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Comment by M's mom on June 1, 2017 at 12:00pm

As far as hotel rooms, most hotels will allow you to cancel with no penalty if you cancel by 2-3 days before the stay, so I would advise making hotels reservations NOW for Aug 4, and you can always change if your candidate rolls.    As far as airline tix, not so easy, but we flew into Providence on Southwest Airlines which, at least at that time, did not charge a hefty fee for changing flights like the other airlines do.

When your Loved One passes RLP, that is a big relief.  They can still roll back at any time, but the odds are better after RLP that they will graduate on time, so we made our plans immediately after!!!

Comment by M's mom on June 1, 2017 at 11:50am

NavyDave4--- They can only leave the base if they have their orders.  There are usually a few in each OCS class whose orders don't come in before graduation, and they must stay at the base until they do, which could be days or weeks.

If they have their orders, they are free to leave after they check out of the barracks, and get their medical records, etc.

We had a hotel room with two double beds, so our son stayed with us on Friday night after graduation, and then we all flew home the next day.  His orders gave him ten days' travel time to his next duty, and we were able to get him a plane ticket on the same flight as ours to fly home.

Comment by NavyDave on June 1, 2017 at 11:41am

They have to leave base/school as soon as as they graduate.

Comment by Rachel on June 1, 2017 at 11:27am

I feel the same way, Matt's mom.  As a consummate planner, I would have purchased tickets and booked hotel the day my LO began, but anything can happen...one of the parents suggested waiting until week 7, so that is what I will do.  August 4 is my LO's grad date (hopefully) and Newport is going to be slammed with summer revellers and Jazz Fest attendees.  When the time comes, will everyone be coming in on the Wednesday before graduation, then?  How many days should we plan on staying?  Thanks :D *praying for RLP to go smoothly <3

Comment by Matt's mom on June 1, 2017 at 11:02am

I know that everything will fill up fast, but I am so afraid to book anything this early.  Our son is also scheduled to graduate on August 4.  RLP is today.  Praying that they all make it through today's event. 

Comment by Robertsmom on June 1, 2017 at 7:49am

Those are all great suggestions, thanks!  My son's graduation is scheduled for August 4.  I went ahead and booked rooms at the Carriage House.  I could see hotels filling up as I was searching. I figured restaurants would be the same.  The Newport Jazz festival is that weekend too.  Trying to make as many arrangements as possible but still remain flexible. Roberts got RLP today.  Holding my breath.

Comment by M's mom on May 31, 2017 at 10:26am

Restaurants:  I will also endorse The Red Parrot in downtown Newport.  Our son took us there on Wednesday night before graduation, after we had arrived that day.  On Thursday night, we had filled up on the "appetizers" at the Hi Moms reception  and none of us honestly felt like going out to a restaurant after that for a meal so we just skipped dinner.   Can't remember where we ate Friday night.  There is a diner--can't remember the name but looks like a diner-- on the main road through Middletown that all the hotels are on.  It was great for lunch one day. 

We were fortunate that our son graduated AFTER Labor Day when the tourists had gone.  If you will be going to Newport in the summer, it will be crawling with tourists.  Make hotel reservations ASAP.  You may have to eat at out-of-the-way places to avoid a huge wait at the popular restaurants.

Comment by CindyN on May 31, 2017 at 9:21am

Newport Restaurant notes I collected 2 years ago:

Brick Alley pub on Thames street: “Awesome place and they do take reservations. We made ours for 14 folks 2 weeks early.” “ We went to Brick Alley last night for dinner. It was good!”

Red Parrot: Wonderful lobster

Flo's Clam Shack: “It is a shack but the freshest seafood. Nine of us were saying our meal was the best. We all ate different things. Flo's does have 2 different menus, one upstairs at the bar and the other one on the first floor.” (Very casual, not really a good spot for dinner after Hi Moms)

Corner Cafe on Broadway in Newport, “delicious food and so adorable.” (Breakfast/Lunch)

22 Bowens: Their website is 22bowens.com Also you can make reservations online thru opentable.

Comment by CindyN on May 31, 2017 at 9:15am

Robertsmom - Like Nancy I don't remember the place we ate on Thursday night. I think it may have been Sardella's Italian Restaurant in Newport. It was a bit off the beaten path which was appealing to us. But it was unremarkable. Not bad but not exciting either. What was memorable was walking past an older gentleman sitting on a bench. As my son walked past in his whites, the gentleman thanked my son for his service. My son stopped and shook his hand and talked with him for a moment. When you see your LO again, you will notice many changes. That was one of those moments for me. I collected a few restaurant recommendations from the OCS class facebook page. I will see if I still have it.

Comment by Nancy on May 31, 2017 at 8:41am

If you'd like good New England seafood for reasonable price on WEDNESDAY night, try Anthony's Seafood in Middletown. The Rhode Island chowder was amazing. Casual (pay first, then sit down). It's too casual for Thursday after Hi Moms when everyone is in dress blues or whites. It's a good place to meet up with other OCS families who are getting into town early. I don't have a good recommendation for Thursday night in Newport because I can't remember the place we went, I just remember I didn't like it. 

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