Dog-Friendly Newport, Rhode Island | Dog-Friendly Vacations New England Fall Trip

Dog-Friendly Newport, Rhode Island Fall Road Trip

Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post. However, I will always offer my readers an unbiased and honest account of my experiences. Your trust is very appreciated, and never taken for granted. ~Tonya, Dexter and Angel Nutter

After our dog-friendly trip to Plymouth, Massachusetts, we packed up Dexter and headed to Newport, Rhode Island. Our dog-friendly New England road trip was going strong.

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Dog-Friendly Attractions in Newport, Rhode Island

Our first dog-friendly activity was visiting Fort Adams State Park. Now, dogs are not permitted inside the actual fort, but we were welcome to walk the grounds surrounding the fort. Dexter and I enjoyed walking the large grassy area and Fort Adams Bay Walk along the Narragansett Bay.

This enormous fortress is located at the entrance to Narragansett Bay. When the fort was active, it housed generations of soldiers, their families, and even their pets!

For those visiting Fort Adams State Park without their dogs, you can go on a guided or self-guided tour. During your tour, you will be able to view the living quarters, go beneath the walls of the Fort into the underground tunnels, and experience over 190 years of American History. Not to mention the breathtaking views of Newport Harbor and Narragansett Bay.

Dog-Friendly Newport, Rhode Island Beaches

The Atlantic Ocean was calling Dexter’s name. Dexter was ready for a little beach action, so we headed to one of Newport’s largest beaches, Easton Beach, also known as First Beach. This Rhode Island beach is dog-friendly during their off-season, so we took full advantage of our timing.

This ¾ mile long beach was the perfect spot for Dexter to explore. He had quite a spring in his step, and I had a hard time keeping up with him. Sometimes I don’t think he realizes he’s a 10-year-old dog with a neurological disease. That’s my little monkey.

For those people wanting to have an in-season beach experience without their dogs, you can enjoy the many perks Easton Beach has to offer their human guests. This public beach is great for surfing, swimming, and family fun. With plenty of picnic tables, lockers, showers, concession stands, a kids’ playground and even a carousel, you are sure to have a great time. Dexter was tickled to walk the shore and dip a toe in the Atlantic.

Dog-Friendly Shopping in Newport, Rhode Island

Newport, Rhode Island was not short on dog-friendly stores. As we drove along sightseeing this quaint coastal town, we stopped in at some local stores. As always, I ask if Dexter can accompany me inside, and most of the time he was welcomed with open arms. I’ve always felt that has been one of the perks of having a well-behaved and polite dog. 🙂 After some fun souvenir shopping, we were ready to fill our bellies with some good New England food.

Dog-Friendly Restaurants in New Port, Rhode Island

When I was searching for a dog-friendly Rhode Island restaurant, I knew O’Brien’s Pub had to be our spot. When the first sentence on their website starts out by saying, “Dog-Friendly O’Brien’s Pub…” I knew they would embrace Dexter. And boy, did they deliver on everything!

From the moment we walked up, we all were greeted with warmth and hospitality. It was like Dexter was a rock star. They talked to him, petted him, brought him his own water bowl, and even had a Doggy Delite Menu.

In the summer months, customers and dogs can enjoy their large outdoor garden patio that seats over 175 people. The patio offers a fun children’s area with games and a fish fountain. When the weather is cooler, you and your dog can dine in the indoor/outdoor covered area. The atmosphere was amazing, but what about the food?

Oh, yeah! Ed ordered the beer-battered fish and chips. And let me tell you, it was a feast. The fresh cod was lightly breaded in a beer batter, golden fried, and served with french fries and coleslaw. My mom ordered one of her favorites, the pulled pork sandwich. The pulled pork was simmered in a barbecue sauce and served on a bulky bun. I really try to order dishes that are outside my norm, so I ordered the gourmet lobster mac and cheese. This mac and cheese was made with penne pasta, which grabbed every bit of mouthwatering cheddar cheese sauce. And inside this creamy mac were large chunks of local lobster. OMDog is right. To this day, I still crave O’Brien’s Pub’s gourmet lobster mac and cheese.

We can’t forget about Dexter. He ordered the grilled 4oz burger and a doggie bandanna. And yes, he also enjoyed a few bites of lobster. He too was on vacation. O’Brien’s Pub is a must-do if you find yourself in Newport, Rhode Island. You won’t want to miss this restaurant.

Pet-Friendly Hotels in Newport, Rhode Island

After a full day in Newport, we all were ready to call it a night. We had reservations at the Mainstay Hotel and Conference Center. During this stay, we booked two rooms, one for my parents and one for Dexter and me. I have to admit, I was looking forward to a little quiet time with just Dexter, and I’m sure my parents felt the same way.

This Newport, Rhode Island pet-friendly hotel had some great amenities. Our in-room amenities included comfortable beds, complimentary toiletries, free Wi-Fi, mini refrigerator, large chair, table and chairs, hairdryer, iron and ironing board. Everything we would need for a couple of nights in Newport. In addition to our in-room perks, the hotel offers a seasonal pool, business center, laundry area, meeting and event spaces, and an on-site restaurant with a dog-friendly outdoor patio. Their restaurant, North End Steak House, included food such as filet minion, meatloaf, fish, and lobster. Mainstay Hotel is in the process of a big renovation, which will include major updates and new amenities. Stay tuned as I expand on the new brand in a future post.

The hotel grounds were well-maintained and safe. There was a very large grassy potty area right along the parking lot. After we checked in and unloaded, we all were ready for a good night’s sleep. Our rooms had a great view of the Claiborne Pell Newport Bridge, the longest suspension bridge in New England.

The hotel did not disappoint. The hotel was quiet, and we all slept great. We were refreshed and ready for day two in Newport, Rhode Island. And what a day it was going to be, a nor’easter rolled in!

Newport, Rhode Island Sightseeing & Nor’easter

No worries. It wasn’t as bad as it may sound, and it wasn’t technically a nor’easter. But the winds were gusting up to 70 miles per hour. As a matter of fact, it made the day so much fun! The weather was A-OK for driving up along the Rhode Island coast and getting great views of the waves crashing onto the shore.

It was the perfect day to take the iconic scenic drive, known as Ten Mile Drive. This ten-mile drive goes along the Atlantic Ocean. During our scenic drive, we passed historic landmarks, mansions, and various beaches all with awe-inspiring views of the Atlantic Ocean crashing onto the shoreline.

During our exciting day along the coastal shore, we got out and took some photos and videos. It was just too exciting to miss. We even stopped at a few beaches, where Dexter trotted along with his ears and tail blowing in the high winds. He loved it!

To this day, our family talks about what a great experience we had watching the waves crash along the shore, and crash hard they did. It was definitely the highlight of our Rhode Island trip.

Dog-Friendly Newport, Rhode Island Wrap-Up

We had a wonderful couple of days in Newport. We enjoyed classic New England food from O’Brien’s Pub, walked the sandy beaches of Rhode Island, and even witnessed quite the wind storm along the Newport, RI coast. We all were happily exhausted and more than ready for another restful night at the pet-friendly Mainstay Hotel and Conference Center. Our next day, we were headed to Norwalk, Connecticut, so a good night’s sleep was in order.

Do you travel with your dog? Tell me in the comments.

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