Name: Peter
Occupation: General Manager at Gilded in Newport, Rhode Island
Peter moved to Newport 26 years ago for college, and stayed for the incredible seafood!
What makes Newport such a great LGBT destination? It's fun, polite, accepting people - arts, culture and excellent cuisine are plus but it's the people that make Newport special.
What are the top five reasons for LGBT travelers to visit your city and stay at Gilded? The same reason anyone else would visit Newport - its beauty and its history. There is something for everyone here (outdoor beauty, shopping, museums, art galleries, beaches. The list goes on and on. We're also a great base for day excursions to Martha's Vineyard, Block Island and Providence. As far as staying at The Attwater and Gilded - everyone here is super friendly, helpful and invested in the guest having a pleasant experience.
What are some of the “hot spots” LGBT travelers should check out while visiting your city? Cocktail hour at The Landing (or any of the harbor front watering holes. Live music at any of the Broadway bars & restaurants (Norey's and Fifth Element in particular).
What is your favorite restaurant in Newport? The Mooring, fresh, creative and a beautiful dining room. waterfront. Faces west (great sunset).
What is your favorite bar/club in Newport? Favorite bar is the downstairs at @ The Clarke-Cooke House.
Favorite place to unwind in Newport? The Lawn @ Castle Hill Inn
Where’s the best place to enjoy the outdoors in Newport? Fort Adams (old 1800's Army Fort converted into a state park. Not as crowded as Cliff Walk, plenty of parking.
What’s one thing that your city has to offer that you can't find anywhere else? Oldest synagogue (Touro) in North America, Oldest Library in the U.S. (Redwood), International Tennis Hall of Fame, largest fleet of former America's Cup boats in the world (available for day cruises).
Does your city have a ”gayborhood” If so, where is it and tell us about it? Not really, Broadway is a little hipper and funky, but not a ”gayborhood” per se.
What three things do I have to pack to enjoy Newport? An eye for beauty, a functional liver, and an appetite for good food!
What is the best time of year to visit? Early October (brisk, sleep with the windows open weather) - still a lot going on but not as busy as July/August.
I’m in town for 24 hours. What are three things I absolutely have to do? Visit The Breakers, have a cocktail (or 3) at The Lawn @ Castle Hill Inn, have dinner at The Clarke-Cooke House.
What’s something people would be surprised to learn about Newport? Home to a famous kisser. The sailor who swept a nurse off her feet with a V-J Day kiss in New York’s Times Square, was George Mendonsa; born in Newport, RI and now calls Middletown, RI his home.
