Past the folk singers set up in front of Trinity Church, the Starbucks on Thames that always seems to be mobbed no matter what time of day, and around the corner on Mary Street is the historic Vanderbilt Grace Hotel.

So classic Newport in terms of design and decor, but did you know that Alfred Gwynne Vanderbilt apparently had it built in 1909 for his mistress? (He ended up dumping her after his family made him choose between her and his money, but that story's still quite the icebreaker if you find yourself day - or night - drinking anywhere in the vicinity this Summah.) I've had a bunch of outstanding lunches in their courtyard during the milder months, but their rooftop bar is what most people really gush about.

The thing is much of what you'll probably come across about it online these days refers to it as a hidden gem or best kept secret. Yeah, it kind of is. And it kind of isn't. See, it's really all about who you’re talking to. I mean, as long as I've been blogging about places like Newport, people have been messaging me or commenting about it, urging me to go. And know what? They're not wrong, those people!

Yes, the views of the harbor with the Pell Bridge off in the distance are off the charts impressive. Dare I say spectacular, even if you can't get there for an actual sunset. I've tried to capture as best I could with an I-Phone camera, but truthfully you'll have to go and experience for yourself to fully appreciate.

Your best bet is to plan for early-ish and mid week (They open at 4pm Mon thru Fri.) drinkies and small plates since this time of year, the weekends on that and really any roof deck are jamming. So, drape yourself in your finest post-modern prep or boho attire (I've spied ppl sporting everything from Free People to Vineyard Vines.), and motor on over.

Photo Credits: Photos courtesy of PattyJ.com