Newport RI - Jewel On The Ocean

Newport RI has long been the playground of theThere are about 13 mansions in all to visit in
rich and famous. In the 19th century it became aNewport RI, with most located on or in the
popular summer retreat for the wealthy escapingvicinity of Bellevue Avenue. The Preservation
the hot humid weather in the large industrial citiesSociety of Newport County operates ten of
of the Northeast. They built their magnificentthese and offers combo priced tickets. I suggest
mansions and brought along their extravagantyou try and visit no more than three in one day,
yachts and boats. The legacy of this era aboundsas they are expansive and to be appreciated in
throughout Newport even today.unrushed discovery.
The mansions still remain and many can be visitedThe most popular Mansions are The Breakers,
and toured throughout most of the year. A tripMarble House, and The Elms. But to experience
around Newport conveys a city with a distinctsomething different visit The Astors' Beechwood,
nautical past, and which for many years was thewhere you'll literally be treated like a guest by
pride and center of American yachting as therole-playing hosts.
home for America's Cup races.THE TEN MILE OCEAN DRIVE
Whoever nicknamed Rhode Island - The OceanOcean Drive is a 10-mile route that starts on
State - must have been thinking of NewportBellevue Avenue and follows Ocean Avenue
when it was done. Newport lives and breathes thearound a rocky peninsular with fishing coves,
Ocean. In this article you'll experience the vibrantswimming beaches, and public parks. A wonderful
harbor area, relive the Gilded Age in a Newportand popular way of enjoying the almost flat
Mansion, soak up the stunning views on Oceanterrain is by bicycle, with plenty of places to stop
Drive, and trek the famous Cliff Walk. Newport RIand admire the views.
is in a class of its own and your gateway to allThe 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 ofnecks amidst the backdrop of a windy Atlantic
Narragansett Bay. Either Newport Bridge from theOcean. You'll see plenty people fishing and others
west on route 138, or Mt. Hope Bridge from theclambering 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 anthem?
important seaport with trading routes to theBrenton State Park is a halfway point on Newport
West Indies. Its years as a major seaport endedRI Ocean Drive, and is one of my family's
with the British blockade in 1776, and thefavorite stopping spots to have a picnic and fly a
subsequent almost leveling of the town by thekite. The park allows pets, and has tables and
soldiers. In the 19th century Newport once againopen-pit grills - make sure you bring your own
attracted attention, but this time as a vacationcharcoal.
refuge for the social elite. Many of the attractionsLeave 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 HARBORthis part of the trip, you'll pass the landmarks of
The center of the harbor area is Bannister's andCastle 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 aworth 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 specialtyTHE CLIFF WALK EXPERIENCE
shops, restaurants, and open-air bars. In theThe Cliff Walk provides spectacular views of the
summer this is a good area to visit mid-morningocean, 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 "Thechildren. The path is 31/2 miles in length and in
Spirit of Newport" cruise that leaves fromsome areas has been eroded and battered by
Bowen's Wharf. This is a one hour narrated tourthe natural weather patterns of the area. Wear
and passes by many striking attractions as itsneakers if you can, and show caution.
makes its way out to the southern tip of theThe North End Cliff Walk starts where Memorial
Bay. You'll see smugglers coves, backyards ofBlvd meets Easton's Beach. The first part of the
mansions and learn about the history of the citywalk is easy on good pavement and leads you to
and its colorful citizens.The Forty Steps. After the steps you'll have
THE NEWPORT MANSIONSgreat views of Ochre Point, Ochre Court, Cave
One of the major draws to the area remains theCliff, and Vineland.
Newport Mansions. The mansions wereYou're now heading towards Bailey's Beach at the
affectionately called "summer cottages" by theSouth End of the walk. This is a rough section and
original owners because they were only used 6-12at 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 andrediscover the path and be able to take in more
showpieces right down to the last beam of timberstunning views of the ocean area.
- or marble!