Middletown Travel Guide

Discover the beauty of Middletown, Rhode Island with this comprehensive guide. Learn about the town's attractions, things to do, where to stay, what to eat, and more.


A Comprehensive Guide to Middletown, Rhode Island

If you’re planning a trip to New England, make sure to include Middletown, Rhode Island, on your list of places to visit. This charming town, located in Newport County, offers a plethora of outdoor adventures, cultural attractions, and delicious cuisine. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about Middletown, including the best things to see and do, where to stay, where to eat, and more.

Introduction to Middletown

Middletown is a picturesque town located just three miles east of Newport, Rhode Island. It’s known for its beautiful beaches, scenic hiking trails, and historic landmarks. Middletown consists of a variety of neighborhoods, each with its own unique personality. The town is home to just over 16,000 residents and is a popular destination for tourists looking for a quiet coastal retreat.

List of Places to Visit in Middletown

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Newport Car Museum: The Newport Car Museum is a must-visit for automobile enthusiasts. The museum features a collection of over 75 rare and unique cars.
  • Norman Bird Sanctuary: The Norman Bird Sanctuary is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving wildlife and their habitat. Visitors can enjoy hiking trails, bird-watching, and educational programs.
  • Whitehall Museum House: The Whitehall Museum House is a historic home built in 1729. The museum offers guided tours of the house and its gardens.

Natural Attractions of Middletown: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge: The Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge is a stunning coastal area that offers beautiful views of the Atlantic Ocean. Visitors can enjoy hiking, bird-watching, and exploring the rocky coastline.
  • Easton’s Beach: Easton’s Beach is a popular destination for swimmers and sunbathers. The beach also offers a playground, carousel, and snack bar.
  • Middletown’s Second Beach: Middletown’s Second Beach is a two-mile stretch of sand and surf. It’s a great spot for swimming, surfing, and sunbathing.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Middletown

  • Newport Cliff Walk: The Newport Cliff Walk is a 3.5-mile scenic shoreline walk in Newport, Rhode Island. Visitors can enjoy stunning views of the ocean and historic mansions.
  • Third Beach: Third Beach is a popular destination for hiking and biking. The beach offers a one-mile loop trail that winds through the woods and along the beach.
  • Norman Bird Sanctuary: The Norman Bird Sanctuary offers over seven miles of hiking trails that wind through the sanctuary’s forests and fields.

Best Things to Do in Middletown: Activities and Tours

  • Newport Helicopter Tours: Newport Helicopter Tours offers scenic helicopter tours of Newport and Middletown. Visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of the coastline and historic landmarks.
  • Coastal Queen Cruises: Coastal Queen Cruises offers boat tours of Newport Harbor. Visitors can explore the harbor, learn about its history, and spot local wildlife.
  • Newport Vineyards: Newport Vineyards offers wine tastings, tours, and events. Visitors can enjoy the vineyard’s indoor and outdoor seating areas and check out the farm stand.

Week-Long Itinerary for Middletown

Day 1: Explore the Newport Cliff Walk and visit the Newport Mansions.

Day 2: Visit the Norman Bird Sanctuary and hike the trails.

Day 3: Take a boat tour of Newport Harbor with Coastal Queen Cruises.

Day 4: Enjoy a day at the beach at Middletown’s Second Beach.

Day 5: Take a helicopter tour of Newport and Middletown with Newport Helicopter Tours.

Day 6: Visit the Newport Car Museum and Whitehall Museum House.

Day 7: Visit Newport Vineyards for a wine tasting and tour.

Food and Drink Scene of Middletown

Must-Try Dishes

  • Clam Chowder: Clam chowder is a staple of New England cuisine and can be found at many restaurants in Middletown.
  • Lobster Rolls: Lobster rolls are a popular seafood dish in Rhode Island and can be found at many restaurants and food stands.
  • Stuffies: Stuffies are a Rhode Island classic - a quahog clam stuffed with a bread and clam mixture.

Local Beverages

  • Del’s Lemonade: Del’s Lemonade is a frozen lemonade that’s been a Rhode Island tradition since 1948.
  • Newport Vineyards Wine: Newport Vineyards offers a variety of wines made from grapes grown on their own vineyard.

Where to Stay in Middletown: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • The Chanler at Cliff Walk: The Chanler at Cliff Walk is a luxury hotel located on the Newport Cliff Walk.
  • The Carriage House Inn: The Carriage House Inn is a charming bed and breakfast located in the heart of Middletown.
  • The Sea Breeze Inn: The Sea Breeze Inn is a beachfront hotel offering stunning ocean views.

What to Buy in Middletown: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Newport Vineyards Wine: Bring home a bottle of wine from Newport Vineyards to remember your trip.
  • Bannister’s Wharf Merchandise: Bannister’s Wharf is a historic shopping and dining area in Newport with many unique shops and boutiques.
  • Newport-style Decor: Bring home some coastal charm with Newport-style decor found in many shops throughout Middletown.

Local Culture and Customs of Middletown

Middletown has a rich history and culture that visitors can experience through its many attractions and landmarks. The town also has a strong connection to the ocean, and seafood plays a significant role in the local cuisine.

Best Time to Visit Middletown

The best time to visit Middletown is during the summer months when the weather is warm and the beaches are open. However, fall is also a beautiful time to visit, with changing leaves and a quieter atmosphere.

Do’s and Don’ts of Middletown

Do:

  • Explore the outdoors: Middletown offers many opportunities for hiking, biking, and beachcombing.
  • Visit the historic landmarks: Middletown has many historic landmarks and museums that offer a glimpse into the town’s past.
  • Try the seafood: Rhode Island has a strong tradition of seafood, and there are many delicious options to try in Middletown.

Don’t:

  • Ignore beach safety: Make sure to follow beach rules and pay attention to any safety warnings.
  • Leave trash on the beach: Keep Middletown’s beaches clean and beautiful by disposing of trash properly.
  • Forget to pack sunscreen: The sun can be strong in Middletown, so make sure to bring plenty of sunscreen.

Safety and Health

Safety in Middletown

Middletown is a safe town with a low crime rate. However, visitors should still take normal safety precautions, such as being aware of their surroundings and locking their valuables in their cars or hotel rooms.

Health in Middletown

Middletown has several medical facilities, including Newport Hospital, for any health emergencies that may arise.

Getting to Middletown: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Middletown

  • T.F. Green Airport (PVD): T.F. Green Airport is located in Warwick, Rhode Island, approximately 20 miles from Middletown.

Bus Stations Near Middletown

  • Peter Pan Bus Lines: Peter Pan Bus Lines offers bus service to Providence, Rhode Island, which is approximately 30 miles from Middletown.

Other Options

  • Driving: Middletown is easily accessible by car via Interstate 95.

How to Get Around in Middletown

Middletown is a small town that’s easy to navigate on foot or by car. Visitors can also rent bikes or scooters to explore the area.

Where to Go Next from Middletown: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Providence, Rhode Island: Providence is the capital of Rhode Island and offers a variety of cultural attractions, dining, and shopping.
  • Martha’s Vineyard: Martha’s Vineyard is an island off the coast of Massachusetts that’s known for its beaches, natural beauty, and seafood.

Conclusion

Middletown, Rhode Island, is a charming town that offers something for every type of traveler. From outdoor adventures and historic landmarks to delicious cuisine and unique shopping, there’s no shortage of things to see and do. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing coastal escape or an action-packed adventure, Middletown has it all.