Ok don’t judge me here, but I think I’m one of the few New Yorkers who doesn’t prefer to spend every summer weekend in the Hamptons. For me, summer is the prime time to go exploring, enjoy the weather and try new things. It’s also the best time to travel to some of the east coast’s finest destinations outside of NY state… such as Newport, Rhode Island.
Prior to this past weekend, I had been to Newport a few times when I was younger. Of course, when I was 8-12 years old, my priorities weren’t dining, drinking and living it up like my inner queen (which I hadn’t discovered yet). Now, however, those are my priorities. And after much research, I figured the best place for me to do that was Gurney’s Resort & Marina. I had been to the Gurney’s in Montauk and had such a blast, so when I heard they were expanding to one of America’s most charming historical towns (which also happens to be a bumpin’ beach town), I was like sign me up.
Their Newport resort is actually located on Goat Island, a small island in Narragansett Bay, which is a 10 minute shuttle ride from the downtown area. Even though an island may seem like a trek, the resort offers complimentary shuttles and water taxis to the Bowen’s wharf every half hour, which I found to be extremely convenient. The resort is also so close to downtown the it is the perfect mix of seclusion and inclusion.
The first day we arrived and of course hit up the hotel lobby lunch spot for some bites.
Then, we had dinner. This wasn’t just dinner. This was delectable meal at the hotel’s fine Italian restaurant, Scarpetta. This iconic restaurant delivers signature Italian classics (cue all your wildest pasta dreams coming true) as well as seasonal dishes and fresh, locally sourced seafood. They also have a great wine list, which I definitely took advantage of during my time there.
Fortunately, I wasn’t wheeled out of dinner in a passionate food coma. Instead, I decided it was in my best interested to go Newport barhopping which, wow, let me tell you….Newport folk really like to drink. If you’re looking to go out there, check out The Black Pearl, The Clarke Cooke House, The Landing and Midtown Oyster Bar. They also have a late night pizza place… no idea how I managed to fit that in, but who am I kidding….
Next thing I know it’s Saturday morning and as I like to say, it’s time to wake up and cabana. Oh by the way, I haven’t been on this trip alone, my boyfriend was there with me. Just had to throw that out there so you all don’t think I’m some weirdo getting drunk and bar hopping/cabana lounging alone. Even though I do have a strong envy of those who are confident doing those activities solo. Anyway, that being said, my boyfriend and I spent all of Saturday enjoying our own cabana by the pool along with food and drinks from the Pineapple Club, their poolside eatery.
We basically tried everything on the menu and they fit it onto this plate: crudité and hummus with farmers market vegetables, pita and blue cheese dressing; fish tacos with local fluke, avocado, pico de gallo and shaved radish; popcorn shrimp tacos with lettuce, avocado and spicy aioli; jerk chicken skewers with jicama salad; tequila glazed shrimp skewers with blistered shishito peppers and roasted corn salsa; and the lobster roll, all with a side of fries.
As if that wasn’t a mouthful….
Safe to say I spent the rest of the day napping in the cabana.
And the rest of my vacation was spent enjoying more of Newport and what Gurney’s has to offer (like fire pits and seats on the water where you can watch the sunset). What a great weekend getaway and much needed vacation. If you visit Newport, I highly recommend staying at Gurney’s for a truly one of a kind experience. You really get the best of everything the town has to offer and your own little island retreat.