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.
