A Tasting of Newport’s Vineyards

Let us fill your glass this spring with the refreshing taste of Newport County’s finest homegrown wines. Three locally-owned vineyards sit just a few short miles from our inn in downtown Newport, each offering unique blends of your favorite reds and whites and picturesque views of Newport County’s lesser-known landscapes. Bring your camera, tour  the sunny vineyards this spring, and savor Newport in a glass.

Greenvale Vineyards, Portsmouth, RI
A rustic and beautifully renovated stable is the tasting room to this winery featuring 24 acres of historic farmland owned by the same family since 1863. Just like the Admiral Fitzroy, Greenvale is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This shared historic pleasure, and the live jazz music on Saturday afternoons make Greenvale our preferred weekend vineyard escape. Tours and tastings are offered from 10 to 5 Monday through Saturday and 12 to 5 on Sunday.

Newport Vineyards, Middletown, RI
Boasting themselves as the “largest growers of wine grapes in New England,” this family-owned winery is an iconic landmark for visitors of the area. Check out their website for special events throughout the spring and summer like comedy nights, “Shakespeare in the Vineyard,” and a special Mother’s Day wine tasting this month. Regular tours are offered Sunday through Friday at 1 and 3 pm and Saturday hourly from 11am-4pm.

Sakonnet Vineyards, Little Compton, RI
A true wine connoisseur’s paradise, Sakonnet Vineyards is located just past the historic village of Tiverton Four Corners claiming that their rural southeastern location’s favorable growing conditions mirror some of the most famous wine regions in the world. Sakonnet has been on the block since 1975 and last year was purchased by Alex and Ani, giving it a new claim to fame. But its’ most treasured novelty might just be the chardonnay. Tastings are offered at 12 and 3pm with Thursday music nights throughout the summer.

We are pleased to announce we are now offering a Vineyard Escape Package at the inn, complete with a tour for two of one of the three vineyards this spring. Take advantage of the savings and our convienient location for your next getaway. We look forward to your visit!

Cheers!

Spring into Newport Restaurant Week

A highlight of springtime in Newport is Newport Restaurant Week where participating restaurants offer special menus at extra special prices. From April 5th through the 14th over 40 local pubs and bistros are offering a three-course pre fixe menu that will make your day or weekend trip to Newport well worth the trip.

Choosing where to eat can be a toss up, but with lunch at just $16 per person, and dinner at $30 you can enjoy waterfront wharf dining by day and Broadway’s best hot spots after dark.

Starting on Thames street just steps from our front door you’ll find more than a healthy serving of lunch and dinner options. Some of our lesser mentioned favorites include Busker’s Irish Pub located on upper Thames Street. Go there for the authentic pub atmosphere (including freshly tapped selection of beers) and the food, a leap and bound above usual pub fare. If you crave fresh fish Scales and Shells will make your day. A pleasant and casual dining room with an open kitchen, it’s a great place to enjoy seafood in Newport. Further down Thames Street duck into Thames Street Kitchen where a small menu and farm-fresh ingredients make for an exquisite and unforgettable dining experience.

Broadway is just a five minute drive from our parking lot and offers an array of eclectic and flavorful dining options, not to mention it’s the perfect alternative to Thames Street for an evening or afternoon stroll. During Restaurant Week we recommend stopping in The Fifth Element where “bar meets grille” and a clean atmosphere and menu will leave you satisfied every time. Across the street find the entirely unique and funky Salvation Cafe for vegetarian lovers and art enthusiasts. Another Broadway favorite is Norey’s Bar and Grille a modern-American local favorite with a great wine list and live music.

Also worth mentioning is the Spiced Pear, a cliff side dining experience located inside the beautiful Chanler along the Cliff Walk. Take full advantage of this fine dining experience complete with gorgeous New England fare and a grand fireplace. During restaurant week, the prices can’t be beat!

During this upcoming Restaurant Week we are offering a special two night package including accommodations at the Admiral Fitzroy, a bottle of wine, chocolates, and dinner for two at any participating restaurant. Visit our website for rates and a full list of specials.

Learn more about Newport Restaurant Week at www.discovernewportrestaurantweek.org.

