Bicycling In Newport, Rhode Island

by Vera Thornton

Newport, Rhode Island is a great town for biking: small roads, picturesque landscape, and ocean vistas! It’s a real treat to be able to see the ocean and the world-famous fabulous mansions all on the same ride! Here are some great routes for you to try.

If you travel along Bellevue Avenue and Ocean Drive, you’ll hug the magnificent shoreline and have fifteen miles of scenic pedalling on winding roads past extravagent homes. Bellevue is the long, tree-lined avenue on which you’ll find most mansions, and Ocean Drive travels along the rocky coast. And at the intersection of these two is Bailey’s Beach, accessed only on foot or bike, where you can stop and take a refreshing dip. Or maybe you’d rather take a break at Brenton’s Point State Park, which is just about mid-way on this ride, and where you can get a refreshing lemonade and watch hundreds of kites being flown by young and old alike.

Should you wish to add distance to your trip, the “Newport Ramble” is a 26 mile figure –eight loop around Newport and Middletown which continues on from Ocean Drive. Be aware, however, that the coastal roads outside of Newport can be heavily traveled in the summer. And since you’re right on the water, the wind can be strong and a little cool, even in the summer. Take a sweatshirt with you!

Another popular ride is to Newport’s Easton Beach, also known as First beach, located at 175 Memorial Boulevard. For a more vigorous ride, rails for mountain biking can be found at Arcadia National Park, a 12,000 acre nature preserve about half an hour’s drive away in Exeter.

For those seeking a motorized option, Barry of Scooters on Thames Street has recently introduced the Scoot Coupe, a stable three-wheeled touring vehicle that seats two adults side-by-side and has a top speed of 35 mph. Looks like fun! Giada DeLaurentiis of the Food Network certainly thought so, when she visited Newport for one of her popular Weekend Getaways shows. The queen of Italian cuisine had a blast in the little green scoot coupe!

To arrange bike rentals and get additional touring information, contact any of these local bike shops. Keep in mind that Rhode Island law requires children age 8 and under to wear a helmet.

Pedal Power Bicycle Shop
879 West Main Road, Middletown
Phone: (401) 846-7525

Ten Speed Spokes
18 Elm Street, Newport
Phone: (40) 847-5609

Wheel Sports
436 Thames Street, Newport
Phone: (401) 846-0627

Scooters
411 Thames Street, Newport
Phone: (401) 619-0573

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Pedal Power Bicycle Shop

April In Newport, Rhode Island

by Vera Thornton


Today is the first day of April and spring is definitely in the air. Of course, there's always something happening in and around Newport, and April is no exception. This month offers events on both ends of the spectrum -- from indulging in tantalizing dining to birding and Earth Day beachside events. Here are a few of my top picks so that you can mark your calendars:

Newport Restaurant Week
April 6th to April 12th

This event has been so overwhelmingly popular that it now happens twice a year instead of once. And no wonder - a whole week of discounted meals at a variety of wonderful restaurants! Prix-fixe for three courses is $16 for lunch and $30 for dinner at over 25 of Newport County’s finest dining venues. Restaurants cover all the bases from pub-style casual dining to upscale fine dining - and everything in between. Also featured during the week are wine pairings, cooking demonstrations, a rum history tour (with samples!) and the local farmers’ market.


BirdFest
Norman Bird Sanctuary
April 5th - 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Spring has arrived and birders alert! Improve your skills, learn how to attract birds to your backyard, enjoy nature activities with the family. A full day of bird walks, lectures, and demonstrations, the BirdFest includes birding at Sachuest Point with lunch ($35). It takes place at the Norman Bird Sanctuary, a 300-acre wildlife refuge with seven miles of hiking trails. You will be treated to a breathtaking view of the ocean and surrounding areas as well as the fun and companionship of birding. A trailside museum and the Barn Owl Gift Shop are also available for browsing.

Sponsor: Rhode Island Audubon Society
Where: Norman Bird Sanctuary, 583 Third Beach Road, Middletown
Contact: (401) 949-5454 x 3041
Admission Fee: $5.00 per adult; $3.00 per child

Earth Week
April 21st to April 25th - 12:00 noon to 5:00 p.m.

Celebrate our planet and learn how to take care of it! Honor environmental awareness with a full week of activities at the Norman Bird Sanctuary. Learn how you can make a difference for our natural world with recycled craft stations, nature scavenger hunts, and a daily spotlight on our education animals. Activities will be available throughout the day.

Sponsor: Rhode Island Audubon Society
Where: Norman Bird Sanctuary, 583 Third Beach Road, Middletown
Contact: (401) 846-2577
Admission Fee: $5.00 per adult; $3.00 per child