Status Update: Go to Newport, Rhode Island

I have never been to Cape Cod.

Every summer my Facebook feed alerts me of friends and family going to “the Cape.”  That sounds great, and I admit that Cod is a destination I have yet to discover in New England, but I have a conflict.  I grew up vacationing in the Ocean State.  Here is some good advice:  no matter your age, but especially if you are in your twenties, Newport should be on your short list of vacation destinations.  

Rent a cottage, preferably from craigslist.

You don’t have to look for one on the water, just close enough to Thames Street. You can drive to the beach (you can’t always drive home from a bar).  Depending on your location, you can be within walking distance of the cliff walk and the main strip filled with restaurants, bars, and ugh … shopping.  Newport has so many views and places to feast, and quench your thirst, that one week is just a tease.

Salivate here:

Scales and Shells.  This places rocked my face off.  Swordfish Kebabs were the night’s special, and I could not resist.  Katie savored her scallop linguini straight from the pan.  Advertised as Newport’s only “only seafood” restaurant, the menu of fresh catch is displayed neat and proud on a chalkboard.  Pricey, but fair.  Memorable and perfect with a bottle of white.

Night life ends early by New York standards, but you won’t be disappointed with the variety.  The main street and wharfs go something like this: bar, bar, bar, raw bar, raw bar, bar, bar, bar, raw bar.  A bit of an exaggeration, but you get the point.

Newport has a reputation of being a bit pricey, but it can be done on the cheap. Sometimes, I search for advice on the chowhound website.  This was a great find- two lobster rolls and fries for $10.99 at First Beach’s snack bar. No joke, it was meaty and delicious.  If you are looking for the best beach, go straight to Second Beach. Clear waters, good waves, and better sea shells.

Walk this way:  for a different landscape, you need to take a stroll along the cliff walk, poke your face through a neatly trimmed bush and drop your jaw at the site of Newport’s royalty.

There is too much more to promote, you get my point though.  Awesome place, lots to do, something different from Cape Cod for a change.  Maybe some day I will wake up to praises on the FB feed about the Ocean State, or maybe I won’t.  Either way I will be happy.  Now wash that down with a Del’s.