Babymoon in Newport with Amy Ro Photography
Interested in or planning a babymoon in Newport RI?? Then let’s chat about them!
Every year, I photograph several babymoon clients visiting from out of town for maternity sessions, and they’re truly some of my favorites. There’s just something so special about this experience: getting dressed up, spending time together, and documenting such an exciting part of your lives in a beautiful coastal setting.
Babymoons in Newport become especially popular throughout the spring and summer months. It’s the perfect combination of a relaxing getaway and memories you’ll have together long after your baby arrives.
In my experience, the sweet spot for a babymoon is usually around 28–35 weeks of pregnancy. At that point, most moms are still comfortable enough to explore and enjoy a trip without getting completely exhausted. You are more obviously showing, but you’re often still able to move around comfortably and enjoy some time with your partner before the whirlwind of baby showers, nursery prep, and newborn life begins. This also coincides perfectly with the best timing for maternity photos! Look at how that works out!
And while pregnancy timing doesn’t always line up perfectly with travel plans, my personal favorite time of year to visit Newport is end of April and May. The summer crowds haven’t arrived yet, hotel prices are often a bit more reasonable, and the weather is usually beautiful; mild, breezy, and not overly hot or humid. Restaurants are easier to book and the whole town feels more calm. From a photography perspective, it’s honestly one of the best times of year for beach sessions. My next best time is September and October when you have the same experiences but a bit cooler weather.
As a bonus, many of the beaches my clients love for maternity photos are still quiet in April and May. This means we often have wide open stretches of coastline with very few people around. Therefore, it makes sessions feel even more relaxed, and enjoyable, which is exactly the kind of experience a babymoon should be.
SO.
Let’s talk about the rest of your experience and how to plan your best babymoon in Newport!!!
Places to stay for your babymoon in Newport
Let’s start with where to stay. There are SO MANY options in Newport but, admittedly, a lot of them will be very busy between Memorial Day and Labor Day and much more expensive. From more cost-effective options to all out luxury, however, Newport has it all. Some top recommendations:
Luxury – The Chanler at Cliff Walk or Castle Hill Inn
Centralized location – 41° North or Vanderbilt Auberge
Midlevel – Newport Harbor Island Resort or Newport Marriott
Cost-efficient – Newport Beach Hotel & Suites
things to do on your Newport babymoon
The best part about a babymoon in Newport is that you can really take the time and slow down and just enjoy some of the best that New England has to offer. In your second and third trimester you’re not likely going to want to be going crazy with activities and Newport is perfect for that – it’s totally okay to do less!
- Of course I have to start with booking maternity photos with me! It is quite literally my job so (obviously!) I have to recommend that. The best time is Friday and Saturday evenings before Memorial Day, and weekday evenings after Memorial Day.
- Go and visit one of the mansions. The Breakers is probably the most famous but my personal favorite is The Marble House. Then get afternoon tea at The Tea House behind Marble House overlooking the water.
- Drive to the end of Coggeshall Ave, and take a right on Ocean Ave. Then, settle in for a drive with some of the most beautiful ocean views and houses you’ll ever see. Afterward, sit at Brenton Point park with ice cream and watch the kites.
- Take a slow stroll along part of Cliff Walk! This is a 3.5 mile walk along the ocean’s edge below the mansions. It’s absolutely stunning and you can go at your own pace. But the bonus is there are several entrances so therefore you can just do parts of it and pick and choose your own adventure.
- Visit the Tennis Hall of Fame and learn all about its history.
- If you’re water people, schedule a sunset harbor cruise. If you’re land people, hop on a trolley for a fun trolley tour of the city.
- Looking for something different? Head up to Portsmouth and catch a polo match! (Super fun – bring a picnic!)
- In season, sit on the lawn at Castle Hill and just relax with a mocktail. Hungry? Stop into the terrace restaurant for an appetizer or afternoon dessert.
