Wedding Guess Dress Idea
SHOP: Green Halter Pleated Dress here
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12 Very Best Things To Do in Portland, Maine
With its beautiful lighthouses, award-winning lobster rolls, rich historic district, world-class dining scene, and striking scenery, I am adding Portland to the list of cities that are a must-see in the Northeast of the United States!
Whether you are looking to take a vacation with friends, family, or by yourself to Portland, here is a list of fun things to do when you visit Portland!
For those of you familiar with Maine, Portland is located 30 miles north of Kennebunkport, another coastal town in Maine that I recommend you visit.
Very Best Things To Do in Portland, Maine
1. Visit Portland Breakwater Lighthouse (Bug Light Park)
Bug Light Park is one of my favorite spots in Portland!
Originally constructed in 1855, the new 26 ft lighthouse resembles a 4th century Greek monument that was inspired by the Choragic Monument of Lysicrates in Athens. The light was restored in 1989 and was reactivated in 2002.
The surrounding park is the perfect place for a waterside walk, and if you visit during sunset you might catch one of the prettiest pink sunsets you’ll ever see.
This gem was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1973 and memorializes the shipbuilding efforts of World War II.
Here’s a popular bicycle tour that takes you to the lighthouses:
This park offers free parking. We stopped here the night we arrived in Portland. I captured these photos at 8:02 PM on July 30th!
How to get there: Bug Light, S Portland Greenbelt Pathway, South Portland, ME 04106
2. Climb the Portland Observatory
If you’d like to admire Portland from above, then the Portland Observatory is for you!
The 86-foot high observatory is a historic maritime signal tower that was built in 1807 at the direction of sea captain-turned-entrepreneur Captain Lemuel Moody (1768-1846). It is the only known surviving tower of its type in the United States.
At the time, ships entering the harbor could not be seen from the docks of Portland until they rounded the point of land at Spring Point Ledge and were almost in the harbor. Moody identified incoming vessels with his powerful telescope at the top of the tower.
The Observatory remained a working marine signal tower run by the Moody family until 1923 when the invention of the two-way radio made it obsolete.
I highly recommend the guided tour! My husband was pleasantly surprised – he loved learning the history of the builder, the physical structure of the tower, and the impact it had on Portland’s harbor. We also thought the views from the top were fantastic!
The tour lasts 45 minutes, you will climb 103 steps, and once you reach the top you will enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view of Portland. The breeze blowing through the open windows made the climb comfortable. The tour stopped on each level for the interesting exhibits, and to allow everyone to sit or move upstairs at a reasonable pace. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for kids ages 6-17.
How to get there: Portland Observatory, 138 Congress St, Portland, ME 04101
SHOP: Cleobella Eyelet Dress
3. Tour the Historic Victoria Mansion
Victoria Mansion was built between 1858 and 1860 as a summer home for two people, Ruggles Sylvester Morse and his wife Olive. When Morse died in 1893, his wife sold the house with most of its furnishings to J.R. Libby, a prominent dry goods merchant. The Libbys occupied the mansion until 1929.
The house has been open to the public as a museum since 1941 and was named a National Historic Landmark in 1971.
Don’t miss this gem! The mansion is one of the finest examples of the Italian Villa style in the United States. It is strategically located near the city’s earliest gas and sewer lines, and the house had hot and cold running water.
I loved stepping back in time, and being able to see 90% of the original interiors of the house! The original wall paintings by the Italian-born artist Giuseppe Guidicini, a master of the trompe l’oeil (“fool the eye”) style, make the surfaces in the house appear to be three-dimensional and will make you look twice! The mansion’s parlor and reception suite are breathtaking.
The guided tour lasts 45 minutes. Tickets are $16 for adults and $5 for kids ages 6-17.
VIDEO: See the video I made after touring Victoria Mansion here.
