Newport Notes
A chat with Meg on family tradition, favorite spots, and must-see historic architecture.
Why Newport…
I first came to Newport more than 30 years ago with my husband, to visit his parents, and have been coming back every summer since. We have a charming old house in town that we renovated about 25 years ago. I love Newport for its history, natural beauty, family friendly culture, and focus on preservation. 
Meg's home in Newport. Photographs by Nick Mele
The perfect Newport morning is...
I love to meet a friend for a morning walk along the Cliff Walk, or a game of tennis before it gets too hot. Beaucoup Cafe is a charming spot for a morning coffee.
Where do you go when you want to be inspired?
The beautiful “cottages” up and down Bellevue Avenue are endlessly inspiring, The Preservation Society of Newport County (of which I am a trustee) does amazing work preserving the houses and planning interesting programming year round. My favorite cottage is The Elms, the 1901 French Chateau style mansion, originally home to the Berwind Family.
I also love taking visitors to see Rough Point, Doris Duke’s home, preserved as she left it by the Newport Restoration Foundation.
The Newport Flower Show (June 19-21), is a favorite summer event, with gorgeous floral displays and competitions, design and floral lectures, and a great marketplace on the lawn of Rosecliff. This year's highlights include lectures by Margot Shaw, editor of Flower Magazine.
The Newport Antiques Show is always inspiring to attend, they have a great mix of dealers featuring beautiful furniture, art, silver and decorative objects. The opening night party (this year on Friday July 24) is always great fun, and benefits the Newport Historical Society.
Newport Film has a fantastic film series every summer, shown outdoors at various iconic Newport venues, and featuring movies and documentaries with and array of eclectic and inspiring topics.
Another highlight this summer will be Tennis Week in August, benefiting the International Tennis Hall of Fame, where Roger Federer will be honored.
Meg with fellow co-chairs Ala von Auersperg and Kate Gubelmann, at The Elms for the 2024 Preservation Ball (The Newport Preservation Society, Photo Credit: Michael Blanchard)
A favorite spot for a relaxed lunch…
Flora restaurant at the Gardiner Hotel has wonderful food and great views of the harbor, the hotel is beautifully designed and a must see for design lovers. The lawn at The Castle Hill Inn is also a favorite lunch spot with majestic views.
Lunch at the amazing chinoiserie tea house at Marble House is also fantastic and is the most dramatic setting, overlooking the Atlantic and amidst so much history and grandeur.
The Carriage House at The Elms is another favorite lunch spot, recently opened and overlooking beautiful gardens of The Elms.
Flora Restaurant at the Gardiner Hotel (https://www.floranewport.com/)
Entertaining in Newport is…
Newport really is about entertaining at home, with multigenerational cocktail and dinner parties. In Newport I enjoy hosting buffet suppers at home. With tables set in the dining room, breakfast room, and on the terrace, I can comfortably seat about 30.
I also like hosting dinners in the private dining room at the Clarke Cooke House which also serves as the clubhouse of the Twelve Metre Yacht Club and has a great, authentic nautical atmosphere.
The Clarke Cooke House (https://www.clarkecooke.com/)
A Newport indulgence I can’t say no to…
Clemmie’s ice cream shop is a great new addition to Newport!
A hidden gem I’m (almost) reluctant to share…
The Blue Garden is an amazing historic garden, restored by the legendary Dodo Hamilton, and open to visitors every Thursday.
The Blue Garden (https://thebluegarden.org/)
Wardrobe essentials for a Newport summer include…
A wide brim straw hat is a must, for protection while shopping around town or on a boat ride. Newport can be a bit old school, so dresses, jackets and ties are a must for certain dinner reservations.
Sarah Bray Bermuda (Geranium Sun Hat)
A little retail therapy never hurt anyone. My go-tos are…
For homeware I love Newport Lamp & Shade company— Patrick has great taste and always has some fun pop-ups throughout the summer. I love CK Bradley’s shop, especially her printed dresses and tops, and brightly colored sets. Ala von Auersperg has great, easy to wear dresses with options ranging for lunch to black tie, and everything between. I love to pop-in to Lycette and see all the charming needlepoint ideas… I’m no needlepoint expert, but I love to look. Michael Hayes stocks a great mix of brands, and also has a good selection of men’s clothing. The Royal Male is a great men’s store, with everything you would need for a hunting trip.
Newport Lamp & Shade Company, (https://newportlampandshade.com/)
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