I’m so excited to be sharing our mini guide to Newport, Rhode Island tonight! Because we did a lot, I’m going to break it up by day, but once I cover the entire adventure, I’ll be sure to put everything in one place so it’s easy to reference. :)
Some background on the trip: Mitch and I didn’t take a babymoon when we were pregnant with Emma because it was just the two of us at that point, and most of our “together time” was “alone time.” Fast forward to 2019, though, and we can barely speak to each other as we have a toddler who currently talks a mile a minute. (It’s seriously the cutest thing ever and we’re SO happy she’s such a chatterbox, but yesterday we made her raise her hand when she wanted to tell us something because she wouldn’t let us get a word in for over three hours. 😂)
Anyway, Rhode Island originally reached out to us about planning a press trip to the state in early summer, but when we found out we were pregnant with Baby #2, we realized that this likely wouldn’t work out with a May 15th due date. So instead, we pushed the trip up and made it into a March babymoon! Yes, it was cold, but New England is truly charming any time of the year… and it only made us more excited about going back during the warmer months. (Maybe even this August/September once we have our lives under control?!)
Also, a quick note about this particular trip in an effort to be fully transparent:
While some press trips are “paid,” this one was not. Rhode Island did cover the associated costs (transportation, hotels, meals, etc.) but Mitch and I simply thought it sounded like a blast… and that our readers would like it, since Google Analytics tells me that a LOT OF you are from the area! :) The hope is that you’re inspired to visit some of our favorite spots this upcoming summer. We’re very grateful; this experience was made possible by you… so many, many thanks! Another big thanks obviously goes out to Rhode Island for hosting us, and yet another goes out to my in-laws for watching and loving Emma while we were gone. ❤️
But let’s get to our first 24 hours in Newport, Rhode Island!
First night: Dinner at the Clarke Cooke House
In true Larkin fashion, our flight from Chicago was delayed, and we arrived at The Vanderbilt–more on the hotel in my next post!–in the seaside city of Newport on the later side. We put up Instagram Stories requesting help finding a restaurant that was open late, and nearly everyone recommended the Clarke Cooke House, so we headed there!
THANK. YOU.
I would say that this was our most magical experience of the trip. First, we were super excited to be there, and had that awesome “I’m on vacation” feeling. ;) Second, the restaurant itself–dating back to the 18th Century–is unbelievably charming and so warm and inviting. (Just look at the pics! We were seated next to the fireplace.) It’s located right on Bannister’s Wharf, which is a pretty hopping spot in Newport, even in March! (Tons of restaurants and shops.) Third, the food was unbelievable.
Mitch and I shared a bowl of clam chowder, and for my entree, I ordered the “Oven Roasted Deboned Half Chicken.” I was originally going to go for seafood since it was our first night in Newport and the city is known for it, but the chicken came so highly recommended by the server that I couldn’t not order it. And OH. MY. GOD. Guys, I cannot tell you how good this meal was. I’m not even a food person, and I nearly cleaned my plate. The caramelized apples, butternut squash and whipped potatoes were just unreal paired with the chicken. I’ll honestly say it was one of the top five meals of my life!
But I digress. :) Fourth, our server was the nicest guy. I wish I could remember his name because he was awesome. But doesn’t that just have the power to “make” a night? Absolutely amazing service, and we couldn’t have asked for a better first night.
The Coffee Grinder
We woke up the following morning at The Vanderbilt, and walked back to The Wharf to see it in the daylight. So cute! The Coffee Grinder came highly recommended, so we visited that first. :) It’s such a charming little coffee house situated right on the docks, and I love that there are so many adirondack chairs for patrons to sit on and watch the boats go by as they enjoy their coffee. A wonderful little spot, and apparently everyone in Newport knows and loves the owner and her labs!
Shopping on The Warf
We didn’t have a ton of time to spare after that, but we did quickly pop into a few stores on The Wharf. (And came back a few days later to hit up some more.) Sea Bags was our first stop, as I’ve been big fans of the brand for many years. :) Did you know that I actually designed a bag for them?! It’s the Noodle tote, haha, and I somehow drew the dachshund on it. (Not the most artistic. Took me several hours.) If you’re a dachshund lover, you can find the bag here!
We also stopped into Kiel James Patrick because we’d never been before, and love Kiel and Sarah’s brand! WOW. What a stunning store. Mitch and I couldn’t help but take a ton of photos because we seriously want to use the store as inspiration for decorating our own home! Everything is done to the nines, and it’s stunning. If you don’t live close to Newport, though, you can still shop the collection here! On my wishlist is this anchor sweater and this pearl bracelet.
