The Russells
Things To Do
Second Beach
We know it will be March and the weather may be freezing, however Second Beach is a wonderful place to take a walk and get some fresh air!
Bowens Wharf
Bowen's Wharf is basically the epicenter of Downtown Newport. Take a drive or have an Uber drop you off here and be within walking distance of all of the shops and restaurants our cute city offers!
Broadway
Broadway is a hip & funky local's spot in Downtown Newport. This street is out of tourists' way and is home to some of the best bars and restaurants in town!
Ocean Avenue
**Otherwise known as Ocean Drive** Matt and Hannah love to get coffees and take a slow drive around Ocean Drive as much as they can! Its about a 15-20 minute drive that hugs the coastline and rolls through the residential mansions Newport has to offer. End up on Bellevue Avenue, where the historical mansions are.
Bellevue Avenue
This is the street that all of Newport's historical mansions are! If you love history and/or have the time the weekend of our wedding, make a reservation to take a tour of one of the mansions! The Breakers is the largest and most popular mansion to tour. The Elms, Rosecliff, and The Marble House (with the Chinese Tea House) are some other favorites that you won't be disappointed seeing.
Cliff Walk
It may be cold around this time, but Cliff Walk is a Newport highlight if you can brave the weather. Once you get going you will hopefully warm up! This 3-ish mile walk borders the backyards of the historical mansions and looks over First (Easton's) Beach and the ocean from high cliffs. It is not a difficult trail, however sneakers or good walking shoes are recommended because some parts get rocky.
Benjamin's
This seafood restaurant is known to the locals! It's also where Matt works as a bartender! Enjoy a warm or cold lobster roll, lobster bisque or chowder, chicken parm, prime rib, raw bar, and so much more. Seriously, their menu is huge and so are the portions! BONUS** Anyone staying until Tuesday can indulge in Benjamin's Raw Bar Tuesdays - $1.25 oysters and other great raw bar deals all day and night! Kitchen closes at 11pm, bar is open until 1am.
Johnny's Restaurant at the Wyndham Newport Hotel
If you booked a room at our wedding venue, you won't even have to go outside for this restaurant! They serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner and the bar is open until 1am. Room service for the hotel guests comes from this restaurant!
Brick Alley Pub & Restaurant
A Newport Staple!! "The Brick" provides incredible food and drinks at a reasonable price, all in a crazy, memorabilia-filled atmosphere. The salad bar is a MUST and can be ordered alone (all you can eat) or alongside another option from the menu. Look for the license plate by the bar that says "MBRED" in honor of the Bride and Groom's late friend and Newport Firefighter, Maribeth Redman, who passed away in July 2023. Even though she won't physically be at The Russell Wedding, she will be there in spirit. We love you, MB!!
Perro Salado
This unique Mexican restaurant is one of the Bride and Groom's favorite restaurants in town. It is tucked away on a tiny side street in Newport and sometimes hard to find, so this is why we put it on this list! This old colonial house turned restaurant is a perfect cozy winter spot to dine while you're here over the weekend. ** Spicy Cucumber Margaritas are the couples favorite here! Available in pitchers & so good, they're dangerous.
22 Bowen's Wine Bar & Grille
If you want an incredible steak, massive portions, and aren't watching your budget, eat here!! This was the workplace of the Bride and Groom for 5 years after moving to Rhode Island from California.
Greenvale Vineyards
Greenvale Vineyards is the Bride and Groom's favorite vineyard on the island. They have a cozy tasting room for you to enjoy incredible varieties of wine, all grown and processed here on Aquidneck Island! Sometimes there are food trucks on property, however packing a snack is recommended.
Newport Vineyards
One of two vineyards on Aquidneck Island. Newport Vineyards definitely caters more to the touristy-vibe. They not only serve wine but also beer from Taproot, their onsite brewery. They have a restaurant that serves appetizers, sandwiches, and cheese plates. Shop around in their gift shop for souvenirs!
Skydive Newport
Skydiving or helicopter tour anyone?? A fun and unique way to see our beautiful island. Matt and Hannah took Matt's mom on a helicopter tour the first time she visited Newport and it was incredible!! If you have a fear of heights, they go away pretty shortly after you realize the view you're getting. **Weather permitted!
Audrain Auto Museum
If you like mint cars, old and new, this is the place you want to visit! Located right on Bellevue Avenue, it is a fun stop to take in between shopping and grabbing a bite to eat.
Newport Indoor Golf
For the golf lovers that hate the winter weather! This is one of Matt's favorite places to go in the winter to kill some time. Rent a bay for a few hours and BYOB.