Any other pregnant woman will most likely agree that being pregnant through a pandemic has been exhausting. The level of uncertainty about going to the doctor’s office and the delivery experience alone is unnerving, plus all of the fun celebrations that are normally part of bringing babies into the world haven’t been possible. We originally planned to go to the South of France for our babymoon, but I had honestly come to terms with the fact that we wouldn’t be doing a trip at all.
With all that said, we were so excited to discover that Newport, Rhode Island had opened up its hotels and restaurants last weekend. We jumped at the opportunity to get away—just in time before my travel restriction kicks in at 24 weeks (it’s a little earlier for twins than singletons!). It was such a treat to stay in a hotel with open restaurants, get a spa treatment (hello, first prenatal massage!), and just have a hint of normal life. I’m so grateful that we squeezed in a mini-vacation before the kids come. Here, I’m sharing where we stayed in Newport, what we ate and what we did, plus the rundown on the coronavirus measures that are in place.
where to stay
Gurney’s Newport – We realized last minute that Gurney’s Newport had reopened, because we saw it listed as we were desperately cruising Hotels Tonight. The rooms are relatively no-frills, but everything feels very clean. The best part of the property is that it’s situated right on the water facing sunset views with a lighthouse right on the lawn. It really feels like the perfect New England experience.
The Corona Situation: Masks are required in the lobby area and public spaces of the hotel, and you need a reservation to sit down at the main restaurant at any time. This means even if you plan to grab a quick drink or lunch, you’ll need a reservation for that. Lastly, the pool was open for swimming for a maximum of 15 people at a time. The lounge chairs that usually sit around the pool had been moved to the lawn, so you could layout there, then head for a dip in the pool if you get hot. Just don’t plan to lay by the pool, because there aren’t any chairs at all in that area yet. Hopefully, this helps you plan ahead accordingly if you’re heading out!
where to eat
Scarpetta at Gurney’s – This Italian spot is such a New York staple, situated on all of the Gurney’s properties and in Manhattan. We’ve eaten at all of the locations, and it never disappoints. I booked here for Chris’ birthday dinner, and ordered my usual—the spaghetti. This was our first meal to actually sit in a restaurant since early March, and I think the food tasted even better because I wearing heels. Is that possible?
The Corona Situation: Bring a mask to wear into all restaurants until you arrive at your table, and plan to wear it if you need to go to the restroom while you’re dining. Call as early in advance as you can to get a reservation for every meal. We left Saturday night to chance, and it was really hard to get a table anywhere. Don’t do this!
Clarke Cooke House – One of the best parts of Newport, in my opinion, is the walk along the Newport Harbor. It’s lined with tons of shops, outdoor dining and, again, a beautiful view of the waterfront. Clarke Cooke House is a staple of the harbor and serves up amazing seafood right on the water. I had a lobster roll and a virgin Bloody Mary, and I hear their espresso martinis are legendary if you go in the evening.
The Lawn at Castle Hill – This is my absolute favorite dining experience in Newport. Castle Hill Inn is a beautiful hotel that has a sprawling lawn with Adirondack chairs and, again, a stunning view of the sunset. You can book to sit outside and the food is always delicious. I had the scallops, Chris had the lobster boil, and the New England Clam Chowder was so good that we asked for seconds.
Diego’s – After a weekend of lots of seafood, I was in the mood for some classic Mexican food on our last day in town. I had overheard a local talking about this spot and was so happy my eavesdropping-in-restaurants skills could be put to good use once again (was worried I’d be rusty, but nope!). We shared tacos and quesadillas, and they even made me a delicious Strawberry Margarita mocktail.
what to do
Mansion Tours – Newport has an amazing stretch of historic mansions that you see when you drive down Bellevue Avenue, then follow the signs to Ocean Drive to see even more beautiful homes. There are several mansions that you can go inside and tour, but only a couple of them had reopened when we were there. We opted to see The Breakers—a Vanderbilt home built in 1895 that’s absolutely stunning. I highly recommend adding these attractions to your to-do list, and see the Marble House if it’s open when you go (it wasn’t open for us!).
A look at the backyard and the incredibly ornate ceilings at The Breakers
Walk Along the Harbor – Make sure you head to the town’s center, and walk along the Newport Harbor and Thames Street. Like I mentioned above, it’s a great stretch of bars, restaurants and shops right along the water. I definitely recommend stopping into the Ben & Jerry’s on the waterfront for a cone, and enjoying it while watching the boats go by.
Gurney’s Seawater Spa: The spa had just reopened when we were in Newport, which was another key reason that we decided to pull the trigger on this trip. We got massages, and a much-needed manicure and pedicure while we were there. My manicure was nothing to write home about, but it was so great to get reacquainted with a spa at all.
The Corona Rundown: Similarly to the restaurants, you’ll be in good shape if you bring a mask, and make reservations in advance for all of the attractions listed above. For the spa, we were required to wear masks throughout all of the treatments, which is less than perfect, but I was so happy to be having a massage that I didn’t mind. It’s also important to know that the spa steam room, sauna and other amenities are still closed for now.
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