Admiral Fitzroy vs. Harborside Inn

I am travelling to New England for business and am looking to stay in Newport Jan. 15 - 19 and based upon price and availability have narrowed my hotel/B%26amp;B options to Admiral Fitzroy and Harborside Inn.

Any opinions on which to choose?

Thanks

Admiral Fitzroy vs. Harborside Inn

I chose the Harborside Inn so I will have a forthcoming review.

Admiral Fitzroy vs. Harborside Inn

They are right across the street from each. Harborside is on the water, Fitzroy on Thames St. The company that owns the Fitzroy does a top notch job of maintaining their buildings very professional staff. The company that owns the Harborside create more motel-feeling properties and amenties. My vote would be the Fitzroy. Hope you enjoy Newport - You%26#39;re coming at a quiet time. Know that not all shops will be open and some restaurants might be closed for renovations. If you%26#39;ld like more suggestions, I%26#39;ve lived in Newport for twenty years and would be happy to advise. Email me at msgh2929@yahoo.com

I found out that the Fitzroy is closed Tues. and Wed. night (half of my stay). This must be a winter slow time operating schedule.

Ideas for April in Rhode Island?

Hi,

We%26#39;re coming into Pawtucket with a small group (16) in late April to see a PawSox game. We thought we%26#39;d make it a weekend and stay over, but we need ideas of what to do the next day in the area? Any suggestions? Also any recommendations for restaurants in the area. Appreciate it.

Ideas for April in Rhode Island?

Guess it depends who%26#39;s in your group - adults only or kids too? Will you have a car? Not much to do right in Pawtucket, but plenty in Providence and really throughout the state. And there are so many great restaurants, but what kind of food and price range are you looking for?

water parks

Hi everyone,

We%26#39;ll be travelling to Wakefield RI in august with our teenage sons. They would love to spend some time in water parks or other theme parks - but especially water related. Any advice? Mags

water parks

Well the only options you%26#39;ll really have are going to be drives.Since there isn%26#39;t any in RI..

But you have Canobie Lake Park in Salem,NH which is roughly a 2 hour drive from Wakefield.

http://www.canobielake.com/

Or a 2 1/2 hour drive to Water Country located in Portsmouth,NH

http://www.watercountry.com/

Or another option is to take a 2 hour drive out to Six Flags in Agawam,MA

http://ww.sixflags.com/

Or you can visit a smaller place out in Bristol,CT called Lake Compounce which will take you roughly 1 1/2 drive.

http://www.lakecompounce.com/

But those are about the only options that you%26#39;ll have for the area..They%26#39;re all around a two hour drive like I mentioned.

Hope this helps.

water parks

That%26#39;s really helpful! Thanks a million. They%26#39;ll have to earn road miles to get there!!! Mags

Astors Beechwood and New Years

Is the Astors Beechwood worth $100.00 for New Years Eve or can someone recommend some other entertainment for that evening. We are dragging our 24 yr old son with us because we are going to visit family in boston after that. Thanks

Astors Beechwood and New Years

How did you do? did you end up at the Astors?

skin care

find wildlife envelope seals

Just Got Home

Well, we had a great time, as always. Some observations.

First, don%26#39;t hesitate to bring your down clothing this time of year because when the wind howls, boy o%26#39; boy it was freezing. Some days were sweater only, however.

The Red Parrot is still my favorite restaurant and I will never go back to the Brick Alley Pub. There was a long, long wait and altho service was excellent, the food was so-so. The salad bar is filthy; don%26#39;t go near it and if you order a salad with your dinner, the wait staff makes them at the bar. You%26#39;re warned. I must say, tho, that a chocolate cake/ice cream dessert that was served in a huge glass was top-notch and reminded me of Serendipity on 60th Street.

Thanksgiving Buffet at Fathoms, the restaurant at the Marriot, was excellent and I suspect that the food there is consistently good.

Firehouse Pizza is a disaster, Skip it.

The pastries at Panero%26#39;s on America%26#39;s Cup are excellent.

