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Newport is a beautiful seaside city in Rhode Island that is famous for its mansions, shopping, and scenery. One of the largest cities in the future United States during colonial times, Newport's decline in the early 19th century is good news for today's visitors, who can experience one of the nation's largest collections of intact colonial architecture; had Newport followed the same path as its former peer cities, its historic buildings might have been razed decades or even centuries ago. But Newport is even more well known for another historical period: the Gilded Age of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, when some of America's most prominent families built eye-popping summer homes, which they called "cottages," along the waterfront. Many of the mansions are now open for tours.
Newport is also known for hosting the Newport Folk Festival and the Newport Jazz Festival and many other festivals and fairs.... Read more
Newport is a beautiful seaside city in Rhode Island that is famous for its mansions, shopping, and scenery. One of the largest cities in the future United States during colonial times, Newport's decline in the early 19th century is good news for today's visitors, who can experience one of the nation's largest collections of intact colonial architecture; had Newport followed the same path as its former peer cities, its historic buildings might have been razed decades or even centuries ago. But Newport is even more well known for another historical period: the Gilded Age of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, when some of America's most prominent families built eye-popping summer homes, which they called "cottages," along the waterfront. Many of the mansions are now open for tours.
Newport is also known for hosting the Newport Folk Festival and the Newport Jazz Festival and many other festivals and fairs. Cobblestone streets and brick sidewalks accent an upscale touristy downtown area with many shops, galleries, and great restaurants, all located near the water. Newport sits on the southern end of Aquidneck Island and features several fine beaches, rocky cliffs and much history including an old fort.
The summer weather generally calls for shorts, short sleeves, and swimsuits. Newport is also surrounded by water you might want to pack a sweatshirt for the night time because it can get a bit cool. Be sure to bring an umbrella with you because Newport is not exactly invincible to rain. It would also be a great time to break out your sunglasses because summer is the sun's favorite season.
Newport is a great town to walk, ride, and utilize other modes of transportation besides cars in. When visiting places throughout Newport, you'll notice that most people are walking or bikeriding. Many people use bikes, scooters, and mopeds to get around the city. Most of the restaurants and shops are packed into the harbor area, which is perfect for walking, especially on a cool summer night. Parking your car can get pretty difficult at certain times of the year, which is another benefit of walking. If you decide to take your car downtown, there are various locations that have parking meters. The meters take only quarters (15 minutes) and dimes (5 minutes) and allow you to park for 3 hours.
There is also the option of using the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority
Like most of Newport, the Newport Mansions ooze history. The mansions represent over 250 years of history and architecture with walk through audio tours of the establishments. The mansions are a spectacle to see for all who attend. Each establishment, fully preserved, has a different history, some from the Women's Right's Movement in 1920 with Greek and Roman sculpture, some that double as 19th-century art galleries, and some with impressive gardens complete with sculpted topiaries. Admission prices vary by tour, whether it is one property of your choice or a five-property tour of your selection. Tours of the more popular mansions, such as the Breakers or Hunter House are a bit pricier than the rest.
The Newport Mansions consist of eleven historical sites all with different architectural aspects, history, interiors, and landscape. Out of these eleven, seven are nationally recognized historic landscapes. The Newport Mansions do not only showcase historical house museums but are also hosts to different galas and functions on the lawns and inside the mansions themselves. The Newport Flower show, proms, and specialty tours are just some of the extra features to see at the Newport mansions including the exquisite array of holiday decorations that are put up during the season.
Newport Mansion tours are not only for those interested in historical architecture or Rhode Island history, but for all ages due to the walk through tours, audio information, and the overall grandiose appeal of the estates.
Park in the free off-street parking spaces provided by all Preservation Society properties (with the exception of the Hunter House where you can park on the street.). Allow an hour and a half per house to fully enjoy all that the Newport Mansions have to offer, from their gorgeously elaborate interior to their spacious and breathtaking grounds.
Newport offers a variety of activities throughout the year. During the summer season, water sports are extremely popular among Newporters and tourists. Sailing and boating tours are also available starting in the spring, while an outdoor skating rink is a great place to be during the winter. Shopping and gambling are also great tourist attractions throughout the entire year in Newport. You can even take a food tour and get a taste for several restaurants so you know where to go for lunch or dinner while in Newport.
Newport is known for its beautiful beaches. There are a variety of both public and private beaches located in the Newport area. Many beaches located in Newport and Middletown are within a few blocks from each other and have a variety of different features. Some are great for swimming, fishing, and making sand castles, while others have picnic areas and great surf. Some of Newport’s beaches provide family events and entertainment during different times of the year. All beaches in Newport have great views and are perfect for a little relaxation.
There are many places in Newport and the rest of Aquidneck Island to go fishing. Saltwater fishing for striped bass, bluefish, and tautog (blackfish) is the way to go. Being on an island, there are many places to fish from. Some of the best spots with easy public access are Fort Adams, Brenton Point, Castle Hill, and any of the public beach areas. You can also charter a fishing boat out of one of the many marinas.
NOTE: Rhode Island has passed a law that requires all aspiring fishers to obtain a license to fish the waters of the state. To qualify you must simply go to the local Wal*Mart (Located by the rotary on Connell highway) and pay the small fee to legally fish while you enjoy your stay in Newport. It's only a small fee, so you don't have to feel guilty about purchasing one even if you are visiting for a short stay.
The Newport restaurant scene is a pretty elaborate and lavish experience. From places like Sardella’s and The Red Parrot to the more upscale places like The Mooring and 22 Bowen, Newport offers a variety of dining experiences. The night life carries a stigma all its own. For the simple fact that most bars and clubs are all within walking distance of each other, getting around in downtown Newport is a breeze. From the authentic cobblestone Thames Street to Broadway Street, there are plenty of places to lose yourself in a Cape Codder or a Martini.
Newport is one of the state's most quaint sea towns. It harbors some of the finest seafood restaurants in the area. However, if seafood is not your style, Newport still has plenty of other fantastic dining options. Places like 22 Bowen or The Mooring are some of the most upscale places you can go in Newport short of having dinner at The Breakers. The atmosphere is high class and a certain conduct is expected. These places are great for anniversaries, celebration dinners, and expensive couples nights out. The menu is only rivaled by the wine lists. Both are quite extensive. You can get some of the best seafood in the state at these places, while also finding exquisitely prepared chicken or steak.
Newport is known for its lively night scene. Whether you want to enjoy a quiet cocktail, hang with the locals, or dance along to a live band, you will find a place in Newport to suit your preferences. “Downtown” Newport has bars all within walking distance of one another. Many bars are located just a few blocks from most hotels and inns, making a scenic walk an easy choice. Most bars are in the downtown area including upper Thames Street, lower Thames Street, America’s Cup Avenue, Memorial Boulevard, and Bellevue Avenue.
There are too many bars in Newport to include them all, below is a diverse collection of the best. Walking or taking a cab is recommended to avoid the dangers of drinking and driving and the nuisance of finding a parking spot.
Listed below is a suggested "bar hop" for lower Thames Street and America's Cup Avenue. Beginning with Pelham East, you can walk to each bar in the order it is listed. Remember that the bar hop is for both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. Try a drink from each, but remember to be responsible.
Newport has become a great destination for shopping. During the Summer it is extremely popular because in the Downtown area there are so many stores and they are all within walking distance of each other. It is a great way to spend a day, park the car in any of the nearby parking lots and walk around as long as the weather is good!
LOCAL TIME
4:30 pm
May 19, 2022
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