Newport, Rhode Island
Positioned on the southern tip of Aquidneck Island in Rhode Island's Narragansett Bay, the seaport town of Newport was founded in 1639. Renowned for its elegant mansions and the Newport Jazz Festival, Newport was the playground for wealthy U.S. industrialists in the 19th century. The mansions are living testimony to the decadence of that era; made with materials and artistry so outrageously expensive, the mansions would be all but impossible to reproduce today.
Newport is without questions the ultimate Rhode Island beach town with its cobblestone streets, upscale shops, trendy restaurants, sandy beaches and flotillas of sleek sailboats. Enjoying warm and breezy summers, and some say, perfect sailing conditions, Newport is the proud home of Newport Cup sailing with a strong dedication to the sport of sailing and lifestyle. In 1697, New Port became the first city to pass a traffic ordinance. It hosted the First Circus in 1794 and was the first to use gas street lights in 1803. It was also home to the first U.S. auto race in 1895.
This weathered New England seaport is home to the United States' oldest bank building, oldest synagogue (1759), and oldest typewriter in the country. The White Horse Tavern, built in 1693, is the oldest tavern in the United States still doing business today.
For many years Newport was home to the largest event in sailing, the America's Cup race.
Attractions In Rhode Island
The Newport Mansions
The Newport mansions offer a unique world of opulence that you can enjoy up close and personal. Tour the magnificent architecture, landscaping, priceless works of art and extravagant interiors. Learn about the exquisite Marble House, built between 1888 and 1892 for Mr. and Mrs. William K. Vanderbilt, or be amazed by the Breakers, Newport's grandest summer "cottage" and a symbol of unparalleled wealth and social preeminence.
Newport Yachting Center
Located in one of the finest waterfront sites in the U.S., the Newport Yachting Center is a unique facility. This Newport sailing hub is the perfect gathering place to organize social events. From yacht rendezvous to beach clambakes, family reunions to corporate outings, weddings and celebrations, the Center creates it all with signature Newport class and style. Located in the heart of downtown, this is Newport's premier yacht marina, with a club and restaurant for the dedicated sailors of the area and private yacht outings offered on their 75-foot schooner, the Adirondack II.
Newport Vineyards
Originally planted in 1977 on a rich hill overlooking the beauty of Rhode Island, the Newport Vineyards' goal is to produce exceptional wines for local and worldwide palates to enjoy. Aided by the friendly farming conditions of Aquidneck Island, the Vineyards are blessed with a long, cool growing season ideal for developing complex nuances in grapes to rival the wines of Germany, the Napa Valley, and Australia. Discover the philosophy and realities behind creating exquisite wine by taking a tour of the Newport Vineyard. Sample award winning wines from this fine New England winery and while there, create a custom wine label to make your own house Riesling, Cabernet or Merlot!
