We locals have got spring fever and cannot wait for the influx of fabulous guests this season. It’s been a long winter and we are finally seeing daffodils and crocus (I’ve spotted a few early tulips too!) We have just had a very successful Spring Restaurant Week and many of the restaurants are carrying the theme through April at least.

Spring Restaurant Week paired with the Home Show in Providence and some of our local chefs starred in presentations-most notably Kyle Ketchum-head honcho at the Spiced Pear at the Chanler at Cliff Walk.

Fairly soon the restaurateurs will be planning for their outdoor dining areas-many spectacular views can be seen from the Moorings, Clarke Cooke House, Fluke, The Spiced Pear and Castle Hill-to name a few. The chefs are lining up with local growers for the freshest produce on the island-and of course-clam chowda’ native striped bass and lobster! My mouth is watering for my first lobsta’ roll of the summer.

Local businesses realize in this tight economy we are thrilled to have you visit us-be a day trip or extended stay. The shops, mansions, restaurants, galleries and museums are all gearing up for you to come and visit-and we appreciate your business like never before. You are going to meet a lot of friendly people in Newport County!

If you are into sailing please go to www.goldenyear2009.com. President of 12 Meter Class (boats) Jan Slee and his group will be showcasing regattas all summer long-lots of quite sailors roaming around and fascinating people from abroad.

Boat shows, chili cook-offs, chowda’ festival-just a few enticing reasons to visit the famed city-by-the-sea. Plan ahead for the music festivals and Flower Show-check our calendar of events-innkeepers and hotel reservationists are awaiting your call.

Visiting in spring-before the crowds is fantastic-especially if you get a pristine summer-like day. So what are you waiting for? Spend a weekend, spend time during the week (when room rates are still low) is the quintessential time to view the mansions, take a spin around Ocean Drive and just live it up in Newport!