How to get there: Victoria Mansion, 109 Danforth St, Portland, ME 04101
Shop: Cleobella Dress
4. See the Portland Head Light
The Portland Head Lighthouse is Maine’s oldest lighthouse and the most photographed lighthouse in the United States!
Construction began in 1787 at the directive of George Washington and was completed in 1791.
How to get there: Portland Head Light, 12 Captain Strout Cir, Cape Elizabeth, ME 04107
This is another popular bicycle tour, that includes a complimentary lobster roll at an award-winning food truck:
5. Walk around the Arts District & Downtown Portland
The Arts District is a section of downtown Portland designated in 1995 to promote the cultural community of the city. It covers a large part of Upper Congress Street towards the West End.
Right behind that green clock on Monument Square, you will find Hifi Donuts, a neighborhood spot in a vintage setting where we grabbed artisanal donuts & lattes one early morning.
In these areas, you will find many coffee shops, bars, restaurants, art galleries, a theater company, and museums. Maine College of Art (MECA) and the Portland Museum of Art are located here as well.
6. Bike around Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse
A caisson-style lighthouse located in South Portland that was first lit in 1897 to help watercraft safely navigate Casco Bay!
We enjoyed walking around the trails that surround this lighthouse during sunset. We saw lots of people letting their dogs play in the water.
The views were picturesque and magnificent all around.
How to get there: Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse, 2 Fort Rd, South Portland, ME 04106
7. Try Honey Wine at Maine Mead Works
Maine Mead Works is a winery that specializes in honey wine. The winery’s brand HoneyMaker is offered in a variety of year-round and seasonal styles and is all hand-crafted in Maine using 100% wildflower honey.
We visited the tasting room at Maine Mead Works and enjoyed a flight of four different meads: lavender lemonade, cranberry, blackberry lavender mint, and dry. These flavors were so good.
How to get there: Maine Mead Works, 51 Washington Ave, Portland, ME 04101
8. Enjoy Dinner at Scales on the Maine Wharf
Scales is a traditional New England restaurant that offers lobster, seafood, and a raw bar in an elegant setting on the Maine Wharf, on Portland’ Maine’s Historic Waterfront.
We loved our appetizers and dishes: anadama bread, green salad, Maine clam chowder, warm buttered lobster roll, and grilled Maine bluefin tuna.
We also ordered a mint chip frappe to-go! Be sure to make your reservation weeks in advance!
How to get there: Scales Restaurant, 68 Commercial St, Portland, ME 04101
9. Try the Mini Donuts at Eighty 8 Donuts
Eighty 8 Donuts was highly recommended to us by locals we met during our first night in Portland. When you visit Portland, trying these donuts is a must!
We ordered a box of ‘Specialty Bites’ and the taste was divine. The flavors included: Bamm Bamm (fruity pebbles topped donut), Homer (strawberry glaze with rainbow sprinkles), 007 (maple icing with bourbon cream and candied bacon), Cookies & Cream (cookie on a donut), Boston Cream (chocolate icing with Bavarian cream) and Lemon Zinger (lemon glaze with a raspberry center).
This flavorful walking tour takes you to donut shops in Portland’s Old Port:
Eighty 8 Donuts also has a location at the base lodge of Sugarloaf Mountain in Carrabassett Valley and a donut truck that is based in Portland, Maine.
How to get there: Eighty 8 Donuts, 225 Federal St, Portland, ME 04101
10. Grab a Lobster Roll at The Highroller Lobster Co.
Portland has some of the best lobster you will ever find, and plenty of places offering delicious lobster rolls.
We decided to check out The Highroller Lobster Co., a neighborhood diner that serves a full menu of lobstery options. My husband does not eat shellfish, so after I finished my lobster roll we walked 140 feet to Crispy Gai where he ordered fried chicken.
Luke’s Lobster is one of the favorites among tourists. You can find this spot directly on the working waterfront, off the Portland Pier, in the heart of the Old Port.
