Hey there! This past weekend I escaped to beautiful Newport, Rhode Island, for my best friend’s baby shower and a nice coastal getaway.

Our adventure began on a Friday night at The Vanderbilt, Auberge Resorts Collection, where history and luxury seamlessly intertwine. The Vanderbilt, built by Alfred Vanderbilt for his mistress, Agnes, holds a captivating story. The grand boutique hotel, completed in 1909, boasts 33 rooms and a rich history. The tragic tale of Agnes, who took her own life when their affair became public, adds a layer of intrigue to the property. Now a symbol of resiliency, the building was donated to the city. We explored its grandeur and indulged in a dinner at The Dining Room.

Dinner at The Vanderbilt is high on my recommendations list. Starting with shrimp cocktail, ricotta gnocchi and yummy focaccia, we savored each bite. The standout was the duck, a dish that comes highly recommended. The atmosphere combined with great cuisine set the tone for a memorable evening.

The next day we went to my bestie’s baby shower in Narragansett, a coastal town where we celebrated the impending arrival at the restaurant George’s of Galilee. Established in 1948, this institution offered classic Rhode Island seafood with views of Block Island Sound. After the baby shower we returned to Newport, where Bowen Wharf hosted a festive Christmas tree-lighting ceremony. We feasted at Clarke Cook House where we tried their renowned “snowball in hell” dessert . . . more like a slice of heaven!

Sunday’s rainy weather called for a visit to the Newport Mansions — The Elms, The Breakers and The Marble House. As we toured these architectural marvels, it dawned on us that we were walking in the footsteps of the characters from HBO’s The Gilded Age, filmed extensively in Newport’s opulent mansions. And to wrap up our weekend, we headed to The Chanler at Cliff Walk for lunch, another Gilded Age estate.

Already counting down the days to my next Newport adventure in the springtime. Until then, Newport, you’ve got a special place in my heart. See you soon!

— Rebecca Darakhshan, account executive