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Newport RI - In Class of Its Own With These Four Experiences
Whether you’re out to
experience the vibrant harbor area, relive the Gilded Age in a Newport
Mansion, soak up the stunning views on Ocean Drive, or trek the famous
Cliff Walk, then Newport RI is in a class of its own and your gateway to
all this… and much more.
Newport RI is located at the eastern mouth of Narragansett Bay. Either
Newport Bridge from the west on route 138, or Mt. Hope Bridge from the
North East on route 114 can reach it.
Founded in 1639 Newport quickly became an important seaport with trading
routes to the West Indies. It’s years as a major seaport ended with the
British blockade in 1776.
In the 19th century Newport once again attracted attention, but this time
as a summer playground for the rich and wealthy of America, who also
bought their yachts to race at Newport.
THE NEWPORT HARBOR EXPERIENCE…
The center of the harbor area is Bannister’s and Bowen’s Wharf’s. Here you
can yacht “watch” while sipping your favorite beverage or savoring a few
steamed mussels – my personal favorite.
The alleys in the wharf area are full of specialty shops, restaurants, and
open-air bars. In the summer this is a good area to visit mid-morning or
late afternoon when it’s not so busy.
To Really experience the harbor take “The Spirit of Newport” harbor cruise
that leaves from Bowen’s Wharf. This is a one hour narrated tour and
passes by many striking attractions.
THE NEWPORT MANSION EXPERIENCE…
For many their reason to visit Newport RI is the Newport Mansions.
The mansions were affectionately called “summer cottages” by the original
owners because they were only used 6–12 weeks of the year during the
summer season. These are 70 and 80 room houses, and showpieces right down
to the last beam of timber – or marble!
There are about 13 mansions in all to visit in Newport RI, with most
located on or in the vicinity of Bellevue Avenue. The Preservation Society
of Newport County operates ten of these and offers combo priced tickets. I
suggest you try and visit no more than three in one day.
The most popular Mansions are The Breakers, Marble House, and The Elms.
But to experience something different visit The Astors’ Beechwood, where
you’ll literally be treated like a guest by role-playing hosts.
THE TEN MILE OCEAN DRIVE EXPERIENCE…
Ocean Drive is a 10-mile route that starts on Bellevue Avenue and follows
Ocean Avenue around a rocky peninsular with fishing coves, swimming
beaches, and public parks.
The Ocean Avenue part of the drive is probably the most scenic with
magnificent houses on rocky necks amidst the backdrop of a windy Atlantic
Ocean. You’ll see plenty people fishing and others clambering over the
rocks searching for creatures in the tidal pools. Why not stop yourself
and join them?
Brenton State Park is a halfway point on Newport RI Ocean Drive, and is
one of my family’s special stopping spots to have a picnic and fly a kite.
The park allows pets, and has tables and grills – bring your own charcoal
though.
As you head out of the park you’re heading back to Newport Harbor, and
while the scenery heading back isn’t quite as spectacular you’ll pass the
Castle Hill Lighthouse, Hammersmith Farm, and Fort Adams State Park.
THE CLIFF WALK EXPERIENCE
The Cliff Walk will provide you spectacular views of the ocean, but parts
of it are more of an adventure experience than an easy ramble, and it’s
not recommended for small children.
It’s 31/2 miles in length over paths that in some areas have been eroded
and battered by the natural weather patterns of the area. Wear sneakers if
you can, and show caution.
The North End Cliff Walk starts where Memorial Blvd meets Easton’s Beach.
The first part of the walk is easy on good pavement and leads you to The
Forty Steps. After the steps you’ll have great views of Ochre Point, Ochre
Court, Cave Cliff, and Vineland.
You’re now heading towards Bailey’s Beach at the South End of the walk.
This is a rough section and at times the path gets small and even seems to
stop. However, by scrambling over the rocks you’ll be home free soon and
be able to take in more stunning views of the ocean area.
So are you ready to experience Newport RI? Put on your sneakers, pack a
picnic, and get ready for many Kodak moments on this trip.
For more details on these experiences and many others visit the town’s
official web site at www.gonewport.com.
About the author:
Cliff Calderwood is the owner and contributing writer of
New England Vacations Online Guide.
You can read more about Newport RI and get a free travel report at his
New England vacation guide
site.
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