How to get there: Highroller Lobster Co., 104 Exchange St, Portland, ME 04101
11. ViA VECCHiA
Via VECCHiA is a trendy restaurant located in the heart of the Old Port in a historic brick and ivy-covered building overlooking cobblestone streets.
How could I not order the Florentina Spritz?!
Be sure to make a reservation in advance because this restaurant fills up quickly! My only regret is not coming here twice!
12. Have Brunch at Bayside American Cafe
This well-known breakfast spot has been a local landmark since 1990. Their famous brunch menu features breakfast, lunch and specialty brunch items such as Maine lobster eggs benedict, homemade corned beef hash, as well as pancakes and French toasts served with 100% local Maine maple syrup.
Because we visited in July, the patio and deck were open for dining. Brunch is served from 7 AM – 2 PM, Wednesday – Monday.
How to get there: Bayside American Cafe, 98 Portland St, Portland, ME 04101
What surprised me the most about Portland was the fantastic food! We are already looking forward to visiting Portland again in the near future.
I hope today’s post helps you plan a trip to this must-see destination in Maine!
Keep reading to see more fun things that you can add to your Portland itinerary!
MAP OF PORTLAND MAINE
In the map below I marked the location of the best things to do in Portland ME:
How many days do I need in Portland, Maine?
2-3 days in Portland, Maine is the perfect amount of time to discover the city’s history and enjoy some of the best craft brews and bites you’ll ever have.
What is the best time of year to visit Portland, Maine?
The best time to visit Portland is June – September.
More Things To Do in Portland
Here are popular activities to add to your itinerary:
- Lighthouse Cruise in Portland
- Portland Museum of Art
- Visit Peaks Island
- Eastern Promenade Trail (2.1 miles long)
- Allagash Brewing Company
- Austin Street Brewery
BEST PLACES TO STAY
We needed a pet-friendly hotel and stayed at Westin Portland Harborview where our dogs stayed for free. We liked the location of this hotel, it was in the heart of Downtown Portland.
Here are more great options, click on any hotel below to see the rates:
- The Press Hotel, Autograph Collection
- Portland Harbor Hotel
- Canopy By Hilton Portland Waterfront
- Blind Tiger Guest House
- The Chadwick Bed & Breakfast
- AC Hotel by Marriott Portland Downtown
- The Francis
RELATED ARTICLE:
Bring Your Pets on Vacation to these Amazing Hotels
MORE CITIES YOU WILL ENJOY
- MAINE: Epic Lighthouses in Portland, Maine
- RHODE ISLAND: Things to Do in Newport
- FLORIDA: St. Augustine: 2-Day Itinerary
- VERMONT: 2 Days in Woodstock & Where To Stay
- GEORGIA: 5 Hours in Savannah
3 Epic Lighthouses in Portland, Maine
The Best Lighthouses in Portland, Maine
We just returned from Portland, the largest city in the State of Maine, set on a peninsula that extends into Casco Bay.
Portland has everything you’d expect from a seaside New England town: charm, an incredibly delicious culinary scene, a scenic coastline, the freshest lobster you’ll ever eat, lots of breweries, landmarks, and of course, lighthouses.
Seeing lighthouses is definitely one of the best things to do in Portland, so if you are planning to visit this city in Maine, add at least one of these lighthouses to your list.
Here’s the popular bicycle guided tour that shows you the lighthouses:
Or take this scenic cruise through Casco Bay to see the lighthouses.
How many lighthouses are in Portland Maine?
Portland has six lighthouses located within 20 minutes of the city.
Here are three lighthouses that I loved:
1. SPRING POINT LEDGE LIGHTHOUSE
Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse is the only caisson-style light station in the United States that visitors can walk to.
This lighthouse was constructed in 1897 by the government after seven steamship companies stated that many of their vessels ran aground on Spring Point Ledge.
The light resembles a giant spark plug, sitting at the end of a granite breakwater in South Portland. We took these photos during sunset and it was incredibly lovely.
Be sure to allocate an hour to explore the surrounding area! We saw lots of people playing frisbee with their dogs in the water, riding bicycles, and walking along the trails.
