First Things First

Leave it to Lisette…

I was back in the Newport area on Sunday morning for some daffodil themed photos and she picked the best spot!

Over the last 4, 5 or 6 years Daffodil Days in NPT (I remember being at a a big wrap party for the festivities at a fancy schmancy hotel in the city maybe 4 years ago) have just gotten better and better.

I say this because I’m seeing those “little yellow trumpets of spring” all over the flipping place.

So, now that we've made it past the annual early spring snowstorm, if you haven’t already been, it's time to talk Rhode trip to Newport County for a daffy photo op and more.

One of the most Insta worthy spots for phone or professional pics?

Set your GPS to either the Newport Beach House or Flo’s Clam Shack (both are technically in Middletown and not Newport proper, for the record) and you won’t be disappointed.

We were running late the other day and didn’t get there until after after 10am. With that in mind, if you want to have the mini field more to yourself, I would suggest arriving earlier.

And if you’re looking for other things to do immediately following (of course you are !!!), check out the list of Patty J Classics for coffee, lunch or dinner, drinks, shopping, and a spa day below.

9 NPT Picks From The Patty J Archives

1. Empire Tea & Coffee, Broadway and William Sreet locations: Their lattes are top notch! My Summer 2015 intern, Ashley, first introduced me to this local gem, bean a fan ever since.

2. Scales & Shells: Farther down Thames, it's a top restaurant pick of many locals and more than a few contributors to this blog, including Mary Colburn, rock star aesthetician and Julianne Moore doppelgänger, who recommends ordering the Little Necks Roberto and the Lobster Fra Diavolo for two.

3. The Bodhi Spa: Need a do over for those New Year, New You resolutions? Jump start them with the Water Therapy treatment there, a series of soaks in 2 different hot pools (one with epsom salts), followed by quick cold plunges in a 30 degree mini pool (I struggled with this part) and short, cool showers. Then, you get time in the infrared sauna and finally, a little unwinding in either their traditional steam room or sauna. The place is wellness luxe at its finest, without being at all snooty.

4. "Diego's is a west coast styled Mexican restaurant and it is one of the coolest places to eat. A must? Their gazpacho this past summer was to die for, and being a tequila lover, I'm obsessed with their blood orange margaritas. Diego's is the kind of place to go, grab a drink with a friend, and chat over chips and guac while just relaxing." RI’s own Meg Mattera

5. Perro Salado: Another uber popular spot among the locals, this time for drinks and apps. Order their Spicy Cucumber Margarita, a personal favorite of Rachel Lessne, eco-conscious individual and spicy food and drink lover. ( PS - I also LOVE their avocado fries !!!)

6. Newport Vineyards: "A fabulous way to spend a day with friends. You get to sample 5 different wines and tour the vineyard. We chose to do wine by the glass after our tasting and purchased cheese & crackers from the food stand to enjoy as we sat outside." RI’s own Lindsay Raposa

7. "I still ride my Harley Road King in RI. My favorite ride is to Newport, along Ocean Drive." Todd Hart, ordained minister, tv host and "Oil Guy" (DoTerrra)

8. /9. "I always swing by Island Outfitters (located on the Cape too) as well as Sara Campbell whether I'm looking for a cashmere wrap or a fun new top or skirt." Sarah Wiliams of Spoiled Sports tennis apparel

As always, if you wind up patronizing any of these places after reading this post, please do let them know you found them via Patty J and PattyJ.com. Thanks a bunch!