The Cliffside Inn

Worth getting out of bed for

Get prepared for some prime-real-estate envy. A handsome example of Victorian architecture itself, the Cliffside Inn sits in Newport’s Historic District among covetable – and often colorful – antique houses. Once you’ve gazed upon their clapboard and red-brick façades (and delved into the past at the Newport Historical Society), turn your green eyes to the Bellevue neighborhood where you’ll find Gilded Age summer ‘cottages’ (read, big ol’ mansions) of America’s ‘robber barons’, big-deal families and industrialists. This includes the Breakers, the Vanderbilts’ not-so-humble home; dripping-in-gold Marble House (another Vanderbilt res’) and Rosecliff, modelled on Versailles by Nevada heiress Theresa Fair Oelrichs. See them as part of the Cliff Walk, a three-and-a-half-mile coastal path with spectacular scenery, which also crosses Salve Regina University’s campus. On completion, you’ll understand just how huge a role the water plays in daily life here: sailing is nigh on a religion in these parts, with the America’s Cup each year (and with the help of 12 Meter Yacht Charters, you can spend time on a racing yacht). Classic Cruises’ history tour is on the Rum Runner II (which smuggled alcohol during Prohibition) – with cocktails, of course – passing Fort Adam; Captain Rob and First Mate Leah entertain families with Fish ‘n’ Tales on the Northeastern boat; and the Newport International Boat Show docks in town in September. And there are belle beaches for landlubbers: Easton and Second Beach at Sachuest (by the Norman Bird Sanctuary) are within easy walking distance. Those who prefer horsepower to helms can see sweet vintage rides at the Audrain Auto Museum or cruise the 61-mile Rhode Island coastal scenic drive. And the Newport Art Museum and International Tennis Hall of Fame catch you up on the culture. And, try to plot your trip around Newport’s events diary, with the Folk Festival in July, Jazz Festival in August and Bowen's Wharf Annual Seafood Festival in October.

Local restaurants

The Atlantic Ocean is basically a big blue seafood à la carte – but first, burgers. Newport has a beefy rep for them, with Mission Burger and Pour Judgement’s towering offerings (the latter’s Littleneck clams are worth your time too). And there’s a fine line in Mexican eats as well, with the likes of lobster quesadillas at Perro Salado and pork belly or poke tacos at Diego’s. OK, now let’s dive into that seafood at 22 Bowen’s, whose menu is awash with tasty catches, or Midtown Oyster Bar, where you’ll find crab cocktail, a swordfish reuben and chowder alongside molluscs. Or spend a more special night at historic White Horse Tavern or French-leaning, caviar- and truffle-offering Chanterelle.

Local cafés

Fruitful farms and waters give Rhode Island its culinary clout. Get a taste for the region on a Rhode Island Red Food Tour, working your way from clambakes to johnnycakes. While Cru Café has a community feel and delicious eats from daybreak to dinner (south-west scramble, meat-packed ‘Italian stallion’ sandwiches, crab cakes, chicken and biscuits…). For dessert, ironically, the sane choice is Mad Hatter Bakery, for its mocha brownies, key-lime cupcakes, pumpkin whoopie pies with cinnamon buttercream, and more delights.

Local bars

First roll out the barrel with flights of rum in Thomas Tew distillery’s tasting room (and take the tour, at 3pm each day). Then clink habanero-spiced martinis or Malibu-sloshed mimosas at Parlor Bar & Kitchen (with some Filipino-style spring rolls); knock back craft beers at Norey’s; and see which blues, rock, soul, hip-hop group are taking the stage at Newport Blues Café. And, if you arrive later in the year, there’s thigh-slapping and stein-smashing to be had at Oktoberfest.