RHODE ISLAND & CONNECTICUT : Travel Guide

America’s smallest state is certainly one of it’s more majestic. While we had raised expectations of what to expect in RI, mostly thanks to Kiel James Patrick, we found even more pleasure while actually staying there. We stayed in an incredible loft style hotel called NYLO, which is a small boutique hotel chain that has “loft apartment” style accommodations. An incredible lobby, restaurants, and room awaited us for our 2 nights in RI and CT.

WHAT TO DO :

Explore Newport

Newport is a coastal city near Narragansett with modern charm and accommodations, but rooted firmly in the midst of historical splendor. The streets take one back to a time long ago, reminiscent of what it might have once been. One of our favorite stores, Kiel James Patrick, has their flagship store in the heart of Newport. Nearby are many other preppy, high end boutiques and chains that offer wonderful “Connecticut Casual” offerings. (Shoutout to Andy Bernard). Hannah and I felt at home and enjoyed the preppy, pearl wearing culture. 

Watch Hill, Misquamicut State Beach

Due to a shortage of time, we had to choose one of the two to explore. Per a recommendation, we went to Misquamicut State beach. With its pastel tones and flat coastline, you feel as if you can see forever. It’s also on this beach that Hannah mistook a bird for a whale. She was pretty adamant. 4 months later, it’s still funny. Watch Hill is another highly regarded beach that we did not get a chance to visit. A short search of pictures on instagram shows just how darn cool Watch Hill is.   ​

Mystic, CT

One of our friends, Jessie, met us in artsy Mystic, very near to where she lived in Connecticut. Think ships, more ships, and shops. Think coastal prep meets hippie vibes. Mystic is certainly worth an afternoon or two of fun and exploration. Well kept and a happy balance between new and old, we loved our afternoon exploring Mystic.

NYLO Hotel

Stay at the Nylo hotel in Providence area. It has an incredible feel cognizant of big city living in a downtown Brooklyn or Chicago loft. Definitely worth checking out. It may be one of our all time faves stays. (It's reasonable priced, too!)

WHERE TO EAT :

Red 36

Incredible vibe, vitality and life in Mystic, CT… Red 36 sits on the the port and has views of the water, homes, and ships. With lounge style outdoor seating, this place is a must. I ate seafood, again, and it did not disappoint in the slightest. You can’t go wrong with the crab or lobster, but the spicy shrimp tacos were my item of choice. Hannah enjoyed an avocado poke sandwich, hold the bun. 

The Red Parrot

A Newport, Rhode Island eatery with an enormous food menu and equally extensive drink menu, this place was hopping. We had a terrific view of the streetside and could watch the many passersby as we ate and drank until our hearts were content. Warning, it’ll be easy to rack up a more expensive tab, but the food and drinks are worth the investment.

We sincerely hope that you will make it Rhode Island and Connecticut, someday, We certainly hope to make it back soon. As always, thank for reading. 

​Ty