense, while her nondairy sorbets, like Meyer lemon and strawberry–champagne, are intense.
915 Mitchell’s Ln. 401-847-3912; susannasicecream.com
ASIAN FUSION
DEN DEN CAFE ASIANA, Providence
Twenty minutes after Korean bibimbap lands on your table, the rice—tucked beneath a visually stunning pile-up of sunnyside egg, veggies, and your choice of seven toppings—is still sizzling like mad in a hot stone bowl. Skillet plates of Japanese noodles steam on and on, too. Inhabitants of Providence’s oldest neighborhood know that Den Den’s multicultural cuisine cures all, from homesickness to head colds to hangovers.
161 Benefit St. 401-270-5269; dendencafe.com
SWEET SHOP
HAUSER CHOCOLATIER, Westerly
Rows of truffles—black vinegar, vodka martini, pumpkin pie—tantalize. It’s no easier selecting from the array of cakes, novelties, and molded-chocolate creations. Luckily, the chocolate dipping station offers only one daily option. Hauser’s signature—chocolate lace—is still crafted on the machine patented by Eugenia Tay, who fled Russia in 1917. The biggest treat at this second-generation-owned company’s industrial-park location is observing through a factory window as chocolates are born.
59 Tom Harvey Rd. 800-289-8783; hauserchocolates.com
TO-GO FOOD
SANDY’S FINE FOOD EMPORIUM, Westerly
The bread alone will have you gushing about Sandy’s made-to-order sandwiches—like the “Federal Hill,” built with hot capicola, pepper¬oni, salami, provolone, and hot peppers. Whether you’re taking off for Block Island, picnicking at the beach, or provisioning a rental home for the week, this specialty market is your stop for gourmet, freshly made everything, from artisanal cheeses and chocolates to Sandy’s own peanut butter, prepared meals, and pies.
15 Post Rd. 401-596-2004; sandysfinefoods.com
COFFEE DRINKS
VANUATU COFFEE ROASTERS, Providence
Jimmy Lappin is a globetrotting eclipse chaser. His sister, Martha Soderlund, got him hooked on Survivor: Vanuatu. His decision to visit proved auspicious. Now, this brother/sister team has coffee connoisseurs craving drinks made with rare, better-than-fair-trade beans from this fertile, volcanic nation. Try the Rhody, a delectable twist on coffee milk made with rich 24-hour cold brew.
294 Atwells Ave. 401-273-1586; vanuatucoffeeroasters.com
SPORTS BAR
THE RATHSKELLER, Charlestown
Sports matchups on crystal-clear flat screens compete for eyeballs with the LED thermometer above the bar, which constantly confirms: This is the home of Rhode Island’s coldest beer. Above-average pub food isn’t the only added enticement. On the enormous back lawn, competitive types can play horseshoes, cornhole, bocce, and beach volleyball, and the fire bar’s a hot place to toast victory, especially when bands rock the outdoor stage.
489a Old Coach Rd. 401-792-1000; thecharlestownrathskeller.com
COMFORT FOOD
OGIE’S TRAILER PARK, Providence
Granny Boo’s Kitchen whips up shockingly upscale trailer-park grub: truffle tater tots, deep-fried mac-and-cheddar béchamel croquettes, Doritos-crusted chicken, house-smoked pulled pork, char-grilled bratwurst with horseradish cream. You can take your tray to a table or the bar and choose from 66 American beers in cans. But outside, retro metal patio chairs, a fire pit, and the tiki bar (serving new versions of favorite classics, such as the Blue Hawaiian) beckon. And, yup—there’s a toilet in the backyard.
1155 Westminster St. 401-383-8200; ogiestrailerpark.com
BREADS
DADDY’S BREAD, Matunuck
As if by sorcery, freshly baked, all-natural loaves are neatly aligned on shelves each summer morning (and weekends during the shoulder months). Parmesan–dill–garlic, anadama, blueberry–apple–cinnamon: Jennifer Manzo sustains her late daddy’s off-the-beaten-path bread shack and generous spirit. Drop your payment in the slot, or send funds via PayPal or snail mail: These artisanal breads are sold on the honor system. Get there early before they go “poof!”
