We're thrilled to celebrate with everyone and are delighted to hear that many of you are extending your trip to Rhode Island into a vacation. To help you make the most of your extended stay, we've compiled a comprehensive list of spots and recommendations. While the list is extensive, for those looking to prioritize, keep an eye out for locations and spots marked with an asterisk (*). These are some of our favorite places, and we highly recommend you visit them first if your time is limited!
* Inn at Castle Hill - Known from "How I Met Your Mother's" final season. We highly recommend grabbing a drink and relaxing on the lawn in their Adirondack chairs for the best view in Rhode Island. * Bowen’s Wharf/Thames Street - Prime spot for shopping, dining, and enjoying Newport Marina's scenic views. Newport Cliff Walk - This 3.5-mile coastal path boasts views of the ocean and Gilded Age mansions. Walk all of it or just a part! * The Breakers - Rhode Island's most famous “Cottage,” once Vanderbilt-owned. Tour it to get a glimpse of the history and interior. Tennis Hall of Fame - If you're into sports history, the Tennis Hall of Fame includes a museum, interactive exhibits, grass tennis courts, an indoor tennis facility. Feel free to walk in and see the grass courts on display, where they still play tournaments. Fort Adams State Park - Known for its impressive fortress and key role in U.S. coastal defense, it's perfect for history buffs and harbor views.
East Greenwich, a charming small town in Rhode Island, offers a delightful Main Street perfect for evening strolls and dining. Don't miss our favorite spots: * Mainstreet Cafe: Unique as a coffee shop by day and a bar by night. Known for its exceptional espresso martinis, it's a fantastic choice for an after-dinner cocktail right on Main Street. * Felicia's: Known for its brewed coffee flavors, it's home to Rachel's favorite iced coffee (iced hazelnut with a little sugar and oat milk)! Blu On The Water: Another excellent waterfront restaurant, offering a lovely dining experience with scenic views.
* Perfect for a short visit, Wickford holds a special place as Rachel and JP's favorite town in Rhode Island. While Main Street offers a few shops and restaurants, the true charm lies in wandering through the neighborhoods, admiring the well-preserved colonial homes dating back to the 1700s.
Narragansett, a top destination in Rhode Island, boasts stunning ocean views and is famous for its 'Gansett Beer. Check out these must-visit spots: * Coast Guard House - Situated next to the iconic Newport Towers, this restaurant offers amazing dining with spectacular views. It's also a great place to try stuffies – a delicious Rhode Island specialty of baked clams stuffed with a flavorful clam and breading mixture. Narragansett Beach - One of the most popular public beaches in Rhode Island. Arrive early for parking, and bring cash for entry. Crazy Burger - As seen on "Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives," this small restaurant serves up delicious burgers. It's often busy, so arrive early, and it’s BYOB.
PumpHouse - Known for its fun live music scene, PumpHouse is great for a night out! Whaler’s Brewery - A popular brewery offering a fun atmosphere and an excellent selection of craft beers. Duck Press - A charming French restaurant, ideal for a nice dinner out. * Brickley’s Ice Cream - The go-to place in Rhode Island for delicious ice cream. Keep an eye out for stores scattered throughout all of RI!
Matunuck and Charlestown are located in South Kingstown, RI about 6 miles apart. Here's our list of favorite spots in this area: * Matunuck Oyster Bar - What started as a humble oyster shack has evolved into one of Rhode Island's best restaurants, known for its fresh seafood straight from their oyster farm. Make reservations well in advance as it is always busy and for good reason. Jim’s Dock - A casual patio restaurant right on the dock that JP grew up going to with his family. Don't miss their clam cakes, and know that it's BYOB. East Beach, Charlestown - A beautiful public beach. Charlestown Town Beach - Another great public beach, perfect for a relaxing day by the sea. * The Ocean Mist - Rachel and JP’s favorite dive bar. Uniquely perched over the ocean, it has a wooden deck with waves rolling beneath it. We highly recommend the 'Coffee with Love'. The Pub - Located next to the Ocean Mist, it's has a great rooftop bar, perfect for enjoying a drink with a view.
* For those extending their stay, consider a day or overnight trip to Block Island. Located just an hour from Rhode Island's coast by ferry (or 30 minutes via high-speed ferry), this island is ideal for a laid-back summer day. Boasting beautiful beaches and a scenic coastline, it is filled with local shops, inns, and restaurants. We highly recommend renting a go-kart to explore the Mohegan Bluffs and iconic landmarks such as the Southeast Lighthouse!
Westerly, RI, is home to Watch Hill and a charming coastal town on the way from Newport to Mystic, CT. Here are some recommendations if you find yourself in this area: Wilcox Park - A stunning arboretum located right in the heart of downtown, offering a peaceful natural escape. Knickerbocker Café - A lively venue known for its nighttime ambiance and live music, perfect for an evening out. Nana’s - Indulge in upscale sourdough donuts, specialty coffee, delicious pizza, and more at this trendy spot. Grey Sail Brewery - Enjoy a relaxing outdoor setting with tasty pizza and a great selection of craft beers. Windjammer - Known for its fantastic sunset views, this bar is an ideal spot to end your day with a refreshing drink.
Watch Hill is a charming town in Westerly, perfect for parking the car and exploring on foot. Here are our top spots: * The Ocean House - A historic Rhode Island hotel with a personal touch from JP's summers working as a valet. Great for a meal or a drink. Taylor Swift’s House - Just down the road from the Ocean House, you can catch a glimpse of Taylor Swift's famous home, 16 Bluff Ave, known for her legendary Fourth of July parties. Olympia Tea Room - A popular restaurant on Watch Hill’s main strip and a favorite of Taylor Swift. Book early, it's always in demand. * Bay Street Deli & Catering - A childhood favorite of JP and the Connolly family. It is also Rachel’s favorite place to get a hot lobster roll and New England clam chowder. * Flying Horses Merry-Go-Round - This is believed to be the oldest continuously operating carousel in the United States, dating back to 1883! A fun ride for kids, especially the outer horses for a shot at the golden ring and a free ride!
Mystic, nestled just across the Connecticut border, may not be in Rhode Island, but it's a gem worth visiting. This quaint town is sprinkled with charming shops and restaurants. While in town, be sure to visit Sift, a bakery owned by Adam, a Connolly family friend and acclaimed food show winner, who's also the mastermind behind our wedding cakes!