Newport is at once historic and hip. The home of the Volvo race and world-class sailing. And now for the first time, it has its own world- class fishing event. The weekend of July 18 – 20 will bring a whole new excitement to town. Not the Volvo, the Monster Shark Tournament. This weekend promises to bring its own brand of excitement and fun, education and learning.
Read more about the tournament itself on the previous pages. But what to on-shore if you don’t know the town well? Newport has it all, from great food and drink to music and entertainment – and whatever you do, don’t miss the Barenaked Ladies who will be playing Saturday night!
FOOD AND DRINK
Brick Alley Pub
This Newport landmark in the heart of downtown specializes in steaks, seafood and pasta. The nachos, clam chowder and burgers are famous. The bar is a great spot to catch a game or make some new friends. 140 Thames St., 401-849-6334.
The Black Pearl
This is an iconic Newport water- side seafood destination offering both casual and formal dining in a bustling and festive atmosphere. Sit outside or inside, but don’t miss the clam chowder as it’s legendary! Bannister’s Wharf, 410-846-5264.
The Mooring
One of the city’s most popular restaurants has wonderful seating on a deck overlooking the harbor, or inside in its nautically-inspired dining room. Whole lobsters, steaks and chops, burgers and salads – all hearty and delicious, are the order of the day here. 1 Sayers Wharf, 401- 846-2260.
Perro Salado
Off the beaten path just a bit, Perro offers fresh, authentic Mexican in a funky setting. Don’t miss the ribs or the housemade margaritas. 19 Charles St., 401-619-4777.
Coastal Extreme Brewing
Beer lovers shouldn’t miss the tour at Coastal Extreme Brewing Company, makers of Newport Storm craft beer and Thomas Tew rum. 293 JT Connell Hwy, www.newportstorm.com, 401-849-5253.
NIGHTLIFE
Clarke Cook House
One of the best restaurants in town, the Cook House also offers the Boom Boom Room, a subterranean dance club that’s legendary for hosting locals and the fishing and sailing crowds. 26 Bannister’s Wharf, 401-849-2900.
Newport Blues Café
Easily one of the most popular venues in Newport to catch live music and fun crowds. Good food, too. 286 Thames St., 841-5510.
The Rhino Bar
Get here early for great burgers and wings and settle in before the crowds arrive. Local and regional bands or DJs provide entertainment into the night in this old mill building. 337 Thames St., 401-846-0707.
The Atlantic Beach Club
Seafood, steaks and pasta overlooking the Atlantic, plus a wide array of live entertainment has made this is local institution since the 1920s. Call first to make sure they aren’t closed for a special event. 55 Purgatory Rd., Middletown, 401-847-2750.
The Landing
A vast indoor-outdoor venue on Waite’s Wharf, the Deck features live local bands and several bars on a beautiful waterside location. 2 Waite’s Wharf, 401-846-3600.
FISHING CHARTERS
Flaherty Charters
Captain Tim Flaherty has over thirty-five years of angling experience and he possesses a wealth of knowledge about the “hot spots” in Narragansett Bay. Capt. Tim and his son Jed are experts in fishing the reefs, rips and wrecks in the bay and sound. is always willing to share his knowledge of Newport’s rich maritime history and pirate lore. Flaherty Charters offers full or half day deep sea fishing trips from scenic Castle Hill Resort and Marina in Newport. www. flahertycharters.com, 401-848-5554.
Maverick Charters
Enjoy a trip for stripers and blues with Capt. Jack on the 38′ Topaz Maverick. Fish inshore or Block Island for striped bass, bluefish, and fluke. The seasoned angler will enjoy a steam offshore for an exciting bluefin tuna, shark, cod or marlin deep sea fishing adventure. www.maverickchartersltd.com, 401-640-0865.
Snappa Charters
Charter fishing in Narragansett Bay can yield fluke, sea bass, porgies, tautog (blackfish), cod, and striped bass. Off shore, deep sea saltwater fishing features Block Island striped bass, monster bluefish, jumbo fluke, bull porgies and slammer sea bass. Half day, full day, and twilight fishing charter trips are offered as is shark cage diving. www.snappacharters.com, 401-782-4040.
Sara Star Charters
Guests of Sara Star Charters and Captain Joe can choose from a number of packages to best suit their needs. Accommodations are available for up to six guests for half-day (4 hours) and full-day excursions. Offshore trips for tuna and shark are also available. Charters are also available for non-fishing trips, including festivals, photography sessions, and harbor cruises. www.sarastarcharters.com, 401-623-1121.
BEACHES
The beach scene in Newport in summer is fun and festive. Easton’s Beach is a classic ocean beach close to the center of town, while Third Beach is a bit more low key. Those who prefer a quieter park scene will love Fort Adams State Park and Brenton Point State Park. Set on the water, they offer stunning views and ocean breezes. www.visitrhodeisland.com
SHOPPING
For those who consider shopping a sport, Newport delivers. By the water, lower Thames Street, Bannister and Bowen’s wharves and Brick Marketplace offer hundreds of specialty shops and a few upscale chains such as Helly Hansen, J. Crew and Banana Republic. Spring Street is known for art galleries and jewelry, while Bellevue Avenue features upscale boutiques such a J. McLaughlin and Angela Moore.
PARKING
Parking in Newport in the summer is a difficult prospect. Limited space near and on the wharves coupled with narrow, Colonial-era streets makes finding a spot tough.
The Monster Shark Tournament will be based at Casey’s Marina, located at 10 Spring Wharf, (849-0281), off of lower Thames Street. There is limited parking available there, and most of the wharves have little or no parking available.
The lot closest to Casey’s Marina is Lee’s Wharf Parking Lot, (846-2491), near the corner of Bowery and Thames streets.
Main thoroughfares along the wharves provides metered parking. Shopping is ample along this stretch – mostly America’s Cup Avenue and upper and lower Thames Street – so you will compete for tourists for these spots and parking is limited to two hours. There is very little free onstreet parking in Newport. Resident stickers are required and police do take fierce notice.
The most ample parking in Newport is at the Discover Newport Visitor’s Center, located at 23 America’s Cup Ave. (401-849-8048). From there, it is a 15-20 minutes walk straight down Thames Street to Casey’s Wharf.
Your best option might be leaving your car at your hotel and walking – Newport’s wharf area isn’t over- whelmingly large.
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