By Caroline Kelley | Staff
Whether you’re looking to get off campus to relax for a few hours or make a day out of it, Newport has a lot to offer this time of year. Here I’ve covered some fun and inexpensive things to do in the bleak winter months leading up to springtime.
Winter Workout
Yoga: Four times a week, Newport Power Yoga offers a $5 community class. The community class offers a relaxing, warm Vinyasa Flow. The class is open to all levels, from beginners to experts. These are offered on Tuesdays at 9:30am, Wednesdays at 7am, Thursdays at noon, and Fridays at 7pm. Sign up online here or walk-in.
Skating: Grab your skates & your friends! Another fun venue to check out is the Newport Skating Center. For $7, you can ice skate for 3 hours. Plus, Friday nights are 18+ only from 9-11pm.
Newport Night Run: April 1st at 7:30pm, Newport’s first 5k race will be held to raise money for the Newport Public Education Foundation. This $25 run will begin at Rogers High School, loop around Ocean Drive, and finish back at the high school.
Brunch
Hungry Monkey: Weekend brunch in Newport is a go-to for my friends and me. One of my favorite spots is the Hungry Monkey, located on Broadway. The restaurant has a bright, funky atmosphere, along with the best chocolate chip banana pancakes- ever. The atmosphere is upbeat and lively, and there is almost always a line out the door- so get there early!
Corner Cafe: Right down the street is the Corner Cafe, which is a small, rustic-chic cafe with comfortable, cushioned seating. This restaurant has an amazing drink selection alone, including fresh-squeezed orange juice, mint green iced tea, and raspberry hot chocolate with marshmallows and whipped cream. My favorites off the brunch menu are the omelets and Sweet Bread French Toast.
Meg’s Milk Bar: If you’re looking for a more casual breakfast, Meg’s Aussie Milk Bar, located on Bellevue has just that. Meg’s has a small seating area as well as breakfast to-go. Their strawberry banana smoothie is one of the many delicious fruit drinks on their menu. This awesome Australian-themed restaurant also has great breakfast sandwiches, made and served by their incredibly friendly, personable staff.
Fun
St. Patty’s Day Parade: If it’s not already on your radar, the Newport St. Patrick’s Day parade is coming up. Saturday, March 12th from 11am-1pm, locals will line the streets of downtown Newport while floats and performers will make their way down the parade route.
Newport Restaurant Week Spring: April 1, 2016 – April 10, 2016. Various restaurants around Newport will offer special menus, including a set three-course lunch menu for $16 and three-course dinner menus for $35.
Tree Hike Through Ballard Park: Saturday, April 16th from 2-3pm, there is a $5 suggested donation for a guided walk and tour of the many trees around some of the 13-acre park.
Hiking
Sachuest Point (past third beach) and Norman Bird Sanctuary, right around the corner, are two beautiful outdoor nature reservations perfect for walking and exploring- plus, they’re free!
Spring Equinox Hike at Ballard Park: March 20th $5 suggested donation for a walk to explore the history of Ballard Park in celebration of the beginning of Spring.
