This BestWeekends Exclusive uncovers special things to see, do and experience that you won’t find in any guide book. Often they are only known to locals or people who have visited many times. These are things that will truly make your weekend special, things that will make you say, “remember when we…” long after the trip is over.

Early in the morning (@7:30am) make your way down Bannister’s Wharf to the end of the pier. There will be no crowds, the air is sweetly fresh and you’ll be drawn by the aroma of fresh coffee. COFFEE GRINDERS is owned by a friendly and fun young woman named Alyssa, she does all the baking herself and carries all the best newspapers, including the NY Post (how else do you find out what Paris Hilton is up to?). Grab a cup, pull up an Adirondack chair, listen to the local gossip and enjoy the early morning sun off the calm Harbor waters. This is the best place to start the day. It’s also great place for a casual lunch.

Pick up some sandwiches or salads at Hurricane Jane's(or have them make you something at Castle Hill or the Chanler, if that's where you are staying), a bottle of wine at Vickers’ or an awful awful at the Creamery and head down Bellevue Avenue. Just past the Marble House is beautiful, serene Rovensky Park (Rovensky Ave, go figure), and to the far right is a grove of shade trees perfect for an afternoon picnic.

On a lazy Saturday afternoon take a trip to the Greenvale Vineyards, Wapping Road in Portsmouth, just 6 miles from downtown. Tour the vineyards, taste the wine and enjoy wonderful jazz with Michael Quinn & Guests. 1-4pm.

There are two things we haven’t done, but look like fun. Venture at your own risk! The first is a helicopter ride (Bird’s Eye View Helicopters) over the coastline, the mansions, lighthouses, aircraft carriers and the Kennedy’s old summer home, Hammersmith Farms. $165 for 2.

The other is the Newport Dinner Train, a 22 mile, 2 hour journey along the Narragansett Bay. You’ll step back in time to when elegant train travel was the only way to go. We have heard the Cabaret Dining in the Parlor Car ($53) is the best, the food pretty good and the views from the train breathtaking.