Besides being born here, I haven’t spent all that much time in New England. I really do like it – all the charm and historic buildings. And especially the nautical character of coastal towns. Newport’s got it out the wazoo!
We had quite a bit of difficulty getting here due to a stand-still traffic jam on the highway (along with two very full bladders!)
We took a detour through Brockton and ended up arriving about an hour later than we’d hoped, meaning lunch wasn’t until 2:45 and any chance of touring a mansion was postponed until tomorrow.
Snacks for the hungry passengers
We arrived with great warmish weather and walked downtown to hunt out some chowder at The Black Pearl, which comes highly recommended.
Nothing tastes better than bread + butter when you’re hungry!
The New England Clam Chowder lived up to expectations!
It wasn’t too thick, and had a nice clam fishiness to it – in a good way!
Both couples shared a bowl
I ordered a Boston Lettuce + Radiccio salad with Apples + Walnuts and Housemade Bleu Cheese. It totally exceeded expectations!!!
Before lunch, we spotted a shop called The Cookie Jar
Which rocked cravings for cookies inside us all
We split a Butterscotch Oatmeal, Gingerbread Man and PB Cookie four ways.
Hit the spot!
After some more strolling we headed out to the Newport Storm Brewery (Matt’s goal in life is to visit every brewery there is)
I opted out of the tasting because I can’t seem to get hydrated today from last night’s brewfest
But I had a taste of all of them, and the Cyclone 2010 (12% ABV!) was incredible!
We’re resting now before heading out to dinner in a while. Such a late lunch put a damper on our appetites.
All in all, a fabulous visit already!
{ 47 comments… read them below or add one }
we also make it a point to visit any brewery we see when out and about! those beers look delish, as did your lunch!
so, i’ve always wondered if your sisters bf (or husband?) is matts brother?? they seriously look SO much alike………….
Nope, just look alikes! Does that surprise you since Larbs + I have the same taste
wow, that is insane! they must’ve been separated at birth!!!!! seriously could pass for not even brothers– TWINS!
I’v been wondering too if they were related. Although perhaps going out with brothers would be a bit weird? Or maybe thats just me!
Bread + Butter=
Haha HOW do you still how dried peaches?! Those things were gone before I left SF!
That clam chowder looks wonderful. I can taste it now.
Nautical towns are so beautiful. I love Cape Cod.
I was going to same thing as Allie. But instead I will defend Ginger:
You are a monster! Not the buttons. Not the gumdrop buttons…
If I could eat one thing for the rest of my life it would be bread and butter
Aw, I love Newport! I’m glad you had fun!
And btw, that bread and butter looks amazing. Simple amazing.
I love Newport! I grew up in Connecticut and used to visit to tour the mansions…it’s been so many years now, though!
Wow, it looks gorgeous over there! Looks like you guys are having a blast!
What a cute, quaint town! Sounds like such a fun day! It’s been a go-go-go week for you all:) The cookies look tasty!
That’s so funny. I grew up in Brockton and moved to Fl when I was 9 and the streets looks so familiar:)
What a cute town! I’ve never been up to the New England area but I’m dying to!
I love Newport! I went to school about 30/45 minutes away from there.
All of these new england posts are making me anxious to go home next week!!
The clam chowder looks delicious and so do those cookies!
Yum!
I love tasting well-known dishes from the
places they are famous from. The soup does look
fabulous.
What beautiful pictures.
wow, that clam chowder and salad look amazing! I’ve never had clam chowder, but it’s on my foods-to-try list and I’m eager to mark it off.
the cookies looked super tasty, too! It was clever of you guys to split them four ways to divvy up the portions and calories. Plus you get to try three instead of one : ) Genius.
Perfect New England day and meal; NE clam chowder is the best
A trip to Newport isn’t complete with a visit to the Mansions – you gotta go back!
No better place to have clam chowder! Yum!
I would have done one of the following in the car with a full bladder: looked for a cup, or found somewhere outside. I do NOT do well when I have to pee (which is all the time anyways).
OMG! Newport is my old stomping grounds! I finished my job tour-of-duty there about six months ago (now live in Seattle). Thanks for bringing back the fun memories of a wonderful historic town! If you are up for it make a stop at the Brick Ally Pub on Thames. Or, if you go about 2 miles north to Middletown there is an awesome brewery called Coddington Brewery (on Coddinton Hwy – crossroads: Coddington Hwy & Rt 114). Definitely worth checking out. Have fun!
chowdah!!!
wow, what a beautiful last photo!!!
love,
cathy b. @ brightbakes
I love your lunch salad! What a perfect meal on a chilly fall day in New England.
Yum! Your dinner and dessert looks delicious!
It was my birthday today, so I had a big slice of birthday cake with tons of frosting on it, and I was reminded of you since I know you adore frosting! lol.
Happy Birthday!! Of course I am jealous of your frosting
You’re in my neighborhood
After living in Newport area for nearly two years I am pretty much over it, but I do admit it is beautiful. The Midgets and I love that cookie shop, their macaroons, mmmm.
Newport looks gorgeous! I can’t wait to visit (I mean eventually). Some of my coworkers flew out there last year to review a job we had going on… It sounds so spectacular. Anything on water wins me over every time. :-p
That house two photos in looks like it will crumple any minute! But I’m sure it’s been there forever. Enjoy the rest of your trip! Great photos.
I love seeing everyone bundled up in their coats!!
Agreed
Love your sister’s white coat.
I think it’s really neat how ‘in tune’ you are with your thirst/hydration. Something I’ve yet to nail.
“I know that place!”
Oh my gosh, that housey thing on stilts is amazing! I want one!
What a cute town! It kind of reminds me of some of the places I visited on my trip to Newfoundland. If you guys like seafood and quaint towns, I definitely recommend going there!
I heart Newport! Um yeah my husband has the same goal in life…the past 2 years him and his friends go on Brewery Tour trips. Leaving from MA, I think the farthest they’ve gone is Cooperstown NY (Ommegang of course) but yeah they want to visit them all!
I love Newport! One of my favorite cities, for sure. All of the coastal towns in New England are especially charming. Oh, and I went to school in & near Brockton too. Good times. Glad you had a great trip!
Did you see these apples with candied bacon thanks to Mark Bittman: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/12/15/dining/15mini.html?_r=1. It looks like a great trip!
What a cute city. I would love to take several weeks and just travel all over New England.
Yum! The food looks delish
And don’t get me started on cookies 
Newport is such a cool city! I’ve only visited once or twice so I’m enjoying the tour through your blog.
Newport looks gorgeous, I love the look of New England
Heidi xo
Love Newport and LOVE The Black Pearl! Hope you guys stopped by the Black Dog as well!