My Go-To Local Businesses on the Island

With more small businesses starting to reopen on Monday for Phase II in Rhode Island I figured this would be a great opportunity to round up some of my favorite local go-to businesses by category. This including: boutiques, cafés, wellness, and more.

Please be sensitive and mindful of the states guidelines when visiting each of these businesses during this time. Protocols and procedures are there for a reason; they are there to be followed and not ignored. Wash your hands, carry hand sanitizer everywhere you go, wear a mask and help keep our community healthy and safe!

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BOUTIQUES

There are so many boutiques that I adore on our island, but here is a roundup of the ones that I always return back to!

• Bohemian Bias (Newport) - Apparel, accessories, gifts; this small business is so well curated and female owned. Boohya!

• Cottage & Garden (Newport) - Home decor, plants, gifts; my favorite home store in Newport. One of those places that you describe it as “simply divine” because it truly is.

• Kiel James Patrick (Newport) - Apparel, jewelry, dog products, gifts; The store that I have been in charge of since June 2017. All jewelry is designed and crafted in our factory in Rhode Island. Homegrown roots with a whole lot of classic, timeless charm.

• Rochelle’s (Newport) - Trendy fashion, accessories; If I need a last minute outfit I will always find something here.

• Bellevue Kids (Newport) - Children’s wear, gifts, newborn-12; Another female owned business that has two locations in Newport- I always wish I was a kid again when I go into her store- her selection of toys and apparel is incomparable.

• Shore Soap Co. (Newport) - The scent Mermaid Kisses is always restocked in my house in the forms of: lotion, hand soap, candles and room spray. I love the branding this business has curated as well.

• Monelle (Newport) - I always go in here for a gift for a friend and then end up leaving with 7 things for myself. Such a beautiful assortment of products.

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RESTAURANTS

We are truly fortunate to have so many great restaurants on our little island so this was a hard list to narrow down.

• Perro Salado (Newport) - Avocado fries. That is all. The interior style, the mixology, the food- everything here is right up my ally. This restaurant was an old historic house before each room was transformed into dining rooms to serve their mouth watering Mexican cuisine.

• Mission (Newport) - The best burger you’ll ever have.

• 15 Point Road (Portsmouth) - The only place on the island that I have found that serves…. BEIGNETS.

• Pasta Beach (Newport) - I’m never not in the mood for Pasta Beach. I also love an excuse to sit at their back room bar and have a Pomegranate Fizz. The ultimate ~ vibey ~ Italian restaurant. Big fan.

• The Safari Room at OceanCliff (Newport)- This is definitely one of my favorite restaurants on the island. I love the location, the relaxed aesthetic, and the food is just… incredible. After a long summer day at the store you can usually find me here with a coworker, a friend or pretty usually- my mom- ordering a bottle of wine and their iconic cheeseboard. Then, obviously, trickling our way over to Castle Hill for some sunset drinks.

• Binge BBQ (Newport) - My favorite spot for a hearty fried chicken sandwich. Cures hangovers.

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CAFÉS/BAKERIES/SWEETS

• Nitro Bar (Newport) - My absolute go-to cafe. My ~regular~ consists of: avocado toast and an iced nitro vanilla latté with almond milk.

• Mokka Coffeehouse (Newport) - An adorable coffee shop right off of Lower Thames with a quaint outdoor courtyard decorated with stone statues.

• Le Bec Sucré (Middletown) - Oh. My. Show up right at 7 AM when this French family-run business opens (they WILL sell out) and stock up on all the croissants and baguettes you desire. Best French pastries I’ve had since my time in Paris.

• Cru Café (Newport) - Another one of my go-to’s, but call ahead if you are in a hurry as this is located in a heavily foot trafficked area so it tends to be a popular spot for a bite and coffee; with good reason, because it is simply delicious.

• Anchor Toffee (Newport)- Located in a charming spot just down on Bowen’s Wharf you will find my favorite place for a quick sweet treat to indulge in- the packaging is so tasteful and make for great gifts too!

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HEALTH & WELLNESS

• Performance Physical Therapy (Middletown) - The therapists that work here are incredible. Dr. Kayleigh was my physical therapist for my scoliosis and I couldn’t recommend her enough.

• Mend. Yoga (Newport) - Power vinyasa, chill vinyasa, sculpt, meditation, you name it. This studio covers it all and has really helped me suppress a lot of my anxiety that I struggle with on a daily basis. I’m really grateful for the three young business owners that run this studio because it has changed the way I feel emotionally and physically on so many levels. They are now offering classes virtually for $29/month.

• Bodhi Spa (Newport) - An absolute oasis of a spa. I’ve had massages and facials here as well as done the water journey multiple times. You’ll leave here feeling entirely rejuvenated.

• Spalon (Middletown) - This is the salon where I go to get my hair done and honestly, the quality of the services has always been amazing and the pricing for treatments is incredibly fair compared to a lot of other salons on the island.

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COCKTAIL SPOTS

Mascara soaked tears are slowly rolling down my face as I reminisce on the beautiful nights I’ve spent at all of my favorite hot spots.

• Midtown Oyster Bar (Newport) - Home away from home. Seriously, I live 5 blocks away.

• Castle Hill Inn (Newport) - I LOOOVE THE INDOOR TINY BAR- it’s so quaint and charming.

• The Vanderbilt (Newport) - This hotel has such a great, unique cocktail menu that reminds me a lot of menus at trendy, cool bars in Manhattan.

• Gurney’s (Newport) - I always feel like I’m not in Newport when I go to Gurney’s- maybe because you have to take a tiny bridge to get there, but it’s nice to pretend I’m on vacation when I get a spritzer there on their illuminated outdoor patio.

• The Leopard Lounge at Bar & Board (Newport) - This place is groovy, there I said it- leopard rugs, funky music, and a really cool aesthetic. I know this category is for cocktails, but you HAVE to indulge in their cannolis if you stop here.

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AND LAST, BUT CERTAINLY NOT LEAST… THIS DESERVED IT’S OWN CATEGORY:

BOOM BOOM ROOM

Dear Boom Boom Room,

I feel like I owe you an apology because I took you for granted. Since our time apart (quarantine) I have reminisced on all of the special, beautiful memories we have shared together beneath the Clarke Cooke House energy. I miss the 5 steps I would carefully tip toe down in my spiked stilettos into your dimly lit, moody ambience. Tequila soda with a splash of pineapple just doesn’t taste the same without you these days. I miss your bartenders, your bouncers, heck- even your DJs. I dream of the day we meet again.

Love,

A Girl Who Misses You