Newport or Destin?

[lawren2 Malibu Beach Barbie & A Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close lawren2]

For the first time ever DH has decided he wants to go away week 52. The caveat is the 3 of us will drive wherever it is.

There are almost unlimited last minute exchanges in RCI for that week and I think I have it narrowed down between Wyndham Bay Voyage Inn Jamestown, RI or Holiday Beach Resort Destin.

Newport is a 1BDRM 4/4 and we can tour the mansions all decked out for the holidays. Probably about a 3hour drive. We have never been. I don't think there is internet.

Destin is a STU 4/2. Beachfront, heated pool. Temps look to be mid-to high 60s. Mapquest says an 18 hour drive. Wi-Fi. Two drivers and I guess we will probably stop somewhere midway and Motel 6 it or something. Also have never been to the panhandle.

Of course I keep seeing things closer like HHI, MYR... but the intent if we are on a beach is to enjoy it not freeze!

Which would you choose and why?

[ArtsieAng Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close ArtsieAng]

I'd choose Newport because I love the seeing the Mansions all decked out, and because I would kill myself if I had to sit in a car for 18 hours.....During the holidays, when there will most likely be more traffic, no less.

Besides....It doesn't really sound like it's beach weather in Destin.

[lawren2 Malibu Beach Barbie & A Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close lawren2]

I'd choose Newport because I love the seeing the Mansions all decked out, and because I would kill myself if I had to sit in a car for 18 hours.....During the holidays, when there will most likely be more traffic, no less.

Besides....It doesn't really sound like it's beach weather in Destin.

I'm leaning that way too. That's why they are both on hold. However, if Key Largo or Key West should pop up in the meantime...

[ArtsieAng Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close ArtsieAng]

I'm leaning that way too. That's why they are both on hold. However, if Key Largo or Key West should pop up in the meantime...

Lawren....Newport is cold, but it's a real nice place to spend Xmas. Before I was married, I spent an Xmas & New Year there, and I had a wonderful time. The town's atmosphere during the holidays is really nice, and there's lots of places to go for drinks, and shopping. My favorites. Also, you can't beat the New England Clam Chowder.

Not sure if it's still there, but I used to go to the Black Pearl, for the best clam chowder, steamers & mussels. Also, White Horse Tavern was always an excellent meal, and good service.

[jericap Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close jericap]

I agree with Angie..not only that but I'm there's a chance of snow somewhere along the drive and that 18 hours can possibly turn into 2 days. I'd go with the Newport also

[bigfrank Administrator Find all posts View Profile Close bigfrank]

I love Newport I would take that , And if you want to really have a great lunch or Dinner go to the Castle Hill Inn & Resort | A Relais & Chateaux Property | Newport, Rhode Island the short drive just getting there is breath taking.

[ArtsieAng Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close ArtsieAng]

I love Newport I would take that , And if you want to really have a great lunch or Dinner go to the Castle Hill Inn & Resort | A Relais & Chateaux Property | Newport, Rhode Island the short drive just getting there is breath taking.

Yup, I used to go there, as well. Can't remember the name of the owner, from back then, but I'm pretty sure that it was Paul, something or another. He was a real nice guy. He most likely isn't still the owner, today.

[tonik Member Find all posts View Profile Close tonik]

Newport or Destin

For the first time ever DH has decided he wants to go away week 52. The caveat is the 3 of us will drive wherever it is.

There are almost unlimited last minute exchanges in RCI for that week and I think I have it narrowed down between Wyndham Bay Voyage Inn Jamestown, RI or Holiday Beach Resort Destin.

Newport is a 1BDRM 4/4 and we can tour the mansions all decked out for the holidays. Probably about a 3hour drive. We have never been. I don't think there is internet.

Destin is a STU 4/2. Beachfront, heated pool. Temps look to be mid-to high 60s. Mapquest says an 18 hour drive. Wi-Fi. Two drivers and I guess we will probably stop somewhere midway and Motel 6 it or something. Also have never been to the panhandle.


Of course I keep seeing things closer like HHI, MYR... but the intent if we are on a beach is to enjoy it not freeze!

Which would you choose and why?

Destin is beautiful but I think it would be very cold this time of the year. We are only about 7 hours from Destin and the weather can fluctuate drastically from one day to another. Never been to Newport so I do not know. The 18 hour drive seems like a long ways. You should visit Destin though during early May or September or October when there is no crowd as the beach there is beautiful with the beautiful white sand. One of the best timeshare resorts there is Wyndham Majestic Sun. I just booked there for this coming May.

Have fun wherever you decide to go.

[joycapecod Silver Contributor Find all posts View Profile Close joycapecod]

As a New Englander I would grab Newport. The Black Pearl is still open as is the Red Parrott. The mansions are beautiful all decked out and one or more have a New Year Eve dinner party where you are "guests" of the owner. I think it is the Astor and another that do this.

If you get too bored you are always welcome to drop by Château Racheotes.

If you do grab the Newport week let me know. I may be able to get DH to drive over and the 5 of us can have dinner somewhere.

Joy

[Nancy Platinum Contributor Find all posts View Profile Close Nancy]

Traffic

Not sure which day you would be leaving, but heading toward Florida right after Christmas driving is bad. All the snowbird grandparents spend Christmas with grandkids up north and then head south. (We're one of those). As far as weather, we live in Tampa area and it's a real crap shoot about temperatures this time of year and Destin is farther north, so cooler.

Have not been to Newport, so can't comment on it.

Nancy

ps. This year we are having our Christmas on Christmas Eve so we can get a days jump on the traffic.

[mshatty Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close mshatty]

Destin of course. Because I will be there from 12/20 and leave 12/26. When will you be there?

[lawren2 Malibu Beach Barbie & A Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close lawren2]

well the decision just got tougher and the drive a little longer because I just put Caribe on Sanibel on hold with a 12/28 check-in...

[bigfrank Administrator Find all posts View Profile Close bigfrank]

I guess I am not the only one who can not sleep,
Tough call I love both Sanibel and Newport but weather wise Sanibel wins it. I have driven to Sanibel and it is 3 hours further than Disney, YOU may want to fly , Look at jet blue into Fort Myers,

[jericap Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close jericap]

I'm all for Sanibel too! You sure you have to drive?

[grest Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close grest]

We drove to the Panhandle this past weekend for the first time. We liked the barrier islands a lot, and the shoreline was lovely. We'll definitely go back and spend a week in a timeshare somewhere around there. Having said that, and telling you up front that I'm really a Mainer, we love Newport at Christmastime. Yes, you will feel like a popsicle, but it's truly beautiful.
Connie