By: Madeline Stephens | Staff Writer
As college students with busy lives, it’s relatively easy to forget that Salve’s campus is only minutes away from downtown Newport. Here, one will find streets lined with shops, bistros, bars, and my inspiration behind today’s article, numerous charming cafes and outdoor areas. Chances are, you’ve seen, heard or have even been to these spots. But, have you ever considered parting from the quiet walls of McKillop and our campus’s award-worthy ocean views for a change of study scenery? If so, keep on reading! Here are five study spots in downtown Newport only a brisk walk, drive or trolley ride away that are worth your while.
1. Empire Tea and Coffee: A Fan Favorite
Located conveniently on the corner of Bellevue and Memorial Blvd, this chain café proves to be popular among our peers here at Salve. They have great coffee that is decently priced, cute window seats, a productivity-inducing environment, access to WIFI, and outlets suitable for charging all devices. At Empire, there are outdoor seats available for those sunny days on the coast and plenty of indoor seats for when you are desiring that café ambiance and warmth. You’ll find several others – not just students – working as well. Open at 6 a.m., Empire is an early bird’s paradise.
2. Nitro Bar: Walls of White
Looking for a space that is bright and acclaimed to be distraction-free? Venture on down to Nitro Bar, another chain coffee franchise found on Thames Street. Although seating is limited, there is typically a steady flow of customers in and out, leaving the space uncrowded. Ana Martinez, a senior at Salve, exclaimed how the plain white walls and sleek interior of Nitro promote productivity and allow one to zone in on work almost effortlessly. As far as background noise, the music played is mellow, easy-going and ambient. After scrolling through Yelp, I can conclude that their variety of quality food and drink is raved about! Plus, if you’re a lover of chai like Ana, Nitro certainly has you covered!
3. Drift Café: Study Spot? More like Surf-Side?
If you’re on the search for a more laid-back, beachy and buzzing atmosphere, float on down to Drift café on Thames Street. Inside Drift, you’ll find yourself in a bright, colorful environment with upbeat music, as well as the sweet sound of workers blending smoothies and brewing coffee. Indoor seating at Drift is limited, but if you can snatch a spot, you’re lucky! There are outlets available in select spots, as well as free, accessible WIFI. If you happen to be a smoothie bowl connoisseur like myself, I promise you, you’ll want to sneak a study session or two in at Drift to enjoy one of the several, fresh bowls they offer up!
4. Queen Ann Square: A People-watcher’s Playground
If you have walked down Thames Street, you most definitely have passed by Queen Ann Square, shaded by trees and lined with paths leading uphill into the greater depths of the city. Although it’s seldom to be considered an adequate space to get some studying in, student, Kathleen Bazarian of Salve, disagrees. She described herself as one who cannot study in silence. With live bands, children playing and tourists walking around, Queen Ann Square is far from silent, but it encompasses an open-air, refreshing feel that we students need. Although there is no WIFI available, Kathleen suggested using a hotspot or coming to the park with a book or other form of reading for a class. Benches line the paths of the Square, and I often see individuals sprawling out on the grass with blankets and the like. Queen Ann Square is suitable for studying, with a little curiosity provoked people watching in-between.
5. The Newport Harbor: The Best of Both Worlds
Feeling too shy to stray away from the sea, but still wishing to experience Newport and its sights, sounds, people and pleasures? Grab yourself a coffee or tea and hit the books with a view of sailboats galore, the calm waters of the bay, and the serenading sound of clanking halyards down at the Newport harbor.
Photos by: Madeline Stephens