805 Moonstone Beach Rd. daddysbreadri.com
RHODE ISLAND CLAM CHOWDER
DIMARE RESTAURANT, Bar & Seafood Marketplace, East Greenwich
Real Rhode Island clam chowder has no cream (that’s New England chowder) and no tomatoes (that’s Manhattan chowder). DiMare’s version of Rhode Island “clear chowder” is based on the recipe of the owner’s father, a retired U.S. Navy commander. A bowl with a jumbo stuffie makes a meal. Before you leave, visit the market for take-home selections.
2706 South County Trail. 401-885-8100; ridimare.com
FAMILY-STYLE CHICKEN
WRIGHTS’S FARM RESTAURANT, Harrisville
In the heart of the Blackstone Valley, Wright’s is a Rhode Island institution, and the numbers prove its popularity; the folks here have been churning out family-style chicken dinners for more than four decades at a facility that holds 1,000-plus diners. Even with that kind of capacity, don’t be surprised if they’re running a wait for their all-you-can eat rolls, salad with house-made Italian dressing, pasta (with Wright’s trademark marinara sauce), homestyle fries, and chicken (or 12-ounce sirloin steak, for red-meat lovers). Wrap it all up with an Oreo or “Mudd” “pie/cake” made locally by The Ice Cream Machine. Takeout also available.
84 Inman Rd. 401-769-2856; wrightsfarm.com
Best Bargains in Rhode Island
Pinching pennies never felt so good! Check out our picks for the best bargains in Rhode Island.
DINING DEAL
PROVIDENCE RESTAURANT WEEKS, Providence
Providence is the rare New England destination where summer is the low season, so restaurants entice diners away from beaches and back into the city during Restaurant Weeks. Nearly 100 venues in the state’s northern half participate, offering three-course lunch and dinner menus at value prices.
providencerestaurantweeks.com
BARGAIN LUNCH
THE BEEF BARN, North Smithfield
Since 1969, value-conscious carnivores have flocked to this quirky barn to pay fast-food prices for eight-hour slow-cooked roast beef on a butter-toasted bun. Sit at a silo table or in a chicken-coop booth. Better yet, claim a counter stool and watch the automatic slicer: It shaves 100 pounds of beef daily. Burgers, sandwiches, salads, sides, desserts: Everything on the menu is reasonably priced. (Ham, chicken, and fish are also available.)
1 Greenville Rd. 401-762-9880; thebeefbarn.com
CHEAP NIGHT OUT
MISQUAMICUT DRIVE-IN MOVIE NIGHT, Westerly
At a retro price, drive-in movies at Wuskenau Town Beach are affordable for your whole crew. Favorite classic movies such as E.T., Jaws, Goonies, Saturday Night Fever, Jurassic Park, and The Wizard of Oz will be screened on select nights from May through October.
316 Atlantic Ave. 401-322-1026; misquamicut.org
NO-FRILLS BREWERY
WHALER’S BREWING COMPANY, Wakefield
It’s like chilling in the basement with your best buddies—only these three guys are perfecting complex, robust ales and can’t wait for your feedback. With their brewery aspirations propelled by a Kickstarter home run, Whaler’s owners are creating a destination for beer connoisseurs, while ramping up local distribution. Your souvenir tulip glass lets you taste everything on tap, including signature Hazelnut Cream Stout and potent 9.5% alcohol American Strong Ale, plus all their latest experiments.
1070 Kingstown Rd. 401-284-7785; whalersbrewing.com
PLACE TO KICK UP YOUR HEELS
MISHNOCK BARN, West Greenwich
Don’t know your lindy from your rocking chair? Country-dance instructors Dan and Kelly Albro will have you burning up the floor on Beginners’ Nights Monday through Wednesday. The foot-stompin’ fun heats up on Fridays and Saturdays; admission is a smidge more when there’s a live band. No cover charge on Band Nights, the first Thursday of every month.
