Thames Street, Newport

The very nerve center of the City by the Sea's bustling downtown area, Thames Street is lined on either side with a myriad of shops, restaurants, and bars, making it a worthwhile place to stop between morning mansion viewings and sunset sails.

SHOP

This picturesque, charming setting is made for window shopping with enough choices to fill your entire day.  While enjoying the beautiful views stop in and visit places like the Pink Pineapple, Lemon, and Line, or the Salty Babe for the latest in East Coast fashions and accessories (often of the nautical variety) or visit the country shop Frazzleberriess or gifts for you or your home. Stop by Virgin and Aged with its gourmet oils and vinegars, it will surely catch your taste buds. Thames Street is also home to many art galleries such as Thames Glass, Cory Silken Photography Gallery,  Blink Gallery, and Coastal Contemporary Gallery (closed Monday) where you can take home a gorgeous, memorable piece of Newport. For more ways to shop like a local, check out ShopLocalRhodeIsland.com. 

EAT

As for dining, you're welcome to go casual with quick comfort bites at O'Brien's Pub or the Red Parrot, mid-range with raw bar selections from Midtown Oyster Bar, or a bit more sophisticated with a meal at the Bouchard Inn and Restaurant.

DO

A stroll down the area's cobblestone paths will also give way to Instagram-able shots of historic homes and unparalleled views of the Newport bridge over Narragansett Bay. As for things to do in the area, you really can't beat a visit to the famous Newport Mansions. The Breakers is the grandest and most famous, but all are beautiful and each has its own fascinating stories to tell. Check out the Newport Art Museum or explore Fort Adams for more art and history. Then get out on the water with a schooner or Rum Runner cruise around Newport Harbor (April-November). Don't miss out on the chance to enjoy the City by the Sea from the water!

STAY

Whether your tastes go toward luxury resorts, cozy B&Bs, or historic inns, you'll find the perfect place to stay in Newport. Care to live in a real Newport Mansion for a bit? Then check into the Chanler at Cliff Walk for Gilded Age elegance and modern amenities. For water views, luxury on its own island, try Newport Harbor Island Resort.  For something completely different, head to jail... the Jailhouse Inn, that is. You can stay in Newport's historic former jail and police station and enjoy comfort and amenities probably not available to the building's original "guests."