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