The best of the best

From the editor ~ January/February 2026

Dear readers,

Proud, that’s how I feel about this issue, which is our 22nd since relaunching in the summer of 2022.

As the — very vibrant — cover indicates, it’s our Best of Newport County awards issue, and champions one hundred local businesses and the countless people who make Newport County the best. I speak for the whole Newport Life team when I say we love how Holly Fisher brought our vision to life — it’s full of warmth and whimsy, fun and a little flirty.

We celebrate and congratulate the winners in these pages and also thank the community for casting their votes — more than 40,000 of them! If you don’t see your favorite business listed here, have no fear — nominations for the Best of 2026 will open this summer, when you can once again name your favorites, which will be whittled down for formal voting in the fall.

Our stories this issue also explore the depth and diversity of Newport County, starting with a spotlight on a new collaboration blooming at Salve Regina University. Caitlyn Bailey spent several weeks learning about the University’s partnership with Fundación Magdalena, which has led to the school hosting international artists and exhibitions, along with establishing a language-learning program between Spanish professors and local law enforcement. It is an artful and inspiring exchange; one we’ll be keeping an eye on as it evolves further this year.

Andrea McHugh highlights some of the servers, bartenders, and managers around town who are not only central to the establishments where they work, but to the experience of going out and enjoying it all the more. Dave Hansen captures the spirit of these familiar faces with his accompanying portraits.

Lastly, because it is still winter and, if you’ve been reading my notes here for a while you’ll know I love winter and won’t be surprised I was intrigued by a new way to enjoy this quiet season: we have a story on the trio of women behind the mobile saunas that have been popping up along local shores, allowing residents to enjoy the winter seascape in refreshing — and relaxing — ways. That experience has been beautifully captured by Maaike Bernstrom, who happened to visit each sauna after the first snowfall in December.

I hope this issue provides some warmth and inspiration in the coming months; enjoy!

Until March,

Helena

Managing Editor

p.s. Wondering where to find the magazine? Check out this list of retail locations: https://www.newportlifemagazine.com/where-to-buy-nlm/

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