Visiting the Newport Boat Show
Long-Sleeve Tee || White Jeans || Canvas Sneakers || Earrings || Watch || Bracelet
Okay, my Newport sharing continues! Earlier in the week, here, I introduced my road trip to Newport, Rhode Island with AAA Northeast. The purpose of the trip was to take in all that the Newport Boat Show had to offer. Even though I grew up in Florida, and have been around boats my entire life, I’ve never owned a boat. If I’m being honest, I was nervous that going to this event was going to make me look like a fish out of water. Even if you have zero knowledge about boating, you will still feel welcome at this event.
Celebrating it’s 49th year, the boat show is as much a part of the town as the Cliff Walk and New England Clam Chowder. Serious boaters and daydreamers alike from around the Northeast flock to Newport to do some shopping and maybe leave with an incredible savings. Something I didn’t expect was how much space the event would take up. For the weekend, 13 acres along the downtown waterfront are dedicated to all things boat related. That includes hundreds of boats at all sizes and price points, nearly a dozen tents for nautical accessories, and several local food vendors.
Like I said before, David and I were not actually in the market for a boat, but it sure was fun to pretend! My favorite thing about the NIBS was getting to hop on the different vessels and “try them on”. We, I quickly learned, have slightly different tastes when it comes to boats. I’m partial to the classic look, wooden accents with navy trim, ala the Kennedys. David, on the other hand, wanted something that looked fast. At one point he admitted that he was going for the “Bond villain look.” Surprisingly, we found a middle ground and even a dock close to Manhattan to keep it. If we ever decide to take the plunge, we are ready on both fronts.
Everyone at the NIBS, both exhibitors and visitors, was so friendly. It was refreshing to be away from the city and talk with people who like the simpler things in life. That is, being on the water. Since St. Pete has a huge boating culture too, it reminded me a lot of home. It’s exactly what I needed after a summer of change. More importantly, it’s nice to know of a laidback town to escape to that’s just a quick train ride away. The whole trip can be done in under four hours from NYC.
David: Pullover || Shirt || Shorts || Shoes || Sunglasses
Interested in attending the Newport Boat Show yourself? Well, the dates for 2020 have already been announced. On September 17th through the 20th, the party will start all over again. I would say to book your hotel as soon as you can. It’s a huge weekend for the town and hotel rooms will sell out quickly. You have so many hotel options in Newport, but we opted to stay a little farther away from the action. Our stay at the Newport Beach Hotel couldn’t have been more ideal. It was across the street from the beach and close to the iconic Cliff Walk. We decided to get our steps in and walk the 30 minutes into town, but a free shuttle service can get you there in 5.
The Newport Boat Show was a trip that I had been looking to all summer long. I knew I was going to have such a good time in this ocean front town, but I had no idea I was going to fall in love! Check back next week for more Newport content, including my city guide and packing list. See you soon!
Love from NYC,
Katie
If you are more interested in travel than style, be sure to visit my exclusive travel page, here.