200 Mishnock Rd. 401-397-3505; mishnockbarn.com
HISTORIC HIGHLIGHT – FREE TOUR
RHODE ISLAND STATE HOUSE, Providence (1904)
On guided weekday tours of this stunning structure, you’ll stand beneath the world’s fourth-largest self-supported marble dome and see treasures like Rhode Island’s original 1663 royal charter and Gilbert Stuart’s iconic Washington portrait. Free.
82 Smith St. 401-222-3983; sos.ri.gov/divisions
Best Classic Attractions in Rhode Island
There’s a lot to see and do in the Ocean State, but some activities really stand the test of time. Read our picks for the best classic attractions in Rhode Island.
The Cliff Walk, Cliffside Mansions of Newport Rhode Island
Credit: Americanspirit | Dreamstime.com
The Cliff Walk, Cliffside Mansions of Newport Rhode Island Credit: Americanspirit | Dreamstime.com
HISTORIC HIGHLIGHT – VIEWS
THE CLIFF WALK, Newport (1880)
New England’s most celebrated seaside pathway, a 3.5-mile trail that threads between Gilded Age mansions and the tumbling Atlantic, received a $5.5 million upgrade in 2014. While most of the investment repaired stretches of the Cliff Walk damaged by Superstorm Sandy, funds also allowed for enhancements, including one that can make or break a romantic stroll or outing with kids: restrooms. Adopting the Parisian tradition, couples have adorned new fencing with “love locks.”
Memorial Blvd. & Eustis Ave. cliffwalk.com
HISTORIC HIGHLIGHT – FAMILY FUN
SPRING LAKE ARCADE, Glendale (1931)
Bring all of your spare change. America’s oldest penny arcade really has penny, nickel, and dime machines—mechanical precursors to today’s electronic video games, which you can pump with quarters. You’ll keep gravitating back to the low-tech yet super clever challenges devised by the nerds of the 1900s. There’s also a lakeside beach right outside.
52 Old Hillside Dr. 401-568-8288; springlakearcade.com
HISTORIC HIGHLIGHT – ITALIAN LIKE GRANDMA MADE
ANGELO’S CIVITA FARNESE, Providence (1924)
Fried peppers, antipasto, tripe, braciola, meatballs and gravy: There’s a section of the menu at this Federal Hill institution that’s unchanged since 1924, when Angelo Mastrodicasa opened a restaurant to sustain his hardworking fellow immigrants. Veal and peppers simmer for four hours until they’re as tender as the moments when grandson Bob Antignano hears a tearful customer say, “You brought my grandmother back to life.”
141 Atwells Ave. 401-621-8171; angelosri.com
HISTORIC HIGHLIGHT – CLAM CAKES
AUNT CARRIE’S, Narragansett (1920)
It’s been nearly 100 years since Ulysses and Carrie Cooper opened a restaurant to meet the demand for her deep-fried invention: clam cakes. Aunt Carrie’s descendants still turn out these amorphous, golden crisp, doughnut-type balls f illdd with tender clam bits. They’re Rhode Island’s number-one comfort food: a meal in their own right or the tastiest part of a complete shore dinner.
1240 Ocean Rd. 401-783-7930; auntcarriesri.com
RETAIL REVIVAL
THE ARCADE, Providence
America’s oldest indoor shopping mall has a hip new identity following a 2014 makeover. Home to 48 micro-loft apartments, boutique shops, and locavore eateries, this Greek Revival National Historic Landmark is the place for clothing fashioned by local designers and cocktails mixed with regional spirits.
65 Weybosset St. 401-454-4568; arcadeprovidence.com
Best Outdoor Attractions in Rhode Island
The Ocean State has plenty to offer in the Great Outdoors. Read our picks for the best outdoor attractions in Rhode Island.
SURF LESSONS
PETER PAN SURFING & SUP ACADEMY, Narragansett
Peter Panagiotis, better known as the wave-riding world’s legendary Peter Pan, is as passionate about introducing people to water sports as he was in 1976 when he opened his first Narragansett surf shop. His top-notch instructors provide group and private lessons seven days a week year round and will meet you at Narragansett Town Beach with all the gear you need.
