Newport, Rhode Island: Why it Should be on Your Travel List

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Guess where I went this weekend? I’ll give you a hint; it’s in the title of this entry.

Millions of visitors flock to our littlest state for our 400 miles of coastline, small town charm and quintessential New England milieus. While Rhode Island is peppered with diverse cities and towns, Newport remains our most popular tourist destination. Why is that?

I’ve been there a thousand times (RI being my home state and all), yet with every visit, I discover new finds. A perfect new view of a favorite old spot, a recommended lunch joint that is as great as my friend said, a boutique I’ve never been in before for a one-of-a-kind outfit, a new cafe to sit and do some people watching…

It’s the “City-by-the-Sea.”  And it’s the perfect spot for outdoor enthusiasts, history buffs, the sailing set, food and wine aficionados and the casual weekend traveler. When you walk around Newport, you can feel the pulse of a rich history throbbing, giving it life. Its story is everywhere. It was founded in 1639 by English settlers seeking religious refuge. By the 1800s, America’s wealthiest families, with names like Vanderbilt and Astor, flocked here to build their gargantuan summer “cottages” along tony Bellevue Avenue. Today, many of these seasonal palaces are restored and maintained by The Preservation Society of Newport County.

The Newport Mansions show visitors how America’s elite lived during the Gilded Age in their elegantly appointed homes chock full of architectural period detail, handcrafted furnishings and outside, manicured gardens. Though the mansions are a must-see, Newport’s most visited attraction is the Cliff Walk, a 3.5-mile trail that traces the coastline along sea-swept cliffs and allows a glimpse of the famed mansions.

From 1930 to 1983, Newport hosted the America’s Cup, yachting’s oldest competition. Today, visitors can take to the sea on some of these 12-meter thoroughbreds by chartering the pristine yachts for a day sail. Seeing Newport from the water is a must. It’s also the best way to see places like Hammersmith Farm, the onetime summertime childhood home of Jacqueline Bouvier and where she wed the dashing junior senator from the state of Massachusetts, John F. Kennedy.

More than a hundred diverse restaurants serve up everything from classic New England fare to ethnic dishes while mom and pop shops showcase the work of local artisans.

The “City by the Sea” has something for everyone and honestly casts its usual magic at all times of the year – yet another thing that makes it special. www.GoNewport.com



posted by Travel Bug
Nicole Sullivan, Supervisor of Branding & Communications
Collette Vacations

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4 Comments to “Newport, Rhode Island: Why it Should be on Your Travel List”

  1. Paul 12 January 2010 at 12:09 PM #

    I couldn’t agree more! There is so much history, beauty in Newport. I lived there most of my life and I’m still amazed at how breathtaking it is.

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  3. Frankiestan 19 January 2010 at 2:39 PM #

    I love Newport!! The restaurants are great and being right on the water near the harbor is fun and scenic. Everyone should get here at some point.

  4. Travel Bug 19 January 2010 at 5:10 PM #

    Paul & Frankiestan,
    Thanks for the comments! I agree it’s a place everyone needs to go. I am torn on when to suggest travelers visit because I really do think most seasons are great. Obviously in summer, the marina is in full swing of activity, and travelers fill the streets. Newport is definitely most energized in summer. In winter, it’s more tranquil; it has a great vibe on the water and in restaurants, the harbor etc. Spring & fall are almost perfect weather-wise for tourists and the scenery is so pretty in those seasons.

    I guess it depends on the vibe you’re looking for!


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