As much as I love New York, escaping its torrid summer days is my greatest pleasure. And for this 4th of July, there was no other place I would have rather been than by a breezy waterfront. This is how the idea of Newport came about, quite randomly I might say. I knew nothing about Rhode Island, however a last minute spontaneous decision propelled me to book a charming bed & breakfast and head towards New England. Turns out it was the best 4th of July I could have.
As soon as I arrived into the coastal city, I knew I would fall hard for it. Known as the sailing capital of America, Newport is a colonial town full of architectural charm, New England manicured, good looks and quaint streets filled with whimsical cottages. Far from the bustle and grittiness of New York City, Newport was all but a beautiful dream I didn’t want to wake up from.
I was surprised to find how much was there to see and do in Newport. From the famous Newport Mansions on Bellevue Avenue, to the sailing trips and beach clubs, there is more to do here than time may allow you.
The Mansions
As you may expect, my favorite part of Newport was the historic and cultural aspect. A major 18th century port city, Newport now contains among the highest number of surviving colonial buildings of any city in the United States. I chose to visit The Breakers, Rosecliff and the Marble House, surviving jewels of the New York Central Railroad Fortune and Vanderbilt’s summer retreats. Much more than simple, vacation houses in what was a former colony of modest, wooden cottages, the mansions have become the social and architectural staple for Newport’s high-society.
The Breakers
Strolling the grounds, the rose gardens and the lavish lawns overlooking the sea was pure bliss. I could very easily imagine myself back in the 1900s, twirling in my seventh dress for the day – as many society women did back then – and sipping tea on the outdoor lounge. A butler would ask me if I needed anything else and I would kindly ask for a perfumed handkerchief.
Chinese Tea House at Marble House
I would take bits and pieces of all to combine into my dream Vanderbilt mansion. The grand staircase and the seaside lawn from The Breakers, the exterior design and Grand Ballroom from the Rosecliff and the Chinese Tea House above at the Marble Mansion.
Rosecliff Mansion
While the interiors were excessively over-the-top (especially inside the Marble House) I would instantly move into the Rosecliff if I ever had the option. The more subdued ivory and pastel tones won me over, and made me yearn I was a fly on the wall when the 1970s original The Great Gatsby was filmed here.
The easiest way to tour the mansions is to get a $6 trolley day-pass from the Gateway Visitor Center. You can also drive, as there is parking available at most houses; it’s a bit far to explore entirely by walking, especially since each individual tour is somewhere between 35 minutes to an hour. If you’re thinking to see two or three, it’s more convenient to buy the two-house ticket or the five-pass one that comes cheaper than buying individual tickets. Tickets are valid for an unlimited time, so keep them for future trips into Newport.
Beaches and sailing
Apart from the architectural aspect, Newport boasts some wonderful beaches. One of the best spots to have seafood and lay on the beach is at the Atlantic Beach Club, in Middletown, Rhode Island, just a few minutes away by car outside of Newport. Here you can sunbathe on Easton Beach or have a party with a group of friends.
If you want to do more than just swim and tan, you can rent a boat and go sailing. I booked Sightsailing for a two-hour tour aboard Aquidneck and really enjoyed it. Sailing from Newport Harbor into Narrangasett Bay, the boat passes by lavish summer estates (including former presidential retreats), lighthouses and Fort Adams.
The crew is very nice and informative and they serve complimentary mimosas all throughout the cruise. The sailor, Jeff, was particularly friendly and full of tips. It might be challenging to hear the main guide, since there is no microphone, but there is plenty of time to ask your questions.
You will also cruise by Clingstone, a 23-room iconic shingle house perched on top of a rocky hill that acts as a rental.
Nightlife & shopping
Nightlife in Newport greatly exceeded my expectations. A town filled with bars and restaurants, charming boutiques and outdoor clubs, you certainly won’t be bored during your stay. With a variety of venues, there is something for every kind of taste and age group. For those with a sweet tooth, there are countless ice creams shops for those late night cravings. Newport is also home to the Naval Station, so expect to rub shoulders at every other corner with handsome naval officers.
For alternative transportation around town, I recommend the Mansion Rentals for their scoote coupes. They are easy to drive and such fun rides in which to explore the coastline; you will have a blast!
Have you ever been to Newport? If yes, what is your favorite thing about it?
