If you ask a tourist in Newport, Rhode Island why they chose this town to vacation away from their troubles, they’ll give you a few answers. But, most, will say they come for the reputation Newport has for its delicious seafood. Newport is the perfect spot all summer long to settle in and enjoy the plethora of restaurants lining the main street of Thames. Tourist season in Newport begins in May, stretching through to end of September, and this is when the streets are booming. Many of the restaurants in Newport choose to be seasonal because the revenue of winter months cannot compare to summer. It costs more for them to stay open and they lose money from that so doors close usually around the middle of October.
The beginning of fall weather still comes with one last hoorah for the small town: The Annual Bowen’s Wharf Seafood Festival. This stands as the last call for tourists to enjoy all things seafood before the winter months take over. Thousands of people come to town and bundle around the stepping stone sidewalks marking the center of Newport. Large tents are set up along the harbor and each participating restaurant sets up shop. Tables and chairs are available for folks to sit down and enjoy their food and beverages along with a live band that holds the center of attention. The crowd can dance and enjoy the tunes while getting a last taste of some of their favorite food options.
Restaurants decide on a small menu that will only be available for the festival and the two dreaded words people hate most in 2017 come alive: “CASH ONLY”. This means that the line for all ATM’s in Newport wrap around its long blocks. The extended bar that is set up under the main tent is filled with people flagging down the bartenders trying to get drinks to go along with their food. Clam chowder, lobster rolls, and stuffed clams are some of the main stars at the festival. Some more extravagant choices, including lobster mac and cheese, also make an appearance and according to a Newport local, is notorious for selling out each year. Students from Salve Regina University flock to this festival because it serves as a treat for themselves to get seafood they normally wouldn’t on any given day.
To my disbelief, I saw a man eating a brisket sandwich at the festival, and I wanted to know why that choice when all the hustle and bustle is about the fish. He told me he has a seafood allergy and then it occurred to me that this festival is so good it even caters to those who cannot, or will not, eat seafood. There is even a section of three or four restaurants that bring non-fishy options to the table. Brisket sandwiches were accompanied by other barbecue delicacies alongside a Mexican restaurant offering their delicious chicken tacos. Even dessert is taken seriously here with a cannoli stand and a hot-n-ready doughnut shop. The sweet smell of cinnamon sugar and chocolate fills that tent, attracting the sweet tooth of many comers.
As 6:00 p.m. approaches and restaurants start packing up their material and the large crowds disperse, the first of two days of the seafood festival comes to an end. But, don’t think that’s where things stop, based on the talk of people on the street, it’s only right to go again the next day.
Below is a link to a video that gives insight to what the festival looks like:
Gnawing in Newport 