General FAQ's:

 

Are there any additional costs or fees?
Rates quoted are all inclusive and include such items as cleaning fees and utilities. The security deposit is a separate charge.

VRBO.com has recently added a "Service Fee" for all bookings paid through the VRBO website. This fee can be substantial. Travelers can avoid this fee by contacting me directly through this website. Once dates are agreed upon, I will email you a Lease Agreement for your review and signature. You can return the signed Lease Agreement to me with your deposit payment (personal check is fine). If you prefer to pay by Venmo, Zelle, or credit card, please contact me.

In 2015, the Rhode Island legislature passed an 8% tax on 'short term' vacation rentals of less than 30 days. The tax does not apply to the refundable security deposit.

 

Is the local community beach sandy?
Yes, the local community beach Head’s or Sunset Beach is sandy but also does have many shells at the high water mark. Water shoes are helpful. Please be aware that there are no life guards at Sunset Beach.

 

Can I get a beach pass or parking permit for the beach?
Parking at Mackerel Cove Town Beach is available for $15/day on a first come first serve basis. Fort Getty and the local community beach (Head's or Sunset Beach) on Seaside Dr. require resident stickers for parking. (Although you can park for Sunset Beach on Frigate St. for free.) There is no cost for walk-on access to any town beach.

 

Is there a local boat ramp for trailer launching?
There are several boat ramps in Jamestown. Public ramps are available at East Ferry, Fort Wetherill, Jamestown Harbor, & Fort Getty (Fees Apply).

 

Is there a grocery store in Jamestown?
Yes. McQuade's Market is in downtown and there is a Stop & Shop just across the Newport Bridge in Middletown. There is also a Walmart Super Center and a Stop & Shop in North Kingston near the Wind Turbine.

 

Are bikes available at the house?
I cannot provide bikes at the house because I cannot provide all the different size helmets required as well. Bikes are available for rental from several local bike rental companies on the island and will even drop off and pick up the bikes at the house. I provide all guests with a listing of local activities and contact information prior to arrival.

Jamestown Outdoors        Adventure Watersports             
 

Are kayaks or stand up paddle boards available at the house?
Kayaks and stand up paddle boards are available for rental from several businesses on the island and locally. I provide all guests with a listing of local activities and contact information prior to arrival.

Jamestown Outdoors               Adventure Watersports                      The Kayak Centre of Rhode Island

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How long is the Cliff Walk in Newport? Is it an easy walk?
It is a relatively flat walk 3 ½ miles one-way, 7 miles round trip. Two-thirds of Cliff Walk is a paved, easy to walk trek, while one-third on the southernmost end (closer to Rough Point) has more difficult, rocky terrain.   www.cliffwalk.com

 

Where can I park for the Cliff Walk, Mansions or Newport's beaches?
Metered parking is available along Narragansett Avenue for the Cliff Walk. The Mansions provide free parking lots. There is a paid parking lot and metered parking along Memorial Boulevard for Easton’s Beach. Second Beach has paid parking lot only.

 

Where is Newport's Ocean Drive Historic District?  How long will it take me to drive the Ocean Drive?
The Ocean Drive Historic District is a 10-mile shoreline drive along the very southern edge of Newport (Aquidneck Island) featuring parks, beaches, historic estates, Fort Adams & a yacht museum.
www.google.com/maps/@41.4589611,-71.3099075,14z

 

Can I park on the street at the house?
Jamestown has recently instituted street parking regulations for the Jamestown Shores area where all my homes are located. This is to allow better access for emergency vehicles. On street parking is now only allowed on the side with odd number addresses - the side where my homes are. Overnight street parking is only allowed with a parking permit.

 

Do you recommend any restaurants?
Jamestown hosts probably two of the best restaurants in the area – Beech & JB's On The Water. There are many options for fine and family dining both in Jamestown and Newport. While we have not eaten in all of them I can share information from those we have frequented.

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Jamestown:
Beech: Good food with unique indoor/outdoor dining experience. Great for couples and families. $$$

JB's On The Water: Good food and probably the best views of Newport Harbor and the Newport Bridge. Great outdoor dining as well. $$
Narragansett Café: Great live music. Mixed crowd of locals & tourists. Good bar food. $

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Newport:

Clarke Cooke House: Good food in a nautical atmosphere on the water at Bowen’s wharf. $$$
22 Bowen’s Wharf: Good food in a classy nautical themed dining room with water views. $$$
The Mooring: Views of the bay and harbor with outside dining. $$$
The Black Pearl: Famed chowder in a wharf bar. Outside lunch seating. $$$
White Horse Tavern: America’s oldest tavern – 1673. Good food in a Colonial era setting. $$$$
Brick Alley Pub: Casual inexpensive pub food in a pub setting. $$
Castle Hill Inn: Elegant dining with exceptional water views. Best for drinks on the lawn. $$$$

