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Newport RI - Jewel On The Ocean

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



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