Destination Month/Week #2: Newport, Rhode Island

Last summer was our first time visiting Newport, RI for our 10 year anniversary celebration get-away.  We were hooked.  A perfect combination of quaint New England/beach town, offering great places to stay, walk, relax and eat.  Here are a few of our highlights that we can easily recommend from our 2 visits:

First of all, if you are traveling from the Lehigh Valley, we encourage strategic road trip meals.  We stumbled upon Sea View Snack Bar
145 Greenmanville Ave Mystic, CT
 in Mystic, CT last year.  Directly off the exit from Route 95, a scenic outdoor view with casual seating and full menu, including New England seafood.  We had our first lobster roll experience.  It was worth the $15/roll.  Perfectly toasted roll, and lightly dressed and seasoned lobster contribute to this delicacy that brought us back on the return home.

In Newport, Le Maison de Coco 28 Bellevue Ave Newport RI

became one of our favorite stops for a mid-morning refresher after the cliff walk.  We have yet to experience their french-influenced menu including quiches, salads, scones and tarts, which include a variety of local products.  In addition, they only use organic sugars and flours, and dairy

products made from sustainable farming practices (pesticide-free; no growth hormones).   You can view their website to learn more of the owner and chef's on-site french training. 

We enjoy the quaint environment, friendly staff and iced drinks. They have my vote for the best iced coffee--
I was privileged to learn the secret-they blend their iced drinks, giving it a smooth texture with a froth.  Another winning touch is their offering of natural sweeteners including stevia and agave syrup.  We sampled a delicious gluten free cookie and one of their specialties, "tea-infused chocolates."   If you are visiting Newport, it's a necessary stop.     

Lunch recommendation:
Flo's Clam Shack  
4 Wave Ave  Middletown, RI 02842

We were again privileged to stumble upon this gem.  Truly a New England clam shack experience. The lines proved 2 things: the service takes their time & the crowds keep coming back.  Overlooking the beach, there is ample outdoor deck fresh seafood dining.  Whether going for lunch or dinner, be prepared to take your time, but definitely worth the wait.

Dinner Recommendations:

 
Best view/Fresh New England Seafood experience:  Aquidneck Lobster Co. Bowens Wharf 
The entrance has the feel of

salmon

walking into a fisherman's wharf, viewing their freshly-caught lobster.  It opens up to a large bar, indoor dining and deck overlooking the

calamari & caesar salad

water.  


Beautiful view and delicious food with a casual atmosphere. 

Family-friendly/cost-effective: 

The Fifth Element    111 Broadway    On the less "touristy" side of town is a young "bar meets grill" restaurant.  Generous seating, friendly service and a hip atmosphere accompanied our order:  a Boston Bibb salad and their "pizza of the moment"-a white pizza with fresh oregano, zucchini and tomatoes.  Delicious!

Fine Dining: 

22 Bowen's     22 Bowen's Wharf Bar & Grille - Bowen's Wharf      With ample indoor and outdoor seating overlooking the water, the food selections will be just as exquisite as the view.  Well known for its steaks, we were satisfied with a generous-portioned salad and appetizer for our meal. 

  

Ice cream: To watch the sunset over Bannister's Wharf, visit New England-based,  Ben & Jerry's.   For a Newport classic, visit Kilwins 262 Thames Street, located in the center of town across from the wharfs, offering a variety of unique flavors.