Newport, Rhode Island's Daffodil Days

Newport, Rhode Island’s Daffodil Days are the best kick off to spring.  I know its no Nantucket but it is as close as I’ll get this time of year. Discover Newport holds monthly marketing meetings for local businesses and the Daffy Days committee brought a map to show us the best spots to see all the blooms.  Naturally, I grabbed one so I could share with all of you where to find the best spot to take photos.

When you cross the bridge onto the island, you will immediately be greeted by blooming daffodils.  If you head towards downtown, they will be on your right when you come to the stop sign and if that kind of welcome doesn’t make you smile, I don’t know what will.  Every day when they are blooming, I am reminded how lucky I am to work on such a pretty little piece of land. Everyone in town has planted their own but the committee has clumped bulbs in specific locations for your viewing as well.  More than twenty-five thousand bulbs in each spot to be exact and 1,000,000 total. Holy smokes.

If you head to the daffy days' website, here, you will find the lay of the land as well as an entire calendar of events for the next two weeks (starting Friday, April 12, 2019).  I will highlight a few of my favorites here for you though.

Saturday, April 13, 2019

Daffodil Days Opening Ceremonies - Bannister’s and Bowen’s Wharf from 1:00 to 2:00 pm

Daffy Doggie Paw-rade (probably the best idea ever) - Queen Anne’s Square from 2:00 to 3:00 pm

Daffy Doggie Post Parade “Pawty” (again, amazing) - Hotel Viking from 3:30 to 4:30 pm

Tuesday, April 16, 2019

Go Daffy at Green Animals Topiary Garden - Green Animals from 2:00 to 3:00 pm

Saturday, April 20, 2019

Beach Cleanup at the Cliff Walk (since you all know I’m pretty passionate about our oceans) - Cliff Walk from 12:00 to 2:00 pm

There are also parades, strolls, and races for you all to enjoy.  Seriously, check out their website. Don’t forget to show me your pictures if you take any!

The Best Place to Find Sea Glass in Rhode Island

Without fail, every time T and I walk Little Lady Dakota at a park near the house, I hunt (and usually find) sea glass.  I live for collecting little treasures along the coast. I thought it would be a good idea to round up some of the best places to find sea glass in Rhode Island.  A few I have not yet been to but I have been informed by a few trusted sources ;). Here it goes, in no particular order..

The Best Place to Find Sea Glass in Rhode Island

Colt State Park, Bristol

I read some articles of people spending just an hour here and finding over 20 pieces of stunning sea glass. One hunter said, “it has the most sea glass they have ever seen anywhere.” I’m guessing this person needs to get out more but for Rhode Island sea glass hunters, it must be good.

Goddard Park, East Greenwich

This was the park I was talking about!  There is a little trail we take Dakota on and it leads to a tiny back beach.  I am always able to find a piece or two when we go.

Compass Rose Beach, North Kingstown

This shoreline is often used to launch small boats but it is exposed from the south so often times the surf will wash up some great glass.

Easton’s Beach, Newport, Rhode Island

Conimicut Point Park, Warwick

At low tide, walk out along the sand bar.  Just make sure you make it back before the tide starts to rise.

Rocky Point, Warwick

Rocky Point used to be an amusement park but is now a great place to find sea glass in Rhode Island.  I would not consider it a beach, but if you walk along the small stretch of sand below the paved path, you will be sure to find something.

Block Island, Rhode Island - North Light

Block Island

Although you have to take a ferry to get there, Block Island is one of my favorite spots in the state.  I hear Crescent Beach is one of the island’s best places to find sea glass. I plan on going next time we head out to sea.  I was also told by a follower, Brooke, that North Light is a good place to look as well. The only time we ventured there, we had to quickly snap a few pictures and then jump on our mopeds to be back in time to return them but next time, I will for sure hop off and search for some glass.

Rose Island

My friend, Kayla, suggested I add this lovely little island to this list and I cannot believe I didn’t think of it.  I have still yet to go, but I am dying to spend the night in Rose Island Lighthouse. This island is in the middle of Newport Harbor/Narragansett Bay so I can only imagine the treasure that washes up here.

*Shell Hunting Bonus* Easton’s Beach, Newport

I have never gone sea glass hunting here but I am always able to find huge shells during the off season along this beach.  My work has a venue that sits right on the edge of Easton’s and there are always little treasures to take home at the end of the day.

