Newport, RI
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 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.
Interesting Facts:
- Newport became the home of America’s first jazz festival in 1954. The Newport Jazz Festival is held annually in July at Fort Adams State Park.
- On September 12, 1953, John F. Kennedy and Jacqueline Bouvier were married at St. Mary’s Church.
- The first airplane passenger line in the US was between Newport and New York City.
- The first U.S. National Tennis Championship was held in Newport on August 31, 1881 at the Newport casino. It’s still an annual event today, making it America’s oldest tennis tournament.
- Newport was the site of the first airplane passenger line in the United states between Newport and New York City
- Pelham Street in Newport was first in the country to use gas-illuminated street lights. You can find a plaque on the side of One Pelham East today acknowledging the historic fact.
- In 1876, Polo was played for the first time in the US in Newport. In 1886, Newport would host the first International Polo Match.
Things to do:
- Ocean Drive – Start off at Bellevue Ave and see some amazing mansions. Definitely worth your time if staying in Newport. Best done by car, or rent a cart (accommodates 2 ppl) if you want to stop and take a closer look at the sights.Continue your drive for some spectacular ocean views.
- Film Tour – Directors like James Cameron, Steven Spielberg, Woody Allen, and Wes Anderson have long flocked to Newport as a filming destination. The tour shows you the scenery and the scenes – you’ll see Newport’s stunning sights as well as the locations where many films have been shot.
- Fort Adams – Situated at the mouth of the Newport Harbor, Fort Adams State Park offers an exceptional panoramic view of both Newport Harbor and the East Passage of Narragansett Bay. Take a ferry across from the downtown pier; well worth the views! Fort Adams is perhaps best known for its annual summer concerts when the Jazz Festival and the Folk Festival draw thousands to enjoy the music and beautiful surroundings.
- Try an ‘Awful Awful’ Milkshake – A Rhode Island favorite drink, the Awful Awful is made from whole milk, flavored syrup, and “secret” frozen ice milk. Ice milk is supposedly better for you than ice cream, but don’t be mistaken: This is one heck of a rich, filling drink. Its name comes from “Awful Big, Awful Good.” If you love all things related to the milkshake, this one’s for you.
- Del’s Lemonade – In Rhode Island and southeastern Massachusetts “Del’s” is synonymous with frozen lemonade. Made from crushed ice, lemons, and sugar, Del’s is a delicious and refreshing drink, especially on hot summer days.
- Eat (as much) Seafood (as you can) – I don’t live near the ocean so fresh seafood is not regularly on my menu. So seafood in Newport was a must-try – and I highly recommend it! There are so many good local restaurants including the historical White Horse Tavern, Midtown Oyster Bar, the Red Parrot, Revolving Door Restaurant – and there are many more!
- Watch a Polo Match – Especially if you’ve never seen a polo match before (like me) – you MUST go see one while in Newport! You can either rent a space, a table or just bring your own lawn seats. Bring a picnic (alcohol is allowed) and enjoy the horses and the atmosphere!
- Walk … everywhere! – Walk around the historic downtown and admire your surroundings – you’ll feel like you’ve gone back in time as most houses date back to the 1800s. Check out Bowen’s Wharf, the restaurants, and the local shops!
Cris2Travel 
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