Newport, RI Destination Guide

City of Newportbrings healthy living, lifestyle, a wine garden, 3
Newport is a seaside community on the southernstages of entertainment and a kids & family area
end of Aquidneck Island, on Narragansett Bay, into downtown Newport!
Rhode Island. Today, Newport is an attractiveOctober
year-round tourist destination but is especially
popular in the summertime when the population- 15th Annual International Oktoberfest: October
quadruples as visitors and locals alike take6th ? 8th, 2007 ? Bringing an end to the fall
advantage of the many attractions of the area.festival season, this German Oktoberfest
Most famous for its mansions, water, and forcelebration held on the Newport waterfront has
hosting the Newport Folk Festival and Jazzlively Bavarian music, delicious German food and
Festival, Newport has a history going back toAmerican cuisine (seafood, pierogies and more), a
colonial times, when it was an early center forbeer garden, a wine garden, and a special area for
shipbuilding and trading and the birthplace of thechildren. Admission fees apply.
U.S. Navy. In the mid-1800?s the city became
fashionable as a resort for wealthy Southern- Bowen's Wharf Seafood Festival: October 13th ?
merchants. Nouveau riche industrialists such as the14th, 2007 ? This 17th annual festival offers local
Astors, Belmonts and Vanderbilts began buildingrestaurants serving up their most celebrated
their summer cottages, more correctly describedseafood dishes; continuous live music (folk, Celtic,
as mansions, along the rocky coastline. Thesea chanties, blues); balloons, face painting, and
growth and development of the city was heavilyfun for kids of all ages. Entry to the festival is
influenced by the wealthy, the presence of thefree and open to the public (food and beverages
Navy and, of course, the sea.can be purchased at vendor booths). The festival
The Navy?s presence has greatly diminished sinceis under beautiful tents and is on rain or shine.
the 1970?s, but Newport remains a playground
for the wealthy. Fortunately, it is also accessible- Fortress of Nightmares: October 19th ? 21st &
as a playground for the not-so-affluent as well. A26th -28th, 2007 At Fort Adams, the Fortress of
city with a rich heritage, Newport has somethingNightmares unleashes the restless spirits of its
for almost everyone - from mansion tours, topast on special haunted tours. Guides will lead the
tennis history at the Tennis Hall of Fame, greatway through spooky areas of the Fort not usually
beaches, sailing: the city is closely linked to theseen on regular tours, and you will hear the eerie,
America's Cup competitions, the world-famousbizarre, and macabre tales of the Fort?s long
"Cliff Walk" , unique shops and restaurants,history and legend from the resident ?spirits?
museums, and art and jazz festivals.themselves! Unlike many haunted attractions
Newport is a consummate vacation spotthese scares are based upon the legends and
regardless of the time of year. In addition to itsfolklore that surround Fort Adams and in the
always popular summer season, many visitors arecreepy atmosphere of Fort Adams in the dark.
discovering the pleasures of Newport?s630 to 9pm each night. Admission fees apply.
off-season. The region?s rich history, spectacularNovember
natural beauty, diverse arts communities, and
cultural events make Newport a great vacation- Christmas at the Newport Mansions: November
spot throughout the year. The moderate climate17th ? 30th,, 2007 ? The mansions Marble House,
of Newport, RI and its closeness to some of thethe Elms and the Breakers are open and
East Coast?s major cities also play an importantdecorated allowing you to celebrate the holiday
role in Newport?s popularity as a year-roundseason amid elegantly decorated surroundings. All
getaway destination.three houses will be decorated with period-inspired
High Season - Memorial Day through Labor Day isornaments and open daily through January 1,
high season in Newport. Expect great beach and2007. Hours are 10am until 5pm at The Elms and
boating weather and an all around wonderfulMarble House; The Breakers opens at 9am Plan
summer getaway. However, also expect crowdsto arrive before 4pm, when the final tour begins
and prices to be high.at each property. The houses are closed
Shoulder Season - Spring and fall are greatThanksgiving Day.
