The wealthy discovered Newport in the 1800�s, but it took me until this year to visit this historic city. When my husband and I stayed in Newport recently, we had a tough time choosing from all of the activities and attractions.

We stayed at the Abigail Stoneman Inn, one of the Legendary Inns of Newport. Located on Touro Street, this Four-Diamond rated historic inn is located within walking distance of the waterfront and many attractions and restaurants. Be forewarned, though; with the charming rooms, attentive service and wonderful water and pillow menu, you may not want to leave!

If you visit Newport, you won�t want to miss Ocean Drive. This 10-mile stretch boasts spectacular views of the ocean on one side, and beautiful summer homes on the other. On Bellevue Avenue, you�ll find the Newport Mansions, which include elegant homes once owned by Newport�s ultra-rich. These properties are now owned by the Preservation Society of Newport County and are open for tours.

Fort Adams State Park encompasses a visitor�s center, views of Narragansett Bay, and historic Fort Adams, built during 1824-1857. Guided tours of the fort are available for a fee; admission to the park is free.

For picturesque views of Narragansett Bay and a chance to rest your feet, climb aboard the Old Colony Railroad. Sit back and relax in either a 1904 platform coach or an 1884 parlor car and enjoy the scenery. The 10-mile narrated trip includes the history of Old Newport, views of two decommissioned aircraft carriers, and passes through Navy Yard, home of the Navy�s War College. Navy guards man the gates, allowing the trains to pass through.

The Madeleine, a 72-ft schooner, offers yet another way to see Newport and Narragansett Bay.

At mealtime, you�ll find many restaurant choices in Newport. For fine Italian dining, you can�t miss with Puerini�s. Located on Memorial Boulevard, this family-run restaurant is known for its homemade pasta. Try their lasagna - it�s excellent. If you�re not in the mood for Italian, stop in at the Newport Blues Cafe, on Thames Street. They offer a full dinner menu, and after dinner, you can enjoy a heaping serving of live music for dessert.

If you happen to be in Newport in early June, you can satisfy your chowder cravings at the International Schweppes Great Chowder Cook-Off, held annually at the Newport Yachting Center, America�s Cup Avenue. Servers move through the crowd with trays of numbered plastic cups chowder for sampling. After you�ve had your fill, you can vote for your favorite clam, seafood or creative chowder. It�s not all about the chowder, though. There�s vendors, live bands, and even a few other kinds of food.

Time to walk off all of that food? Cliffwalk, a 3.5 mile trail honored as one of 50 �Places of a Lifetime� by National Geographic Traveler, fits the bill. The public path traces the shoreline and also includes views of some of Newport�s spectacular architecture. Be sure to wear sturdy walking shoes.

There�s so much to do and see in Newport, one visit just isn�t enough. My advice? Research before you go, select only as many activities as you can reasonably fit in, and plan to return!



Newport Convention and Visitor�s Bureau
23 America's Cup Avenue
Newport, RI 02840
1-800-976-5122
Newport

Abagail Stoneman Inn:
800-845-1811
Abagail Stoneman
or Newport Mansions

Fort Adams:
Fort Adams

Fort Adams State Park:
Fort Adams State Park
401-841-0707

Old Colony Railroad
Old Colony Railroad
401-624-6951

Schooner Madeleine
Cruise Newport
410-847-0298

Puerini's Restaurant:
24 Memorial Boulevard, Newport
401-847-5506

Newport Blues Caf�
286 Thames Street
Newport Blues
401-841-5510

International Schweppes Great Chowder Cook-Off:
Chowder Cook-Off

Cliffwalk
Cliffwalk