2. PORTLAND HEAD LIGHT
Portland Head Light is a quintessential coastal landmark, Maine’s most famous lighthouse, and the most photographed lighthouse in the United States.
George Washington commissioned this lighthouse which has been in operation since 1791, making it the oldest lighthouse in Maine. You can find it along the shores of Fort Williams Park, in Cape Elizabeth.
Fort Williams Park is open from sunrise to sunset, and with over 90 acres of recreational space, you will find plenty of areas to explore.
If you are interested in climbing the Portland Head Light, you can do so on Maine Open Lighthouse Day. This is a popular annual event that attracts 18,000 visitors and offers the public the opportunity to climb over two dozen historic Maine lights.
The Portland Head Light will only have 280 tickets available on a first-come first-serve basis. All lighthouses will be open from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm.
3. PORTLAND BREAKWATER LIGHTHOUSE (BUG LIGHT)
Bug Light is perhaps my favorite lighthouse!
We drove to see Bug Light the night that we arrived in Portland, right before we checked into our hotel. As I approached the lighthouse, the sky turned into a beautiful shade of pink and purple, and my jaw dropped – it was absolutely breathtaking!
There is a park adjacent to the lighthouse (we walked our pups here), and you will get to see great views of Portland Harbor. There is also a free parking lot nearby.
We returned to see this lighthouse on our last day in Portland, for a final walk around the park, before heading back to New York City.
Have you visited Portland in Maine?! I’d love to know what you enjoyed the most. Feel free to message me on IG @anaflorentyna with any questions. Talk soon! Xx
Tours recommended for Portland:
More Things To Do in Portland Maine
We had such a great time in Portland, here are more activities for your visit:
- Old Port Culinary Walking Tour from Portland
- Austin Street Brewery
- Allagash Brewing Company
- Portland Donut Tasting Tour
PLACES TO STAY
See the Best Hotels in Portland and check their rates here.
WHAT TO PACK FOR YOUR PORTLAND ME TRIP
These are the five essentials that I always bring with me:
SEE MORE TRAVEL GUIDES
- 20 Amazing Things To Do in Portland, Maine
- Top Things to Do in Newport, Rhode Island
- Where we Stayed in Kennebunkport
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Adrianna Papell Floral Cocktail Dresses
ADRIANNA PAPELL FLORAL COCKTAIL DRESSES
Good morning! New York City just experienced a six-day heat wave, but according to weather meteorologists, it will start cooling down soon! The humidity reminded me of Miami… which I do not miss! How was your weekend?? We enjoyed a fantastic brunch at Cookshop in Chelsea – the marinated watermelon with lime, mint, feta and chile was delicious.
Today I am sharing with you 2 floral cocktail dresses that are so versatile that you will love wearing them multiple times: a floral print off-the-shoulder dress, and a watercolor floral print chiffon dress. I found both at Adrianna Papell, while looking for cute outfits to wear to a birthday party and a baptism that I have coming up. The fit of the dresses is excellent, the prints are super feminine, and the styles are flattering. As a long time fan of the brand, I have to say that the sizing is pretty accurate. I’m wearing size 0 in both styles.
Whenever I wear a floral midi dress, I like to add neutral accessories to create a chic look! Here is the light pink Strathberry handbag that I added to one dress, and the ivory Gucci bucket bag that I wore with the other dress. The goal was for the floral dresses to be the center of attention, so light colored accessories were key.
These floral cocktail dresses are perfect to wear to a wedding, what do you think?
Have a wonderful week!
Talk soon! xx
SHOP: Off The Shoulder Floral Dress
SHOP: Watercolor Floral Dress
And here is a floral maxi dress, also from Adrianna Papell, that I absolutely love!