seasons to visit Newport. Hotels, inns, andDecember
restaurants all have lower rates and the weather
is perfect for many activities including boating,- Bowen?s Wharf Christmas Tree Lighting:
bicycling, hiking and for visiting galleries, shops andDecember 1st, 2007 - Frosty the Snowman
boutiques.arrives at 430pm, children?s musical program
Low Season - The holiday season is a spellbindingbegins at 5pm. The mayor lights the tree at 6pm
period to visit Newport. -- Festivities are held atand Santa arrives by a Coast Guard Crash Boat
several of the Newport mansions and throughout(weather permitting) immediately after tree
Newport County. While some shops, restaurantslighting.
and hotels close during the winter, many stay
open and offer the perfect backdrop for a- Christmas at the Newport Mansions: December
romantic or relaxing getaway many times with1st ? 30th, 2007 ? The mansions Marble House,
rates at half of peak season.the Elms and the Breakers are open and
Newport Traveldecorated allowing you to celebrate the holiday
Air:season amid elegantly decorated surroundings. All
Need to book a flight to or from Newport? Findthree houses will be decorated with period-inspired
the best flights and lowest prices here:ornaments and open daily through January 1,
Book Flights to and from Newport2007. Hours are 10am until 5pm at The Elms and
The closest airport to Newport, T.F. Green AirportMarble House; The Breakers opens at 9am Plan
(PVD), is less than 30 miles north in Warwick,to arrive before 4pm, when the final tour begins
Rhode Island. PVD offers many low cost andat each property. The houses are closed
regular flights to/fm many cities in the UnitedChristmas Day.
States. Air Canada , American, Continental, Delta,Newport Attractions
Northwest, Southwest, Spirit, United and U.S.Newport is a walking town with parking very
Airways all provide service to T. F. Green Airport.limited and expensive. In the summertime RIPT
Most major car rental companies ?Alamo, Avis,offers trolley service to many major attractions.
Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National, and
Thrifty - operate out of PVD. Public transportation- Newport Visitor Information Center ? Located
is provided by Bonanza Bus Lines and the Rhodeat 23 America's Cup Avenue, the Visitor
Island Public Transit Authority. Shuttle service toInformation Center is open Daily 9am-5pm, 7
Newport can also be arranged. Each concourse atdays a week except Thanksgiving and Christmas
the airport has its own cafe and newsstand asDay.
well as a video game arcade with one restaurant
? The Federal Tavern - accessible to all airport- Famous Cliff Walk ? Take a scenic walk via the
visitors prior the security check.public access walkway for some of the best
Alternative Airports:views in New England. Hiking the 3.5 mile length of
- Logan International Airport (BOS): Much largerthis elevated path, you will see the many
than Warwick, Boston?s Logan Internationalmansions that define Newport as well as
Airport is a good alternative when flights into PVDoutstanding views of the harbor. The walk takes
cannot be arraigned. Logan is approximately 75you through the historic district and at points
northeast of Warwick.along the way there is easy access to Bellevue
- Newport State Airport: Located in nearbyAvenue where you can catch a city trolley if
Middletown, the airport accommodates smallyou?ve walked enough for the day. The walk
private planes and helicopters. No commercialbegins at First Beach and finishes at Bailey's
flights are offered.Beach.
Train/Bus:
The nearest rail service is 20 miles west of- Brenton Point State Park ? On Ocean Drive,
Newport in Kingston, RI at the University ofBrenton Point State Park occupies the former
Rhode Island main campus. Cab service is availablegrounds of one of Newport's grandest estates.
from Kingston Station to Newport. Bonanza BusBrenton Point State Park provides visitors one of
Lines serves Newport with a stop downtown atthe most spectacular views on the East Coast.
the Newport Gateway Center, 23 America's CupThe park is located at the point of land where
Avenue. Bonanza works in conjunction with theNarragansett Bay meets the Atlantic, midway
Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) andalong renowned Ocean Drive. Visitors can enjoy
Greyhound in offering frequent daily buses to/fmpicnicking, hiking, fishing, or just relaxing with the
Boston (2 hours), Providence (1 hour), New Yorkcool breezes and majestic views of the Atlantic.
City (5-1/2 hours), and points beyond and
in-between.- Fort Adams - Just a short drive or a water taxi
Car:ride across Newport Harbor stands the largest
Need to rent a car in Newport? The best dealscoastal fortification in the United States.
from top vendors are here:Considered an architectural masterpiece, Fort
Rent a Car in NewportAdams housed soldiers from 1824 to 1950; today
Newport sits on the southern end of Aquidneckit stands for your enjoyment. At the fort you
Island and can easily be reached by car. Somecan see where soldiers lived, enter the
sample distances: Providence, RI - 34 Miles,casemates, explore the tunnel system, and climb
Boston, MA - 71 Miles, Hartford, CT - 102 Miles,the bastions for views of the surrounding area.
