Hi as many of you know I was on a mini vacation last week, it was a “girlfriends” trip and what fun we had. No offense to husbands out there, but when girlfriends get together it is just so easy, effortless, anything goes, no schedule of sorts…you get the picture!? It was 3 days of just fun fun fun and getting to enjoy the most spectacular weather was a huge bonus:)

Spring in Newport is fabulous, but truthfully it is in all the seasons. I took a lot of pictures (as always) and am offering very little narration as most speak for themselves. We stayed in the majestic and so very elegant The Chanler at Cliff Walk? and I truly cannot recommend it highly enough.

It is Newport’s answer to The Planters Inn in Charleston, The Carlisle in NY, you get the picture. Sandy of You May Be Wandering , the travel agent I cannot recommend highly enough, took care of all of our arrangements and seriously from start to finish..it was perfect. If you have a Newport trip or any other for that matter in your future, I definitely recommend using Sandy! The rooms were dreamy,? service was a “10” and location a winner, just doesn’t get better!

Here are a few things I suggest doing whether or not you have been 10 times or this is your first time-

 

EATS-

White Horse Tavern, had the most divine meal, I would give it the highest rating. Housed in one of Amercia’s oldest taverns, this is a special place to wine and dine and a must do when in Newport.

Black Pearl- a popular place downtown which offers inside and outdoor seating.

The Mooring- A lively very large place on the wharf, good seafood, great for lunch and dinner

For breakfast, our hotel’s restaurant was superb. We loved every bit and the setting overlooking the sea could not have been lovelier.

Clark Cook House- Another iconic restaurant that has been there for a long time. there are several different spots within this establishment, from more formal dining all the way to a candy shop:)

 

STAY-

The Chanler at Cliff Walk is the quintessential idea of elegant Newport living. Built in a historic mansion, this majestic property boasts 20 different guest rooms, each uniquely and beautifully decorated. It is ideal for couples, adults, a girlfriends trip, and older kids in my opinion.

It is very stately and elegant, not the kind of place you would see young children running through the hallways in. The location is fabulous and it being right on Cliff Walk makes this a walkers dream! Every little amenity has been carefully thought out, from all kinds of snacks/drinks you are not charged for to great Molton Brown products, to a TV in the bathroom to an excellent turndown service:)

I would probably not recommend it for a family with young kids. For a young family I would suggest Castle Hill, which is also very elegant, has more activities and amenities suited for families with younger kids and also offers wonderful family beach cottages by the sea, it is further out (a little more isolated).

TO DO–

Of course, the mansions are a huge draw, The Breakers, Elms, Marble House and Rosecliff are in my opinion the most spectacular and though I have seen them several times, every time I go, I see them with a new set of eyes.? I suggest 2 mansions a day…otherwise it’s too much beauty for one day:)

Driving or walking down Bellevue Ave is like waltzing down the corridors of time to a more genteel era and I highly recommend it. A walk (it is nearly 4 miles long and an easy walk) on Cliff Walk is a must do….it is beyond spectacular and a wonderful way to see the seaside “cottages”, it was actually one of my favorite parts of our trip, coffee in hand, outrageous views,? good friends….doesn’t get better!

The Green Animals Topiary Garden in Portsmouth was on our list but unfortunately it was closed until late May Just gives us a reason to go back!

If you know someone, have a drink over at the NY Yacht Club or Baileys Beach, both iconic Newport stops which have surprisingly good food and incredible vistas of the ocean.

Of course a little retail therapy is a must…..some fun shops were, Franklin and Co (Newport Lamp and Shade Co)., there were some cute shops on Spring St, Newport Armory? and then there is a whole host of touristy- type shops like the Newport Collection Store, etc….

 

And here are my pictures (sit down there’s a lot of them)!

Gorgeous The Chanler and the rooms/public areas…..

This was one room’s charming courtyard….

Nearly all have fabulous views

My friends room-

And my room with the most beautiful terrace and view…..

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A few pictures from around the hotel….

And then we move onto the glorious mansions (I could not help myself from “sneaking” some pictures) hey, after all it investigative research

The grand Marble House and yes it is built of solid marble, just “beyond”…..

But it was this kitchen that completely blew me away…..just ‘wow”!

B

This sink could double as a bathtub for Mr. Teddy-

The Elms is majestic, no two ways about it….I swear felt like I lived there in a former life, it was like I remembered giving parties there, sleeping in that bedroom, etc…..(if my husband and boys are reading this, surely they are giving this statement the mighty eye roll)! The grounds were just “beyond” and this pagoda tea house had me dreaming…

Solid marble everywhere, this level of workmanship simply no longer exists!

Now this is a backyard!

Can you believe this was once the stables at The Elms? Yes you can say it, I was a little obsessed wit this “cottage”

The imposing gates that belong to The Breakers….you know you have “arrived” when you enter these imposing gates

Almost hard to imagine that the Breakers was once referred to as a “cottage” and was used only 6-8 weeks during an entire year!

Then I saw this and yes, I would have been hanging with the staff as you would not have been able to get me out of this kitchen:)

And beautiful Rosecliff (my brother in law got married here and let me tell you the weddings are fabulous)!

If you are still with me, some assorted pictures from “around town”

And join us on our walk along Cliff Walk and take in the spectacular scenery along the way……

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How amazing is this small sun room/gazebo built at the very end of one persons property overlooking the Atlantic! (I was thinking I could do my blogging from there:)

 

Finally on our last day there I picked up this book, Living Newport as a keepsake of my trip and might I say it is FABULOUS. I had no idea it would be this beautiful….filled with the most spectacular pictures, it illustrates the Newport lifestyle so beautifully through all four seasons.

In addition to drooling over the pictures, I have also read almost half of it so far and am totally fascinated (includes so many interesting modern day tidbits including the family who took over and restored the iconic Hammersmith Farm amongst so much more). A truly beautiful coffee table book that shows how residents today are still living in a bygone era…quite fascinating! Click here for info.

 

Well, if you are still with me, you are a truly devoted reader:) I know this was a looong post to get through, but for me putting it together it was like getting to relive that fun trip all over again.Thank you as always for stopping by.

Two reminders-

If you didn’t’ enter the drawing for the fabulous floral giveaway from The French Bee, click here (drawing ends on Saturday)

Speaking of florals….tomorrow is the last day to take advantage of the wonderful new promotion, click here for details

Until next time…..