My first work trip (and trip in general) of 2021 took me to Newport, Rhode Island.

There was a lot of anticipation leading up to this trip. I was two weeks out from vaccination, which gave me some piece of mind about my safety and the safety of others around me. I researched the local travel restrictions, and because I was not coming from a state that was considered a hot spot, I would not have to quarantine (side note: because of the nature of my job, I am considered an essential worker and am exempt from most travel restrictions anyways).

My next consideration was what would be open in Newport. Where could I get dinner? Could I sit inside at a local coffee shop? I took to Instagram for my research. I have found that searching for a location will populate local accounts which are most likely to post updated information. I looked up coffee shops and restaurants in Yelp and proceeded to look up their accounts on Instagram for hours and offerings. Pinterest is a great resource as well for finding things to do, but I did have to do a little more digging to find the latest information.

Hotel: The Wayfinder

Chic hotel with onsite restaurant and bar. As of March 2021, the restaurant was only open Wednesday-Sunday but coffee was available daily at 7am. The hotel gym remained open. My room was spacious and included a mini fridge, which was helpful for the snacks I picked up.

Coffee Shops: The Nitro Bar and Drift Cafe

The Nitro Bar offered online ordering for pickup and delicious coffee. I had the maple bourbon latte and a can of Fortitude iced coffee.

Drift Cafe was the cutest beach themed shop, offering coffee, smoothies and bites. Indoor seating was open and the swings at the front of the shop were calling my name. I ordered the matcha latte.

Restaurants: The Mooring Seafood Kitchen and Bar, The Red Parrot and The Reef

I stopped into The Red Parrot for a pre-dinner drink and was highly impressed with their social distancing practices. No reservations necessary, I was able to walk in and grab a seat at the bar. Plexiglass separations were installed between tables and every six feet along the bar and between the bartenders and customers.

I made a dinner reservation for The Mooring, but it probably would not be required on weekdays, as the restaurant wasn't full. The food was delicious; I ordered the bag of doughnuts (shrimp and lobster fritters with a maple chipotle aioli) and the scallops. Highly recommend.

I couldn't leave New England without having a lobster roll, so on my last day I ordered takout from The Reef. My order was ready within 10 minutes and the staff was incredibly friendly. I like my lobster rolls Connecticut style (butter instead of mayo).

Sights Seen: 40 Steps, Ocean Drive and Cliff Walk, Bowen's Wharf

40 Steps is a historical landmark located along the famous Cliff Walk and was a great place to catch the sunrise.

Ocean Drive offers a beautiful scenic drive along the coastline.

Bowen's Wharf is located right in the center of Newport, with many shops and restaurants. Great location for watching the sunset.