Newport Rhode Island is known as the sailing capital of the world but it is also home to gorgeous mansions, fun restaurants, and beautiful beaches -- making it a perfect family getaway destination. Today we talk with Helena Bee from That Newport Show to get her inside tips on what to do, where to stay and where to eat in and around Newport, Rhode Island.
ON THE PODCAST
:034 Tamara talks about her road trip through New York's Adirondacks and Finger Lakes
10:30 About Helena Bee from That Newport Show
15:00 Best time to visit Newport
19:30 Best beaches in Rhode Island
21:35 Top attractions in Newport
30:02 Off-the-beaten path around Newport
32:32 Where to stay in Newport
35:35 Favorite restaurants
37:51 Where to take a family photo
38:45 Helena's favorite travel gear
41:47 Tip of the week: take the Providence-Newport ferry
44:09 Taking a break next week but stay tuned for Priceline tips!
ABOUT HELENA AND BUCK FROM THAT NEWPORT SHOW
Buck and Helena from
That Newport Show are a couple of old punks who survived what they call "the toddler years" (plus a few extra). As they slowly regain their sanity, they are once again venturing out into the world to get their party on. They may be a bit slower these days, but they are also a lot wiser. And honestly, a lot more fun.
Buck Harris
Buck's new to the Rhody game, but not even close to new when it comes to having a good time. He's charming, smart, and handsome. If you've got a party going on, Buck's the guy who will make it fun. But don't let his good looks and charm fool you. He is wicked smaaht, too. When he isn't tooling around Newport with his honey, Buck has a serious job as Vice President for an economic development group that finances and supports small businesses in Rhode Island. Buck has two beautiful, horse-addicted daughters of his own. With the benefit of hindsight and a little encouragement from Helena, he is completely redefining what it means to be a grown-up. (Hint: It's way more fun than it used to be.)
Helena Bee
Born and raised just north of NYC, Helena is a fireball of Italian pride mixed with a good dose of Yankee practicality. Now a full-time Rhode Island resident, Helena's adventures have mostly been on horseback. Yeah, she's one of those people. In fact, she co-founded the #1 equestrian network in the world, the Horse Radio Network. As a veteran podcaster, she also hosts HRN's super popular Stable Scoop Radio Show. When not behind the mic recording shows, Helena tends to her two horses, a 13-year-old whipper snapper of a kid, and everything that farm life demands.
NEWPORT TIPS & FAVORITES
- Newport makes a great long weekend getaway if you are in driving or train distance
- If coming from further away, plan to stay a week
- Summer is the main tourist season in Newport, but it is also beautiful in May, June and September
- In the winter you can see the mansions decorated for Christmas and enjoy skating at the Newport Skating Center
- Best beaches:
- First Beach has plenty of amenities for families
- Second Beach in Middletown
- Goosewing Beach in Little Compton -- secret beach run by a nature conservancy
- Top things to do:
- Sailing charter on the Narragansett Bay
- Sweet Berry Farm
- Newport Vineyards
- Newport Polo
- Newport Mansions -- The Breakers has a great family tour
- Tennis Hall of Fame
- Off-the-beaten path:
- Jamestown, RI -- Beavertail State Park
- Bristol, RI - 4th of July Parade
- Where to stay in Newport with kids:
- Newport Marriott -- nautical themed, kid-friendly, great location on the water
- Hotel Viking -- historic hotel right in the downtown area with a great spa
- Atlantic Beach Hotel -- right across from Second Beach with suites
- Where to eat in Newport:
- Clarke Cooke House
- The Red Parrot
- The Black Pearl
- Midtown Oyster Bar
BEST PLACE TO TAKE FAMILY PHOTO
Helena recommends taking a photo on the Cliff Walk, where you can see the Mansions and the Atlantic Ocean. Tamara also recommends the lawn at Castle Hill Inn.
FAVORITE TRAVEL GEAR
Helena always bring a pair of flip flops in Newport, in case you have to walk a bit in high heels on the cobblestones. She also like clogs from Swedish Hasbeens. Also, when coming to Newport always bring a sweater or light jacket, a hat and sunglasses because the weather changes and it can get really breezy.
TIP OF THE WEEK
If you take the train from New York or Boston to Providence, you can now take a ferry from Providence to Newport -- making it is a car-less vacation and avoiding all the traffic.
MENTIONED ON THE PODCAST
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