A day in the life of someone who lives in Newport, a coastal city on an idyllic New England island
Andrea E. McHugh
- I live in Newport, Rhode Island, a coastal New England city on Aquidneck Island.
- A typical day in my life includes grabbing coffee downtown and going on a walk after lunch.
If you've ever watched HBO's "The Gilded Age," "Hocus Pocus 2," or "27 Dresses," you're probably familiar with my home, Newport, Rhode Island.
Its captivating coastline, turn-of-the-century mansions, charming small-town appeal, and quintessential New England vibe, have made it a popular place for tourists and film crews alike.
But the city, located on Rhode Island's Aquidneck Island, is more than just a postcard-perfect, Instagramable coastal enclave.
Here's how I spend a typical day in Newport as a local.
I start the day with a cup of joe in one of Newport’s popular coffee shops.
I'm up early with my family, and after everyone gets to the bus stop in the morning, I head straight for coffee.
Newport's coffee scene is robust — coffee houses have been social gathering spots here since the 18th century.
A good dirty chai at Beaucoup is always a safe bet.
I find some inspiring places to work "from home."
I'm a freelancer, so I always look for inspiring places to work from in Newport.
The local coffee shops are usually a top choice, but one place that always seems to cure my writer's block is the Redwood Library & Athenæum. It's just one of Newport's many attractions, and I can typically find a quiet nook to get my work done in.
Along similar lines, Charter Books on Broadway is a locally-owned, independent bookstore with enough room to work on a laptop.
My lunch meetings range from casual to splurge-worthy.
Yagi Noodles, with its house-made ramen noodles, is my top pick for a casual lunch meeting. Chef/owner Basil Yu is currently up for a James Beard award.
But La Vecina is another good option. It serves classic Mexican-inspired dishes and delicious chips and salsa.
If you want to splurge, Castle Hill Inn has unmatched lunchtime views.
Walking the wharves and Bellevue Avenue is a must.
Walking off lunch might take me to the city's popular wharves, like Bowen's and Bannister's, where the boats bob in the marina.
When it's warm, there's sometimes live music. And there is no shortage of adorable, locally-owned shops year-round.
Just up the hill from the water, Bellevue Avenue is a historic part of the city that hasn't changed much since it was built in 1881. It's full of stores, restaurants, and the International Tennis Hall of Fame.
When friends visit, I tell them to explore the Hall of Fame's lush grass courts and cool museum. It even houses outfits Serena Williams and Coco Gauff wore during legendary matches.
After work, I get out on the water whenever I can.
Newport is largely considered the sailing capital of the world. If I have guests, I always recommend chartering an America's Cup 12-meter yacht.
Sailing on one of the sleek boats is a true Newport experience.
I have a stand-up paddleboard, and Newport Harbor is a stunning place to paddle around and gawk at super yachts and classic boats. Kayaks, dinghies, tour boats, and other vessels are always coming and going during the warmer months, too.
Visiting a mansion once in a while is just what we do.
The annual Newport Mansions Wine and Food Festival brings locals to popular tourist destinations like Marble House and Rosecliff Mansion each fall.
But the stunning architecture of the turn-of-the-century mansions is a sight to see any time of the year.
I write about travel quite a bit, so I sometimes take a self-guided tour to refresh my notes while covering Newport attractions.
Planning my calendar around local events and festivals keeps me busy.
There always seems to be something happening in Newport. From food-centric festivals like the Newport Oyster & Chowder Festival and Bowen's Wharf Seafood Festival to the city's annual folk and jazz music festivals, my social calendar can fill up quickly.
It can be tricky to navigate the popular events and attractions with the influx of tourists, but a quiet drive or bike ride around Ocean Drive on a clear day is equally delightful.
You can take in cool sights like Hammersmith Farm, which was Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis' childhood summer home.
I like to end my days with dinner and drinks alongside family and friends.
Connecting with friends over food or going out with family is one of my favorite ways to end a day in Newport.
The city has plenty of restaurants and spots for a refreshing drink. Giusto, Mother Pizzeria, and Perro Salado are some of my top picks.
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