If you’re planning a trip to Newport, New Hampshire, there are many places to visit. Newport is situated on Aquidneck Island and the harbor was the home of the America’s Cup for many years. The town is home to several museums and mansions from the Gilded Age. One such mansion is The Breakers, which was built in 1895 and is modeled after a Renaissance palace.
Historic mansions
If you’re interested in learning more about Newport’s historic mansions, you’ll want to visit the Preservation Society’s website. You can purchase tickets to tours online and print them at home. Many tours are free, and some offer special event pricing. Check out their website to learn more about the benefits of membership.
Rosecliff is a 19th century estate that was built for the New Orleans businessman J. Edgar Monroe and his wife Louise. The couple spent their summers at Rosecliff, and they donated the estate to the Preservation Society of Newport County in 1971. Rosecliff is one of many historic mansions in Newport owned by the Society. The Breakers and Marble House are two other Newport properties. These properties have been used for filming, including The Great Gats and several other movies.
Located on Bellevue Avenue, the Elms estate is one of Newport’s most impressive mansions. The 1898 mansion was designed by Horace Trumbauer for a coal baron. It features elaborate gardens and lawns and is one of the first houses in the city to be fully electrified. The estate also features a 10-acre park and a sunken garden. Inside, you’ll find an opulent staircase and entrance hall. The property even features an early electrical ice maker.
Before the Vanderbilts built their lavish mansions, Newport was home to many beautiful mansions. The most famous is the Breakers, an Italian Renaissance-style palazzo with 70 rooms. Built in 1893-1895, Breakers was designed by prominent architect Richard Morris Hunt and commissioned by Cornelius Vanderbilt II. This beautiful property has a remarkable view of the Atlantic Ocean. The building is a National Historic Landmark.
Museums
The Museums in Newport are an important part of the city’s culture. They are also an excellent family attraction, focusing on the humanities, science and history. Many of the museums also focus on natural history. Explore the many exhibits to learn more about Newport’s rich history. The Museum of Newport History is the best place to start.
Newport’s Art Museum features artwork by famous New England artists. The collection also includes work from contemporary artists. There is a large permanent collection of about 3,000 works, and there are also many visiting exhibits. In addition to permanent exhibits, the Museum of Art in Newport also features traveling exhibits that feature a range of art forms.
One of the most unique museums in Newport is the National Museum of American Illustration. Located on Bellevue Avenue, the museum is a historic mansion. The museum’s permanent collection features over 2,000 works by famous illustrators, including Maxfield Parrish and Norman Rockwell. The museum also has a number of rotating exhibits featuring local artists.
There are also several noteworthy art museums in Newport. For example, the Newport Art Museum, founded in 1888, displays artifacts from prehistoric times to the present. The museum also features a naval art gallery and a rotating collection of rotating exhibits. Unless you are a base guest, you must make reservations for tours and exhibits.
Touring the beautiful Newport mansions is also a popular activity. Tours of the mansions include the gardens and interiors of the mansions.
Beaches
Newport County is one of five counties in Rhode Island. It has a population of 85,643 as of the 2020 census. It was formed in 1703, but has no government functions anymore. However, it is home to a variety of beaches and is an ideal destination for vacationers. Whether you are looking for a romantic getaway or a fun day out with the family, Newport County has everything you need.
For a unique beach experience, try Quarry Cove, a former rock quarry that has become a thriving intertidal zone for harbor seals and tide pool creatures. You can also catch a spectacular sunset at Don & Ann Davis Park, located in the historic Nye Beach district.
Another beach that is close to downtown is South Beach State Park, located south of Yaquina Bay’s South Jetty. This massive park spans miles of coast, and attracts massive crowds during good weather. It is a great place for fishing, crabbing, and long walks on the sand.
There are many public beaches in Newport. These beaches range in quality and are rated from one to five diamonds. Some beaches are private, while others are open to the public for a fee. Depending on the size of the beach, you should check the hours and season before going to the beach. The Newport Beach Club has valet parking and endless towels, but it does have a strict dress code.
Another great beach in Newport is Nye Beach. There are several parks in the area, which have great playgrounds and baseball/softball diamonds. If you have a dog, you can take your pet along for the fun!
Restaurants
One of the oldest restaurants in Newport is the White Horse Tavern, which opened in 1673. This historic eatery is known as the birthplace of businessmen’s lunches. Its menu features traditional Old Country dishes with a Rhode Island mashup. Guests are expected to dress up for the occasion, and men are required to wear jackets. It is one of the most popular waterfront restaurants in Newport.
Another historic restaurant in Newport is Clark Cooke House. This upscale dining room is the home of a former sea captain. It features a large outdoor terrace and a wood-burning stove inside. The ambiance is cozy and you can enjoy live music and a signature cocktail during brunch. The menu also features several specialty dishes, such as a lobster quesadilla and butter poached Kobe sirl.
While visiting Newport, you can sample some of the city’s best seafood restaurants. The Newport Fish House offers mouth-watering dishes prepared with fresh fish. The elegant restaurant features wood-plank walls and frames of ancient sea maps. You’ll find savory starters and expertly prepared entrees here, with an exquisite view of the harbor.
Another dining option in Newport is the Red Car Cafe, which has pop art adorning every corner of its interior. Located in historic Washington Square, this restaurant offers great views of the ocean and Newport’s main attractions. The Crispy Chicken Burger is a standout dish, especially when paired with the house-made chipotle mayo. This restaurant was opened in 2006 and serves New American dishes. The lively atmosphere and eclectic decor make it a favorite among locals.
If you’re traveling with a partner, you can choose one of the many romantic restaurants in Newport. There are upscale malls in the area with plenty of options for dinner. If you’re seeking a romantic ambiance, The Dining Room or The Lawn of Castle Hill Inn are excellent options.
Fort Adams State Park
If you’re looking for a great place to explore when in Newport, RI, try Fort Adams State Park. This public recreation area preserves a former coastal fort that was active from 1841 until the early 20th century. You’ll find lots of history and a beautiful landscape here.
The park is located just four miles southwest of downtown Newport and is easily accessible by car, taxi, or boat. It has plenty of parking and facilities, including restrooms and a gift shop. You can also go on guided tours of the fort for $12 per adult. Guided tours are available daily from mid-May to October, and there are hourly tours on weekends.
The park is a great place to picnic or go hiking. The park is near historic Fort Adams, and it offers a lot of green space. It’s also home to art and music festivals. There are also campgrounds nearby for campers. The park is a must-see for anyone traveling to Newport.
Another historic site worth visiting in Newport is the Marble House. Built between 1888 and 1892 for William K. and Alva Vanderbilt, the Marble House is one of the best places to visit in Newport, RI. The estate’s grounds are also open to the public and feature several gardens and a marble replica of the Temple of Aphrodite. It is a beautiful place to visit and offers many photo opportunities.
Another great place to visit in Newport is the Cliff Walk. This three-and-a-half mile walkway offers beautiful views of the coastline and Gilded Age mansions. You should wear sturdy hiking shoes, because this path is a bit rough.
