Newport Bound

Our seaside sister to the west offers an escape to a coastal playground that bridges the gap between history and tomorrow.

Newport has long been the summer playground of the fortunate and wealthy, yet an off-season foray to the richly historic nautical hub makes for the perfect adventure, particularly for those who love the ocean, communal history, and an endless list of unique attractions.

A perfect starting point is the day after Thanksgiving. While many others are finding their own sense of folly and adventure as they wait in lines outside of big box stores across the country for Black Friday deals; in Newport as the dusk settles, crowds gather along the myriad of piers and docks that line the harbor to witness the Annual Newport Illuminated Boat Parade. Scores of boat owners and their creative and rambunctious crews have spent days stringing lights, fabricating props and coordinating costumes for the raucous parade that thrills and delights the bundled-up crowd on the docks. Local restaurants and pubs along the water side of the America’s Cup Avenue are full of happy patrons ready to kick-off the holiday season with plenty of seaside flair.

The storied mansions that are synonymous with Newport’s Gilded Age are open to the public throughout the year, but at the holidays, they are adorned and festooned with seasonal splendor that makes for a truly magical experience. Managed by the Preservation Society of Newport, the mansions are open and decorated during the holiday season from November 22nd through January 1st. Special events like a Holiday Tea at the Chinese Tea House behind Marble House, Sparkling Lights at The Breakers (where 13 acres of manicured grounds come to life with an outdoor lights spectacular), and for the first time in 25 years, Chateau-Sur-Mer will be open for the first two weeks of the season with its first floor fully decorated for the holidays.

Still looking for a bit of luxury? The Audrain Auto Museum’s collection of vintage, classic, as well as innovative contemporary vehicles is simply considered to be world-class. Starting on December 11th a new exhibit will feature a wide array of cars associated with Monaco’s racing history over the past 100+ years. Touted as, “More of an Art Museum than a Car Museum,” Audrain is open daily 10am-4pm.

Great food and better drink has long been an important part of the Newport experience. From Broadway with its bustling pubs and eateries, to Marlborough Street, home of The White Horse Tavern—the oldest operating restaurant in the country and the 10th oldest in the world—to America’s Cup Avenue and the entire one-and-a-half mile stretch of Thames Street, finding a spot for a delicious and memorable meal is not a challenge. For those looking to stay hydrated, the local region of Newport is home to three vineyards, eight breweries and one cider works. Newport Vineyards anchors the city in Middletown, with Greenvale Vineyards in a quiet, bucolic setting in Portsmouth and Sakonnet can be found in beautiful Little Compton. All three offer tasting flights as well as bottles that are difficult to find in most retail establishments. The range of products and experiences offered at the effervescent breweries and cider works are as diverse as beer drinkers themselves—suffice it to say, there should be something for everybody.

If natural settings are more to your liking, Newport’s topography has been supremely gifted. The popular Cliff Walk has been an attraction for almost 150 years. The pathway follows the edge of the coastline that makes up the backyard of the magnificent mansions for three-and-a half miles. Designated as the first National Recreation Trail, it is the only one that exists within a historic district. Brenton Point State Park occupies 89 acres along the south shore of Aquidneck Island (the peninsula that is home to Newport) and with its prevailing wind coming off of Rhode Island Sound, the open space overlooking a rock-bound coast akin to Maine, has become a popular kite-flying destination. Despite the season or the weather, even if a walk among the elements is not desirable, a drive in either direction on Ocean Drive offers 10 miles of commanding coastline vistas.

Fort Adams State Park has some of the most varied and interesting history in all of Newport. First, the fort served as a significant strategic defense as part of the first system of U.S. fortifications for the colonies in the American Revolution when Newport was the capital of Rhode Island. It again played a major role in the second war against England in 1812. The uniquely shaped fort (an irregular star) once again gained notoriety when a newly designed fort was touted as the complex fortification in the Western Hemisphere. The newly designed and constructed fort was garrisoned in 1841 and functioned as an active U.S. Army post until 1950 and served during five major wars (from the Mexican-American War through World War II, yet never fired a shot in aggression.

In 1953, the U.S. Army transferred the fort to the U.S. Navy and President Dwight D. Eisenhower used the commanding officer’s quarters as his summer White House. In 1965 the fort was given to the State of Rhode Island for use as a state park. In 1985 the venerable Newport Jazz Festival and the Newport Folk Festival found their new home at the fort. And in 2012, the park was the official venue for the America’s Cup sailing matches.

Of course, with such an august and robust history of being at the epicenter of the universe, Newport has become a shopping destination for many. Whether you are in the market for a yacht, a mansion, a vintage classic car, a bejeweled necklace of rare gems or just a tee shirt or unique treasure; you can find it in Newport. Thames Street is flanked on both sides with bespoke and tony shops, yet a peek and a poke into unexpected corners, side streets and loft areas will undoubtedly yield a surprise or two that could never have been on anyone’s “To Do” list.

All in all, at a 10,000 foot view, Newport may not appear distinctly different from any other seaside town found in these parts. Yet, it is the magnified perspective that reveals this historic port’s charm, appeal and mesmerizing power to intrigue individuals from all walks of life. 

Start planning your weekend away! Discover upcoming events, book a group tour and more, at discovernewport.org.

Julie Craven Wagner is the editor of Cape Cod LIFE.