Things to Do in Newport

Sean and I just returned from a week in Newport and were reminded that we should post some info about what to do in Newport for guests visiting from out of town...the weather at that time of year could be just about anything, though we're hoping that we're safely out of "hurricane season" and too early yet for snow. That said, there are plenty of options for sightseeing in any kind of weather.

The Cliff Walk

If you're looking to get some exercise while enjoying some of the finest views Newport has to offer, take a walk or run along the Cliff Walk (www.cliffwalk.com). You'll get spectacular view of the shoreline and ocean on one side, and on the other you should be able to see some of the "summer cottages" used by the rich and famous back in the days before air conditioning. The walk is roughly three miles, but the last mile (maybe even a little more) is only suitable for hikers, not running or leisurely walking around.

(Sean and I on the Cliff Walk last Christmas)

Beaches

Another few great places for a walk (depending on the weather) are Newport and nearby Middletown's three beaches -- First Beach (also called Easton's beach located in Newport), Second Beach (Sachuest Beach) and Third Beach (there maybe an official name for this but I can't recall what it is). The latter two are in the more rural Middletown, but they're only about a 5-10 minute drive from Newport. Third Beach is your best bet for shelling, Second Beach has the best surf, and First Beach has several bars nearby in case anyone gets thirsty. Any hotel should be able to give you directions to these beaches.

(Enjoying a rainy summer day on Second Beach)

Brenton's Point and the Ten Mile Drive

This is Colleen's favorite spot on the Island. Gorgeous blue waves crashing along the rocky coast with a green park on the other side where kite flyers gather (in the summertime, at least). If the weather and tide are amenable you can take a walk out along some of the rocks and explore the tidal pools. It's most likely going to be windy so be sure to bundle up if you go but it is more than worth the trouble. Getting out there requires you to drive the "ten mile drive" on Bellevue Avenue and then onto the Ocean Drive. The houses themselves are enough reason to take this trip which can easily be done in the rain as well. http://www.riparks.com/BRENTON.htm

Fort Adams

At the end of the ten mile drive you just drive a little farther to explore the historic Fort Adams and the Eisenhower House. Check out more information at www.fortadams.org

The Inn at Castle Hill

While the outside bar isn't likely to be open, I would consider a visit to Castle Hill an absolute must for those who are interested in gorgeous views. Located at the end of the ten mile drive it's a wonderful place to relax with a cocktail.

Mansion Tours for a Rainy Day

Several of the "summer cottages" used by the Astors and the Vanderbilts of the world are now available to tour. More information at www.newportmansions.org. It's a great way to spend some time on a rainy day.

Newport Storm Brewery/Newport Vineyards

Located in Middletown, the Newport Storm Brewery is a local brew house started up by several URI grads not too long ago. Tastings of their beers are available at the Brewery and tours are also available. Newport Vineyards, also located in Middletown, produces some great wines and they have tastings available as well. More information available at www.newportstorm.com, and www.newportvineyards.com.

When all else fails on a rainy day in Newport, the one thing folks can always do is head downtown for a little shopping, eating, and drinking. There are so many places to visit downtown that it's hard to name them all...a few that come to mind are the Black Pearl, Brick Alley Pub, Pier 49, Yesterday's Cafe, O'Brien's Pub, and countless more if none of these tickle your fancy. Sean and I got caught in the rain while up there recently but certainly made the most of it.

We hope that you will enjoy Newport as much as we do!

The Donnelleen Drink?

Sean and I are not cocktail drinkers. We love visiting wineries and brewing our own beer. But we think our wedding needs a signature cocktail we can call "The Donnelleen." We'd love to hear from you on your thoughts on what should go into this cocktail! So please make some comments with suggestions!

Colleen Tapping her First Keg

Catching a Moment of Romance

at the Kluge Winery

Sean getting ready to bottle the

Birthday Pale Ale of Summer 2010

The Wedding Party

The Wedding Party

We are blessed to have so many unique and amazing friends between us that it would be impossible to pick a small wedding party among them. So, we decided to go small!

The role of Maid of Honor will be played by Christine Gilbert, who has been the

best sister anyone could ask for and without whom this engagement might never have happened.

The Best Man is Sean's good friend Kevin Myers. (Picture forthcoming!)

And the Officiant at our wedding is Jonathan Netek, a best friend to Colleen whose many contributions to this wedding have made it a beautiful event.

Accommodations

We've got room blocks at two hotels.

The Hotel Viking has rooms available at the rate of $199.00 a night, and a two night stay is required. The hotel has recently been renovated and the rooms are quite nice. It's also located in town and you can walk pretty much everywhere. Plus, it's the site of the wedding so no travel is involved. To reserve a room online, follow the following steps:

1) Go to www.hotelviking.com

2) Click on Reservations

3) Click on Enter Negotiated Rate Code

4) Enter code: 1JP8G9

Or you can just call and give them the negotiated rate code.

We've also reserved a block of rooms at the Comfort Inn at Atlantic Beach at the rate of $89.00 a night. This hotel is right across the street from First Beach and there are some restaurants and pubs within walking distance there, as well. If it's a nice day, you could even walk to the Hotel Viking for the wedding -- it's about a mile and a half though. Otherwise, it's a short cab ride or drive away. To reserve there call the hotel at 401-847-5330 and tell them you're reserving for the Gilbert/Donnelly wedding.

Each hotel is different and has something different to offer -- the Viking is in town and the Comfort Inn is more relaxed and on the beach. If neither of these suits, however, there are many other hotels and B&Bs that I am sure would be grateful for your business at that time of year! And in Newport everything is close by.

the Wedding

The ceremony will be at the Kay Chapel in Newport and will start at 3:45pm. The chapel is a part of the hotel in which we're hosting the reception, where we also have a block of rooms, and it's about a block south of the hotel. A very easy walk even if it's raining out.

The Cocktail Hour will begin at 5:30pm in the Colonnade Room at the Hotel Viking, and the reception will follow at 6:30pm in the Belleview Ballroom.

For those who might be driving to the event, valet parking is available for $8, and there is also a lot that is free and close by. Given the time of year, parking there shouldn't be a problem.

There will be about an hour and a fifteen minutes in between the ceremony and the start of the Cocktail Hour. The hotel is located in downtown Newport and there are plenty of pubs and other places to visit within walking distance, and also the bar in the hotel is very nice. We agreed that we didn't want to see each other before the ceremony, so that time will be when we're taking pictures.

For more information about the Hotel Viking, including the address, visit their website:

www.hotelviking.com

We are registered at Macy's and Williams Sonoma, and our registries can be accessed online through their websites. Just search by our names and they should pop right up!

Welcome! This website -- named Donnelleen as a clever combination of our names -- will provide you with all the information you should need for our wedding on November 12, 2011. We don't have all the details just yet, but we'll update the blog as we go along, so please be sure to check back in from time to time.

After the wedding, we'll hang onto this blog and keep it updated as we get settled as newlyweds, buy a house, and whatever else the future is kind enough to hold for us.

Looking forward to seeing everyone in Newport this November!