When Thrillist took into account Newport’s bars, breweries, parks, museums and outdoor activities that you could enjoy in a 3-day getaway, the City-By-The-Sea found themselves among the 25 Best Small Us Cities to Spend The Weekend (published May 6, 2016).

Why did the Thrillist team come up with the list?

America has a lot of cities. Like, a lot. And while everybody knows you’re gonna have fun in New York or San Fran or Austin, not everybody thinks about the TON of smaller cities that — much like teams during March Madness — can absolutely hang with any big metropolis for at least a weekend. Fun cities that don’t get the recognition they deserve, but that are loaded with amazing bars and restaurants, and enough activities that you’ll spend most of your trip repeating: “I can’t believe there’s SO much do here.”

They narrowed down towns and cities, with populations of under 90,000, and then “took into account all the components of a fun three-day getaway — from restaurants, bars, and breweries, to parks, museums, and outdoor activities – and then rank(ed) the best 25.”

Newport came in at #16 on the list, with mentions of Flo’s Clam Shack, Mission, Castle Hill Inn, White Horse Tavern, Newport Folk & Jazz Festival, Newport Mansions, Doris Duke’s Rough Point and others.

Here’s what the story had to say;

16. Newport, RI
Population: 24,027
Must-eat/drink: Flo’s Clam Shack, Mission burger

Don’t leave without: Having a drink in the Adirondacks at Castle Hill Inn, strolling the Cliff Walk, and visiting the White Horse Tavern, America’s oldest restaurant
Weekend highlights: It’s easy to let a weekend in Newport pass having done nothing but slurp oysters and sip drinks in one of the many waterfront restaurants and bars. The island city, dubbed “America’s First Resort,” has a way of making you feel trapped in an endless summer filled with New England charm. But don’t let the days get away from you, because this historic and iconic place is worth exploring.

Summer is when Newport really comes alive, so try to plan your weekend for the warmer months, especially during the famous Newport Folk and Jazz Festivals. Second Beach in Middletown is your move for an afternoon on the sand — and it offers some of the warmest water in New England! If you’re a sports fan, you can’t skip the International Tennis Hall of Fame (where you can visit the museum and even reserve game time on the grass court), or tailgate in your (ironically) preppiest attire at the weekly polo match. After that, see how the other half used to live by touring the Newport Mansions, which were the summer homes of the likes of the Vanderbilt family and Doris Duke. (The original The Great Gatsby was filmed at the Rosecliff mansion… they’re that fancy.)

Since Newport is basically the sailing capital of the world, you should probably get on the water at some point. Whether you’re racing on an America’s Cup-winning 12-meter yacht or tossing back drinks on a Rum Runner II tour, you’re primed for a solid summer afternoon. Oh, and you can’t miss a Sunday cruise along Ocean Dr… the whole stretch is like a giant panoramic postcard. — Sarah Anderson, senior production assistant

Who landed the #1 spot on the list? That would be Portland, Maine.

See the entire story and list here – The 25 Best Small US Cities to Spend the Weekend