In an earlier thread, a writer posted a note about the Boulangerie at 382 Spring Street. Skip it. You can make better baguettes in your breadmaker at home; the brownies were from a mix and the vegetable quiche was dry and far too salty. Oh, and the young lady behind the counter was OTL (as in ';out to lunch';).

I%26#39;ll be posting some comments about the Inn On Long Wharf later should you be interested in reading about this Fairfield property.

Just Got Home

i know this was after Thanksgiving, but I would like to know how Inn on Long Wharf was. I am thinking about buying points from there.

Newport Grand/Best Western Mainstay

Has anyone stayed at the Best Western Mainstay and has anyone gone to the Newport Grand (casino)? What were your thoughts? We%26#39;re not gamblers (haven%26#39;t been to Foxwoods or Mohegan Sun or even Las Vegas) but the Newport Grand sounds like it might be fun ($.01 slots seems like it might be the way for us non gamblers to go). The hotel appears to be right next to the casino; how far is it from the main Newport area? Thanks to all who respond.

Newport Grand/Best Western Mainstay

Its across the street. Ask for one of the new rooms when you book (fall 05). You are about 3 minutes from the main downtown Newport area, about 5-8 minutes away from the Mansions. I can%26#39;t comment on what locals refer to as the Fronton (Newport Grand)....I know they are planning a huge addition with hotel etc. Newport is like the Cape in winter...no waits, no lines, lower prices, same food!

Newport Grand/Best Western Mainstay

I have never stayed there but, am familiar with the location..You may want to reconsider your options....RENOVATIONS....have you read the reviews? I would do a little more reseach and stay at an Inn. You do get what you pay for as far as the ';Fronton'; it is a VLT video lottery terminal. No coins dropping paper vouchers you have to cash in with a cashier nice bar area and one of the only two places you can snoke in public in RI. 2nd floor.. I hope this helps enjoy!!!!

I have never stayed there but, am familiar with the location..You may want to reconsider your options....RENOVATIONS....have you read the reviews? I would do a little more reseach and stay at an Inn. You do get what you pay for as far as the ';Fronton'; it is a VLT video lottery terminal. No coins dropping paper vouchers you have to cash in with a cashier nice bar area and one of the only two places you can snoke in public in RI. 2nd floor.. I hope this helps enjoy!!!!

Well, it looks like we won%26#39;t stay at the Best Western Mainstay. And I%26#39;m also now thinking we won%26#39;t even both with the Casino. We%26#39;ve done one trip to Newport (many many years ago) and stayed at the Hotel Viking. We%26#39;re on the Cape and hope to take a long week end trip to Newport in February, see a few mansions, enjoy a few shops, and have a nice dinner somewhere. Thanks for the information from everyone.

Good decision. ;-) Not a great place.

Newport in February

My family (which consists of me, my hubby, and 2 kids.. ages 5 and 2) will be in Newport RI for a weekend in February.. for a family event. However.. we would love some suggestions on things to do or see once we are in the area... things the kids would enjoy, etc. It%26#39;s been YEARS since I%26#39;ve been there.. so I%26#39;m not sure about what would be a good thing to do once we are there in the area. Any suggestions for anything the area or nearby areas?? And especially during this time of the year.. when the outdoors isn%26#39;t as accessible.

Any help would be appreciated!!

Thanks! ;o)

--CAROLYN

Newport in February

I%26#39;d go to Roger Williams Park Zoo. It%26#39;s in Providence, but only about a 45 minute drive over the bridges ( great fun).

Newport in February

Check out the Fleet Skating Center, which is brand new and only open in winter as it is an outdoor ice skating rink. Have a good trip!

If you%26#39;ll be in Newport the last 10 days of Feb. they%26#39;re holding the annual Winterfest, which has lots of activities and fun things to do, especially for kids. If not, the Born Skating Center is right downtown, for ice skating and great for families. Check out gonewport.com -Have fun!

Where to stay in Rhodes Island

We are going to Rhodes Island in at the end of July for a week (wednesday to wednesday). Where is the best place to stay to enable us to see Rhodes Island and any recommendations? We would prefer to stay in an apartment or house but are open to suggestions?

