48 Hours in Newport, Rhode Island: Our 10-Year Anniversary Getaway
For our 10-year anniversary, Chris and I originally imagined a big vacation, like a Caribbean getaway; but with four kids and the start of the school year, a quick local trip made more sense. Newport, Rhode Island, was the easy choice, since it’s where we got married 10 years ago, and it’s still one of our favorite places to visit with and without the kids!
Getting away took some creative coordination, but thankfully my older sister has experience, since she has five kids of her own! Before we could head north on Friday morning, we made a quick stop at my sister’s house in Connecticut to drop off all four kids. Once everyone was settled, we were officially on our way to a weekend in Newport—just the two of us.
Friday: Castle Hill, harbor views, and dinner at the Cooke House
We arrived in the early afternoon and went straight to Castle Hill Inn for lunch. We sat at the bar overlooking the lawn, ordered cocktails and a light lunch, and settled into the fact that we had nowhere else we needed to be for a little while. It was the perfect start.
From there, we checked into Newport Harbor Island Hotel on Goat Island. The property worked well for a quick couples’ trip: beautiful views, a pool and spa, and shuttle and boat options for getting downtown. We took a quick look around, got ready, and headed out for dinner.
Our first-night reservation was at the Clark Cooke House, a Newport favorite with several dining options. We chose the more intimate, formal dining room on the porch, shared a nice bottle of wine, and both had delicious steaks. After the drive and all the childcare logistics, an early night sounded pretty good, so we headed back to the hotel.
Saturday: A slow morning, the spa, and a sunset sail
I woke up early and enjoyed a little quiet time—though, in true business-owner fashion, I did check my email and message some clients who I was supporting. Then Chris and I walked into town for brunch at Stoneacre Garden and wandered downtown for a bit before heading back to the hotel.
A weekend away isn’t complete for me without some pampering, so we headed to the spa for a couple of hours. I enjoyed: a facial and a 60-minute massage and Chris hit up the gym and steam room then had a 60-minute massage. It was easy to arrange and exactly the kind of downtime we wanted. Nothing elaborate, just a chance to relax together during a weekend away.
Of course, even when you leave town, you don’t stop being parents. I checked in on the kids after the spa and my sister said Fiona was still pretty sick. I really considered heading home early but knew she was in good hands and in true form she was happy as a clam despite a fever and lethargy! So we stayed and spent a couple of hours by the pool, and got ready for the evening. I’ll be honest: physically I was in Newport, mentally I was with Fiona.
That night, we went on a 90-minute sunset sail with Newport Classic Cruises. We couldn’t have asked for better weather. The light over the water was beautiful, and we enjoyed chatting with some of the other couples on board—hearing where they were from and sharing why Newport means so much to us. There is something so peaceful about being out on the water with a glass of prosecco, the sunset and no kids!
After the sail, we had dinner at 22 Bowens and then stopped at Sprinkles for ice cream, and walked back to the hotel. You’re probably thinking, no night life or evening scene? Well, I’m a sleep consultant and because of that I’m obsessed with sleep – so I love an early night! For me, it was an easy, lovely Newport night.
Sunday: Back to real life
Our original Sunday plan was church, a leisurely brunch, and a later drive home. But Fiona still wasn’t feeling well, so we had a quick breakfast at 1639, the hotel restaurant, and headed back to Connecticut to pick up the kids.
And then, as parents know, the switch back to real life was immediate. Jumping in to a sick kid, motrin dosing and doctor’s appointments! It felt a little like Cinderella at midnight: one minute you’re on a sunset sail, and the next you’re right back in the thick of parenthood.
That’s life with kids, and I wouldn’t trade it. I’m also glad Chris and I made the time to celebrate our anniversary. A trip doesn’t have to be far away or packed with plans to feel special. For us, revisiting the place where we got married, enjoying a few good meals, and having time together was exactly what we needed.
Would I recommend 48 hours in Newport?
Absolutely. Newport is a wonderful quick escape for couples. There are beautiful views, great restaurants, and plenty to do without feeling like you need a minute-by-minute itinerary. We didn’t even get to everything—there are wineries to visit and lots of other places to stay, including charming bed and breakfasts.
If you’re planning an anniversary trip or just want a couple of days away, Newport is well worth considering. And if your return to reality is anything like ours, at least you’ll have the memories of that sunset sail to carry home with you.
Meg O'Leary is an Infant and Child Sleep Expert and the founder of A Restful Night. Based in Westchester County, NY, she leads a team of certified sleep coaches to provide virtual support to families across the US and around the world.
