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Newport RI Jewel On The Ocean
ewport RI has long been area, relive the Gilded Age in a
the playground of the rich Newport Mansion, soak up the
and famous. In the 19th stunning views on Ocean Drive,
century it became a popular and trek the famous Cliff Walk.
summer retreat for the wealthy Newport RI is in a class of its
escaping the hot humid weather in own and your gateway to all
the large industrial cities of this... and much more.
the Northeast. They built their
magnificent mansions and brought Newport RI is located at the
along their extravagant yachts eastern mouth of Narragansett
and boats. The legacy of this era Bay. Either Newport Bridge from
abounds throughout Newport even the west on route 138, or Mt.
today. Hope Bridge from the North East
on route 114 can reach it.
The mansions still remain and
many can be visited and toured Founded in 1639 Newport quickly
throughout most of the year. A became an important seaport with
trip around Newport conveys a trading routes to the West
city with a distinct nautical Indies. Its years as a major
past, and which for many years seaport ended with the British
was the pride and center of blockade in 1776, and the
American yachting as the home for subsequent almost leveling of the
America’s Cup races. town by the soldiers. In the 19th
century Newport once again
Whoever nicknamed Rhode Island - attracted attention, but this
The Ocean State - must have been time as a vacation refuge for the
thinking of Newport when it was social elite. Many of the
done. Newport lives and breathes attractions you’ll visit in this
the Ocean. In this article you’ll article stem from that gilded
experience the vibrant harbor age.
One of the major draws to the
NEWPORT HARBOR area remains the Newport
Mansions. The mansions were
The center of the harbor area is affectionately called "summer
Bannister’s and Bowen’s Wharf’s. cottages" by the original owners
Here you can yacht "watch" while because they were only used 6-12
sipping your favorite beverage or weeks of the year during the
savoring a few steamed mussels - summer season. These are 70 and
my personal favorite. The alleys 80 room houses and showpieces
in the wharf area are full of right down to the last beam of
specialty shops, restaurants, and timber - or marble!
open-air bars. In the summer this
is a good area to visit There are about 13 mansions in
mid-morning or late afternoon all to visit in Newport RI, with
when it’s not so busy. most located on or in the
vicinity of Bellevue Avenue. The
If you have time experience the Preservation Society of Newport
harbor on "The Spirit of Newport" County operates ten of these and
cruise that leaves from Bowen’s offers combo priced tickets. I
Wharf. This is a one hour suggest you try and visit no more
narrated tour and passes by many than three in one day, as they
striking attractions as it makes are expansive and to be
its way out to the southern tip appreciated in unrushed
of the Bay. You’ll see smugglers discovery.
coves, backyards of mansions and
learn about the history of the The most popular Mansions are The
city and its colorful citizens. Breakers, Marble House, and The
Elms. But to experience something
THE NEWPORT MANSIONS different visit The Astors’
Beechwood, where you’ll literally
be treated like a guest by favorite stopping spots to have a
role-playing hosts. picnic and fly a kite. The park
allows pets, and has tables and
THE TEN MILE OCEAN DRIVE open-pit grills - make sure you
bring your own charcoal.
Ocean Drive is a 10-mile route
that starts on Bellevue Avenue Leave the park heading back to
and follows Ocean Avenue around a Newport Harbor, and while the
rocky peninsular with fishing scenery isn’t quite as
coves, swimming beaches, and spectacular on this part of the
public parks. A wonderful and trip, you’ll pass the landmarks
popular way of enjoying the of Castle Hill Lighthouse,
almost flat terrain is by Hammersmith Farm, and Fort Adams
bicycle, with plenty of places to State Park. The Fort Adams area
stop and admire the views. is worth a few hours touring the
old fort and the recreation
The Ocean Avenue part of the centers.
drive is probably the most scenic
with magnificent houses on rocky THE CLIFF WALK EXPERIENCE
necks amidst the backdrop of a
windy Atlantic Ocean. You’ll see The Cliff Walk provides
plenty people fishing and others spectacular views of the ocean,
clambering over the rocks but you have to be prepared to
searching for creatures in the work for it in parts, and it’s
tidal pools. Why not stop not recommended for small
yourself and join them? children. The path is 31/2 miles
in length and in some areas has
Brenton State Park is a halfway been eroded and battered by the
point on Newport RI Ocean Drive, natural weather patterns of the
and is one of my family’s area. Wear sneakers if you can,
and show caution. narrow and even seems to stop.
But by scrambling over the rocks
The North End Cliff Walk starts you’ll rediscover the path and be
where Memorial Blvd meets able to take in more stunning
Easton’s Beach. The first part of views of the ocean area.
the walk is easy on good pavement
and leads you to The Forty Steps. Newport RI is a combination of
After the steps you’ll have great invigorating ocean air with
views of Ochre Point, Ochre dramatic vistas, a town steeped
Court, Cave Cliff, and Vineland. in history and gorgeous mansions,
and a boatload of delightful
You’re now heading towards diversions and distractions to
Bailey’s Beach at the South End suit every taste, make this one
of the walk. This is a rough of New England’s top destination
section and at times the path is spots.
About the Author:
For more details on these and other attractions in Newport RI and to pick up your free vacation reports go to Cliff Calderwood's New England Vacations web site at: http://www.new-england-vacations-guide.com/
Source: www.isnare.com |
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