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Rhode Island travel Forum

Newport
Newport Harbour © Newport CCVB
Billed as America's 'First Resort', the fabled city of Newport lies just 30 miles (48km) south of Providence, Rhode Island's capital, accessed by two bridges that cross the blue Narragansett Bay.

Newport is famed for being America's yacht racing Mecca, and for boasting dozens of magnificent mansions built during the so-called 'gilded age' at the turn of the 20th century when one needed a distinctive pedigree and hefty bank account to holiday here with America's elite. Nearly a dozen of these extravagant 'summer homes' of America's wealthiest families are now open to the public, and Newport itself today welcomes all and sundry to enjoy a leisurely visit to this lively city with its beautiful beaches and varied attractions.

Newport is no longer just a summer fun destination, but it is hip and happening all year round thanks to a full programme of festivals and events that encompass classical, folk and jazz music festivals in the summer; the 'Harvest-by-the-Sea' fest in October; a renowned Christmas celebration in December; and the Newport Winter Festival in February. In between events the lively waterfront, shops and cultural attractions are enough to keep visitors entertained even when the weather makes beach going or sailing not too desirable.

For more information contact the Newport County Convention and Visitors Bureau on (800) 976 5122, or at www.GoNewport.com




Attractions

Astors Beechwood © shields8

Astor’s Beechwood

Just one of about a dozen summer mansions of the rich, built in the 19th and early 20th centuries, and that is open to the public in Newport's 'Cottage District', is Beechwood, former holiday home of the Astor family. Mrs Caroline Astor, doyenne...  see full details



Tennis Hall of Fame, Newport © Newport CCVB

International Tennis Hall of Fame

Tennis fans are inspired by Newport's Tennis Hall of Fame Museum, but even those who do not follow the game will enjoy visiting this historic sporting venue, which was a premier gathering place of Newport society at the turn of the 20th century. The...  see full details



Museum of Newport History © www.newporthistorical.org

Museum of Newport History

Visitors interested in history will find the Museum of Newport History an excellent place to begin a sojourn in the city. The museum offers a comprehensive overview utilising the decorative arts, artefacts of everyday life, graphics, old photographs and audio-visual programmes to bring the...  see full details



Museum of Yachting

Proud of its heritage as a sailing Mecca, Newport is equally proud of its museum dedicated to the sport, which has been acclaimed as one of the top sailor's museums in the nation. The Museum boasts a variety of artefacts and exhibits such...  see full details



Touro Synagogue © National Park Service

Touro Synagogue

The oldest Synagogue still standing in the United States, the Touro Street building, was designed by Peter Harrison and dedicated in 1763. The synagogue has, in its time, been used as a venue for town meetings and for sessions of the state supreme...  see full details



Excursions


Block Island

Barely 12 miles (19km) from the shore of modern east coast America lies a tiny 'treasure island' virtually unspoiled by progress, where the main past time offered to visitors is peaceful pleasure and kicked-back relaxation. Time seems to have stopped on Block Island in...  see full details

Events

Johnny Cash

Newport Folk Festival

The Dunkin' Donuts Newport Folk Festival is one of the most famous festivals in the United States with a rich heritage having hosted musical legends such as Joan Baez, Bob Dylan, BB King, John Lee Hooker and Johnny Cash over the years. Folk...  see full details


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