Considering a trip to New England? Or maybe you are looking for a romantic weekend getaway? You should consider Newport, Rhode Island. The tour of the historic mansions (summer cottages) on the cliffs above the ocean, the famous Cliff Walk, Ocean Drive are all well worth your time. Make it a day trip from Boston or spend a romantic weekend right on the water. It’s only 1 hr. 21-minute drive from Boston or you can fly into Providence just 41 minutes away.
Historic Mansions (summer cottages)
The Newport Mansions (or “summer cottages”) in Newport, Rhode Island offer a look into the “Gilded Age” of American history. The opulent structures and lavish interiors were built by ultra-rich business moguls and heirs to escape the hustle and bustle of New York City life for a short time each summer. No expense was spared in decorating these summer cottages (mansions) and each family threw unbelievably decadent parties to impress their friends and neighbors. The Preservation Society of Newport County has preserved, protected, and opened these mansions up to the public. A tour of these mansions is well worth your time. You will be amazed that anyone lived this way. We toured The Breakers, Marble House, The Elms, and Rosecliff. Scenes from several films have been shot on location at Rosecliff, including The Great Gatsby, True Lies, Amistad and 27 Dresses.
Cliff Walk
This National Recreation Trail runs for 3.5 miles along some of the most beautiful coastline in New England with much of it going through the property on which many of the Newport Mansions are located. The first two-thirds of the walk are relatively easy before you reach the rough and challenging portion of the trail. We only completed the easier portion of The Cliff as we exited one of the many public access roads. There are several public access roads where you can get off and on. There are clean restrooms at Forty Steps. Remember: You cannot access the mansions or tour them from the Cliff Walk. The best thing is that the Cliff Walk is free.
Bowen’s Wharf and Bannister’s Wharf
These wharves are Newport’s waterfront shopping and entertainment areas. Located along the water on Thames St. they have numerous shops, restaurants, and bars along with a full-service marina. Bowen’s Wharf is the location of many of the city’s festivals and celebrations such as Bowen’s Wharf Seafood Festival, Bowen’s Wharf Newport Wooden Boat Show, sidewalk sales, and flower festivals. There is always music, face painting, great food, and endless fun. This is where you can set up sunset sails, parasailing trips, harbor cruises, and ferry trips.
The Lawn at Castle Inn
You are certainly welcome to stay at the Castle Hill Inn overlooking Narragansett Bay, but I think the highlight is drinks and/or dessert in an Adirondack chair on the sprawling lawn overlooking the water. Or you might head for the outdoor patio for a full meal under shaded umbrellas. What a view!
Take a guided tour of Fort Adams
Fort Adams State Park offers incredible views of Newport Harbor and the East Passage of Narragansett Bay. Tours of the fort are available from 10 am-4 pm including underground tunnels, and officer quarters. During July and August weekends, guests can also tour the “Lost” fortress and the Advanced Southern Redoubt, which is a fortification that has two dry moats and two draw bridges. There are also activities such as swimming, fishing, boating, and picnicking available. Lifeguard on duty 9:00 am-6:00 pm seasonally, weather permitting.
Sail Newport:
A non-profit community sailing facility offering the public sailboat instructions and rental, windsurfing instruction and rental, dry-sail storage areas and hoist operation. Sail Newport also organizes regattas and other sailing events. For more information call: (401)-846-1983.
Shake a Leg:
A non-profit organization providing sailing instruction and rental of specially equipped boats for the physically challenged and their families. For information call: (401) 849-8898 or (401) 847-3630.
Fort Adams also hosts numerous summer concerts during the Newport Jazz Festival (August 7-9, 2020), and the Newport Folk Festival (July 31- August 2, 2020).
National Museum of American Illustration
Looking for a unique art museum. Consider visiting “The National Museum of American Illustration”. It is the first national museum to be devoted exclusively to American illustration.. The museum is located on Newport, Rhode Island‘s historic Bellevue Avenue in the Vernon Court Mansion. The museum’s contains over 2,000 original works by famous American illustrators such as Norman Rockwell, Maxfield Parrish, J. C. Leyendecker, and N.C. Wyeth. You may not know all the names, but you will enjoy a look into an integral part of American art history.
International Tennis Hall of Fame
If you play tennis or enjoy watching tennis you might consider checking out “The International Tennis Hall of Fame.” It features both players and other contributors to the sport of tennis. The complex includes a museum, grass tennis courts, an indoor tennis facility, and a court tennis facility. There are more than 2,000 artifacts on display including tennis racquets, tennis attire, tennis trophies, as well as several interactive exhibits. There is something for everyone at the International Tennis Hall of Fame museum. Play on the historic grass courts at the Hall of Fame Tennis Club. Attend adult and junior clinics, weekly social functions, or take lessons from USPTA teaching professionals.
Consider planning your trip to coincide with one of the many dates for WaterFire Providence in nearby Providence, RI. For more info on WaterFire go to: https://www.myuniquetravelideas.com/waterfire-providence-rhode-island/
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