New York, NY - 180 Miles, Philadelphia, PA - 277Tours are available from June to October.
Miles, Washington, DC - 408 MilesAdmission fee applies.
- From Boston and Points North - Follow Rt. 24- Fort Adams State Park - The Park offers a
South through Fall River and into Tiverton, RI,wide range of activities including salt water
take the second exit after the bridge tobathing, fishing, boating, soccer, rugby, and
Portsmouth, RI (Newport Beaches). Turn right atpicnicking. Fort Adams is perhaps best known for
end of exit to light. Turn right at light onto Rt. 138its annual summer concerts when the JVC Jazz
South (East Main Rd). Follow Rt. 138 South untilFestival and the Newport Folk Festival draw
you see a sign for "Newport Beaches". Turn leftthousands to enjoy the music and the
onto Aquidneck Avenue.surroundings.
- From Connecticut and Points West - Follow Rt.- Newport Mansions: Take a journey back in time
95 North into Rhode Island. Take Rt. 138 East exitand explore 250 years of American Colonial,
and follow Rt. 138 to Rt. 1. Take left onto Rt.Victorian, and Gilded Age architectural history by
1and follow Rt. 1 until the Newport Bridge (Rt. 138visiting Newport's famous mansions. These
Exit). Go over both bridges and take first exit inmagnificent structures are their own museums
Newport (Scenic Newport).offering elegance and inspiration in architecture,
Boat/Ferry:art, interior design and beautiful landscapes. Some
The Jamestown and Newport Ferry offers dailyof the properties are open year round while
Jamestown/Newport ferry service. Theothers accept visitors seasonally. Some of the
Providence-Newport Ferry provides daily servicemore popular mansions are:
between Providence and Newport.
Newport Lodging- Astors Beechwood, Bellevue Av. - Beechwood is
Need a Hotel in Newport? Find all the top namesthe former home of the queen of American
for the best value here:society, Caroline Astor.
Book a Hotel in Newport
Newport, with its many attractions and festivals,- Belcourt Castle, Bellevue Av. - Built between
is a very popular tourist destination. The downside1891 and 1894 for Oliver Belmont. Privately
to its popularity is that, at times, it can be difficultowned but open to the public.
to find suitable accommodations in the Newport
area. Planning and booking in advance is highly- The Breakers, Ruggles Av. - Built between 1893
recommended. There are a few big hotels, and anand 1895 by the Vanderbilt family and considered
abundance of Bed & Breakfasts and Inns. Inby many to be the most opulent mansion in
season, it's expensive everywhere, and manyNewport.
establishments require stays of several
consecutive nights. Some of the better known- Chateau-sur-Mer, Bellevue Av. - The first house
hotel properties are Castle Hill Inn & Resort, Theon famed Bellevue Avenue to be built,
Chanler at Cliff Walk, Newport Marriott, TheChateau-sur-Mer brought about the beginning of
Newport Harbor Hotel and Marina, and Hyattthe Gilded Age in Newport
Regency Newport. The city also offers many bed
& breakfast and Inn style accommodations such- Chepstow, Ruggles Av. - An Italianate-style
as The Black Duck Inn, John Easton House,mansion, Chepstow was built in 1860 and contains
Agincourt Inn, Marshall Slocum Guest House, andthe original furnishings
The Almondy Inn. Additional lodgings can be found
in the nearby communities of Jamestown and- The Elms, Bellevue Av. - Just a short walk from
Middletown.the center of town this is the most accessible
Newport RestaurantsNewport mansion on foot.
Newport is a seaside city so expect bountiful
seafood options such as fresh lobster and- Hunter House, Washington St. - This example of
steaming bowls of clam chowder. However, it isGeorgian Colonial architecture was built in 1748 for
also a city with a large global flair and has manyDeputy Royal Governor Jonathon Nichols, Jr.
great restaurants, bistros and caf?s offering a
wide variety of foods for all budgets. For higher- Isaac Bell House, Bellevue Av. - Recently
end dining try Castle Hill Inn & Resort on Oceanrestored to it original splendor, the Isaac Bell
Drive, Dining at the Viking at the Hotel Viking onHouse is one of the best surviving examples of
Bellevue Avenue, or 22 Bowen's Wine Bar & Grille.shingle-style architecture in the country.