74 Narragansett Ave. 401-575-0003; peterpansurfingacademy.vpweb.com
CLAMMING
POINT JUDITH SALT POND, Galilee
Pop into Benny’s (688 Kingstown Road, Wakefield) to purchase a metal rake, a plastic pail, and your tourist shellfishing license if you’re from out of state, and you’ll have everything you need to harvest your own clams for two weeks. An hour before low tide, set out into the mudflats and look for telltale holes in the muck. Then dig like mad for quahogs and soft-shell clams. Whether you steam them or make stuffies, you’ve never tasted better, fresher seafood.
Galilee Escape Rd
KITE FLYING
BRENTON POINT STATE PARK, Newport
Along this windswept point of land at the juncture of Narragansett Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, kites lift effortlessly thanks to the same vigorous breezes that earn Newport its “Sailing Capital of the World” designation. Watch stunt and giant kites compete during the free Newport Kite Festival.
Ocean Dr. 401-849-4562; riparks.com/Locations/LocationBrentonPoint.html
HIDDEN BEACH
CALF PASTURE POINT BEACH, North Kingstown
Pack a blanket and a romantic picnic, park on Marine Road inside Quonset Business Park, and bike or walk 1.4 miles northeast along Quonset Point Bike Path. The reward is a mile-long crescent that you’ll have practically to yourselves.
401-294-3331; visitrhodeisland.com
SHORT HIKE
BLACK POINT, Narragansett
Don’t breeze past the fishing-area parking lot, even if you’re not equipped to surfcast for blues. An easy, half-mile, wildflower-lined path follows a boulder-strewn stretch of shore south toward Scarborough State Beach. Scrambling out onto the rocks to listen to crashing surf and spy on sea creatures in the tidepools is a pastime that predates the Civil War.
Ocean Rd
Spotlight: Narragansett Bay
Heading to Narragansett Bay in Rhode Island? We’ve got the perfect roundup of what to see, do, and eat while you’re there, plus where to stay when it’s time for bed. Read on to see our picks for the best of Narragansett Bay!
BEST ATTRACTIONS IN NARRAGANSETT BAY
PETTING ZOO
BIOMES MARINE BIOLOGY CENTER, North Kingstown
If it inhabits Narragansett Bay, chances are you can observe it and maybe even touch it at this private marine-education center. Devoted staff and volunteers have assembled the most diverse collection of New England marine life you can see anywhere, and open tanks invite you to pet stingrays, skates, sea urchins, horseshoe crabs, sharks, and a tortoise.
6640 Post Road. 401-885-4690; biomescenter.com
Best Beach | Narragansett Town Beach
Credit: Alex Gagne
Best Beach | Narragansett Town Beach Credit: Alex Gagne
BEACH
NARRAGANSETT TOWN BEACH, Narragansett
Beach aficionados cherish this crescent of shoreline. Why? Clear water, vigorous surf, attentive lifeguards, on-beach activities like surfing lessons and yoga, wheelchair accessibility, movie and music nights, free street parking if you’re early (or lucky), and nostalgic views of the 1886 Narragansett Pier Casino Towers.
39 Boston Neck Road. 401-783-6430; narragansettri.gov/323/Narragansett-Town-Beach
RAIL TRAIL
EAST BAY BIKE PATH, Providence to Bristol
Sights, sounds, and scents of the bay accompany your walk or ride along any or all of this 14.5-mile shoreside path from Providence’s India Point Park to Independence Park in Bristol. Possible stops include photo ops, a Crescent Park Carousel ride, wildlife at Audubon’s Environmental Education Center, and Del’s frozen lemonade at Colt State Park.
dot.ri.gov/community/bikeri/eastbay.php
EQUESTRIAN ADVENTURES
C & L STABLES, Warwick
Horseback riding on the beach is affordable for the whole family at this busy barn, operating year-round within Goddard Memorial State Park. Pony rides for horse lovers and hour-long bridle-trail rides are options, but the peak experience—even for beginners— is a 90-minute or two-hour bayside beach ride with an enthusiastic professional guide.
