LET’S GO AMERICA! TOUR – STOP #2 – NEWPORT, RHODE ISLAND
As we work to get everyone comfortable and back out there travelling again, be it for leisure or business — we again packed our Travelpro luggage and headed out to Newport, Rhode Island for Stop #2 of RMWorldTravel’s big “Let’s Go America! Tour” — and one of our favorite New England destinations. If you missed our live broadcast from this city and one of its newest hotels, The Brenton, on Saturday, 12 June 2021 from 10:00a-Noon ET, it’s now archived on our website @ www.RMWorldTravel.com.
We’ve been to Newport dozens of times and on this particular trip, we highlighted some of our favourite must-see/do sites that should be on the list for anyone visiting for the first time, or returning for another visit. And all of them can be easily enjoyed as we emerge from the pandemic!
Located just 45 minutes south of Providence on Aquidneck Island, Newport lives up to its nickname – City by the Sea. The harbour is one of the most renowned in the world, and its location has made it a significant commercial seaport dating back to early Colonial times. In addition to a thriving fishing industry, Newport continues to host world-class sailing regattas. Popular with yachters with its numerous marine facilities and moorings — it also boasts sailing schools for all levels. During our visit, while we took sailing lessons, many boats were arriving for a race. What fun
It’s not a trip to Newport without a look at the grand mansions along Bellevue Avenue. During the Gilded Age of the late 19th century, Newport was the summer spot for many of America’s most wealthy and influential families. The Vanderbilts, Astors, and Morgans all had summer ‘cottages’ in Newport. Some mansions like Rosecliff are only open for events and weddings but The Breakers, Marble House, and The Elms are all open daily to visitors. Also open is the Green Animals Topiary Garden in nearby Portsmouth –- the oldest topiary garden in the U.S. From June 25th to October 3rd, the much anticipated David Rogers Exhibit of the Big Bugs will also be on display. The famous Cliff Walk along the water is a must-do, and be sure to grab a cocktail at the iconic Hotel Chanler on the Cliff Walk.
One of our family’s favourite activities in Newport is a trip to The International Tennis Hall of Fame. The building and grounds date back to the 1870s when it was the Newport Casino; not for gambling, but more of a social club. You’ll learn how it all evolved into the museum and Hall of Fame over the years and for tennis fans, the famed grass courts at this facility are a real treat. It’s one of the few venues in the world that will allow the general public to take a lesson and hit a few balls on one of its grass courts.
Rail Explorers is a fairly new activity in the Newport area — let’s just say if you’re looking for a unique outdoor activity perfect for all ages with some great views, you’ll enjoy it. In a nutshell, participants pedal steel wheel cars (quad or tandem) along railroad tracks. There’s a picnic stop along the way and you can even bring your dog too!
We chose to stay at the harborfront all-new Brenton Hotel, a Preferred Hotels & Resorts property. It’s a small luxury boutique hotel with 57 nautically appointed rooms/suites and a rooftop offering some of the best harbor and city views in all of Newport. There are many B&B’s and hotel options to choose from, but we recommend staying as close to downtown as possible so you’re within walking distance of the waterfront, restaurants, and shopping.
Newport’s food scene is anything from fine dining to your outstanding seaside clam shacks. Be sure to try a Rhode Island ‘stuffie’, legendary Del’s Lemonade, and a clam cake while you’re there.
In short, Newport is a beautiful coastal locale with terrific beaches, great walking opportunities, and plenty of activities — and is a place we continue to return to because each time we do, we always find something new to enjoy.
Safe and Happy Travels!
Robert & Mary Carey, Hosts
America’s #1 Travel Radio Show
www.RMWorldTravel.com