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Newport Local Hang Outs:
Pour Judgement: Locals and tourist love its big portions of great food. Huge beer list. (Personal favorite) $
Fastnet Pub: An English Pub feel with a nice outdoor back court with pool and table tennis. $

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Is there a ferry from Jamestown to Newport?
Yes, leaving from East Ferry harbor in downtown Jamestown. The Jamestown Newport Ferry offers scenic transportation across Newport Harbor and provides easy access for visiting a variety of destinations where you will find many opportunities for sightseeing, historical tours, museum visits, shopping and dining. A round-trip ticket allows passengers to hop on and off the Ferry as often as desired. One-way fares are also available.

Please visit www.jamestownewportferry.com for more information and schedules.

 

Are tours available of Newport Harbor?
There are many on water tours available for Newport harbor. Most tours leave from the Bowen's Wharf Area. Another option is to take the Jamestown/Newport ferry on a round trip.

There is also a self-guided walking tour of Newport Harbor.
See www.newportharborwalk.com for more information and a printable map.

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195 Seaside Ave.:

Is the beach at the house sandy?
Mother Nature provides us continuing changing conditions at the beach in front of the house.  It is best to be prepared and bring water shoes as it can be rocky in places and sandy in others.

 

How far is the local community beach from the house?
The community beach called Head’s Beach, is about a half mile north of the house on Seaside Dr. directly across from Frigate St. on the map. There are also picnic tables on the grass near the beach.

 

Is the local community beach sandy?
Yes, the local community beach Head’s or Sunset Beach is sandy but also does have many shells at the high water mark. Please be aware that there are no life guards at Sunset Beach.

 

How deep is the water at the mooring, and what is the ground tackle?
The mooring is in approximately 15ft of water and the mooring ball and pennant are attached to a 2,200lb reinforced concrete block. The mooring is inspected every 2 years.

 

Is there a dingy available for access to the mooring?
No. You must provide your own and launch it from the beach.

 

Does the house have air-conditioning?
Yes, window A/C units in the bedrooms upstairs and the kitchen and living room downstairs. Alternately, you can also open the other windows  for the pleasant sea breezes that come off the bay that keep the house cool. There are also ceiling fans are installed in each bedroom and window fans stored in the closets of each bedroom.

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143 Frigate St.:

How far is the beach from the house?
Take a left out the driveway and walk 100ft across Seaside Dr. to the small parking lot of Head's or Sunset Beach.  The shoreline is another 100ft across the grassy play area. There are also picnic tables on the grass near the beach.

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Is the local community beach sandy?
Yes, the local community beach Head’s or Sunset Beach is sandy but also does have many shells at the high water mark. Please be aware that there are no life guards at Sunset Beach.

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Does the house have air-conditioning?
Yes, the house has central air-conditioning. There are five cooling zones, one for each bedroom, the main area upstairs, and the downstairs area. The sunroom is closed off from the house and is not air-conditioned.

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15 Starboard Ave.:

How far is the local community beach?
The community beach, called Head’s Beach, is a 7 minute walk.  Turn right out of the driveway on Starboard and then turn right on Garboard and follow down to Seaside Dr.  Head’s beach is 300 yards north on Seaside Dr. across from Frigate St. There are also picnic tables on the grass near the beach.

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Is the local community beach sandy?
Yes, the local community beach Head’s or Sunset Beach is sandy but also does have many shells at the high water mark. Please be aware that there are no life guards at Sunset Beach.

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Does the house have air-conditioning?
Yes, window air conditioners are provided for the bedrooms upstairs, the living room upstairs and the family room downstairs. There are also ceiling fans installed in each bedroom and window fans stored in the closets of each bedroom.

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14 Mizzen Ave.:

How far is the local community beach?

The community beach, called Head’s Beach, is an 8 minute walk.  Turn right out of the driveway on Mizzen and then turn left on Garboard and follow down to Seaside Dr.  Head’s beach is 300 yards north on Seaside Dr. across from Frigate St. There are also picnic tables on the grass near the beach.

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Is the local community beach sandy?

Yes, the local community beach Head’s or Sunset Beach is sandy but also does have many shells at the high water mark. Please be aware that there are no life guards at Sunset Beach.

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Does the house have air-conditioning?

Yes, there is central air conditioning throughout the home. There are also ceiling fans installed in each bedroom and the family room upstairs.