Go to the Smokehouse Caf? and Mooring
Restaurant at Sayers Warf, the Brick Alley Pub- Kingscote, Bellevue Av. - Built between 1839 and
on Thames St., or the Wharf Pub & Deli on1841, Kingscote is a landmark of the Gothic
Bowen?s Warf for mid-range dining. If you?re onRevival style
a tighter budget, Flos Clam Shack on Wave
Avenue is a great option. Dress is casual at most- Marble House, Bellevue Av. -This Newport
Newport eateries.mansion used 500,000 cubic feet of marble in its
Newport is also known for its lively night sceneconstruction by the Vanderbilts.
and you will surely find a place to fit your liking
weather it be quiet cocktails or dancing to live- Rosecliff, Bellevue Av. ? Rosecliff was the
music. Most nightclubs and bars are in downtownsetting for some of Newport's most lavish parties
Newport and nearly all within walking distance ofof the Gilded Age.
one another. A few downtown options are One
Pelham East and Fifth Element on Thames St and- Rough Point, Bellevue Av. ? The former home
Studio 3 on Pelham for live music. The Boomof American tobacco heiress, Doris Duke, the
Boom Room on Bannister's Wharf has DJ?sstunning oceanfront mansion still maintains the
playing a wide variety of music and Vincent's Onlook and charm as when it was occupied by Ms.
the Pier/The West Deck at 1 Waite's Wharf,Duke.
offers deck seating for a more quiet evening.- Newport Museums: Newport has a wide variety
Newport Shoppingof museums from the Tennis Hall of Fame to the
Shopping is a major activity in Newport yearNaval War College Museum. International Tennis
round and the city is home to stores offeringHall of Fame at the Newport Casino ? Located at
something to appeal to every shopper's style.194 Bellevue Avenue and housed in the old
While Newport has a variety of well-knownNewport Casino, one time playground for
national brand stores such as Rockport andNewport's rich and famous during the 19th
Banana Republic, it also has a unique variety ofcentury, the museum features the only
specialty stores. The historic waterfrontprofessional tennis events played on grass in
downtown is filled with cobblestone shoppingNorth America as well as the International Tennis
wharves lined with antique stores, art galleries,Hall of Fame Museum, which holds the largest
resort clothing shops, and specialty shops. With socollection of tennis memorabilia in the world. Open
many stores in such a small area, all of yourdaily. Admission fee applies.
shopping can be done on foot. Don?t miss
Aardvark Antiques, Roger King Gallery of Fine- Museum of Yachting ? Open May to October;
Art, Tropical Gangsters, Bellevue Shoes, Thamesthe Museum of Yachting is dedicated to
Street Glass, or Only in Rhode Island .preserving the culture and heritage of yachting by
From the small shops on Bowen's and Bannister'sfostering education and enjoyment of its
Wharf to larger stores on Bellevue Avenue totraditions and history through the preservation
The Brick Market on Goddard St with over fourand presentation of vessels, artifacts, literature
acres of shopping experiences, you can easily visitand events. Admission fee applies.
many different stores in just one day. The
Newport Visitors Center offers the Destination- Newport Art Museum - Located in the heart of
Newport Coupon Book loaded with valuableNewport at 76 Bellevue Avenue, the museum
shopping savings.collects, preserves, exhibits and interprets historic
Newport Eventsand contemporary visual arts of the highest
Augustquality with an emphasis on the rich artistic
heritage of Newport, the state of Rhode Island
- Newport Folk Festival: August 3rd ? 5th, 2007 -and southeastern New England. Admission fee
Emily Lou Harris, The Allman Brothers Band, andapplies.
Alison Krauss highlight this year?s folk festival. The
Newport Folk Festival is an American institution- Naval War College Museum - The History of the
and remains one of the longest running music"art and science" of naval warfare, chiefly as
gatherings in the country. A combination indoorstudied at the Naval War College through the
and outdoor event, the festival takes over theyears, is the principal theme of the Naval War
entire resort town. Admission fees apply.College Museum, which is located in Founders Hall
at the Naval War College, 686 Cushing Rd.