Where to stay in Rhodes Island

The Inn at Castle Hill is a great place to stay with a wonderful location. Try the beach houses. If you really want to rent a home try cyberrentals.com.

Where to stay in Rhodes Island

If you%26#39;re going Wed - Wed, you%26#39;re not going to be able to rent a beach house. They typically turn over on Saturdays.

There are two areas to consider.

Newport, if you want to focus on history (gilded age mansions) and beaches.

Or Providence, if you prefer a city atmosphere. Museums, cultural attractions, great restaurants, etc.

From either ';home base'; you can drive the length of the state in less than an hour.

For more information, I would visit the state tourism web site (www.visitri.com) or the Newport CVB web site (www.GoNewport.com)

I suggest you make reservations very soon. All the good hotels get booked, and supply and demand is in control of the costs. Inn on Castle Hill is gorgeous, but not close to town. As long as you rent a car, and don%26#39;t want to go back to the hotel until later, it is nice. It is one lane of traffic when you want to come and go, and can be very busy, or clogged because it is on the Ocean Drive which most people enjoy site seeing while driving. Slow travel. Although you can travel the state in an hour, not from Ocean Drive in the Summer. Highly suggest to make it to Castle Hill on a Sunday if you are there. Cookout on the lawn music and beautiful people. They may have discontinued the music, but it is a great atmosphere. Everyone goes to the Candy Store that night. Crowd at Candy Store 30-60

If you%26#39;re going in the summer, you%26#39;ll want to stay by the water. That%26#39;s the Ocean State%26#39;s prime time. In Newport, do the mansions, walk the Cliff Walk, bike along Ocean Drive, fly a kite on Brenton Point (or just watch the pros) and ride the carousel at Easton Beach. Great place for a sunset drink: The Chanler at the beginning of the Cliff Walk (watch out, dinner there is expensive).

I agree that it would be tough to find a Wed.-Wed. rental. Stay at the most reasonable hotel or B%26amp;B you can find in the Newport-southern end of the state. You%26#39;re not going to spend much time in the room if the weather%26#39;s nice -- the state%26#39;s too gorgeous!

Other nice spots: Do a sunset picnic in Jamestown at Beavertail. Take the ferry from Jamestown to the Rose Island Lighthouse. If you plan ahead, you could even spend the night there. And take at least a day trip to Block Island, which may be the prettiest spot on earth. If you can be there not on the weekend, you can even find a reasonable place to stay. The Block Island ferry leaves from the fishing village of Galilee in Narragansett, which is interesting to visit for its fishing fleet, fish dinners and good beach. Across the harbor entrance is the village of Jerusalem (but you can%26#39;t get there from Galilee, look at the map), which has dining at little, homey places on the water like Skip%26#39;s Dock. The state beach there, East Matunuck, is truly fine.

The one city thing not to miss in Providence if it%26#39;s happening the weekend you%26#39;re there, though, is WaterFire, when fires are lit on the rivers in Providence and everybody cruises up and down listening to music, watching street performers, people watching, etc. And it%26#39;s totally free.

Check out StayNewport.com (their phone number is listed- better to call than email.)

It is a free, local reservation service that may be able to help you. I grew up in Newport and it is beautiful! If you cannot get a house,try a suite at a timeshare like Wellington Resorts or Newport Bay Club, or try an Inn or B%26amp;B which will be your best value.

Large hotels in Newport (Marriott,Hyatt etc..) tend to be very overpriced and less charming/nothing special.

Stay in Newport if you want a good location- not Middletown, which is the next town over- short drive but not walkable.

Also, check out Gonewport.com

By the way- the state is Rhode Island, not Rhodes Island :)

Newport in April

Hello. I amplanning on traveling to Boston and wish to stop for 2 nights in Newport. My family (myself, husband, two kids and elderly mother) plan on spending the day in Newport, seeing the Breakers and other grand %26#39;dames%26#39;. Can someone suggest a clean hotel which would be convenient in terms of location for such a short stay without breaking the bank (I%26#39;ll need two roms). We do not need to be at the beach..too cold.

