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