Vanderbilt Grace Hotel…This hotel (that used to be a Vanderbilt family mansion) is stunning… right off the pages of Architectural Digest! The location is perfect… right near downtown and overlooking the spectacular harbor. You can walk just about everywhere because you’re right on the end of the historical residential areas and only one block from the Thames Street quaint shops, fantastic restaurants, and cool bars. The warm and inviting, beautifully-decorated suites are a generous size, with a bedroom, two bathrooms (with a invigorating massaging shower head that is divine), a desk, living room area, refrigerator and microwave. Generously sized and more than enough room for everyone. Relax and enjoy the sunshine at their pool, which is so peaceful. The gym and spa are charming. Have a great workout and then get pampered. End the day with a few drinks on the rooftop bar while you watch the spectacular sunset…a perfect ending to a perfect day. The staff and service are exceptional, helping in any way they can. This is one place that you will absolutely want to come back to.
Newport Mansion Tour…The Preservation Society of Newport County conserves and preserves the historic mansions of Newport. Whether it’s cleaning or restoring valuable paintings, flooring, roofs, or furniture, they are meticulous in their efforts. There are constantly projects being worked on. The opulence and excessiveness inside and outside of these mansions will make your jaws drop…they are so impressive. The architecture, art, and landscaping are truly unimaginable until you see them for yourselves. The décor is insane and it’s so interesting to see how this group of families lived during the Gilded Age era. This way of life is gone and forgotten, until these tours transport you back in time and provide you with insight into that era. Our favorites are Breakers (summer house of Cornelius Vanderbilt), Marble House, and The Elms. We also loved Rosecliff (you might remember it from the movies True Lies and The Great Gatsby). There were many extraordinary parties there, and to this day they cater to private events and wedding receptions. Most mansions have fascinating audio tours that are very informative, a nice addition. You will enjoy hearing stories about this amazing piece of history in our country and how different things were back then, getting a firsthand view. Teens will love hearing about some of their favorite movies being filmed in some. We also loved the Elms’ Servant Life Tour, which is so relevant as you glimpse into and hopefully understand relationships better the servants and their employers. It’s fascinating. You will even get to see the third floor’s staff quarters. To us, however, Breakers is the most spectacular, the crème de le crème. It's the largest and most iconic. 70-acre Blithewold is spectacular in the spring with its gorgeous daffodils and outdoor afternoon teas, as well as sunset garden parties. Make sure you also visit Rough Point (newportrestoration.org) to see the Green Animals Topiary Garden. Each mansion is very different and you will certainly find your favorites. For a great meal, try the Teahouse at the Breakers, with its exhilarating view of the ocean.
Restaurants… (there are endless choices, but we’d like to highlight a few)
Mamma Luisa’s…This quaint, 2-story restaurant (changed over from an old home) prepares authentic Italian food that is utterly mouth-watering. Not to mention that their service is impeccable. It’s quiet and romantic, with lots of charm and character. Some of the standouts were: Butternut Squash Ravioli, Zuppa de Mare (a soup made with delectable mussels and clams), awesome bruschetta, veal scallopini (best in Newport), chicken parm (wow), pasta Bolognese (outstanding), and clams over linguini with a fresh and spicy marinara sauce. All pastas are homemade, and the bread is perfect. The explosions of flavors will delight your taste buds. End it with a delicious fruit tarte and you’re good to go! A great night out, and a wonderful dinner.
Fluke Wine, Bar & Kitchen…
With a comfortable, laid-back atmosphere, this restaurant offers everything you desire. They use local sources for most of their ingredients so everything is fresh as can be. Their fois gras was whipped and was as fluffy as cotton, the pan-seared fluke was perfectly cooked and so flavorful, their crispy oysters were heavenly, prime ribeye steak was just right, the scallops with broccoli was divine, the braised short ribs were… wow… and the chocolate and banana brioche bread pudding was a great choice for dessert. The wine and house cocktail list is terrific but for non-drinkers, the selections of creative drinks is just as wonderful. Delicious food, great wine, and spectacular sunsets over the bridge. It’s all you need for an incredibly satisfying evening out.
A few more things to see and do that are on our list for next time:
Newport Vinyards. The perfect afternoon attraction for sampling fine wine. (www.newportvineyards.com)
Audrain Automobile Museum. They have over 150 rare vehicles, from prewar hot rods to the latest supercars. (www.audrainautomuseum.org)
International Tennis Hall of Fame. Housing everything from the Williams sisters most controversial costumes to a holographic Roger Federer. (www.tennisfame.com)
10-mile scenic route that hugs the southern tip of the city to Fort Adams State Park. The route includes a 2.5 mile loop with stunning views of Newport Harbor and Narragansett Bay. (www.fortadams.org)
Castle Hill Inn -- hop on an Adirondack chair and relax while watching a beautiful Newport sunset with a nice cocktail in your hand. (www.castlehillinn.com)
Tallulah on Thames. This early-20th-century residence is now an upscale bistro. Texas-born chef Jake Rojas uses ingredients from local farmers and fishermen to create the most wonderful dishes including grilled endive with sunflower chimichurri and coriander-crusted swordfish. (www.tallulahonthames.com)
Revolving Door. This lovely restaurant prepares consistently excellent food and cocktails. (www.revolvingdoorri.com)
Midtown Oyster Bar. This wonderful three-level restaurant with its two outdoor decks serves everything from Octopus Bolognese with Black Tagliatelle to their signature Sherry-Cream Oyster Stew. (www.midtownoyster.com)
Mission. This rustic-hip burger joint sources beef and craft beer from New England. Besides their mouth-watering burgers, you need to try their hand-cut fries and house-made hot dogs. (www.missionpt.com)
Newport Food Tours. If you're a foodie you can't miss this! A husband and wife take you on a two-hour culinary crawl around the Broadway area where you'll eat with local chefs and explore some fabulous wines along the way. (nptfoodtours.com)
Websites for mansion extras: www.blithewold.org; www.newportmansions.org; newporthistorytours.org (walking tours).
Additional Restaurants To Try: White Horse Tavern, Thames Street Kitchen.
Additional Hotel Suggestions: Wyndham Inn On The Harbor (head up to the rooftop sundeck at the end of the day to witness spectacular sunsets); Wyndham Inn on Long Wharf (their amenities make you feel like you're home).