Vacationing on USA’s east coast comes with all the bells and whistles of a summer vacation, plus more.  I had the chance recently to visit the famous town of Newport, Rhode Island – and I fell in love with it! Newport – population 24,000 – offers a fascinating mix of small town charm, dynamic culture, colonial architecture, a vibrant nightlife, and delicious seafood!

Newport, dubbed the sailing capital of the world, is located about one hour south of Boston. It was once the summer playground of America’s wealthiest families. Head out to the scenic Bellevue Avenue and Ocean Drive where you’ll not only find breathtaking cliff ocean views, but you can also admire and visit some of the most beautiful and grandiose mansions in the country. The mansions, some of them museums now, offer guided tours and give a fascinating glimpse into Gilded Age extravagance.

The town’s history is also illustrated through a variety of museums, tours and brochures. By the 1760s Newport had emerged as one of the five leading ports in colonial North America, along with Boston, New York, Philadelphia, and Charleston. The economic growth spurred a building boom which included hundreds of houses and many of the internationally important landmarks that survive today, such as Trinity Church, the Colony House, Redwood Library, and the Brick Market (now home to the Museum of Newport History).

Newport’s history is remarkable in many ways, but perhaps the most unique aspect is the fact that so much of its history is still visible on the landscape in an unparalleled concentration of preserved architecture. Newport has one of the highest concentrations of colonial homes in the nation, in the downtown Newport Historic District. Many of these homes were restored in the late 20th century. As you’re walking around town, pay attention to the plaques/ markers located on the houses. These indicate historical facts including the name of the property’s original owner, other important owners, owners’ livelihoods, property name, year built, renovation dates and other pertinent details.

I highly recommend walking around the quaint streets of downtown, taking in the colonial architecture, admiring the yacht-filled harbor, trying the seafood at Flo’s Clam Shack in Middletown near Easton’s Beach, and enjoying the sun and an ocean dip at Second (Sachuest) Beach. If you happen to be there in July or August, go see the famous Newport Folk Festival or Newport Jazz Festival.

For a list of Interesting Facts about Newport & recommended Things To Do, click HERE.