Newport in April

Hello,

April is not quite in season yet, so first I would check the large hotels%26#39; rates since you have a group and may want extra ammenities for the kids. There are only a handful in Newport: Marriott, Hyatt and Viking are the 3 largest. The Hotel Viking is on Bellevue Ave, great location, nice restaurant, bar and spa. Some rooms are a bit small because it is an older hotel. The Marriott is a typical average Marriott. The Hyatt is the largest, and has a nice spa. I believe all 3 have indoor pools. I would go for the Viking for charm and convenience.

Inn at Newport Beach is a more basic hotel but not quite walking distance to town. Some rooms offer a view. It is very short drive to town and walkable to a handful of restaurants but not walkable to downtown Newport. It is on the Newport/Middletown line.

Wellington Resorts, Oceancliff 1 %26amp; 11 and Newport Bay Club are all time share properties that offer suites/townhouse style rooms for families. Not super upscale but Wellington and Bay Club are great location as well. OC 1%26amp;11 is out on gorgeous Ocean Drive next to Oceancliff Resort -not walkable to town but beautiful area.

There are also tons of Inns nd B%26amp;B%26#39;s... Best value as they include breakfast but some may not be great for kids.

Try calling Staynewport.com it is a free local reservation service that can go through availability. Their phone # is on their site.

Have fun!

handling exceptions

Newport with 2 year old's???

Can anyone suggest some good ideas for a weekend with 2 - 2 year old%26#39;s in Newport??? over Easter weekend??? or am I crazy?

Newport with 2 year old's???

I don%26#39;t know anything exciting for a 2 year old at this time. Newport really doesn%26#39;t liven up until summer, and Newport is more of an adult atmoshere. They have parks of course, but what are the child%26#39;s interests? Your interests?

Newport with 2 year old's???

I don%26#39;t think you%26#39;re crazy! Newport is not overly kid oriented, but there are thousnds of families in Newport and there are things to do. Plus, Easter is not prime season so it will not be overly crowded with the late night singles crowd that you would see in the summer.

There is an Easter Egg hunt at one of the Mansions every year- I forget which one... Rosecliff I think....children are dressed to the nines- very cute and fun!

There are tons of Easter Brunches and buffets in town at a lot of restaurants that are definitely family friendly.

There are parks, and the beach of course. It is nice to just wlk around as long as the weather is nice and of course there are a lot of great restaurants from casual to upscale.

Check out gonewport.com for other info and calendar of events as well.

skin care

Where to stay???

Can anybody recommend some place to stay out of the many listed here? I will be bringing my mom for her birthday during the week of the winter carnival (Feb.18). We have never been here and I want to find a nice hotel where I can just park the car and walk to everything. The B%26amp;B%26#39;s look very cute, however, I really want 2 beds in the room. Any suggestions and tips? Thank You!

Where to stay???

If you would like a 2 bedroom unit you can try The Wellington. It has mixed reviews. I never had a bad experience there but haven%26#39;t stayed there in a while. It is on lower Themes and therefore walking distance to most shops and restaurants. The Francis Malbone is in town, on Themes as well and has much nicer accommodations but you will have to inquire about room set ups. Castle Hill is a wonderful place to stay but on Ocean Drive and you would have to drive into town.

Where to stay???

Also consider the Admiral Fitzroy Inn, right next to the Malbone House. It%26#39;s less expensive than the Malbone but very nice, and has off street parking and is within walking distance of most of the waterfront and downtown area. Be advised, however, that if it%26#39;s cold and/or the winter wind is blowing you may not want to be doing much walking at that time of year.

Lots of Inns and B%26amp;B%26#39;s offer rooms with 2 beds. They will be more affordable and include breakfast. Many are right in town.

There are the hotels as well, of course, that will be pricier. Marriott (typical chain) and Viking (historic)are in great locations.