1095 Ives Road. 401-886-5246; candlstables.info
BEST PLACES TO STAY IN NARRAGANSETT BAY
FAMILY HIDEAWAY
WYNDHAM BAY VOYAGE INN, Jamestown
From the outdoor pool, you can gaze at sailboats sliding across Narragansett Bay and feel much farther than 5 miles from the hubbub of Newport. A convenient retreat for families, this all-suite property offers modern comforts while retaining its original Victorian feel.
150 Conanicus Ave.401-423-2100; wyndhambayvoyageinn.com
BAY-VIEW INN
3 ROYAL WATERFRONT SUITES, Warwick
Effervescent innkeeper (and avid baker) Daneish Hazard has made over her home on Narragansett Bay as a couples’ haven with a trio of spacious, yet intimate bedchambers. A decadent, customized morning meal is served en suite, but guests almost never eat breakfast in bed when they can savor bay views from their private porches.
3 Royal Ave. 401-323-3290; 3royal.com
HOTEL ALTERNATIVE
SLEEP ABOARD, Providence
Just upriver from the bay, globetrotting sailor and motorcyclist Neil Malik has discovered a port adventurous enough to call home, and he’s amassing a petite fleet of floating accommodations to share the experience of urban marina living. Choose a houseboat, modern MetroShip, or stunning 61-foot Hendel yacht for a memorable overnight stay.
525 South Water St. 617-233-7161; sleep-aboard.com
BEST PLACES TO EAT IN NARRAGANSETT BAY
PAIRINGS
JAMESTOWN FISH, Jamestown
Quadrilingual chef Matthew MacCartney is as meticulous about building his wine and beer lists as he is playful with his alwaysevolving menu of ingeniously spiced and artfully plated local seafood. And he’s practically giddy when connoisseurs of either beverage recognize and order one of the limited-edition beers or rare bottles of wine he’s acquired.
14 Narragansett Ave. 401-423-3474; jamestownfishri.com
SEAFOOD ON THE BAY
QUITO’S, Bristol
A trio of chowders, a heaping plate of scampi loaded with shrimp, littlenecks, lobster, mussels, or calamari. Fresh seafood meets Italian cooking’s flair at this casual, boisterous, seasonal eatery. Whether you’re sittin’ on the dock overlooking the bay or inside by the fireplace on cool evenings, you’ll be wishin’ you never had to leave Rhode Island.
411 Thames St. 401–253–4500; quitosrestaurant.com
Spotlight: Newport
Located just 23 miles south of Providence, and 61 miles south of Boston, the seaside city of Newport, thrives with beauty and culture, not to mention plenty of good things to east and places to stay. Here’s a look at our picks for some of the best things to do, plus where to eat, shop, and stay in Newport, Rhode Island.
BEST ATTRACTIONS IN NEWPORT, RHODE ISLAND
NEW CULTURAL ATTRACTION
BELCOURT OF NEWPORT
This Richard Morris Hunt–designed mansion has quietly reopened for by-reservation-only tours of a restoration in progress. Gone are the clutter of antiques and the overembellished stories of the “Belcourt Castle” days: Alex and Ani founder Carolyn Rafaelian purchased the property in 2012 with the intent of returning it to its 1895 appearance and sharing it with the public. Now’s a rare chance to witness and support a large-scale preservation effort, while hearing well-researched tales of the estate’s original occupants—including Oliver Hazard Perry Belmont’s pampered horses.
belcourt.com
WALKING TOUR
RHODE ISLAND RED FOOD TOURS’NEWPORT NEIGHBORHOOD TOUR, NEWPORT
Newport’s rich culinary scene makes visitors wish for more meals in a day. Want to know where the locals go? Where history and food intertwine? What the cleverest chefs are up to, and which regional specialties are the most sublime? On these three-hour-plus walks, your guide is your foodie best friend, with all the inside intel. Nothing brings people together like food, and by the end of this seven-stop tasting odyssey, you’ll be laughing and clinking glasses and plotting return visits to hidden-gem restaurants.
