The Ivy Lodge

Newport Romantic Inn 401-849-6865

Five Family-friendly Activities in Newport

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Newport’s array of family-friendly activities make it a great spring break, summer break, or long weekend option for kids of all ages. While planning your vacation, create a fun-filled agenda with a few of our five favorite things for families to do while in town.

Save the Bay Exploration Center and Aquarium

A famioly smiling for a photo

Located at Easton’s Beach Rotunda, this non-profit organization is dedicated to the preservation of Narragansett Bay. Kids will love getting up close and personal with more than 40 local aquatic species. Each month has a special theme that includes games, activities, and exhibits to enjoy, so there’s always something new to explore. Admission is just $8 (free for members and kids under 3). 

Brenton Point State Park

The whole family will love the gorgeous panoramic ocean views at this state park on Ocean Drive, located on the grounds of a former estate. Spend some time outdoors hiking, fishing, or just having a picnic with the sound of the Atlantic in the background. This 89-acre property is also a popular place for kite flying, hosting the annual Newport Kite Festival.

Newport Cliff Walk

Older kids will love this 3.5-mile walk along Rhode Island’s rocky shoreline. Not only is it an incredible adventure, but it offers views of historic architecture, native birds, and wildflowers. Bring a picnic and take the trolley back from Bellevue Avenue. Newport Cliff Walk is a designated U.S. National Recreation Trail. 

The Breakers

Newport is full of historic mansions, which may not seem like the most natural choice for sightseeing with kids. However, The Breakers, one of the most popular of these storied estates, recently introduced a new audio tour designed for children. They’ll love hearing stories about life in the home, narrated by a talking house and a flying dragon. This mansion, once owned by the Vanderbilt family, is a National Historic Landmark. 

Newport & Narragansett Bay Railroad Dinner Train

Kids who love trains will love eating dinner while going for a ride. Along the way, learn about how the railroad helped shape Newport’s heritage. During the summer months, families can even book an ice cream ride!

When planning a family vacation in Newport, consider staying at Ivy Lodge. We offer friendly, homestyle lodging in a beautiful setting. Our bed and breakfast has several beautiful historic rooms with modern amenities, including the Satterlee Suite, which offers spacious accommodations for a family of four. Call 401-849-6865 to learn about available dates or book reservations online for an unforgettable family stay.

Four Tips for an Incredible Beach Wedding

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Plan on Permits

An aisle for a beach wedding

When tying the knot on a public beach, a permit is often required. Check with the city where the beach is located to learn more about the application process, fees, and guidelines about the event. Those with access to a private beach simply need to follow the guidelines established by the property owner, whether it’s a beach club or an individual homeowner.

Choose the Right Dress

Brides will look and feel their best in a sleek silhouette rather than a billowing ball gown for a beach wedding. It could be difficult to walk down a sandy aisle, take photos, and greet guests with a long train. When it comes to fabric, choose something lightweight, such as charmeuse. Lacy gowns tend to pick up sand and other beach debris, which isn’t the statement most brides want to make.

Simplify Style

Because the beach tends to be a bit windy, an updo is the best choice for most long-haired brides. By the same token, fresh flowers or jeweled hair accessories work better than a veil when getting married by the sea.

Keep Guests Comfortable

Make sure guests are aware that they’ll be on the beach during the ceremony so they can dress accordingly. Have baskets of goodies like portable fans, insect repellent, sunscreen, and cool beverages so that no one gets overwhelmed while the vows are happening. It’s also important to consider accessibility for guests who may have mobility issues, as well as the availability of seating options.

Ivy Lodge is the ideal place for wedding guests and newlyweds to stay for a classic beach wedding in Newport, RI. Our property offers the beauty of Victorian architecture along with modern in-room amenities like WiFi, flat-screen cable TVs, climate control, and whirlpool tubs, all in a central downtown location. Call us at (401) 849-6865 or complete our online contact form to inquire about available dates.