An Afternoon Artisan Package

Seen the mansions? Already walked the Cliff Walk a few times? When the beach and browsing the wharfs is no longer a novelty, discover another side of Newport with our Afternoon Artisan package. This package, exclusive to the Admiral Fitzroy, lets you stay in the heart of downtown for a little less while delightfully fulfilling your artistic side…

The package includes a private glass blowing lesson for two at one of the hottest and lesser known spots on Thames St. At Thames Glass you and your traveling companion will experience the ancient technique of glass blowing while making your very own glass ornament. Choose from dozens of cheerful colors to create a design unique to you. Your lesson includes shipping so you don’t have to worry about packing your creation in your suitcase. Thames Glass is located at the end of Lower Thames Street, so take a stroll and browse the other artisan shops on your way!

You may be hungry before or after a trip to the studio. Purchase the Afternoon Artisan Package and we will treat you to lunch at a local deli or pub of your choice, making an afternoon in Newport that’s suited just to your taste! Your package also includes a bottle of wine upon arrival and your choice of one of our 18 guest rooms (upon availability). The Inn offers complimentary wireless internet and a signature continental breakfast.

Cheers from us to you to making your stay in Newport artfully memorable!

For more information on the Afternoon Artisan Package, and the rest of our seasonal specials visit our website at www.admiralfitzroy.com

Newport is WinterFest Wonderful

Every February in Newport, locals get excited about winter. We’re not known here for our ski slopes or any kind of oasis from the cold, but we do have one of New England’s most acclaimed festivals of the season aptly described as “10 days of non-stop food, music, and fun.” This year the WinterFest celebrates its 25th anniversary and the week-long festivities are not to be missed.

Newport Winterfest will take place from February 15th to the 24th and has something for everyone, whether you enjoy the cold or not. From nightlife to family events, this year’s Silver Sparkle Celebration boasts over 150 events throughout President’s Day week with something to please every member of the family.

What you’ll find: historic tours, wine tastings, a Children’s Festival, Scavenger Hunt, fireworks display, street-side ice sculpting, beach polo, an Aerosmith tribute band, magic show, comedians, and other live performances for all ages, a spectacular bridal show, train rides, seal watches, Nacho Tasting at Brick Alley Pub, a Chicken Wing Cook-Off, and our personal favorite, the Chili Cook-Off.

Here’s how to work it… Book a room with us, you will receive a discount with the purchase of a Winterfest Button at our front desk (don’t forget to ask about our Fabulous February Package when booking). Your button will allow you other discounted admission to Newport retail shops and attractions like ice skating and mansion tours not to mention discounted or free admission to all Winterfest activities. Make sure to visit the Winterfest website for a full event listing.

The best part about the Winterfest, besides the belly-warming chili, is a portion of all the proceeds are donated to local charities such as the Leukemia Society of America, Literacy Volunteers of America, and the Top Shelf Foundation. Get away this winter and feel good inside and out.

For reservations with us call 1-866-848-8780 or visit us online at http://www.admiralfitzroy.com. There’s never been more to do in Newport than this winter. See you here!

Christmas in Newport

Wondering what’s it like in Newport around the Holidays? Picture strolling the cobblestone streets, boats and storefronts alight with christmas lights, shops with decked out windows and special shopping deals, and the same wonderful restaurants offering a warm meal and comforting place to unwind.

Besides its seaside charm, Newport will dazzle the town with the 42nd annual Christmas in Newport. The holiday celebration features special tours, performances, and festivities each day throughout the month of December beginning this weekend with the ever-popular tree lighting at Bowen’s Wharf. Family favorites include the Polar Express train ride, Santa at the mansions, and The Night Before Christmas reading at the Tennis Hall of Fame. Others might enjoy holiday Lantern Tours, gallery strolls, judging the door decorating contest, or an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the Doris Duke estate.

Also open for the season is the Newport Yachting Center Skating rink were you can enjoy a day or evening skate on the waterfront and a warm cup of hot cocoa.

But it wouldn’t be Christmas in Newport without a visit to the Newport Mansions dressed from head to toe in sparkling lights. Three are open through the holidays with tickets available through the Newport Preservation Society.

For a full listing of Christmas in Newport events visit www.christmasinnewport.org.