A few Inns of the top of my head that are right in town are the Brinley Victorian, Spring St. Inn, Attwater Villa, Black Duck Inn... there are a lot.

Try calling StayNewport.com (number on site) They are a free local service that can give you availability and book the room for you.

Have fun!

looking for the best ';family beach'; in RI to spend the day

Hello everyone,

My family and I will be driving through Rhode Island this June and would love to spend a day at a nice beach. Nice in our minds means sandy, decent waves, and not too crowded. I have researched this topic and the Narrangsett area caught my eye. What do you think? Also, would you recommend a beach in the Providence or Newport area? Thanks so much

looking for the best ';family beach'; in RI to spend the day

When we were kids, our parents always took us to Roger Wheeler beach (then Sand Hill Cove) or Salty Brine (Galilee) where the waters are calmer, but we clamored for Scarborough or Narragansett where the waves are bigger!

If its waves you crave, Narragnsett is the beach. It%26#39;s the top surfing spot in the state.

It%26#39;s hard to get away from the crowds if it%26#39;s a good ';beach day'; unless you get the opportunity to go the beach mid-week.

There are no beaches on Providence. Providence is a port, very industrialized along the waterfront.

Newport has some beaches, but not with the size of the Narragansett beaches, and not the waves. With so much of Newport%26#39;s waterfront either developed or private, it%26#39;s harder to acess.

Another great spot for picniking and watching the surf is Beavertail Light State Park in Jamestown. It is located on the southern tip of Jamestown, and has sweeping views of the ocean.

looking for the best ';family beach'; in RI to spend the day

I have to say that I agree. I have an apartment right near the Narragansett Town Beach. It is one of my favorite beaches! It is clean and the people are friendly. The waves are amazing and its a safe place for kids. This has been an awesome time and I will regret having to leave my apartment as will my family because they love to come and visit!

Roger Wheeler beach has the reputation for being the beach for kids. The sand is great and there is a %26#39;playground%26#39; on the beach (I%26#39;m not sure how old your kids are).

Thanks everyone for the information. My kids will be 10 and 6 and like ';medium'; waves...no bodysurfing for us!! As long as they are on a floatee and bobbing around, they are happy. Are the waves at Roger Wheeler SP usually like that?

Sorry, but I don%26#39;t like Narragansett Town Beach. Its confined and crowded- and has a hefty cost. Scarborough, practically next door, is gorgeous. Depending on the weather, it can have those great crashing waves. Good parking and there are bathrooms, showers and a concession stand right there.

BUT, if your children are younger, nothing beats Wheeler/Sand Hill Cove. Lots of families there. It%26#39;s has a small play area, bathrooms and showers, concession stand, etc. Waves are gentle as this is some sort of inlet. It%26#39;s where we took our girls until they hit teen years.

All three beach areas are close enough that you can drive by and decide.

BUT MOST IMPORTANT: June just isn%26#39;t good beach weather in RI! Please check the online weather info including water temp.

Newport

Hi

I am travelling to New England at the end of March and would like to visit Rhode Island. Would it be feasible to stay in Newport and visit all the other areas from there or do you recommend staying somewhere else/changing hotels each time we want to visit another area?

Thanks!

Newport

Newport is not exactly central, though the answer to your question depends largely on what you plan to see while in Rhode Island.

It might well make sense to spend a few nights in the Providence area as well as in Newport. Providence is over an hour drive from Newport, there is a lot to see in the city, and Providence is also much more central than Newport.

Newport

Thanks for your reply. I wanted to go to the Newport area and Providene area as they both look really nice in the guide books. Maybe we should stay for one or more nights in both places then. Does anyone know how easy it is to travel between Newport and Providence by public transport? thanks...

RIPTA runs a bus between Newport and Providence--number 60. It runs about every half hour during the week and every hour on weekends and takes a little over an hour.

Thank you for your help. I have just heard that as we are travelling at the end of March, a lot of places in Rhode Island will be cloased as it is out of season. Is this right? are we mad to be considering visiting at this time?!