866-736-6343; rhodeislandredfoodtours.com
ON-SITE ARTISANS
DOWNTOWN DESIGNS, Newport
Rhode Island was the first state to exempt citizens’ creative works from sales tax. But your joy in purchasing one-of-a-kind beaded jewelry, paintings, photography, pottery, and upcycled artwork from this weekdays-only gallery won’t stem from tax savings. You’d never guess—until you meet the artisans—that they’ve overcome disabilities to craft their livelihoods.
7 Dr. Marcus F. Wheatland Blvd. 401-835-2305; downtowndesignsnewport.com
HARBOR TOURS
GANSETT CRUISES, Newport
Board the M/V Gansett, a beautifully rehabbed wooden lobster boat, for a 90-minute narrated tour showcasing the area’s top coastal sites, plus a complimentary taste of Del’s lemonade, a quahog stuffy, or a coffee cabinet.
150 Bowens Landing. 401-787-4438; gansettcruises.com
Best All-Ages Boat Trip | Fish’n Tales Adventures Lobster Tours
Credit: Alex Gagne
Best All-Ages Boat Trip | Fish’n Tales Adventures Lobster Tours Credit: Alex Gagne
ALL-AGES BOAT TRIP
FISN’N TAKES ADVENTURES LOBSTER TOURS
Help bait traps, band claws, and learn the intimate details of lobster courtship rituals. Captain Rob DeMasi, one of Rhode Island’s last lobstermen, offers a 90-minute lobster-boat excursion—an authentic look at commercial lobstering in one of New England’s most scenic and historic bays.
Bowen’s Wharf. 401-619-4431; northeasternlobstertours.com
NEW MUSEUM
AUDRAIN AUTOMOBILE MUSEUM
“I think of them as moving sculptures,” says director David de Muzio of the collection he curates: some 200 rare cars, from an 1898 steam-powered Crouch to “the latest and greatest supercars.” Every four months, a new exhibition spotlights about 15 of these drool-worthy vehicles, owned by real-estate moguls Nick Schorsch and Bill Kahane, who renovated the 1902 Audrain Building for offices but quickly recognized its potential as a showroom of dreams.
222 Bellevue Ave. 401-856-4420; audrainautomuseum.org
INTERACTIVE ATTRACTION
INTERNATIONAL TENNIS HALL OF FAME
In a city filled with “look, but don’t touch” attractions, this architecturally magnificent sports shrine engages an interactive generation. Gutted to the walls for a complete overhaul, the hall reopened in May 2015 with vibrant galleries and multimedia marvels, including a Roger Federer hologram. Plus, you can participate in clinics or book time on the grass courts where 1881’s first U.S. National Lawn Tennis Championships were played.
194 Bellevue Ave. 401-849-3990; tennisfame.com
BEST HARBOR TOURS
GANSETT CRUISES, Newport
Board the M/V Gansett, a beautifully rehabbed wooden lobster boat, for a 90-minute narrated tour showcasing the area’s top coastal sites, plus a complimentary taste of Del’s lemonade, a quahog stuffy, or a coffee cabinet.
COASTAL EXTREME BREWING COMPANY
Peek in on production, then sample the goods. Taste three Newport Storm brews, or if the hard stuff is more your speed, sip through three stages of Thomas Tew single-barrel rum (raw spirit, cask-strength aged rum, and final product). 293 JT Connell Road. 401-849-5232; newportstorm.com
BEST FOOD & DINING IN NEWPORT, RHODE ISLAND
CHOWDER
THE MOORING
What makes the classic New England–style chowder at this waterside restaurant a standout? It’s perfectly creamy, spattered with paprika, and so loaded with potato cubes and tender, buttery bites of clam that your spoon faces a veritable obstacle course—in a word, perfection. But a dilemma awaits: Herby-sweet corn chowder swimming with Georges Bank scallops is also on offer, and it has just the right hint of lemon for dunking a “Bag of Doughnuts,” aka salty fritters embedded with lobster, crab, and shrimp.
