Labor Day marks the official end of summer for many Americans and the long weekend in the beginning September was a welcome opportunity for a little getaway under the late summer sun. In a country where vacation days are rare, we learned to treat holidays like gold!
Equipped with a rental car and lots of wanderlust, we headed north from NYC to the US’ smallest state: Rhode Island. While you can technically drive through the state in an hour, Rhode Island (which isn’t an actual island) boasts with beauty, history and that irresistible New England charm. Despite its size, there is over 640 km (400 miles) of beautiful coastline to explore, which gives the state its nickname “The Ocean State”. And it’s true, during those three days we got our fair share of beaches, seafood and a glimpse of coastal lifestyle.
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1. Newport
Newport is a pretty seaside town with a great surprise: We had lunch at America’s oldest restaurant that is still in operation! The White Horse Tavern is a truly historic jewel that serves classic and creative American and New England Cuisine, has amazing staff and lovely interior. I was pleased to see that despite its title, the place has stayed humble and didn’t feel like a tourist trap at all. So whenever you’re in the area – it’s a must-visit!
Energized from the food, we were ready to take on Newport’s second highlight: The Cliff Walk. Newport has attracted lots of rich families (including the Astor’s and Vanderbilt’s) to build their lavish summer “cottages” along some of the prettiest stretch of coast. During the 5.5 km (3.5 miles) path (we only did a part of it) you’re invited to admire the mansions (some of them offer tours inside) on one side and priceless ocean views on the other.
Back in “downtown” Newport you’ll find everything visitors look for: Art galleries, local craft chops, cafés and restaurants and a Marina round up the picture of a classy seaside resort.
Furthermore, it’s a great place to sample some local delicacies like fried belly clams and Del’s frozen lemonade – a really refreshing Rhode Island classic!
2. Narragansett
This quiet seaside community which gave the whole bay its name, is home to gorgeous beaches and a ferry port for departures to nearby Block Island…
3. Block Island
20 km or 13 miles off the coast lies this little, dreamy island I was looking forward to visiting the most: The architecture, the green hills, lighthouses and ocean cliffs – it’s New England in a nutshell! While it was quite busy on the boat, the ride was very relaxing and as soon as we stepped on the island, all we found was idyll and peace. Renting bicycles was the perfect way to get around the island (and a little workout at the same time), while taking in the views of the adorable houses until we finally reached our first stop, the Southeastern lighthouse…
It was time for a break! Quite unexpectedly we found the best meal of our trip at this food truck, the Southeast Light Delights! Their lobster/scallop roll was gigantic and mouthwatering alike and we’re still raving about it today…
And then there was this great view of the Mohegan Bluffs, probably Block Island’s most spectacular place! After we climbed down the iconic, instagram-worthy staircase we enjoyed the waves crushing at some of the best beaches I’ve seen in the Northeast ❤️
Blue skies and lots of sunshine accompanied us through the day – we couldn’t ask for a better summer final!
Sun-kissed and loaded with memories we returned to the mainland, saying Goodbye to our short time in the Ocean State.
Useful information:
Newport and Narragansett are about a 290 km (180 miles) drive away from New York City or 115 km (72 miles) from Boston. Block Island can be reached year-round by a traditional ferry or high speed boats (sailing time is 55 minutes or 30 minutes, respectively) from Point Judith in Narragansett. Same-day and overnight options are available. You can check the schedule and buy tickets here. Block Island has a few hotels, most in the upscale range, that get booked fast during high season from June to September. We stayed in Narragansett which had more budget friendly options and served as an excellent hub for exploring the coastal areas of Rhode Island. You can book Narragansett hotels here.
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Further readings:
From Billings to Vancouver – Postcards from the road
11 Comments
Great place to spend the final summer days. I haven’t found my fav clams yet! The one’s that I tried in Maine were too breaded. How was yours??
For me they were perfectly juicy and crispy!
Oh man how I miss lobster rolls… looks delicious! Welcome to the proud American tradition of the Labor Day Weekend holiday 😀
It’s definitely a thing! The lobster roll AND labor day 😉
ich möchte diese orte auch alle bereisen! was für wunderschöne strände, küsten und überhaupt, plätze! einer meiner sehnsuchtsorte ist montauk, da will ich unbedingt eines tages hin.
Ich finde diesen Ostküstencharme auch ganz toll 😀
<3 oh ja!
beautiful photos! and the lobster roll is making me hungry 😛
Tiffany
http://www.mstiffanyyang.com
Thank you Tiffany! And yes, I’m still raving about that lobster roll 😛
Thanks so much for this review Julia. I have always widered what Newport RI was like. Looks fabulous.
It’s a beautiful place you’d certainly enjoy as well!