Girls' weekend late this winter - maybe Newport?

[Pilsy]

A friend in NYC and I (outside Boston) are planning a night or weekend away to celebrate our 40th birthdays. We'd be happy in either city, the Berkshires or - the latest idea - Newport. I've only ever been there when the weather was great. Is anyone here familiar enough with the area to suggest a place to stay and some activities? We'll be going sometime between February and late April. 

preppy, do you still live near there? Any thoughts?

We've discussed taking it easy and being pampers, so I'm most interested in recs for spas, coffee shops, restaurants, galleries, theaters, etc. 

Thank you!

[vtdiamond]

I’ve done a girls weekend in Newport during the winter, it was great.

We stayed at the Viking but Gurneys would be great as well, both have spas! There are lots of stores to check out or could do a mansion tour. We spent most of the time in the spa. Favorite restaurants are: the mooring, Clark Cooke house and Bowen 51.

[preppy]

Newport is so great in the off season! There is still a ton to do and only a few places really close down for the season. I would ditto Viking or Gurneys. We were at Gurneys today with the kids - there is a skating rink there all winter that is very nice. The spa there and the one at Viking are both great!

Some of my favorite dinner spots are Perro Salado, Stoneacre Brassiere, TSK, Pasta Beach, Clarke Cooke and Fluke (reopens after winter hiatus in late Feb). Mansion tours are year round, the cliff walk can be great if it’s not too windy, Newport Vineyards is year round and really fun. Fun spots for drinks I like are Surf Club, Midtown Oyster, and the bar at Gurneys is always a fun spot.

If you go with April spring restaurant week is April 5-13 and is a great time to visit too.

I always highly recommend people to come in the off season - so much easier to get around and no crazy crowds. I love the off season.

[preppy]

Also check out Jane Pickens Theater. They always play great movies and documentaries and have a great bar!

[Pilsy]

vtdiamond, preppy

Thank you so much for the recs. I'll let my friend know, and I bet we'll book something soon. Can't wait!

[imchuckbass]

Love the Viking and Gurneys! We love going in the winter because it’s so much more quiet. Check out Travelzoo and Groupon. They usually always have some deal for both of those hotels or the spas. Enjoy!! We love Red Parrot for casual dining. Food is great and you can walk right across the street to Midtown Oyster Bar which is a great place for a drink. If you are looking for a breakfast place check out the Hungry Monkey. Not on the main strip but it’s so yummy. Nothing fancy but it’s always delicious!

[Pilsy]

Jan 20, 2019 8:35:04 GMT -5 imchuckbass said:

Love the Viking and Gurneys! We love going in the winter because it’s so much more quiet. Check out Travelzoo and Groupon. They usually always have some deal for both of those hotels or the spas. Enjoy!! We love Red Parrot for casual dining. Food is great and you can walk right across the street to Midtown Oyster Bar which is a great place for a drink. If you are looking for a breakfast place check out the Hungry Monkey. Not on the main strip but it’s so yummy. Nothing fancy but it’s always delicious!

Such a good tip re: Groupon and Travelzoo. Thank you! 

Red Parrot and Hungry Monkey will go on my list, too, for sure. I'm not a terribly adventurous eater, and we'll be on a budget, so these are useful. Thanks again!

[imchuckbass]

Jan 20, 2019 9:16:21 GMT -5 Pilsy said:

Jan 20, 2019 8:35:04 GMT -5 imchuckbass said:

Love the Viking and Gurneys! We love going in the winter because it’s so much more quiet. Check out Travelzoo and Groupon. They usually always have some deal for both of those hotels or the spas. Enjoy!! We love Red Parrot for casual dining. Food is great and you can walk right across the street to Midtown Oyster Bar which is a great place for a drink. If you are looking for a breakfast place check out the Hungry Monkey. Not on the main strip but it’s so yummy. Nothing fancy but it’s always delicious!

Such a good tip re: Groupon and Travelzoo. Thank you! 

Red Parrot and Hungry Monkey will go on my list, too, for sure. I'm not a terribly adventurous eater, and we'll be on a budget, so these are useful. Thanks again!

Definitely on the more reasonable side. Newport can get expensive so we like mixing the cheaper places in. Have a great time! Newport is our happy place!