401-846-2260; mooringrestaurant.com
HOT DOGS
MISSION
In a state known for hot dogs, Mission is a standout for its snappy, meaty, ground-in-house versions topped with all the classics, from kraut to chili to cheese. And of these the slaw dog, tucked into a purple and orange tangle of tart house-made coleslaw, is the ace that topples other contenders. Add an order of hand-cut fries, and you’ll still get out for less than 10 bucks in a city where affordable dining options are few.
401-619-5560; missionnpt.com
CAFE
CRU CAFE
Russell Morin Catering’s multisensory cuisine is the talk of Newport’s most-exclusive parties. Not invited? Be wowed by the flavors—and affordable prices—at the company’s new casual eatery. Breakfast, lunch, supper, and BYOB Sunday-brunch menus are revamped weekly to highlight local ingredients. Don’t miss the Bellevue blend: a collaboration with Rhode Island’s Custom House artisanal coffee roasters.
1 Casino Terrace. 401-314-0500; crucafenewport.com
BRUNCH
STONEACRE PANTRY
“Refreshing” it says in the brunch menu’s top-left corner. The heading refers to beverages like lemon–elderflower spritzer. But that single word encapsulates midday meals served Saturdays and Sundays, indoors and out, at this homey yet sophisticated restaurant. Handcrafted dishes like lemon–ricotta pancakes with rhubarb and whipped crème fraîche reflect the owners’ mission to sustain local farms.
515 Thames St. 401-619-7810; stoneacrepantry.com
BYOB RESTAURANT
THAMES STREET KITCHEN, Newport
It’s all in the family at TSK. Chefs Chad Hoffer and Tyler Burnley, along with their wives–twin sisters and front-of-the-house managers Julia and Anna Jenkins–have created the ultimate elevated neighborhood BYOB. The menu is small, but the food (from striped-bass ceviche to fried chicken with French toast) is as fun as it is creative.
677 Thames St. 401-846-9100; thamesstreetkitchen.com
Best Country Inn | The White Hart, Salisbury
Credit: John Gruen
Best Country Inn | The White Hart, Salisbury Credit: John Gruen
RAW BAR
MIDTOWN OYSTER BAR
In oyster lovers’ heaven, icy platters are heaped with glistening molluscs freshly plucked from local waters; crispy fried oysters and remoulade jazz up juicy burgers; and even the beer is brewed with oysters. You can behave and bide your time, or savor these divine creations now. With two bars, two decks, high-ceilinged dining rooms, a marble raw bar, and oyster stout—crafted by Harpoon—on tap, Midtown is where shellfish devotees congregate.
345 Thames St. 401-619-4100; midtownoyster.com
AL FRESCO DINING
THE LAWN AT CASTLE HILL
The most scenic place in the state to grab a G&T and watch the water has upped the proverbial ante with the addition of an official moniker and a special al fresco menu. The view is even better when your belly is full of New England favorites such as clam chowder, lobster rolls, and just-shucked oysters.
590 Ocean Drive. 401-849-3800; castlehillinn.com
SEASIDE SPIRITS
FLUKE WINE, BAR & KITCHEN, Newport
With almost 40 rums alone, it’s clear that Fluke means business with its bar program. From classic cocktails to seasonal house signatures, nonalcoholic sippers to a wine list that’s as deep as it is varied, Fluke has every beverage base covered.
41 Bowens Wharf. 401-849-7778; flukewinebar.com
BEST LODGING IN NEWPORT, RHODE ISLAND
BOUTIQUE HOTEL
THE ATTWATER, NEWPORT
Unless you have a designer’s eye, you probably wouldn’t mix bright coastal hues, nautical accents, and zebra stripes. Yet this playful combination works exceedingly well at the Attwater—and from the moment you set bags down in the hotel’s chic sitting room, your journey will take equally unexpected but delightful turns. Walking distance from Newport’s attractions and happening spots, yet far enough from the waterfront scene to be peaceful, this Lark Hotels property has a staff that’ll impress you with breakfast tapas and baked treats, and they’re smarter than any smartphone. Trust them to help design a getaway that’s distinctly your own.