Outfit Details:
J.Crew Eyelet Blouse (Runs big! Size down. Use code “POPUP to take 40 percent off today. Also love this one and this one. Use code “EXTRAEXTRA” to take 20 percent off.) / Everlane Modern Loafer (Also VERY interested in trying the new Day Loafer, as I hear it’s super comfy!) / Newer J.Crew Factory Pearl Necklace (Again, big sale today! Most of the site is 50 percent off, and you can take an extra 20 percent off with code “EXTRAEXTRA.”) / Old Navy Rockstar Jeans (I’m wearing the maternity version. Here are all the Rockstar jeans; so soft and stretchy but don’t bag out!) / Chanel Double Flap Medium Bag c/o (Looking for a less expensive option? Try this bag, this bag or this bag.) / Burberry Scarf / J.Crew Cocoon Coat (Factory’s version, however, is in stock and way more affordable. And also on sale!)
Lunch at Castle Hill Inn
After that, we headed to the Castle Inn for lunch, which was BEAUTIFUL and so good. I had the grilled cheese–cranberry bread, cheddar, shaved pears and bacon–with clam chowder (#couldntstopwouldntstop), and it was one of the best sandwiches I’ve ever had. I’m actually so glad I’m recounting this because I forgot that I want to learn how to replicate it! But yeah: I think this was the moment that I realized our trip was really going to be a culinary tour, which was fabulous considering how pregnant I was, haha.
After lunch, we wandered around the property–out onto the lawn, which is apparently the best spot to have a glass of wine in the summer–and down a path to the Castle Hill Inn lighthouse. And that was the moment that Mitch said, “I think we should consider moving to Rhode Island.” 😂
Outfit Details:
J.Crew Eyelet Blouse (Runs big! Size down. Use code “POPUP to take 40 percent off today. Also love this one and this one. Use code “EXTRAEXTRA” to take 20 percent off.) / Chanel Lookalike Pumps by Cole Haan (DSW has them on MAJOR sale. You can also find them for a deal at 6pm.com, Amazon, and ColeHaan.com.) / Newer J.Crew Factory Pearl Necklace (Again, big sale today! Most of the site is 50 percent off, and you can take an extra 20 percent off with code “EXTRAEXTRA.”).
Old Navy Rockstar Jeans (I’m wearing the maternity version. Here are all the Rockstar jeans; so soft and stretchy but don’t bag out!) / Chanel Double Flap Medium Bag c/o (Looking for a less expensive option? Try this bag, this bag or this bag.) / Burberry Scarf / J.Crew Cocoon Coat (Factory’s version, however, is in stock and way more affordable. And also on sale!)
Mansion Tour: The Breakers
Newport is extremely well known for its mansions, built mostly during the 19th and early 20th centuries by the nation’s elite upper class. And today, you can tour many of them through the Newport Preservation Society, and it’s SUCH an amazing experience. The first mansion we visited was The Breakers, the summer home of Cornelius Vanderbilt II. (Anderson Cooper’s great grandfather!) The 70-room “summer cottage” was truly breathtaking; my favorite room was that of Vanderbilt’s daughter, Gertrude, who only yearned to be loved for who she was, not for the family she came from. (It’s the pink floral wallpapered one!)
Also, props to my pregnant self for making it through the entire tour. I only had to sit down twice! #killinit
J.Crew Eyelet Blouse (Runs big! Size down. Use code “POPUP to take 40 percent off today. Also love this one and this one. Use code “EXTRAEXTRA” to take 20 percent off.) / Chanel Lookalike Pumps by Cole Haan (DSW has them on MAJOR sale. You can also find them for a deal at 6pm.com, Amazon, and ColeHaan.com.) / Newer J.Crew Factory Pearl Necklace (Again, big sale today! Most of the site is 50 percent off, and you can take an extra 20 percent off with code “EXTRAEXTRA.”) / Old Navy Rockstar Jeans (I’m wearing the maternity version. Here are all the Rockstar jeans; so soft and stretchy but don’t bag out!) / Chanel Double Flap Medium Bag c/o (Looking for a less expensive option? Try this bag, this bag or this bag.) / Burberry Scarf
Hot Chocolate at The Chanler
Next, we visited The Chanler at Cliff Walk, a gorgeous seaside hotel in Newport. We went for late afternoon hot chocolates, which The Chanler is known for, and had such a lovely time exploring the grounds, too. I mean, can you get over how beautiful everything is?!
(Click on the website, too, to see the hotel in all its glory. SO STUNNING.)
As its name suggests, The Chanler is right on the Cliff Walk, which Newport is famous for. Stroll down this path, which runs alongside the ocean, and see some of the city’s most beautiful houses. The hotel is also next to Easton Beach, which is a fantastic place to take the family. One thing that’s definitely on my bucket list is going back to Newport in the summer and eating outside at The Café on the terrace, which is open seasonally.
J.Crew Dreamy Pajamas (They’re all 40 percent off today with code “POPUP.”) / Find my cell phone case in my Amazon shop!
Lobster rolls at Benjamin’s and bed
After The Chanler, we headed back to our hotel, where I promptly fell asleep. ;) When I woke up, though, it was kind of late once again, and most establishments were closing. But we stumbled upon Benjamin’s–a low-key restaurant and bar in town–where we got lobster rolls! I forgot to take a pic but they were good. ;) Afterwards, we walked back to the Vanderbilt and fell right into bed!
Stay tuned for Day II. 😜
