Discover Rhode Island : Newport & Block Island

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Discover Rhode Island. It is known as the smallest state in the US! Due to its 643 km coastline, it is known as the Ocean state.

Whether you live in the area or are visiting family & friends in the East Coast, don’t miss to discover all Rhode Island has to offer, from immaculate ocean nature to the famous mansions of wealthy East Coast families, sailing trips or whale watching. You can also decide to simply enjoy the seaside in a nice hotel while tasting delicious seafood and lobster. Whether you go in the summer or during the winter, you will have enough places to visit and things to do. Follow the tips and advice from Stephanie’s trip to Newport and Laila’s trip to Block Island to discover Rhode Island. It’s a perfect 3 day getaway on your way up north to Quebec, Canada or Maine! When to go? While summer or winter trips are two radically different experiences, both have advantages. There is really something for each season and, whatever the time of the year, you will enjoy the astonishing beauty of the region. 

A 3 day winter getaway to NEWPORT with Stephanie and her family.

 
How to get there?

    • 3 hours drive from NYC & Westchester. About 300 km. 


Where to stay

    • They stayed @ hotel Viking. A very cosy hotel with an indoor pool. The restaurant is excellent, and you can enjoy the ocean view from their nice rooftop. Valet parking available. Average budget: 150-200$ per room

 
Activity ideas?

On their way to Newport (from NYC)

    • They stopped in Mystic, Connecticut, a cute little  harbor featuring an array of old fashioned sailboats . They had a great family lunch at Red 36,  followed by a visit to the Mystic Aquarium, that hosts New England’s only Beluga whale exhibit. You will see there many colorful fish and hippocampus. Great fun for the kids.

Newport

    • Visit of  The breakers, the Vanderbilt mansion. The Breakers is the grandest of Newport’s summer “cottages” and a symbol of the Vanderbilt’s social and financial preeminence in turn-of-the-century America. You can also explore many other  mansions t in the area.

    • Visit the International Tennis Hall of Fame. This museum preserves and promotes the history of tennis and celebrates its champions.

    • Also, you can visit  St. Mary’s Church,  where John and  Jackie Kennedy got married.

    • Cliff walk along the eastern shore of Newport (up to 2,5 hours)

    • Visit  the island following  the Ocean Drive, Newport’s famous 10 mile scenic drive. In the  summer you can rent bikes , and drive down this beautiful  shoreline admiring the panoramic ocean views. Along the way, you can stop at Brenton Point State Park,   place your blanket on the ground and enjoy the ocean breeze.

    • Shopping on Thames street. You will find there many shops: interior design fashion, souvenir, handcrafts, etc.


Where to eat?

Stéphanie has compiled a great restaurant list for Newport! Bon appétit!

A 4 day winter getaway to BLOCK ISLAND  with Laila and her friends (for Thanksgiving).

Block island is just south of mainland Rhode Island. Its 1800s red-brick Southeast Lighthouse sits atop the dramatic clay cliffs of Mohegan Bluffs, with a rocky beach below. Sandy beaches include popular Crescent Beach, on the east coast. The island’s northern tip features North Lighthouse, built in 1867, and Sachem Pond, home to gulls and swallows. 

 
How to get there?

You  must drive to Point Judith on the mainland to reach the island . It is a 300 km drive from NYC. From there you board a ferry to Block Island. Reservations should be made well in advance, particularly if you want to bring your car. In the  summer , there is also a high- speed ferry that takes you to the island. More information here. Beware that the island is very crowded in summer time.

Where to stay

    • They rented a beautiful & traditional beach house for 3 families through VRBO  that had an amazing view of the ocean called Villakula Cottage. It is located on one of the highest points  in the island, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Enjoy unparalleled views of sunset over the western horizon and an in-ground swimming pool. Great entertainment area for the kids including a full-size pool table, shuffleboard, ping pong, arcade game, darts & a  55″ flat screen TV.

 
Activity ideas?

The island is a paradise for outdoor activities. You can park the car for the weekend and just bicycle around the island.

    • Visit of the South East lighthouse, the North lighthouse and/or the Mohegan Bluffs.
    • There’s no better way to see the sights of Block Island than by biking , hiking or running. Check here a 15 km tour of the island.
    • Beach time during the summer. Plenty of beaches on the island. Check here BI beach map.
    • Simply enjoy the island way of life: laid back, outdoor & beach life


Where to eat?

We enjoyed the great location of the beach house. We preferred to stay home and to cook our Thanksgiving menu.