| Newport RI has long been the playground of the rich | | | | 80 room houses and showpieces right down to the |
| and famous. In the 19th century it became a popular | | | | last beam of timber - or marble! |
| summer retreat for the wealthy escaping the hot | | | | There are about 13 mansions in all to visit in Newport |
| humid weather in the large industrial cities of the | | | | RI, with most located on or in the vicinity of Bellevue |
| Northeast. They built their magnificent mansions and | | | | Avenue. The Preservation Society of Newport |
| brought along their extravagant yachts and boats. | | | | County operates ten of these and offers combo |
| The legacy of this era abounds throughout Newport | | | | priced tickets. I suggest you try and visit no more |
| even today. | | | | than three in one day, as they are expansive and to |
| The mansions still remain and many can be visited | | | | be appreciated in unrushed discovery. |
| and toured throughout most of the year. A trip | | | | The most popular Mansions are The Breakers, Marble |
| around Newport conveys a city with a distinct | | | | House, and The Elms. But to experience something |
| nautical past, and which for many years was the | | | | different visit The Astors' Beechwood, where you'll |
| pride and center of American yachting as the home | | | | literally be treated like a guest by role-playing hosts. |
| for America's Cup races. | | | | THE TEN MILE OCEAN DRIVE |
| Whoever nicknamed Rhode Island - The Ocean State | | | | Ocean Drive is a 10-mile route that starts on Bellevue |
| - must have been thinking of Newport when it was | | | | Avenue and follows Ocean Avenue around a rocky |
| done. Newport lives and breathes the Ocean. In this | | | | peninsular with fishing coves, swimming beaches, and |
| article you'll experience the vibrant harbor area, relive | | | | public parks. A wonderful and popular way of |
| the Gilded Age in a Newport Mansion, soak up the | | | | enjoying the almost flat terrain is by bicycle, with |
| stunning views on Ocean Drive, and trek the famous | | | | plenty of places to stop and admire the views. |
| Cliff Walk. Newport RI is in a class of its own and | | | | The Ocean Avenue part of the drive is probably the |
| your gateway to all this... and much more. | | | | most scenic with magnificent houses on rocky necks |
| Newport RI is located at the eastern mouth of | | | | amidst the backdrop of a windy Atlantic Ocean. You'll |
| Narragansett Bay. Either Newport Bridge from the | | | | see plenty people fishing and others clambering over |
| west on route 138, or Mt. Hope Bridge from the | | | | the rocks searching for creatures in the tidal pools. |
| North East on route 114 can reach it. | | | | Why not stop yourself and join them? |
| Founded in 1639 Newport quickly became an | | | | Brenton State Park is a halfway point on Newport RI |
| important seaport with trading routes to the West | | | | Ocean Drive, and is one of my family's favorite |
| Indies. Its years as a major seaport ended with the | | | | stopping spots to have a picnic and fly a kite. The |
| British blockade in 1776, and the subsequent almost | | | | park allows pets, and has tables and open-pit grills - |
| leveling of the town by the soldiers. In the 19th | | | | make sure you bring your own charcoal. |
| century Newport once again attracted attention, but | | | | Leave the park heading back to Newport Harbor, and |
| this time as a vacation refuge for the social elite. | | | | while the scenery isn't quite as spectacular on this |
| Many of the attractions you'll visit in this article stem | | | | part of the trip, you'll pass the landmarks of Castle Hill |
| from that gilded age. | | | | Lighthouse, Hammersmith Farm, and Fort Adams |
| NEWPORT HARBOR | | | | State Park. The Fort Adams area is worth a few |
| The center of the harbor area is Bannister's and | | | | hours touring the old fort and the recreation centers. |
| Bowen's Wharf's. Here you can yacht "watch" while | | | | THE CLIFF WALK EXPERIENCE |
| sipping your favorite beverage or savoring a few | | | | The Cliff Walk provides spectacular views of the |
| steamed mussels - my personal favorite. The alleys in | | | | ocean, but you have to be prepared to work for it in |
| the wharf area are full of specialty shops, | | | | parts, and it's not recommended for small children. |
| restaurants, and open-air bars. In the summer this is | | | | The path is 31/2 miles in length and in some areas |
| a good area to visit mid-morning or late afternoon | | | | has been eroded and battered by the natural |
| when it's not so busy. | | | | weather patterns of the area. Wear sneakers if you |
| If you have time experience the harbor on "The | | | | can, and show caution. |
| Spirit of Newport" cruise that leaves from Bowen's | | | | The North End Cliff Walk starts where Memorial Blvd |
| Wharf. This is a one hour narrated tour and passes | | | | meets Easton's Beach. The first part of the walk is |
| by many striking attractions as it makes its way out | | | | easy on good pavement and leads you to The Forty |
| to the southern tip of the Bay. You'll see smugglers | | | | Steps. After the steps you'll have great views of |
| coves, backyards of mansions and learn about the | | | | Ochre Point, Ochre Court, Cave Cliff, and Vineland. |
| history of the city and its colorful citizens. | | | | You're now heading towards Bailey's Beach at the |
| THE NEWPORT MANSIONS | | | | South End of the walk. This is a rough section and at |
| One of the major draws to the area remains the | | | | times the path is narrow and even seems to stop. |
| Newport Mansions. The mansions were affectionately | | | | But by scrambling over the rocks you'll rediscover the |
| called "summer cottages" by the original owners | | | | path and be able to take in more stunning views of |
| because they were only used 6-12 weeks of the | | | | the ocean area. |
| year during the summer season. These are 70 and | | | | |