Newport, Rhode
Island is known as the Ocean State. It provides a classical view of both the 19th
Century New England festivities and the Gilded Age. Newport holds the Annual
Aquafina Taste of Rhode Island to celebrate the schooners and trade ships that
once sailed the harbors. At this event, tourists witness live entertainment, a
vast marketplace, culinary demonstrations and fine cuisine. Newport was also
home of the America’s Cup races.
Spectacular views
of the Atlantic’s shoreline, beaches and yacht harbors are furnished by
Newport’s Ocean Drive and Cliff Walk. Sightseers will bask in historic
attractions such as Touro Synagogue, the Redwood Library & Athenaeum and Trinity
Church. Also on the journey are the Museum of American Illustration, the Newport
Art Museum, and the Museum of Newport History.
The restored homes
along Newport’s streets are reminders of past colonial prosperity.
There are 11
Newport Mansions. These include The Breakers, Marble House, Chateau-sur-Mer,
Chepstow and Isaac Bell house. Also among the mansions are Kingscote, Hunter
House, Rosecliff, The Elms and Green Animals Topiary Garden. Tourists savor the
elegance and inspiration their architecture, art and interior design project.
Newport is renowned
for its unrepressed gardens that circle 19th Century Newport estates
and villas. Blithewold Mansion houses the aesthetic Arnold Arboretum, an expanse
of flowering spring bulbs, a Japanese water garden and a Giant Sequoia.
Newport’s Spring
Street Inn is rumored to be one of the Underground Railroad stops. Its décor is
of 1858 and old Newport. Belcourt Castle harbors artwork from European and
Oriental countries.
Castle Hill Inn and
Resort is a genteel Victorian Inn restoration near Castle Hill Lighthouse. Beach
houses, quaint cottages and a Swiss-style Chalet enthrall those seeking solitude
along Newport’s oceanfront.
Newport’s cultural
art groups and organizations include the Arts & Cultural Alliance of Newport
County, Art for Peace, the Art League of Rhode Island, The Newport Art Museum,
and Flickers Art & Collaborative.
Art enthusiasts
must see the breathtaking works at Anchor Bend Glassworks,
Cadeaux du Monde,
Onne van der Wal Gallery, Roger King Gallery of Fine Art and the Third & Elm
Press.
Newport offers many
forms of entertainment. The Doll Museum, Newport’s Children’s Theatre and Thames
Science Center are favorites of children. Specifically for adults, the Newport
Grand and the La Forge Casino offer gambling.
The Rose Island
Lighthouse is another Newport spectacular favorite. It has been refurbished to
its 1912 countenance. Today the lighthouse aids in the production of utilities
such as electric, water, and the generation of heat.
The Museum of
Yachting, located in Fort Adams State Park, preserves the culture of yachting.
Spectators delight in seeing historical vessels, artifacts and regattas. The
America’s Cup Gallery contains race history for the Auld Mug. The Museum of
Yachting’s Classic Yacht Collection preserves models of the Bolero, an ocean
racer from post World War II technology, the 1905 Cara Mia, a gaff-rigged sloop
that still sails today, and the Surprise, a 1930 s-class sloop. Those
interested in the evolution of model yachts must see The Museum of Yachting’s
World of Model Yachts.
Astors’ Beechwood
Mansion achieved fame for its Beechwood Speakeasy, Murder Mystery Tour and
Christmas Tours. At the Beechwood Speakeasy, the Astors revived the atmosphere
of the Roaring Twenties. Although tourists embark upon the memorable days of
prohibition, alcoholic beverages are available. The Beechwood Speakeasy provides
music and dance from the Jazz Age. Also embraced at the Astors’ Beechwood
Mansion is Victorian society. Tourists become active participants as the
Beechwood Theatre Company reenacts the life of the Astors.
The Murder Mystery
Tour, also interplay, takes place at Bal Masque during the 1890s’. It’s a late
day Agatha Christie murder style plot, whereby guests discover clues and
interrogate suspects.
During the
Christmas season, waltz and delight in Victorian Christmas traditions replicated
at The Astors’ Beechwood Mansion Christmas Tours.
The Newport Music
Festival plays music of the Romantic era. Among its 64 concerts, The Newport
Music Festival also celebrates contemporary composers. It is noted for chamber
music and Romanic-era piano literature.
Island Moving
Company, List Academy of Music, Off the Curb and Rogers High School Performing
Dance Company will satiate one’s dance needs. The Island Moving Company is
Newport’s ballet company.
Newport theatrical
organizations include the Beechwood Theatre Company, Firehouse Theatre and
Newport Playhouse & Cabaret Restaurant.
Newport also
enables you to experience parks, farms, carousels, zoos and ballgames. The
environment is filled with bike baths, beaches and Narragansett Bay. In
addition, tourists enjoy the thrills of kayaking, canoeing, windsurfing and fly
fishing. There’s never a dull moment in Newport.
Canoes, kayaks and
boats rentals are available at Adventure Water Sports. Ten Speed Spokes offers
kayak instruction as well as guided tours. Brenton Point, Fort Adams State Park,
Goat Island Connector II, King Park and King’s Beach and Fishing Access provide
salt water fishing outlets. Fresh water fishing opportunities are available at
Adamsville Brook & Pond, Dunderry Brook, Melville Ponds, Saint May’s Pond,
Simmons Mill Pond, Stafford Pond, and Tiverton Trout Pond.
Newport’s nightlife
involves blues and folk, rock and acoustic, piano bars and sports bars,
specifically at The Rhino Bar, Newport Blues Café, Java Bob’s Café, Obrien’s
Pub, The Marina Grille at Goat Island, and Sabina Dolyes. Plus, Newport’s air is
filled with aromas of lobster and clam chowder from fine seafood eateries and
outdoor clambakes.
The Newport Dinner
Train serves succulent baby back ribs, sesame-crusted salmon and chicken
forestiere while its passengers travel via a 1943 General Electric Train through
the Narragansett Bay area inside antique dining cars.
Italian lovers
frequent Sardella’s for its Antipasti, Secondi, Dolce and Special Function Menu.
The Lucia Italian Restaurant also prepares exquisite, affordable Italian meals.
In addition, Le Bistro’s serves those with a palate for Mediterranean and
Northern Italian traditions and wild game.