An Insider’s Guide to Newport, RI
Steeped in history, culture, and tradition, the beautiful and bustling coastal city of Newport, RI, offers something for everyone.
By Jessica Gordon Ryan|Jan 23 2017|
The Inn at Castle Hill, as seen from the bay.
Credit: Jessica Gordon RyanAN INSIDER’S GUIDE TO NEWPORT, RI
Guide to Newport, RI | view of the harbor from an America’s Cup Charters cruise.
Credit: Jessica Gordon RyanCredit: Jessica Gordon Ryan
Guide to Newport, RI | For The History Buffs…
First, there are the Newport mansions: The Breakers, built in 1895, is probably the most visited and most opulent, but just as magnificent are Marble House, Rosecliff, and The Elms, where Downton Abbey fans might enjoy the Servant Life tour. For those visiting The Breakers, a drive to the stables is an absolute must. There you’ll see original carriages beautifully restored to their old splendor, as well as a working replica of the train lines imagined and built by Cornelius Vanderbilt, whose work helped to shape our country. LEARN MORE: Newport Mansions | Experiencing the Gilded Age
The stables at
Credit: Jessica Gordon RyanCredit: Jessica Gordon Ryan Children will adore the Green Animals Topiary Garden in Portsmouth, a short drive away. Wander through the whimsical gardens that are home to over 80 wonderfully designed topiary, whose subjects range from the living, like animals, to the inanimate, like ornamental designs and shapes. The garden’s topiary are sculpted from several different types of ornamental shrubbery, like yew, California privet, and English boxwood. If possible, I strongly urge visitors to explore some of the lesser-known mansions, such as Hunter House and my two personal favorites, Chepstow and Rough Point. Chepstow is an Italianate-style villa, built in 1860 by George Champlin Mason, an architect native to Newport. It was bought in 1911 by the wealthy Morris family, and in 1986, the estate and its collections were passed on to The Preservation Society of Newport County, which cares for it to this day. Inside the home, you’ll find 19th-century décor and artwork, which show off the class and style of one of America’s wealthiest families.
Chepstow is an Italianate-style villa built in 1860 by resident Newport architect George Champlin Mason.
Credit: Jessica Gordon RyanCredit: Jessica Gordon Ryan The Morris family’s dear friend, Doris Duke, owned the nearby mansion of Rough Point, which might be my all-time favorite. Located at the end of the island, this impressive oceanfront estate is one of the final stops on the famous Newport Cliff Walk, and has been left largely untouched, with all of its original European and Oriental furnishings still intact. Rough Point’s landscaping will also be of great interest to visitors. The world-famous architect, Frederick Law Olmsted, was commissioned by Frederick Vanderbilt to design Rough Point’s gardens, and even today, the mansion’s landscaping blends flawlessly with the nearby shoreline. The Newport Restoration Foundation currently manages the estate, ensuring that it is used for education and public enjoyment.
Doris Duke’s Rough Point
Credit: Jessica Gordon Ryan
For the best Harbor Tour, try the Gansett (#1 in Trip Advisor): http://www.gansettcruises.com/
And for fishing or to try a lobster tour, try Fish n’ Tales: http://fishntalesadventures.com/
Also Benjamin’s for clams and oysters from 12-2pm – fantastic prices: 50 cent clams, $1.00 oysters
Lobster Shack will cook them up for you right at the dock – best prices for townhttp://newportlobstershack.com/
Enjoy!
Thank you for sharing John! The city has so much to offer – sometimes we can’t cover everything we want to!
Suddenly I was back home again. Wonderful article, brought back so many memories of living in RI and visiting Newport. Thank you.
Suddenly I was home again! Having lived in Rhode Island with only the Mt. Hope bridge to cross, we loved being able to enjoy all of Newport . Thank you
It’s too bad I didn’t know you were doing this story, we would have happily taken you on our Newport Neighborhood Food Tour with Rhode Island Red Food Tours. It’s a walking tour through a historic neighborhood and go to 6 restaurants sharing the food and history as we go.
Next time!
Sounds delicious! I will reach out to you privately.
We’ve traveled the world, and Newport is one of our absolute favorite destinations. The food, the mansions, and the shopping are wonderful. We skipped the trolley and bus crowd, and booked a private tour with the Newport Tour and Guide company. It was wonderful. Informative, relaxing and we didn’t have to deal with the crowds. We were picked up at our hotel in a Mercedes with a driver and guide. A small splurge, but well worth it! Our favorite dinner was at the Clarke Cooke House, there surprisingly wasn’t much of a wait, and we sat right at street level all the doors open, very much felt like we were outside. The Seafood Pasta was delicious, the atmosphere of a quaint seaside town, and young and energetic waitstaff. We also really enjoyed the Brick Alley Pub. There was a bit of a wait, but only 20 minutes or so. There, we sat at the bar, and heard tales from the bartenders about what it’s like to live in a resort town. They were very entertaining and friendly. We toured three of the Summer Cottages (aka Mansions), and saved the best-the Breakers, for last. It was absolutely splendid. We tried the Dinner Train (fun!), Bird’s Eye View Helicopters (a great way to get a lay of the land), and spent nearly a full day at the Easton beach. While we recommend every one of the things we did, we can’t say enough about the Vanderbilt Grace Hotel. What a magnificent property, and attentive staff! It’s history as an actual Vanderbilt mansion makes even more special, and we highly recommend it. Don’t miss the rooftop deck, where you can see most of downtown Newport and fantastic sunsets. Put Newport Rhode Island (and the Vanderbilt Grace) on your bucket list!
It really is a special place and offers something for everyone. We are thrilled that you feel so fondly about Newport!
Looking for Portuguese wedding ring bread. My aunt showed me how to make a few different old ways to form it but I have forgotten the specifics. Please help. Thank you