Spring Blossoms in Newport

It might still be too cold to ride the Newport ferry, but that doesn’t mean that a trip to this charming beach town isn’t worth a go. Newport is famous for its beautiful sights and attractions, and even if the beach isn’t quite ready yet, there’s plenty that nature has in store for the springtime. And as an added bonus, the tourists aren’t even here yet. Here’s a few ways you can live it up in Newport this spring.

This June, start by exploring Newport’s Secret Garden Tours. Check out the gorgeous views of the colorful foliage in these self-guided tours of these private gardens. In previous years, up to 10 of

these gardens have been open to the public, with new gardens being added to the itinerary every season. Open 10-5 on June 15 – 17, this late springtime treat is perfect for any nature lover. And never fear, it’ll be open rain or shine. The best part? Buying a ticket guarantees you entry for all three days, so even if you don’t catch all of the gardens on your first adventure, you’re welcome to return and visit the ones you missed.

Need more of your nature fix? Head over to the eastern shore of Newport and take part in the town’s historic Cliff Walk. Famous for being New England’s first official national recreation trail, the Cliff Walk boasts a number of sightseeing options, ranging from classical architecture to the wildflower-adorned coast. It’s open all year, but this is the perfect season to explore the nature walk without having to worry about the cold and wind. It’s RIPTA trolley accessible, and you can even bring your dog! Afterward, check out the Newport Harbor Walk for an especially historical tour experience.

Speaking of historical tours, the Newport Historical Society is also a great resource for those of you interested in Newport’s exquisite sights. Many different tours are offered, including the Colonial Newport Inside and Out walking tour, the beautiful Lantern Tour along Historic Hill and the American Revolution-centered Road to Independence tour. There’s even a tour about the local pirate colony, known as Rogue’s Island.

Journey farther down Newport’s Old Quarter to find the unique Audrain Automobile Museum. Open daily from 10am – 4pm, this museum holds a number of automobile exhibits that you can’t find anywhere else. Currently, they host an exhibit known as Grand Touring Cars Through the Decades, where you can check out a spectrum of beautiful vintage cars, from Rolls Royce Roadsters of the 1920s to Ford Convertibles of the 1950s. They even have a few old motorcycles in there, too! Perfect for the automobile fanatic in your life.

Also in the Old Quarter is the ever-inspiring Newport Art Museum. This museum has loads of exhibits open just for the spring, including Lissa Rivera’s “Beautiful Boy” located in the Griswold House, as well as a contemporary compilation showcase entitled “Domestic Affairs: Domesticity, Identity, and the Home.” Both exhibits explore the idea of domesticity in everyday life, as well as the social expectations of the modern age. Catch them before they close in May.

Feel like spending a day indoors? Take a peek at one of the many programs the Redwood Library has to offer. One highlight of their calendar is their “If It’s Tuesday, It Must Be Shakespeare” reading event every week on, you guessed it, Tuesday. If The Bard isn’t your thing, maybe try one of their many upcoming music events. Pianist Virginia Eskin returns to the library this March in “Musical Pairs with Virginia Eskin, and Dr. Edward Markward hosts a lecture entitled “Mannerisms and the Beginnings of the Baroque” later in the month. If all else fails, there are obviously a number of books to thumb through in this historic library. Two-hundred thousand, to be exact.

Newport is a prime location for historical and natural adventures. As the cold bitterness of winter comes to a close, make sure you hit a few of these spots before those tourists flood in. While the beach awaits, there are plenty of options to not only have a good time, but maybe even learn a little something.