Clik here to view.
Sun over marina photo courtesy of nissanman2009 on Flickr
Newport, Rhode Island is one of the most historic and quintessentially New England towns in the whole of the northeast United States. As a summer playground to the most influential and richest historic figures, it boasts a storied past unlike any other in the country.
Whether your brand of travel is inspired by architecture, history, culture, or the sea, Newport likely has something for you. There’s no better time to visit than in the spring when the tourist crowds haven’t yet arrived, but the weather is already warm enough to head to the water.
Here are our three favorite spring things to do in The Ocean State’s most famous seaside city.
Experience Scenic Ocean Drive
If you’re fortunate to have access to a car, take a scenic ride down Ocean Drive. Even to this day, this 10-mile stretch of road remains one of the most affluent, sought-after pieces of real estate in the country. Lavish mansions — some sprawling more than 100,000 square feet — line the entire street, towering over the jagged cliffs that abut the Atlantic Ocean.
Visitors can take a self-guided tour or book a professional sightseeing tour of Ocean Drive with an experienced guide to fully appreciate the area’s rich history and importance.
Take a Leisurely Stroll Along Newport’s Cliff Walk
It is spring time after all, so why spend the entire day behind the wheel? Hop out for a leisurely stroll along Newport’s famous Cliff Walk. This 3.5-mile walking path neatly straddles the lawns of the mansions of Ocean Drive to the west and the Atlantic Ocean to the east. It’s arguably the most scenic walk in all of Rhode Island and it’s likely the closest most travelers will ever come to feeling like a private guest of the affluent, mansion-owning elite.
Great Chowder Cook-Off & Newport Oyster Festival
No food is more emblematic of New England than seafood, and none more so than oysters and clam chowder. The Great Chowder Cook-off and Oyster Festival held in Newport every year is a staple of spring in Rhode Island as it heralds the upcoming start of summer.
Chefs and restaurants gather from all corners of the U.S. to compete in what is surely the defining seafood competition in the entire country. Many of last year’s competitors will return for 2014, including champions Stefano’s Seafood of New Jersey and local favorite Melvin’s Grille of Portsmouth, Rhode Island.
Ticket-holding visitors are invited to unlimited samples of a variety of delicious chowders, including clam, seafood, corn and more. Beer, wine and cocktails are also available throughout the day for an additional fee.
- Contributed by Mike Richard
