Newport In Winter

Thought I saw Austen Kroll (you know, he’s the guy who started his own beer company last season on Southern Charm ) at the Midtown Oyster Bar on Thames. Alas, it was not him (a brave soul from our group approached the gentleman in question and nope), but no matter because there’s more to exploring Newport during the winter than fan girling over the possibility of spotting Bravolebrities.

In fact, the first bit of really good news is that you have a few more days (thru Dec. 31st) to tour The Breakers while it’s still all decked out for Christmas. We were there yesterday, and despite some random photog on IG saying it left him cold, have to say I was mesmerized and found the entire interior completely magical.

So throw that heavy sweater on under your coat, slip into some walking shoes, and get ready to get wow’ed by the opulence of this manse from the Gilded Age.

Our next stop was Castle Hill Inn for drinks. Now The Lawn at CH is an absolute must do during the summer (I met someone last August who used to work as an editor at Conde Nast and The Lawn was at the tippity top of his NWP wish list for his stay in the city by the sea.), but the cozy, wood paneled bar there is just as sweet during these chilly months.

Order hot toddies (they’re having a moment! and, ordering anything cold to drink this time of year seems counterintuitive to me.) and contemplate driving by Hammersmith Farm to catch of glimpse of Jackie O.’s childhood home, featured prominently in a recent-ish Town & Country story about one of last year’s most elegant weddings on the high society scene I might add.

Then it was on to dinner with our group at one of one of my brothers (say it five time fast!) favorite restaurants…Midtown Oyster Bar at 345 Thames Street. Enjoy some super fresh local oysters, and how about making good on those New Year/New You resolutions by adding more greens into your life with their Season’s Salad (a true gift to all the plant-based eaters out there). The space also boasts these side rooms that feel like secret bars or eateries within the restaurant. So much good stuff to recount! And let us not forget the Austen lookalike…It was my first visit, but it certainly won’t be my last.