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The 31st  Newport Winter Festival will be held Friday, February 12 through Sunday, February 21.  This year’s theme is: “The Marvels of Winter”. You might even see a Super Hero walking around. A great way to defeat the Winter doldrums is to come to Newport for what has been called, “New England’s largest Winter Extravaganza”.  The Festival is ten days of non-stop food, festivities, music and fun with over 150 events for families, children and adults.

Featured events include the 24th Annual Samuel Adams Chili Cook-Off, the 2nd Annual Mac n’ Cheese Smackdown, Changes in Latitude which is a Jimmy Buffett Tribute Band, The Eagles Experience, Ice Sculpting, Beach Polo, and much, much more! For more information, call 401-847-7666 or visit www.NewportWinterFestival.com.

During the course of the Festival is Valentine’s Day on  Thursday, February 14.  So come to Newport, enjoy the festival, and stay with us at The Ivy Lodge (www.ivylodge.com) for a romantic winter get-away… sit by a cozy fire in the heart of the Mansion District!!!  

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Christmas in Newport: What to Expect

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Newport, Rhode Island offers charming and memorable Christmas experiences in such a picturesque town. From visits with Santa to historical tours, there’s something to do throughout the season.

Official Opening of Christmas

A snowy driveway to a luxurious home in Newport

In Newport, the Christmas season officially begins at 5 p.m. on December 1st. On this day, Washington Square is illuminated in festive regalia, and the mayor gives an official proclamation to kick off the season. With music from the Newport Public Schools music program and an Artillery cannon salute, this introduction to Christmas can’t be missed.

Holiday Lantern Walking Tours 

During Christmas, night time is more magical as all of Newport’s streets are illuminated with lights. Departing from the Museum at Brick Market, this Newport Historical Society-sponsored tour offers a firsthand look at the city at night, beginning at 4 p.m. In addition to a marvelous view of the city, this tour is one of Newport’s many educational and historical events. It recounts how early American settlers celebrated the holidays. The walking tours will finish with ample time for guests to have dinner at one of Newport’s many waterfront restaurants.

Caroling on Broadway 

Local Newport musician Christopher Carbone, along with the Thompson Middle School chorus and Off Broadway Neighborhood Association (OBNA), will carol in the Broadway district in this festive performance on December 13th. All are welcome to participate. Caroling begins at the Colony House in Washington Square.

Visit With Santa Claus at the Elms 

Reserve a room at a lovely bed and breakfast in Newport for you and the family, and pay a visit to the Big Man himself. Children are welcome to bring their Christmas lists to The Elms from noon to 3 p.m. on December 16th during Santa’s visit, which also serves as a not-to-be-missed photo opportunity!

Live Nativity Display at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church 

Visit the live nativity at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church for a more traditional Christmas celebration. Guests are invited to dress up and be a part of the living nativity, which also offers crafts, refreshments, photos, and caroling with the angels. Events begin at 4:15 p.m. on December 16th, with performances by the Voices of Unity from Zion and the Community Baptist Church.

When it comes to festive celebrations, it’s hard to beat Newport for an authentic, lively, and community-focused experience. For more information about staying in Newport during the Christmas season, call Ivy Lodge at 401-849-6865 to view our reservation packages online today.

Newport Restaurant Week … Fall 2018

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What is now a national movement, Restaurant Week wherein an area’s finest dining establishments participate in featuring their signature dishes at a very affordable prix fixe price for lunch and for dinner, originated right here in Newport some 12 years ago.  Due to its immense popularity, Newport has gone on to expand the concept to a Spring Restaurant Week as well as one in the autumn season.

This year more than fifty of Newport and Bristol County’s best restaurants will share their abundant culinary talents November 2 thru November 11.  A two course, prix fixe lunch, will be offered at $20; a three course dinner at $35. Additionally, this year a prix fixe premier dinner for $50 is available at some locations.  A complete list of participating restaurants can be found at www.discovernewport.org. Your gastronomic experience will be so impressive that you will want to make plans for Spring Restaurant Week scheduled for April 5-19, 2019, and next year’s Fall Session, November 1–10.