Newport has dining options to satisfy almost any whim, from home-style family diners like Ann's Ice Balls and Pepper Pod to authentic Mexican at Rio Grande and sushi at Aoi Japanese Cuisine.

For a local favorite, Newport also sports two independent chili parlors, Dixie Chili and Gourmet Chili.

One of the area's most popular pizza and pasta joints, Pompilio's, is also known around the world as the location of a pivotal scene in the movie Rain Man.

From ethnic cuisine to familiar pub grub, from four-star dining to economic carry-outs, and everything in between, no matter what one might be in the mood for food-wise, Newport can most likely provide it.

For many, Newport = Nightlife. Diversion comes in many forms in Newport, from movies at the AMC to upscale entertaining at The Newport Syndicate. Kids of all ages can play video games and ski ball at Game Works (they switch to 18+ only after 11 p.m.). For bowling, head to Walt's Center Lanes.

York Street Café and The Historic Southgate House both book live music on a regular basis, and Funny Bone Comedy Club features both local and national acts. If a cold, stout beer is the goal, one can't do much better than Hofbrauhaus, which brews its own award-winning beers from old recipes crafted for German royalty ... and also features a full dinner menu and beer garden. Arnie's on the Levee is a popular college hangout, while Captain Cove's serves a local crowd. For an Irish pub feel, there's Claddaugh Irish Pub; and with economy drink specials and $2 orders of tater-tots, Bar Louie aims to please.