SHOP: Chiffon Gown in Mint
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SEE MORE ADRIANNA PAPELL COCKTAIL DRESSES
About Adrianna Papell
Adrianna Papell is an American brand that was founded in New York in 1979. The brand is well known for selling beautiful “Mother of the Bride” dresses as well as bridesmaids dresses, wedding guest dresses, and cocktail dresses.
Does Adrianna Papell run small or large?
If you are wondering how Adrianna Papell dresses fit, I own several dresses from the brand, and in my opinion, not only is the sizing pretty accurate, the dresses fit true to size as well. If you are unsure of your size, it is best to order one size up, so that you could make an alteration if needed.
SEE THIS RELATED POST
Queensyard at Hudson Yards
Queensyard at Hudson Yards
Last Sunday we spent an hour on The High Line while we waited for our reservation at Queensyard at Hudson Yard, a restaurant that I had been looking forward to trying.
Queensyard is one of many dining options located at Hudson Yards Shops. Upon entering the restaurant, my jaw dropped when I saw the massive windows, and The Vessel next to our table.
Queensyard Menu
Queensyard offers Modern American cuisine with starters that include truffle Caesar salad, burrata, grilled octopus, foie gras parfait, and venison tartare.
Their main dishes are branzino, pan-seared salmon, lamb, and their popular ‘Queensburger.” Steaks and pasta are also offered, as well as various side dishes. I must add that their panna cotta was delicious!
And here are two photos that I took during a recent dinner at Queensyard.
If you are looking for more things to do in New York City, see my list here!
To try more restaurants or bars with amazing views, see The Fulton here, the Mandarin Oriental here, or the Panorama Room here!
Things To Do Nearby
Here are two popular food tours in the area to add to your itinerary!
Red, White and Blue Summer Outfit Ideas
Outfit Details:
TOP | HANDBAG | SUNGLASSES
With 4th of July around the corner, I’ve been looking for red, white and blue summer outfit ideas!
Although these colors are extra popular this time of year, these colors are beautiful all year round. Red has always been my number one favorite color, so back when I lived in Miami Beach and enjoyed summer twelve months of the year, I wore red all year round.
Here is a selection of the cutest pieces that I’ve found online! The Kate Spade wicker bag is similar to this one that I already own and love for summer. This beautiful color-blocked wrap-front swimsuit is currently on sale!, and is also available in navy, pink and orange.
I purchased these braided heels last summer in ivory, and I think I need them tan or caramel! They are so comfortable, and the perfect shoes to pair with dresses and skirts. You can see them here with a white stripe. These woven slide sandals are now on sale, so hurry because sizes are flying!
How stunning is this red dress with a ruffle-sleeve detail?! If you like red dresses, here is a poplin tiered mini dress for less than $100, and this popular Ellie Nap Dress for $150.
Red, White and Blue Summer Outfit Ideas:
- Kate Spade, Gracie Wicker Top-Handle Bag
- Celine, Mini Triomphe 55MM Square Sunglasses
- AQUA, Blue Eyelet Sleeveless Dress
- Tommy Bahama, Wrap Front One Piece Swimsuit
- Maygel Coronel, Ola Ruffle-Sleeve Dress
- Dolce Vita, Paily Ivory Heels
- Vince Camuto, Woven Slide Sandal
- Burberry, Canvas Tote
SHOP THE POST
I hope you have a wonderful week, and an even better holiday weekend. Have fun!
Related posts to enjoy:
Look of The Day: Floral Maxi Dress with Sleeves
Outfit Details: Dress | Bag | Shoes
LOOK OF THE DAY: FLORAL MAXI DRESS WITH SLEEVES
Hey loves! Why are floral dresses so irresistible? I think that every woman should have at least one floral dress in their closet. The beauty of floral dresses is that they come in a variety of colors, prints, lengths, and silhouettes. The minute I saw this floral maxi dress with long sleeves, I immediately fell in love with it!
One of my favorite things about wrap dresses is how comfortably they fit – the wrap-front closure easily adjusts to the size of your waist (while also accentuating it). I styled my dress with neutral accessories for the floral pattern to stand out.