I don%26#39;t think you are crazy to come in March. The advantage is that Newport is less crowded then. The downside is that it could be cold, and some things will be closed. Some of the smaller attractions are closed until April, but main attractions like RISD museum and the Newport Mansions are open year-round. So are shops.

I thought I sent my response, but I didn%26#39;t see it. My answer is March is not too live in Npt., so check if the mansions are doing tours. they are beautiful. I suggest stay in Providence, more to do, and the bus is only an hour. Boston 1.5 hours. Bus is easy to npt and as long as you are only touring newport and not bar hopping, catching the bus is just fine. buses only run until 11 last time i knew and on sunday they don%26#39;t run as often.

Most everything (restaurants, inns, hotels, mansions, bars, etc..)is open in March.

Check out a calendar of events and other info at www.gonewport.com

New Englans is big, so you will have to change accommodations with every area you travel to. You cannot really have one home base, unless you are only sticking to RI.I would suggest at least 2 nights wherever you go.. 1 night will be very rushed.

I live in Providence. What do you hope to see in RI? Providence is probably not the place to stay. We are known for our universities and our food- because of the influence of Johnson and Wales U, we have some amazing restaurants, big and small, expensive and cheap. But, other than some quaint neighborhhods and art galleries, Providence is NOT comparable with, say, Boston. Yes, the RISD Museum is great, but it is tiny. It can be seen in an hour or two. I would only suggest you stay in Providence IF a ';Waterfire'; event is scheduled. (Look online for more.) Plus, Providence will be an expensive option. Newport will also be pricey- but now you%26#39;re near the water, in a quaint, old seafaring town. (Tripadvisor has many B%26amp;B%26#39;s shown- we ourselves are considering a getaway to Newport.) Sometimes you can see cruise ships in the bay, sometimes military ships. And, there are the Newport Mansions- not to be missed. Did you know that RI is roughly one hour, from the northern border to the southern. Thus, you could stay in Newport (or its environs, if $ is an issue) and easily trek up to Providence or out to another area. March is probably ok for travel. Some recent years, it has been blustery and rainy through the month. Most of RI that you would visit or near tourist areas is clean and safe. Good Luck.

Providence solo? restaurants?

Any suggestions for restaurants I won%26#39;t feel like a complete dork dining in alone? (or just good restaurants) I%26#39;ll be there for three days, mostly for business, but plan to get out and do some things when I can. Thanks for any input.

Providence solo? restaurants?

There are so many wonderful restaurants to pick from in Providence.

I would go with a more casual pub style one not sure what your comfort level is many times you can eat at the bar and still enjoy the save great cuisine.

Here is a list of restaurants with links and phone numbers. A phone call will give you a feel of the reception you will experience at each

www.inn-providence-ri.com/restaurants.shtml

for things to do in Providence reference

inn-providence-ri.com/destinationsPR.shtml

Bring some warm cloths and have fun!

Providence solo? restaurants?

No problem eating alone in Providence. We are home to Johnson and Wales U, Emerils%26#39; alma mater, probably the 2nd or 3rd best cooking school in the US. Don%26#39;t miss some of our fabulous restaurants because you are solo. My favorite: Pot au Feu- downstairs. (ps I have eaten solo in many cities large and small, Amrican and European. I always bring a book or magazine just in case something makes me feel the need to occupy myself. usually don%26#39;t need it.)

is it tough being a woman

Family beach vaction

We are considering aweek long vaction in the charlestown RI area. is this a nice well kept area? Last year we went to Plum Island MA and we were very disappointed. The whole beach area was very shabby and run down. We would like to get a rental with in walking distance of the ocean. Have two boys 13 and 10

Family beach vaction

You are close enough to drive down for the day and check out the area...right now is a great time to stop in agent%26#39;s offices and stroll on the beach...with your dog...our wife...If you were writing from the West coast I might add more but get out of Seth Thomas town and pack a picnic and see for yourself...80 miles door to door...what are you witing for?

is newport onshore good?

Looking to use some timeshare weeks to take a family vacation. I see no reviews on the Newport Onshore, 405 thames st. Is this a nice resort and nice location with quality amenities?

is newport onshore good?

