Just under a 3.5 hour drive outside of Manhattan is where you will find a quiet and quaint little town called Newport. Its vintage charm will welcome you with colorfully painted inns and shops. Drive along Bellevue Ave and you will find monumental sized mansions once lived in by the famous wealthy socialites of America's Guilded Age such as the Vanderbilts and Astors, which you can now tour through and learn the most fascinating of stories. Turn down Ocean Drive and enjoy riding alongside the Atlantic to catch a glimpse of the most picturesque New England sunset. It is STUNNING!
We love it there. It was our second trip to this lovely town, this time to celebrate our First Wedding Anniversary. We absolutely LOVE the food there. If you plan on visiting, I suggest the Clarke Cooke House for their Baked Stuffed Lobster, The Mooring for an array of amazing dishes and 22 Bowen's for their Salmon or NY Strip Steak. Delicious! While you are in town, make sure to purchase tickets for a guided tour in one of the several mansions on Bellevue Ave. We toured the largest, The Breakers once owned by The Vanderbilts last time so this time, we toured Rosecliff Mansion. Once you step into these ballrooms, its hard not to imagine yourself dancing and socializing all those years ago. I can't help myself. My hubby and I are both history nerds, so we love it.
For your little shopping adventure, make sure to check out Francesca's ,where I bought my beautiful plaid poncho. I was so excited to find out that they have an online boutique where you can find my poncho which is still available!! I have already worn it twice...a beautiful staple to my winter wardrobe. Make sure to check out Sequin too! The lady who worked the night we visited this jewelry boutique was such an incredibly lovely woman. We talked to her for 45 minutes! I really can't say enough about this lovely town. Both times we have visited, we have been welcomed with open arms. The locals are so warm and friendly.
A little tip: It was off season, both times we have visited, which we prefer. Its quieter, more romantic and a lot less expensive. This time we stayed at the Hotel Viking which is centrally located. Upon check-in, we were immediately granted an early check in as well as a free upgrade to a suite which was so cozy. On one last note: Make sure to visit Ocean Drive. The views are breathtaking. Beautiful houses are lined up on the hills nearby which are just as amazing. Some are just as big as the historical mansions. Many just go for the drive. Make sure to bring a camera. You won't regret it. xoxo
Fair Isle Sweater: ASOS (ON SALE!) / COAT: Maison Scotch (N/A) Similar: ASOS / Jeans: J Brand / Hat: J.Crew (ON SALE!) / Booties: Oasis Clothing (N/A) Cream Sweater: Free People / Jeans: J Brand / Booties: Kenneth Cole (ON SALE!) / Scarf: Francesca's / Shades: Ray-Ban / TIMI: Blue Sweater: ASOS / Pants: Levi's / Shades: Ray-Ban