Daffy Days
5th Annual Newport Daffy Days Festival
Daffy Days kicked off today in Newport, RI, celebrating its 5th anniversary. Drawn to the idea of seeing more than 900,000 daffodils in bloom was more than enough motivation for me to steal away from Green Hill this Saturday afternoon to explore the festivities.
Dash through the Daffodils
Ahead of my arrival for Daffy Days, scores of runners showed up at 7:30 am to participate in the Newport Rhode Races, called the Dash through the Daffodils. This is a USATF certified marathon course & Boston Marathon qualifier.
Daffy Day Opening Ceremonies
Daffy Dog Parade
I arrived to see the muskets fired and the Daffy Doggies on Parade at 2 p.m. Dogs were dressed in their daffy best attire and made their way from Black Dog @ Bannisters Wharf to Queen Anne Square. It was fun to watch.
While awaiting the parade, I picked up a Daffy Pin for $5, that sparked my Saturday attire and also contributed to a fund for Newport to meet its goal to plant 1 million daffodils.
This Daffodillion effort is a non profit civic beautification effort; you can contribute whether or not you make it to Newport, RI – visit their website.
The Mooring Restaurant
The Mooring Restaurant, Newport, RI
What’s a daffodil celebration without food? So I’m headed to The Mooring Restaurant . Our server, Katie, was great. There I enjoyed a cup of Clam Chowder, sampled a Walrus & Carpenter Oyster from Charlestown, RI. and the Fish Tacos appetizer, which was lovely. I recommend this waterside eatery for food quality, water view location & friendly service.
Newport Daffodil Days Festival
The festival runs from April 14 – 22, 2018, so there’s still time to explore Newport’s daffodils. In fact, based on the blooms I saw in town and along the magnificent Cliff Walk, I can tell you that the area has not nearly peaked. In the week ahead, be sure to make a visit and I promise you will not be disappointed.
When I visit Cliff Walk, I always park near the Salve Regina campus, which places me mid way along the walk. This positions me to stroll left or right, and as long as I want in either direction. You never know how the wind is going to blow and how that will impact your stamina for distance.