If you are into timeshares the best reviews are on www.tug2.net.

Onshore rates high....I have it booked for the end of March.

is newport onshore good?

yes, npt onshore is nice, in a great area for touring. What time of year?

We had a wonderful experience at the Newprt Onshore. Great service in the office, adequate parking, spacious and comfortable accomodations with great views, nice heated pool. Great location (walk to most everything in Newport). Overall a wonderful getaway!

Newport Onshore just went through a major renovation 2 years ago. New everything. I am biased becuase I own many weeks there but I have a lot of pictures on my website. Newport is expensive in the summer but I am currently looking for a place in Key west for teh winter and to my surprise that is more expensive.

I love Newport for the location and summertime fun. based on the posting guidelines I can not give you the website but if you want to emial me I can send you a link.

jrizzo@oceanstaterentals.com.

skin care

Th Rhumbline Restaurant

We%26#39;re looking for feedback on the Rhumbline restaurant, both positive and negative. Thanks. :)

Th Rhumbline Restaurant

great restaurant esp fri and sat nights with live music

Th Rhumbline Restaurant

Thanks. We have reservations for New Year%26#39;s Eve weekend. :)

The Rhumbline is our favorite restaurant in Newport. You%26#39;ll love it!

We had dinner at the Rhumbline on December 30. It was perhaps one of the best dinners that I have ever eaten. The service, ambience, and food was close to perfect. Next year, I believe that it will be our New Year%26#39;s Eve dinner. :)

shhh...don%26#39;t ruin a great little local star by announcing it. We%26#39;ll never get in once the tourists arrive.

Rhumbline is great. Eclectic food and nice atmosphere. Tell them John Rizzo sent you and they will throw you out. Only kidding. My niece and her husband run it and the food is excellent. It is a very diverse menu so if you are a meat and potato person go somewhere else. If you want to have your palete and eyes be execised then go there.

Newport in Winter

As a friend of an employee of a national hotel chain, i can get a great winter rate at a popular hotel in Newport. Been to Newport before, but always in the summer.. Been to the Mansions...what else is there to do in wintertime?

Any suggestions.

Also, do alot of the restaurants close for the winter?

Newport in Winter

I like Newport in winter, as there are not so many crowds and many of the restaurants and shops are open. I tend to like to look at the art galleries for something to do. I am not so sure about other attractions, though. The mansions are the main thing, and some of the attractions I am familiar with in the area are closed in winter.

If you would have a car, it could be a good time to head up to Providence and see visit the RISD art museum, if you are interested in that sort of thing.

Newport in Winter

thanks, we%26#39;d be coming from Boston via car...so yes..thinking maybe some of the wineries too that are said to be open year round, i will check their websites..and the art galleries as well.. a walk along a snow covered beach sounds relaxing as well..... never been to the beach during winter.....unless you consider Boston Harbor the beach...........

Things that I like to do in the winter are take advantage of the great rates at the Spas (esp the Stillwater at the Hyatt). Newport Art Museum is really nice. Small, but nice collection - great for a couple hours of browsing. Yes, some restaurants close - check their websites and CALL. One thing that never changes with the season is the bar scene. Great martini/cigar chic bar/restaurant is Asterix on Thames St. For the shops that are open, they are fun to browse. Not your ordinary fudge/t-shirt shops that dominate many small tourist towns. Newport is a nifty walking town, so if you catch good weather, just walking town is nice. The Newpor Winter Festival takes place around Valentines Day and offers lots of things to do. There are concerts and fun things. The Visitors Bureau has a website with a calendar of events. Check it out - gonewport.com - Good Luck

No, the restaurants do not close. There are tons to choose from. At night, there are always bars.lounges,and pubs. Many have bands, some DJ%26#39;s. The crowd varies in age, dress, etc.. depending on where you go.

Aside from the mansions, there is the Newport Art Museum, and other museums, art galleries, the ice skating rink, antique, clothing, jewelry, coffee shops... scenic Ocean Drive is nice for a drive. Just walking around town is nice too.