- Newport Jazz Festival: August 10th ? 12th, 2007Reservations and photo identification are
- Since 1954, Newport has drawn the best andnecessary for entry onto the Naval Station.
biggest stars of jazz, rhythm and blues, country,
and rock together for a multi-day music festival.- Samuel Whitehorne House Museum, The
The Newport Jazz Festival was the first outdoorWhitehorne House, housed in a Federal period
jazz festival in the United States and is universallymansion at 416 Thames St., features some of
recognized as the grandfather of all jazz festivals.the best examples of Newport and Rhode Island
Performers are in Fort Adams State Park on twofurniture from the late 18th century. Open from
separate stages. Reserved and lawn seating.May to late autumn. Admission fee applies.
Admission fees apply.- Newport's Public Beaches: There are several
Septemberpublic beaches in Newport. Among the most
popular are: Eastons Beach - located on Memorial
- Newport Waterfront Irish Festival: SeptemberBoulevard and very popular for families; Kings
1st ? 3rd, 2007 ? The 10th annual NewportBeach - located on Wellington Avenue is fairly
Waterfront Irish Festival offers a celebration ofsmall but has a great view of the Newport Bridge
Irish music, culture, crafts, food, and libations. Theand offers picnic tables and areas to barbeque;
Labor Day weekend event provides quality familyFort Adams State Beach - located in Fort Adams
entertainment in the center of Newport's historicState Park on Ocean Avenue the historical park
waterfront district. Included at the festival areoffers a beautiful beach with picnic and fishing
five stages featuring national and internationalareas; Sachuest Town Beach - located on
entertainment, an Irish marketplace with Irish andSachuset Point Road, in Middletown, and known as
handcrafted items for sale, a dance hall and aSecond Beach to locals is the largest beach in this
children's play area.area; Third Beach - located on Third Beach Road,
in Middletown, is known for its calm surf, which is
- Newport International Boat Show: Septemberperfect for water sports and small children.
13th ? 16th, 2007 - The 37th Annual Newport
International Boat Show features new sailboats- Fishing/Boating: Newport and the rest of
and powerboats, and thousands of products andAquidneck Island offer many fishing locations and
services from both domestic and internationalboating activities. Saltwater fishing for striped
exhibitors. Multiple waterfront facilities alongbass, bluefish, and tautog (blackfish) are popular.
America's Cup Avenue and Thames Street willSome of the best spots with easy public access
host the event including Newport Yachting Center,are Fort Adams, Brenton Point, Castle Hill, and any
Oldport Marine and Bannister's Wharf, which are allof the public beach areas. Chartered fishing boats
connected by show docks.are available out of the many marinas.
Newport Media
- Newport Mansions Wine & Food Festival:Newsprint: The main local newspapers are the
September 27th ? 29th, 2007 - Enjoy top winesNewport Daily News (daily) and Newport This
and fabulous food in the fairytale setting of oneWeek (weekly). Additional publications are
of the world's most beautiful venues. TheNewport Life Magazine and Best Read Guide
spectacular weekend will include auctions of specialNewport. Both magazines cover local events and
wines and luxury goods, a Grand Tasting on theentertainment in the Newport area.
breathtaking oceanside lawn of Marble House,Television: WLNE 6 (ABC), WJAR 10 (NBC),
restaurant dinners pairing Newport's best chefsWPRI-TV 12 (CBS), WLWC 28 (CW), WSBE-TV
with great wineries, and a gala celebration at36 (PBS), WRIW 50 (Telemundo), WNAC 64
Rosecliff with a special tribute to Jacques Pepin.(FOX), WPXQ 69 (ITO)
Admission fees apply.Newport Weather
Warm summers, cold winters, and mild fall and
- Taste of Rhode Island: September 29th ? 30th,spring are the rule of thumb for Newport although
2007 ? Taste of Rhode Island is a culinarythe city and Narragansett Bay area are usually
experience on the beautiful Newport harborcooler in summer and warmer in winter than
waterfront featuring restaurants from all over theinland Rhode Island. Rainfall averages between
Ocean State sampling their finest menu items!three and four inches each month throughout the
This two day event focuses on food but alsoyear.