401-846-7444; theattwater.com
HISTORIC INN
THE FRANCIS MALBONE HOUSE, NEWPORT
The tunnel that morally flexible shipping merchant Francis Malbone used to smuggle goods up to his house from Newport Harbor is long gone. But plenty of colonial details—wide-plank floors, moldings, fireplaces—have remained to make this 1760 inn the place to curl up for history buffs. Furnishings are antiques, but the Wi-Fi’s free and fast. And even the rooms in a sensitively designed addition offer a graceful sense of the past. Guests may not need their car for days, since the location is just that convenient—and there are enticing reasons to not wander far, including afternoon tea and a lush, secret courtyard.
401-846-0392; malbone.com
OCEANSIDE LODGING
BEACH HOUSE ROOMS AT CASTLE HILL INN, NEWPORT
Hoist the shades. Gaze out the French doors at morning light shimmering on ocean waves. And know there’s nothing to rival your beachfront retreat. Situated on Castle Hill Inn’s private arc of sand, these airy king-bed rooms’ recently renovated bathrooms have two-person soaking tubs and showers. But don’t rush to conclude they’re only for kid-free couples, as galley kitchens and queen-size sofa beds make them equally ideal for family escapes. The crowning touch is access to the mansion inn’s beloved luxuries: afternoon tea, cocktails on the lawn, fine dining, and an intimate spa.
401-849-3800; castlehillinn.com
B&B ALTERNATIVE
GILDED
With a courtyard styled like the Mad Hatter’s croquet party, a fringy chandelier dangling over the white-lacquered billiard table, a jewel-toned library, and 17 funky guest rooms, this newcomer is a visual feast. So is the daily spread of breakfast tapas. If historic inns’ intimacy and formal décor aren’t your thing, this posh, irreverent boutique hotel is your anti-B&B.
23 Brinley St. 401-619-7758; gildedhotel.com
GOURMAND GETAWAY
BOUCHARD INN & RESTAURANT
Hospitality power couple Sarah and Chef Albert Bouchard possess that je ne sais quoi that transforms a mere meal or a stay into a memory. Even as their Newport empire has expanded, their flagship French restaurant exudes unparalleled warmth and creativity. With a bellyful of filet de boeuf aux brie, retire to one of 14 rooms upstairs or steps away, and dream until fresh-baked pastries arrive.
505 Thames St. 401-846-0123; bouchardnewport.com
HOTEL MAKEOVER
NEWPORT MARRIOTT
A $35 million renovation has catapulted Newport’s largest hotel into the upper echelon of seaside places to stay. All 320 rooms underwent high-tech, yacht-chic makeovers, but it’s the lobby’s swings, fountains, and Plank Bar; Mainsail restaurant’s boat-shaped booths and waterside two-tops; and Skiff Bar’s wicked martinis, bacon pops, and ceiling raining nautical rope that are attracting spirited crowds.
25 America’s Cup Ave. 401-849-1000; newportmarriott.com
(TEMPORARY) LUXE LIVING
VANDERBILT GRACE, Newport
Rarely does a hotel score a trifecta like this: good food, posh accommodations, and a stellar view. With a menu overseen by The White Barn Inn’s Jonathan Cartwright, tastefully refurbished rooms, and a rooftop lounge that floats above the city, it’s a romantic retreat for the Gatsby crowd–and those who want to dream for the weekend.
41 Mary St. 401-846-6200; vanderbiltgrace.com
DESIGNER HOTEL
THE ATTWATER, Newport
Self-described as “Newport unconventional,” the Attwater recently underwent a total renovation. If your weekend in Newport is half as fun as these rooms–bold fabrics, sleek furnishings, ultramodern accents–you’re in for a treat.
22 Liberty St. 401-846-7444; theattwater.com
HOSPITALITY
LA FARGE PERRY HOUSE, Newport
The best of both worlds: high living with down-home hospitality. Innkeeper Jennifer Balch goes the extra mile, from booking coveted dinner reservations to fixing a healthy breakfast on request, to make guests feel like VIPs.
24 Kay St. 401-847-2223; lafargeperry.com
Best of Rhode Island from the Editors of Yankee Magazine
Best of Rhode Island from the Editors of Yankee Magazine