This floral maxi dress fits true to size. Blossom-covered dresses are definitely year-round wedding guest material. What do you think?!
See two stunning high-end floral wrap dresses, click here and also here.
New York City & Central Park:
- Iconic Central Park Locations for Photography
- See the Sunrise at the Empire State Building!
- Best Places To See Cherry Blossoms in New York
Things To Do in Central Park:
- Central Park Pedicab Guided Tour
- Bike Rental in Central Park
- Secret Places of Central Park
- Central Park Walking Tour
What I Love for Summer | Latest Finds
Hello and Happy Monday!! We’ve been in the middle of planning our trip up north, so I placed a couple of orders for Summer pieces that I am loving right now like this basket bag and these wedge espadrilles! Below is a selection of chic items that can be worn all season long.
SHOP DRESSES:
SHOP CLOTHING:
SHOP SHOES:
SHOP ACCESSORIES:
SHOP THE POST:
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Top Things to See in Newport, Rhode Island
Top Things to Do in Newport, Rhode Island
If you want to see one of the prettiest cities in New England, you need to book a trip to Newport. We just returned from visiting Newport for the fourth time and I’m excited to share a list of the top things to do during your visit to The Classic Coast.
Is Newport worth visiting?
Yes, definitely. Newport is a beautiful coastal city that is worth visiting any time of year. Set on Aquidneck Island in the New England state of Rhode Island, Newport is rich in history, with plenty of lovely parks, great restaurants, and boutiques.
What is Newport known for?
This seaside city in Rhode Island is known for its Gilded Age mansions, spectacular sailing, all-around nautical vibes, miles of beaches, and magnificent sights. If you are into sailing, you likely know that Newport has hosted the American’s Cup, a renowned annual sailing regatta, for many years.
If you are looking for a vacation destination with beautiful beaches, restaurants, and that is family-friendly, then Newport is for you! Here is a selection of the best spots in the city that will surely take your breath away. At the bottom of the post, you will find a list of hotels & restaurants to enjoy during your stay in Newport.
Cliff Walk & The Forty Steps
Cliff Walk has been an icon for centuries. It runs 3.5 miles and about two-thirds of the walk is in easy walking condition. This enjoyable walk offers panoramic ocean views and the perfect amount of sea breeze. A total must-see!
The Forty Steps is a landmark dating back to the 1830s that is located right by Cliff Walk (at the east end of Narragansett Ave).
How to get there: The walk starts at the western end of Easton’s Beach at Memorial Blvd. and runs south with exits at Narragansett Ave., Webster St., Sheppard Ave., Ruggles Ave., Marine Ave., Ledge Rd., and ends at Bellevue Ave.
Castle Hill Lighthouse
The Castle Hill Lighthouse was built in 1898 and it is located on Narragansett Bay in Newport, at the end of the historic Ocean Drive.
The lighthouse is not open but the grounds are adjacent to the Castle Hill Inn and are open to the public. It is worth noting that the lighthouse is still an active navigation aid for vessels entering the East Passage between Conanicut Island and Aquidneck Island!
We explored the area around sunset, and it was incredibly peaceful. The lighthouse was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1988.
Outfit: Cable Knit Sweater | High Rise Jeans | Kate Spade Bag | Margaux Ballerinas
How to get to Castle Hill Lighthouse
The easiest way to arrive at the lighthouse is by parking your car at the Castle Hill Cove Marina and walking across the street. Follow the sidewalk to the left until you see a small white sign that says “Castle Hill Lighthouse” on your right. Walk through the trees, luckily it is a short path to the lighthouse! Bring your camera!
Newport Harbor
Newport Harbor is the area across Bowen’s Wharf, between Goat Island Marina and Fort Adams State Park. During this trip to Newport, we stayed at a hotel located right on the harbor, and we really enjoyed our walks there with our pups.
