Newport in the off-season

Since 1971, Christmas in Newport has filled December with events. Clear white lights, meant to look like candlelight, line the harbor, the wharves and the colonial houses of Historic Hill, right outside the door. The Bowen's Wharf tree lighting is usually the first Saturday in December, and the mansions dress up for the holidays.

• Newport Winter Festival (mid-February): ten days of food contests, music and family events, with sales on Bowen's Wharf.
• St. Patrick's Day Parade (March): one of New England's big ones, through downtown.
• Daffodil Days (April): the city blooms ahead of the summer crowds.

Off-season you can get dinner tables without waiting, and street meters are free November through April (time limits still apply). See parking.

The house has central heating and air, a full kitchen for slow dinners in, and a living room for a quiet night after a walk on the wharf. Check winter dates.