- If you’re in Newport in December, that is certainly still a magical time! The Holidays at the Mansions are like nothing else you’ve seen and are a must-do.
spoil mom-to-be
If there is ever a time for a little spoiling, it is when you are pregnant. And it doesn’t have to take a long time or come at a big expense either. If you’re looking for just a little something to add on these are my suggestions:
- Prenatal massage and facial at either Castle Hill Inn just outside of downtown, or Bodhi Day Spa right in downtown Newport.
- Get your hair and makeup done before getting photos, or just for a nice dinner out at Curl Up and Dye
- a special outing with Elizabeth in Newport (combine this with the polo, or the picnic, or a one-of-a-kind tour)
Where to eat while on your babymoon in Newport
Just like the hotel options, Newport has no shortage of incredible restaurants. Therefore, whether you’re craving fresh seafood, a perfectly cooked steak, or cozy comfort food, there’s truly something for every mood and (pregnancy!) craving.
One of the best parts about dining in Newport is the variety you can have on your trip even if it’s just two or three days. You can enjoy a casual waterfront lunch with ocean views. Plan a romantic dinner at one of the restaurants along Bowen’s wharf. Or spend a slow afternoon sitting on the lawn at Castle Hill Inn watching sailboats drift through the harbor. If you love a little history mixed into your getaway, you can even dine at America’s oldest tavern, which originally opened in 1673. Try and make reservations ahead of time no matter which restaurants you choose.
And one very important recommendation: do not leave Newport without trying the viral cinnamon rolls from Co-Dough for breakfast one morning. Absolutely worth the hype – just get there early to avoid them being sold out.
Some specific recommendations:
Flo’s Clam Shack – I love this place for fried clams and seafood of all kind. Very casual and perfect for a day after the beach. When I have sessions my husband will often request I pick up Flo’s on the way home
Flora – Fine dining, good for a nice special dinner or Sunday brunch. Delicious halibut.
Brick Alley Pub – Casual comfort food in fun lively surroundings, recommend their nachos (huge!) and their au poivre burger.
White Horse Tavern – good especially in colder months. Cozy, small, yummy elevated tavern food. My husband loves the duck legs.
22 Bowen’s – delicious steakhouse right on the wharf.
Hooked – yummy seafood right on the edge of downtown
What to pack for your babymoon
What to pack is always a question no matter the destination, the season, or the occasion. Packing when you’re pregnant can feel even more overwhelming since we don’t normally have a huge maternity wardrobe. (I know I sure didn’t!) The good news is that Newport, while it can be extremely preppy and coastal chic, is also full of other visitors also wondering what to wear. You will see everything from jeans to cocktail dresses so try not to stress too much. Most importantly, choose pieces that make you feel comfortable, confident, and beautiful. A babymoon is a special time, and you deserve to feel every bit as beautiful as you are.
General ideas no matter the time of year:
- Comfortable walking shoes, either cute sneakers or sandals. You’ll be on your feet a lot so you’ll want something supportive. This is important if you’re later in the second or third trimester.
- A light jacket or sweater because it gets windy even in the summer. A lot of places are on the water or near the water so it’s good to have something on hand especially after sunset. Just avoid anything too bulky so you can easily carry it around.
- Lightweight layers so you don’t get too hot and your stomach can breathe
- One or two nicer outfits for dinner out
- Sunscreen! You’ll likely be outside a good portion of the time and if you’re on the water this is even more important
- Likewise, sunglasses and / or a hat for outside
- Belly support band if you will be out exploring a lot. This can help provide support and make things more comfortable on your back
- Crossbody bag makes it easy for exploring, shopping, etc. No worries about holding onto your purse
- Outfits for photos (of course!) If you’re coming for a session with me, don’t worry I’ve got a whole guide to help!
Most importantly, no matter where you choose to eat, stay, or spend your time on your babymoon (even if it’s not in Newport) make it feel special and embrace every moment together. Your lives are about to change in THE VERY BEST WAY! This time period before baby arrives is something worth celebrating. Eat the meals, explore new places, slow down, soak in the quiet moments together, and enjoy.
And above all (selfishly), definitely book those maternity photos. 😉