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Barbour Sandsend Jacket

I wanted a Barbour jacket since my freshman year of college. I saw a blogger in one online and immediately looked up the site and did some heavy duty research. I never thought to shop it during the Nordstrom sale prior to this year for some crazy reason. Once my mom got wind of the perfect birthday present for me, she was on top of it. Who was I to object?

Now I know how lucky I am that my mom was willing to get me a Barbour jacket. I am so very thankful for that. (Also, I know my birthday is not until December but she didn’t see the need in it sitting in her closet while I could be wearing it!) After owning one, I can 100% tell you that they are worth every penny. No matter what style, the quality is top notch.

I went with the Sandsend jacket from the new Costal Collection. I actually love so many other pieces from the collection. (I’ll share below). The lining, instead of the typical Barbour plaid, is of lighthouses and I thought it was perfect for me. What could be better than an iconic British brand + lighthouses? Especially since we all know my obsession with both Great Britain and lighthouses. The Sandsend jacket, like many of their other iconic jackets, is waxed. Which basically means it has the look of leather in comfortable, water-resistant, cotton. I may have to retire it until spring since it snowed here yesterday but it still kept me warm out there. The jacket didn’t get soaked through and it has a double closure with a corduroy-lined collar to keep you cozy.

I cannot say enough great things about all of Barbour’s jackets. They are lightweight enough for those early October temps but easy to add layers underneath on cold winter days. They are an investment that you’ll definitely get your price per wear down to pennies. (Does anyone else justify purchases that way? haha)

Gray Malin's Rhode Island Series

For those that aren't familiar with Gray Malin's work, prepare to have all the heart eyes.  Gray (let's pretend he and I are on a first name basis) travels the world creating stunning works of art while hanging out of a helicopter.  He creates cheeky moments that you wish you could live in forever.  His tagline is "make every day a getaway" and I think that is something we should all live by.

You may recognize his fun animal or balloon themed photographs or his overhead beach shots but most recently he created a Rhode Island collection and I am dying over it.  He shot in Newport, Westerly, Narragansett, and on Block Island (or should I say above).  While I absolutely love Gray's Nantucket collection, wish I was on safari with some of those animals, and dream about laying on the beaches in his Hawaii, Thailand, and European shots but there is something special about living in Rhode Island and seeing his vision on the state.  

The below are my top three but I think any Gray Malin piece would be a dream to own.

Newport Harbor

Two Umbrellas, Block Island

Gooseberry Beach, Vertical

Is there any other photographer you think I would love?  Currently saving for a Gray Malin piece (one day) but would love to know who else I should be following.

SAVE THE DATES

Our Save the Dates finally started hitting mailboxes and I love the reactions we have been getting!  We decided to go with something a bit less traditional for the Save the Dates since we know the invites and the wedding itself will be a bit more formal.  We obviously want our guests to know that they will be having a good time!  I wanted to share with you all what they look like so without further adieu, I give you, our fun Save the Dates!

Fun right?  We think so!

If you want updates as we plan our wedding, let me know!  I would love to share this exciting time with all of you.

EAST GREENWICH, RHODE ISLAND

I have been living (not including those four years of college I insisted I would never stay here) in Rhode Island for just about two years now.  T and I rent the tiniest cottage that we like to say is old enough that George Washington could have been born in it. What it lacks for in doors, even flooring, and air conditioning, it makes up for in charm and location.  We also have a 1/2 address which makes me happy every time I say it. 

My town is a quintessential New England seaside town. There is a darling Main Street, quirky coffee shops, historic buildings, and converted mills. Our docks are always bursting with boats in the summer and our bellies full with the catch of the day.  

I have laid out the must do's and must eats for you if you are ever in the area. I highly suggest stopping by (and letting me know if you do!!).  

Adventure

Walk Main Street - my favorite store ever is The White Elephant and you must go

East Coast Paddle Sports - grab a board or a kayak and paddle into the EG bay (we highly suggest checking the weather.. again, trust.)

Coffee

Felicia's Coffee - great hangout spot or for on the go

The Nook - locally sourced everything

Main Street Coffee - fun and delicious at 11am or 11pm (trust me)

Good Eats

Blu on the Water - delicious seafood and the best sangria

Grille on Main - any meal is good here.. brunch, lunch, dinner, drinks.. you name it

Meritage - drinks bigger than your head and I die over the penne jumbalaya

I do have a few other favorites that I would love to share so if you decide to head to the area, shoot me an email!  I would be happy to help.