Bannister’s Wharf & Bowen’s Wharf
Bannister’s Wharf is a historic spot located between the Old Port and Bowen’s Wharf. Cobblestone paths, local boutiques, galleries, and award-winning restaurants are some of the things you will find in this charming area of Downtown Newport.
Newport Mansions
Newport was the summertime playground of America’s wealthiest families during the Gilded Age. The Newport Mansions is a collection of a dozen historic house museums ranging from the 18th century to the Gilded Age. And, your visit to Newport would not be complete unless you experience the opulence of one of the mansions.
Book: Newport Gilded Age Mansions Trolley Tour with The Breakers Admission.
Ocean Drive
Ocean Drive is a 10-mile coastal drive and a total must-see during sunrise! We drove our way around this winding path and enjoyed the scenic coastline by car, but many do it by bicycle. Either way, you will absolutely love it.
Book: 90-Minute Sunset Cruise through Newport Harbor and Narragansett Bay.
King Park
King Park is a gem along the water that I love visiting each time I am in Newport! Street parking is free and available so it is easy to park your car, walk around, take pictures of Pell Bridge, and enjoy the view!
If you are traveling with children (or pups!), this is a great spot for exploring and relaxing by the water! You will also find a beautiful gazebo, the statue of Rochambeau, and other memorials at this peaceful park.
Where is Rochambeau’s statue located?
This statue of Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, Comte de Rochambeau, is located in King Park along the waterfront at the south end of Newport.
Rochambeau led the French forces against the British at the decisive Battle of Yorktown.
How to get there: Arrive via America’s Cup and Thames Street.
Where to Stay in Newport
During this visit, we reserved a water-view king room at The Brenton Hotel on Newport Harbor, and it was the best decision. We had previously stayed here, so we were familiar with the hotel. The room was spacious, had an ultra-comfortable bed, and a wonderful view of the marina across the street.
Walking anywhere from the hotel was easy because it is located just steps from Newport’s downtown area. The Brenton Hotel has a modern nautical elegance, and all of its 57 rooms face views of the harbor and historic Newport. We loved the hotel’s rooftop and enjoyed dining at the hotel’s restaurant, The Living Room (hands down the best cocktails!).
Here’s the list of beautiful Newport hotels that I am familiar with and recommend. Click on any below to see their availability, and check rates:
- The Brenton Hotel
- The Vanderbilt, Auberge Resorts Collection
- Castle Hill Inn
- The Chanler at Cliff Walk
- Gurney’s Resort & Marina
- Hotel Viking
See my review of The Vanderbilt Auberge Resort, here.
Where to Eat in Newport
There are many great restaurants in Newport! Here are the ones that we enjoyed this time:
White Horse Tavern – A cozy and upscale restaurant in a historic setting dating to 1673! This is America’s oldest tavern, the oldest operating restaurant in the U.S., and a National Historic Landmark. We highly recommend it, this is the kind of restaurant I like to find when I visit a new city, and it was excellent.
Drift Cafe – This is my favorite breakfast spot for Açaí bowls, smoothies, and lattes! You will find it tucked in Downtown Newport, next door to some of the cutest local boutiques (they are totally worth checking out!).
The Living Room – This restaurant is located inside The Brenton Hotel and offers tons of seasonally inspired “small plate” dishes designed to share. I loved the clam chowder, grilled octopus, and warm farro salad. My husband loved his truffle fries, pork belly steam buns, and grilled lamb lollipop!
Diego’s – This casual restaurant offers Mexican food with a twist, plus delicious margaritas! I love that they have a gluten-free menu. This spot is located in Bowen’s Wharf and it is a great option if you are looking for a low-key casual lunch or dinner.
22 Bowen’s Wine Bar & Grille – This classy nautical-themed dining room offers steak and seafood with waterfront views. I am including this restaurant because so many of you recommended it to us, and we always leave Newport without trying it!
These are popular food tours in Newport to add to your itinerary!
Map of Newport RI
Tours recommended for your Newport visit:
MORE INFO FOR YOUR VISIT TO NEWPORT
How far is Newport from New York City?