If you’re planning a trip to town, stop by the Admiral Fitzroy on Thames where there are always fresh cookies and a friendly face to greet you. Check out our special packages here to save on your stay! We look forward to seeing you this season!

Planning a Wedding?

Chances are you know someone who’s been married here in Newport Rhode Island. That’s because it’s one of the most beautiful and accommodating wedding ceremony locations. We can give most of the credit to impeccable ocean views….

Newport has a landscape fit to host a ceremony of any scale or style, but whether you plan your wedding beach-side, mansion-front, in the park, or on top of a lighthouse, there’s much more to your special day than the simply choosing a location. Accommodating a large group of friends and relatives can easily be the most challenging part of wedding planning. Thank goodness we like that part.

Wedding parties that stay at the Admiral Fitzroy take full advantage of staying within walking distance to all downtown Newport has to offer. Our 18 rooms, some with extra beds, provide the opportunity for a large family or even whole wedding party, plus some, to stay tucked away together in Newport’s most conveniently placed bed and breakfast. For the Bride and Groom our romantic rooftop bedrooms allow for privacy and water views on their semi-private deck. Guests enjoy free parking, breakfast each morning, plenty of open meeting space for getting ready, and access to the shared rooftop deck for hanging out between wedding festivities.

Just getting started? Our staff can make recommendations for locations, photographers, caterers, and more.

Give us a call at 401-848-8000 to learn about affordable rates for booking the house and visit our website to learn more about our all-inclusive Eloping package. We love happy couples, and love to see them at the Admiral Fitzroy!

Newport’s a Dream in September

So, you’re coming to Newport and need some suggestions for what to do while you’re here? We’ve got you covered. Our guests have had a blast this summer, whether they stayed with us for a romantic getaway, family vacation, or friends’ reunion. Newport is a dream in the summertime, and stays sizzling long into the fall season. Here are some suggestions for…

A Couples Retreat:
After breakfast here at the inn, start your day off right with a leisurely walk along the majestic Cliffwalk. This 3 1/2-mile paved walk offers up-close and personal views of some of Newport’s most glamorous and historic properties, not to mention miles of sparkling blue ocean.

You can tour the mansions afterwards, if you choose; self-guided headsets make each tour an informative and personal experience. After a full morning out, indulge in a couples massage at The SpaTerre at the Viking Hotel where you can choose from treatments like a Seaside Salt Glow or Balinese Massage. Nothing beats a late afternoon glass of wine on our roof deck. Freshen up and set sail on The Madeleine for a truly unforgettable sunset sail around the Newport harbor. And finally, end the day with a romantic dinner for two at Tallulah on Thames, a lovely and intimate place to unwind.

A Family Getaway
Rent a few scooters from Scooter World, grab some sandwiches from Peaceable Market and head down to Brenton Point State Park for a picnic.

Roam free in this open field hugged by a glimmering rocky shoreline. Here the whole family can watch a colorful medley of kites decorate the sky, and behind the park are walking trails, trees for climbing, and a “hidden” look-out tower worth a stop for a family photo. After your picnic, take the family out for a ride on the friendly Amazing Grace yacht where amenities like a snack bar and bathroom make for a tour of the harbor everyone will enjoy. Spend the afternoon at the beach (it’s free after 4pm!), head to dinner at the Red Parrot and end the night with games at Ryan’s Family Amusement. Kids under 9 stay free at the Fitzroy!

A Girls Weekend Out
Meeting the girlfriends for a long weekend? Where better to be than Thames street in Newport where you can shop, eat, drink, and relax together all in one place with one of the most stunning backdrops in New England. Our street is lined with spectacular shops, boutiques, and eateries making it easy to leave your cars and cares behind you. After exploring the streets of Newport, take advantage of the water with a sunset sail on The Privateer serving champagne and a smooth ride on the bay. Next make your way to dinner at Fluke Wine Bar and Kitchen where you can enjoy signature cocktails and bay views with a fresh, modern menu. After dinner hit the town where live music and vibrant nightlife are all in walking distance to your room!

***Check out our “Savoring September Package” which includes a boat ride, bottle of wine, mansion tickets and dinner to a local restaurant along with your stay!

It’s still summer here at the Admiral Fitzroy, come visit us and enjoy it!