Boating is a blast! Enjoying a gorgeous day on the water is a wonderful way to relax, have fun, and create memories with friends and family. However, it’s important to consider boat safety to help keep accidents and injuries from ruining an excursion. Here are four simple tips to consider before leaving shore.

Watch the Weather

First and foremost, make sure that the day’s weather is conducive to boating. Bad weather can not only put a damper on a good time, but it can also be dangerous. Boaters should check the forecast for storms and high winds and avoid the water if such conditions are expected. Similarly, if threatening clouds or temperature drops occur after leaving shore, it’s best to head back in.

Have a Safety Plan in Place

Basic safety practices go a long way. Making sure that each boat passenger wears a properly fitted lifejacket is a great first step. Designate a responsible, experienced person to drive the boat, and have someone else ready to step in if the driver becomes incapacitated for any reason. Boaters should use a checklist to make sure all necessary supplies are on board, and inform someone—a friend, the marina, the bed and breakfast where they’re lodging—that they’ll be on the water, along with passenger names, contact information, boat make and model, and expected trip length.

Use Common Sense

It’s easy to become distracted on the water, but using common sense is key to accident prevention. Boaters should always be aware of signage and boat traffic, including no-wake zones, anticipated turns, and avoidance of (or extreme caution in) congested areas. While it may seem like the perfect opportunity to crack open a cold beer, keep in mind that boating under the influence is a hazardous offense that is punishable by law. Save the booze for the land.

Have the Boat Checked

The United States Coast Guard offers boat safety checks free of charge, in which they ensure that the vessel is in good working condition and contains all of the safety equipment required by state and federal governments. If the boat is a rental, ask the owner of the marina when the last safety inspection was performed.

Newport’s stunning harbor and rich history as an Atlantic boating destination make it the perfect choice for those who enjoy time on the water. If you’re planning a trip to the area, Ivy Lodge offers cozy, Victorian-inspired lodging nestled near downtown Newport. Contact us today at 401-849-6865 to make a reservation!

A romantic getaway is the perfect reason for a trip to Newport, RI. Whether couples are celebrating 20 years of marriage or planning to pop the question, visitors are sure to find attractions and accommodations that suit their romantic plans perfectly. Here are three ways to plan a romantic vacation in Newport.

Stay at a Romantic Bed and Breakfast 

This historic coastal town is known for its charming bed and breakfasts. Nestled throughout Newport, B&Bs like Ivy Lodge feature cozy, private rooms that offer the comfort of home and the amenities of a hotel—and then some. Nix the continental breakfast buffet and wake up to a freshly cooked meal before setting off to enjoy a day in the harbor. Come back to a beautiful, refreshed room. Repeat.

Visit a Vineyard

Tour the vineyards and sample wine at one (or more!) of Bristol County’s three wineries: Newport Vineyards, Carolyn’s Sakonnet Vineyards, and Greenvale Vineyards. Each offers its own specialty wines, made with locally grown grapes, that provide a distinct East Coast flavor. Find a favorite, grab a bottle, and take it back to the B&B to enjoy together after dinner. For those who prefer beer, Newport has breweries, too. Taproot Brewing Co. is located at the same location as Newport Vineyards, and Newport Craft Brewing & Distilling Company and Ragged Island Brewing Company are both nearby.

Experience the Cliff Walk

A popular Newport attraction, and with good reason, the Cliff Walk is the perfect way to experience both nature and history. As an escape from the stressful routines and hassles of everyday life, it’s a great opportunity to live in the moment and leave cares behind for a truly relaxing experience. Couples enjoy walking along the 3.5-mile path that borders the rocky shoreline, taking in the views of gorgeous sunrises and sunsets, Gilded Age mansions, and crashing waves. If an engagement is on the agenda, the Cliff Walk is the perfect spot for a proposal.

Whether you’ve got your eye on Newport for your upcoming anniversary or just a weekend away, we’d love for you to stay with us at Ivy Lodge . Our quaint inn offers modern conveniences within a Victorian-inspired atmosphere that’s perfect for celebrating with your partner. We even offer a romantic getaway package . Contact us online or give us a call at 401-849-6865 for available dates.