Discover Newport's 19th Century Wonders

The Green Animals Topiary Garden, part of a historic estate, features topiary sculptures dating back to the early 20th century. This unique garden, with its artistic green sculptures, offers a serene and whimsical experience. The garden, a testament to the creativity and skill of its caretakers, is not just a display of horticultural artistry but also a reflection of Newport's historical interest in landscape design and gardening, making it a distinctive attraction in the city.

Newport's seasonal dynamics mirror its historical evolution. Once a playground for the 19th-century elite, it now offers year-round attractions. The city's seafood restaurants and vibrant downtown, with unique boutiques and shops, reflect its maritime heritage dating back to the 17th century. The historic streets, reminiscent of its colonial past, require careful navigation, echoing the city's long-standing relationship with the sea and its transformation into a modern tourist destination while retaining its historical charm.

Newport's mansions, built during the Gilded Age of the late 19th century, epitomize the city's transformation into a haven for America's wealthiest. These 'cottages,' constructed between the 1850s and early 20th century, showcase opulent architecture. The Newport Historical Society, founded in 1854, offers tours of these estates, revealing the extravagant lifestyles of their original owners. These tours, available in warmer months, provide a window into the lavish past of Newport's high society.

Rosecliff, built from 1898 to 1902, is more than a historical landmark. It gained fame as a setting for the 2013 film adaptation of The Great Gatsby. Initially a retreat for silver heiress Theresa Fair Oelrichs, it later hosted philanthropist J Edgar Monroe's extravagant parties. The mansion's architecture, with its opulent design, reflects the grandeur of Newport's Gilded Age, offering visitors a chance to experience a piece of early 20th-century luxury.

The International Tennis Hall of Fame, located in the Newport Casino, opened in 1880 and became a tennis hall of fame in 1954. It celebrates tennis history and its evolution. The courts, where many tennis legends have played, are open to the public. The museum within the complex offers an educational journey through tennis history, making it a significant site for sports history enthusiasts and a testament to Newport's longstanding engagement with tennis since the late 19th century.

The Newport Cliff Walk, designated a National Recreation Trail in 1975, combines natural beauty with historical significance. This 3.5-mile trail, established in the Gilded Age, passes by several of Newport's historic mansions, offering views of 19th-century architecture and the Atlantic Ocean. The walk, with its blend of easy and challenging terrains, provides a unique perspective on Newport's rich history, showcasing the lavish lifestyle of its past inhabitants and the natural beauty of its coastline.

Newport Harbor, a hub of maritime activity, reflects the city's rich seafaring history dating back to the colonial era. It offers a variety of water-based activities, from boat tours to sailing, rooted in Newport's maritime traditions. The harbor area, with its array of seafood restaurants and cafes, is a modern reflection of Newport's historical status as a major port and a center for the fishing industry, providing a contemporary experience deeply connected to its maritime past.

Thames Street, a vital part of Newport's historic district, has been a commercial and cultural hub since the 17th century. Today, it's a vibrant mix of modern commerce and historical architecture. This street, where colonial-era buildings stand alongside contemporary establishments, offers a lively atmosphere for exploration and shopping. Thames Street not only serves as a retail and dining destination but also as a living museum, showcasing Newport's evolution from a colonial port to a modern tourist attraction.

Newport Vineyards, established in the 1970s, is set in a region with a winemaking tradition dating back to the colonial era. This vineyard offers tastings and tours, allowing visitors to experience the local wine culture. The vineyard is not just a place for wine tasting, it's a celebration of Rhode Island's agricultural heritage and its ability to produce quality wines. The serene setting and local wine production offer a contemporary experience deeply rooted in the region's historical agricultural practices.

The history of Fort Adams, which is located in Fort Adams State Park, dates back to the early 1800s. Completed in 1857, the fort provides a window into the military history of the United States. The park blends natural beauty and historical exploration with a variety of outdoor activities. Visitors can explore the history of the fort, have picnics, and engage in water sports along the shoreline, making it a distinctive location that combines leisure activities with its military past.

The Audrain Automobile Museum, established in 2014, showcases a collection of automobiles that trace the evolution of car design and technology. The museum's exhibits, featuring vehicles from the late 19th century to the present, provide a journey through automotive history. This museum is not only a showcase of rare and vintage cars but also a reflection of Newport's connection to the history of automotive innovation and luxury, offering a unique perspective on the development of the automobile.

The Newport Art Museum, founded in 1912, houses a diverse collection of art, representing both local and international artists. The museum's exhibitions and educational programs offer a dynamic experience, connecting visitors to Newport's artistic heritage. The museum's history, rooted in the early 20th-century artistic movement in Newport, adds depth to its contemporary offerings, making it a key destination for those interested in the intersection of Newport's historical and contemporary art scenes.