A February getaway can be the perfect way to conquer the winter blues. A new location filled with new experiences warms the heart and soul. The calendar for Newport is jam packed with events and activities. The only struggle visitors may find is deciding when to visit with such a strong list of possible outings.
Newport Winter Foodies Stroll – Friday and Saturday evenings in February and March
Enjoy an exquisite three course meal as you travel to three different restaurants along historic Thames Street. There are two extra perks for those who choose to do this stroll in the winter. All guests will receive a chef’s choice glass of wine with each course. The winter tours start at 6 pm making for an ideal evening date. All restaurants are within walking distance of each other, expect to walk approximately one mile. Tickets for these mouthwatering evenings must be purchased in advance.
Romantic Restaurants
Newport is honored to have six of the ten spots on the OpenTable Most Romantic Restaurants in Rhode Island list. Celebrate Valentine’s Day in Newport or come anytime in February to share your love with someone special. Cara offers five and eight course blind tasting menus featuring New England ingredients guided by European influences. Bouchard Inn and Restaurant also presents four and five course artfully-inspired dishes. Friends and family of the original Mamma Luisa recreated her Bologna, Italy restaurant here in Newport. The Dining Room at the Vanderbilt is part of the famed Auberge Resorts Collection. The Reef has cozy “igloos” for private dining under the stars. The scenic Bannister’s Wharf is home to many restaurants and shops; do not miss The Black Pearl.
A Valentine’s Themed Reception at Newport Art Museum – February 11
Three new exhibitions are opening at the museum. The greatly anticipated Newport Biennial presents a juried collection of New England artists. The popular contemporary work of Diane Barceló, Emily Belz, and On-Kyeong Seong is back for Call & Response 2022. Lastly, look for visual trickery in Above/Below. Celebrate the holiday a few days early with the Eye Spot … LOVE scavenger hunt. Your chocolate box will fill up as you spot each hidden image. This playful experience includes festive cocktails and cash bar.
Hoods Up Weekend – February 12-13
The Newport Car Museum invites guests to take an intimate look at the engines of more than 80 cars. The museum is a private collection of automobiles from the 1950s to present day. It opened in mid-2017 and has already received numerous awards including Hemmings Motor News calling it “a notable addition to the classic-car world.” Get a preview of the universally appealing displays by viewing the Car of the Month page on their website. Perhaps you will find a favorite to seek out when you visit.
Poulenc Trio at the Newport Classical – February 18
The trio of bassoon, piano, and oboe is making a stop in Rhode Island as they perform across the country. The Washington Post has called their programs intriguing and beautiful. They are committed to exploring music that reflects the world roots of the members including African, Asian, Eastern European, and Jewish. The performance will be held at the Emmanuel Church. The Tudor Gothic Revival structure is a magnificent location for a breathtaking performance. The Newport Classical festival has a full schedule of monthly events spanning the chamber series, community concerts, and a music festival.
Bit Players Improv Comedy – Friday and Saturday evenings
The state’s award-winning comedy show is based on the premise of “Whose Line Is It Anyway?” Since every show is different, you can attend multiple evenings for a once-in-a-lifetime experience each time. Audience suggestions drive the show and those celebrating special occasions may be brought up on stage. Shows are held in a BYOB facility; bring your favorite libations and be prepared to laugh. The venue served as an actual firehouse until 1920. Before being transformed into a theater, it operated as a bus terminal, union hall, and laundromat. The intimate theater, which seats only 75 people, became an exclusive home for comedy in 2009.
Newport Espresso Martini Challenge – February 20
Five bartenders will enter the ring. One bartender will emerge with the title. Venture to Bar and Board on Thames Street at 2 pm to watch the showdown. Sponsored by Bully Boy Distillers Vodka, this is a tasty way to warm up with a winter cocktail.