Welcome to Newport, Rhode Island, where the summers are one long sunset-drenched cocktail party and the winters are best spent cozied up by a roaring fire, preferably with a Hot Toddy and an open bar tab. While this pretty New England coastal town steeped in history is deserving of a visit any time of year, I happened to come during its climatic sweet spot. Neither the on or off season, it’s a blink-and-it’s-gone period of bright, sunny days punctuated by cool, crisp nights.
Surfing, sailing, and stunning dusk skies keep the best parts of summer alive, while wood-burning stoves and pumpkins on doorsteps imbue it with the first feelings of fall. The term “sweater weather” was probably invented here, or more accurately, “sweater-draped-over-the-shoulders weather.” In fact, preppy Newport style harkens back to the days of JFK and Jackie Kennedy, who vacationed and were married here. Think stripes, khakis, crisp denim, scarves, windswept hair, and lots of camel-colored layers. It’s casual sophistication, with an emphasis on sophistication. Lucky for me, my fiancée Chauncey was born and raised here, so I was given an insider’s tour of the best local-approved spots to visit year-round.
SEE
Norman Bird Sanctuary
A 325-acre bird sanctuary overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. With trails that stay open year-round, opt to hike to the top of Hanging Rock, which offers panoramic views
Ocean Drive
Drive it, bike it, or jog it, this 10-mile route runs along the ocean and is peppered with some of the most jaw-dropping waterfront properties on the East Coast.