Check our gonewport.com for calendar of events and more info. Have fun!

I spent a week at the Long Wharf Resort two weeks ago. We had mild weather, so we were able to stroll the area (the only crowds were at the outdoor skating rink down at the wharf). However, we did find that MANY restaurants and clubs were closed. We had seen the mansions and most other attractions in years past, so there wasn%26#39;t much to do right in Newport. We took daytrips (Providence, Foxwoods), and otherwise enjoyed the amenities at our resort.

BTW, I recommend the Brick Alley Pub %26amp; Restaurant in Newport, which DOES stay open in winter. Cozy, casual atmosphere (at other restaurants I needed to keep my jacket on!), extensive menu, salad bar, great wine list, excellent service.

Theatres

My wife %26amp; I are planning a trip near Provicence, Rhode Island, either In July or October 2006.We would like to go to some performing arts theatre shows while there.

Any suggestions ?

Theatres

P.S. The theatres can be anywhere in RI, not just Providence. Thanks

Theatres

Trinity Rep in downtown Providence is an excellent and award winning theatre, and you can always do dinner at Bravo or Gracie%26#39;s before the show (both excellent, Gracie%26#39;s being very upscale, Bravo moderately upscale). 2nd Story Theatre in Bristol (?) is a neat little theatre, if you are south of Providence. Check them both out online.

And of course, do not forget about Providence Performing Arts (PPAC)...check it out on-line...it is an awesome place with fantastic shows!!!

A few more suggestions are:

in Pawtucket The Sandra Feinstein-Gamm Theatre www.gammtheatre.org

in Woonsocket The Stadium Theatre Performing Arts Centre www.stadiumtheatre.com

In Providence

AS220 www.as220.org

Perishable Theatre www.perishable.org

Providence Black Repertory Company www.blackrep.org

NewGate Theatre www.newgatetheatre.org

More info and links for Providence

inn-providence-ri.com/destinationsPR.shtml

miniature huskies

Condo/ House Rental for week in July??

Hi:

Just wondering if anyone out there has a 2 bdrm home or condo that is available to rent one week in July or August. House must be child freiendly as we will be traveling with our 2 year-old. Thanks in advance.

Condo/ House Rental for week in July??

By the week is difficult in Newport, since it is illegal to rent for less than a month (though some landlords do it illegally).

Property owners in Middletown, next door can rent legally by the week. One couple I know of has rental cottages within walking distance of Easton%26#39;s (First) Beach, a few of which are two bedrooms. A friend of ours rented from them two summers ago and said the units were very charming, clean and well maintained, and child-friendly. Also, reasonably priced.

Try calling 401/849-8092. I think they are on Cyberrentals and have a website though I don%26#39;t know the name etc.

Good luck.

Condo/ House Rental for week in July??

Thanks localobserver. we%26#39;ve found week long rentals before (on ebay) but you end up waiting until the last minute to book something and we%26#39;re trying to avoid that. i had no idea that was illegal. when i used to live in nyc, i rented for a month at a time for a few summers, but always ran into people renting weekly. I%26#39;ve found that Newport has really been getting a little out of control with hotel prices in the summer and when traveling with a toddler, you never know how it will turn out! I notice you live in newport... i have considered it a few times...how do you like it? The closest we got was getting married at the Eisenhower House almost 4 years ago. Newport is our home away from home. Thanks for the info, I%26#39;ll check it out.

go to www.oceanstaterentals.com to find a nice 2 bed 2 bath place.

go to www.oceanstaterentals.com to find a nice 2 bed 2 bath place.

I checked the site; it appears to be mostly time share condo units. These can be rented legally by the week, since they are classified as a hotel and are doing nightly rentals. However, that tends to be more expensive than some of the house/cottage weekly rentals in Middletown and Portsmouth.

On the other hand, some of these time share developments have amenities, such as swimming pools, that can%26#39;t be found at house rentals. Thus, it depends on what one is seeking for their money.

Good luck.