Newport, Rhode Island is a charming old seaport peninsula surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean on the east, Rhode Island Sound to the south and the Newport Harbor on the west.
Once the summer playground of the Astors, Vanderbilts, Belmonts and other wealthy American families, Newport was a symbol of the lifestyles and opulence of the Gilded Age. Extravagant cottages were built along Bellevue Avenue and the ocean, one more magnificent than the other. Summer was a time for parties and entertaining, of houseguests and romance.
Newport today is a thriving resort community renowned as the sailing capital of the East. Summer weekends are for racing and parties and eating and drinking in Newport’s wonderful bistros and pubs. Vestiges of past wealth remain. Just as astonishing as the mansions of bygone years are the mansions old and new in which people actually live! Set on bluffs overlooking the sea and surrounded by acres of land, some of the nouveau properties are as spectacular as the old.
Take a stroll along the wharfs and you will marvel at the sheer number and size of the yachts and sailboats moored at the docks. If they are any indicator, our economy is in fine shape.
Most of the restaurants and shops are located in the downtown area along the Newport Harbor, making it an easy place to navigate during a weekend away. To the east the terrain climbs the rocky cliffs overlooking the Atlantic and you can enjoy the 3.5 mile Cliff Walk fronting the Mansions. To the south are parks and beaches and the 10 mile bike run following Ocean Avenue.
Newport is an ideal weekend escape particularly for those within driving distance from Maine to New Jersey. You’ll get to see how the other half lived, enjoy some wonderful food and some amazing accommodations.