July 24, 2025

Out & About

Watch Hill, RI

We started in Watch Hill

The whole place has this quiet elegance and sense of history that makes it feel really special without being over-the-top. One of my favorite moments was watching the sunset from the Ocean View Terrace Suite — absolutely magical.

Ocean house

Ocean House was such a highlight — the beach setting alone is worth the visit, with so much to explore around the property (and a very famous neighbor just a few houses up!). We loved how much there was to do: an indoor pool, a cozy little cinema, and even a scavenger hunt the kids got really into. And the welcome amenities were surprisingly thoughtful: a bottle of wine, cocktail ingredients, a full spread of snacks, non-alcoholic drinks, and sweet gifts for the kids.

Notes: If you’re staying, definitely take advantage of the Mercedes house cars — such a fun (and free) way to explore the area.

It felt mostly like an adult crowd when we were there, which made it peaceful but still family-friendly.

Watch Hill, RI

There’s something kind of surreal about seeing it in person after spotting it in so many paparazzi photos over the years. The whole area is beautiful too — the beach is stunning and the neighborhood feels classic New England.

Okay, if you’re even remotely a Swiftie (or just love a little pop culture moment), it’s worth swinging by Taylor Swift’s beach house in Watch Hill. You can’t get super close — it’s private property, obviously — but you can get a pretty good view from the beach below or a nearby street. It’s the house from her “This Is Why We Can’t Have Nice Things” Fourth of July parties, and yes, it’s just as massive and dramatic as you’d expect.

Notes: It’s easy to miss the street entrance, but the best view is honestly from the beach.

Respect the property lines — there are signs and security, but it’s very chill if you’re just taking a peek.

Newport, RI

We stayed at The Vanderbilt and absolutely loved it. It’s right in the heart of Newport, so it was super walkable to shops, restaurants, and the harbor — but still felt like a little retreat once you were inside. The building itself is a former mansion, and it still has that grand, historic charm but with a cool, modern twist.

The Vanderbilt Hotel

Our room was really comfortable, and the service was relaxed but thoughtful. One of our favorite parts was the rooftop — such a great spot for drinks and sunset views. The breakfast in the garden courtyard was also a quiet little moment each morning that we really looked forward to.

Notes: The vibe is a mix of stylish and low-key — we saw couples, small groups, and a few families.

It’s part of the Auberge Resorts Collection, so expect great service and some luxe touches.

Don’t miss the rooftop — especially in the evening!

Quick stop at Deli’s Lemonade— Grace loved it!

One of the best ways to spend a slow afternoon in Newport is wandering through the Historic District — especially along Thames Street and the nearby wharves. It’s full of charm, with cobblestone sidewalks, colonial buildings, and such a good mix of local shops, galleries, and boutiques. It’s the kind of place where you start out “just browsing” and end up carrying a few bags.

Historic District

A few favorite stops:

• Homeport is great for coastal-style everything
• Wald & Sea had such beautiful, earthy pieces
• Wish is a fun high-end consignment boutique, full of great designer pieces

Notes: There are plenty of cafés and ice cream stops if you need a shopping break (we grabbed coffee at The Nitro Bar and highly recommend).

Parking can be tight — if you’re staying nearby, just walk and enjoy the scene.

We walked through the Umbrella Sky with the family—it was a nice, colorful break during the day. Small moments like that made the trip feel more memorable.

We had such a lovely dinner at Lucia’s — it’s tucked right off Thames Street and has that classic old-school Italian charm. The vibe is warm and welcoming, and it felt perfect for a relaxed evening out after a busy day of walking and exploring.

Dinner at Lucia’s – A Cozy Italian Spot

The menu is full of comforting, familiar dishes. The adults went for the seafood pasta and veal parm — both were so good (the portions are generous, so come hungry!). For the kids, the spaghetti and meatballs was an easy win — simple, delicious, and the kind of thing they actually ate without a fuss.

Notes:

Kid-friendly without feeling like a “kid” restaurant — a nice balance.

Reservations are a good idea, especially on weekends.

Save room for dessert — the tiramisu was a favorite at our table.

One of our favorite little moments during the trip was unwinding at The Conservatory inside The Vanderbilt. It’s this airy, plant-filled space tucked just off the main lobby — part lounge, part garden room — and it feels like a quiet escape from the buzz outside. The space itself is so pretty — soft light, greenery everywhere, and a calm, tucked-away vibe that made us feel like we’d stumbled into a secret spot.

Morning Cliff Walk

Vanderbilt Hotel Conservatory

We stopped in for early evening drinks and a few small plates, and it was such a nice reset. The cocktails were creative and beautifully made (the cucumber gin cocktail was a standout), and the kids were happy with a few shared appetizers and a fancy juice served in a “grown-up” glass — always a hit.

Notes: It’s casual enough for kids during the day or early evening, but still feels special.

Great for cocktails, light bites, or a low-key lunch.

If you’re staying at The Vanderbilt, it’s a perfect place to regroup mid-day or wind down after dinner out.

We knew we wanted to tour at least one of the Gilded Age mansions while in Newport, and The Breakers did not disappoint. It’s the most famous of them all — and once you step inside, you can see why. The scale of everything is just… unreal. From the grand staircase to the gold-leaf ceilings, it feels like you’re walking through a European palace, but with this over-the-top, distinctly American flair.

The views from the back lawn looking out over the ocean were stunning. We ended up lingering longer than we planned just taking it all in.

Notes:

• Definitely book your tickets ahead — especially in summer, it gets busy.
• The family audio guide is worth asking for if you’re with kids — makes the experience way more fun for them.
• Plan about 60–90 minutes for the tour, more if you want to explore the grounds or grab a snack nearby.

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