The drive from NYC to Newport is 175 miles (282 km) via I-95 N. The drive usually takes 3.5 hours with normal driving conditions.
How far is Newport from Boston?
The drive from Boston to Newport is 71 miles (114 km) via MA-24. The drive takes 1.5 hours. Newport’s location makes it a perfect day trip or weekend destination.
Which airport is best for Newport?
T.F. Green Airport (PVD) is the nearest major airport to Newport. This airport is located in Warwick, Rhode Island, and is 28 miles (45 km) from Downtown Newport.
Head to my Instagram and TikTok to see video recaps of our visit.
Have you visited Newport before?!
FOR YOUR TRIP:
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The 21 Best Wicker and Basket Bags for Summer
The weather in New York City has been incredibly enjoyable – breezy afternoons are my favorite! And, as the temperatures rise, I tend to gravitate towards lighter bags made of wicker or straw that pair nicely with my airy dresses. Today I’m sharing a selection of wicker and basket bags to elevate your Summer style. It is undeniable that these bags have me daydreaming of a vacation by the water…
Which of these bags below would you wear?!
- Mehry Mu Mini Luna Leather & Rattan Box Bag in baby blue
- Valentino Small Wicker Basket Bag in natural
- Kate Spade Gracie Wicker Top Handle Bag in white
- Cult Gaia Mini Coco Woven Rattan Tote in natural
- Bembien Valeria Rattan and Leather Tote in black
- Amazon Pearl Straw Mini Bag
- Loewe Square Raffia Basket Bag in natural
- Aqua Jelita Small Basket Bag in natural
- Loewe Paula’s Ibiza Anagram Basket Bag in natural tan
SHOP MORE SMALL BAGS:
SHOP MORE LARGE BAGS:
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Look of The Day | Newport, Rhode Island
Newport, Rhode Island
Hello from Newport! We drove from New York to Rhode Island yesterday and will be up here for the next six days. After checking in, we went up to the hotel’s rooftop to enjoy the best view of Newport Harbor from above.
I am so happy to be here, and I am looking forward to visiting our favorite spots in the city, as well as a few others that have been on my list for a while!
Tuckernuck Striped Sweater
This nautical-inspired striped sweater that I got from Tuckernuck is definitely a splurge, but it is probably one of the best sweaters that I own. Here is another lovely option. It has a classic design with a modern twist – a split hem and tortoise buttons on the side. The fabric is 100% cotton and the quality is excellent.
This sweater is available in navy as well, and I like to pair it with white jeans, and then I complete the look with these timeless neutral sandals from Margaux.
I will be sharing my stay at The Brenton Hotel via my IG stories, so come along if you’d love to see Newport with me 🙂
RELATED ARTICLE:
SHOP FOR NEWPORT:
EXPLORE MORE
- Top Things to See in Newport RI
- 3 Epic Lighthouses in Portland ME
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A Floral Midi Dress that I wore to my Sister’s UM Graduation
Look of The Day: Floral Midi Dress
Hey loves! I flew to Miami last night to attend my youngest sister’s medical school graduation this morning. After the ceremony, we continued over to a celebration organized by the University of Miami’s Medical School.
In the afternoon, we enjoyed a late lunch at Mandolin Aegean Bistro in the Design District. The last time that I ate at this Greek restaurant was in 2010! My other sister is due to have a baby boy on the 14th – I hope to meet him before my flight back to New York!!!
To my sister’s graduation, I wore this vibrant Ephemera Midi Dress from Tuckernuck. I really like the ruffle neckline, and that it is 100% linen. I paired it with these blush earrings.
The fit of the dress is amazing, this is a wonderful dress that is perfect for a Summer wedding. The earrings come in many pretty colors, and you will love how light they are. I finished the look with fuchsia heels that complement the whole ensemble.
To see a mini version of the same dress, click here.
SHOP THE LOOK:
