Newport

Newport, Rhode Island is an interesting place to visit. The homes built there in the 19th century for the wealthy to escape the oppressive summer heat of the south became the center of a social life never seen before or since. Today many of these homes are open to the public and tours give you a glimpse of the opulence of a bygone era. You can tour many of these homes. If you plan on visiting several, purchase a ticket that will allow you to visit two or eight of them. Among the “must-visit” mansions are: The Breakers, home of Cornelius Vanderbilt, The Marble House, built for William Vanderbilt, The Elms, and Rosecliff, used for the filming of The Great Gatsby. For details and tickets call 401-847-1000. Take a bracing walk along the oceanfront, which hearkens the image of those halcyon days. This is a very special experience and you should plan to take an hour or several hours (perhaps as I did with a bottle of wine, some cheese, and a loaf of good bread) to enjoy this oceanfront path. With the ocean on one side and the fabulous homes on the other, this is a memorable experience. Today, many festivals take place in Newport including a music festival during the summer months.