Nautical chic, seaside swanky, classically preppy; there are so many ways I could describe Newport, RI, a seaside resort town about 40 minutes from the capital city of Providence.
Called the Hamptons of Rhode Island by many, Newport is known for its luxurious resort living; a place where the New England rich elite live, and others vacation during the summer. I visited the week prior to Labor Day weekend, so the city seemed to be winding down for the season. Nevertheless, I was still able to experience the essence that is Newport – boating, fine dining and meandering through the hilly estates of the country’s wealthiest families.
Newport was an 18th century port city, famous for sprawling mansions and colonial buildings. The town was an early center for shipbuilding and served as the center for trade with China in the early 1800s. In present day, it’s a haven for sailing, mansion tours, and many vibrant festivals year round.
Our hotel was a quick walk to Bowen’s Wharf, an outdoor shopping and dining area located right on the water. The wharf, lined with brick walkways, was formerly a thriving seaport. Now, the wharf is a symbol of Newport’s rich history and flourishing culture.
After exploring the wharf, I was fortunate enough to be able to take in the city’s sights on a boat. The views were breathtaking – see for yourself.
All the locals we talked to said a trip to Rhode Island is not complete without New England Clam Chowder, which I quickly discovered was the best I’d ever had. Scallops, lobster, and seafood galore – I’m pretty sure I tasted some of the best fish in the world during my short five day stay.
On my last day in Newport, I went off on my own to explore the downtown historic district. My first stop was the International Tennis Hall of Fame. Built in 1954, the museum spans over 20,000 square feet and contains six grass courts and 18 galleries chock full of videos, interactive exhibits, and memorabilia from current and former tennis champions.
Even if you aren’t into tennis, this a definitely a place worth visiting. Housed in the historic Newport Casino, a social and recreational club built in 1880, the first ever U.S. National Championships were held on the legendary museum courts. The Casino hosted the event until 1915 when the tournament moved to Forest Hills, N.Y and was renamed the U.S Open.
The Casino’s historic courts are the world’s oldest continuously used competition grass courts and the only competition grass courts open to the public for play.
My next step was the famous Cliff Walk, a 3.5 mile stretch of rugged trail along the Newport shoreline. Although the weather was chilly and overcast in the mid-50s (not ideal photo taking weather), I worked up a sweat as I trekked over rocks and narrow walkways to catch a glimpse of New England’s most famous vistas. 
As I continued to make my way down the Cliff Walk, I passed by The 40 Steps, a stone staircase that drops down the side of a cliff to a balcony overlooking the sea. During the mid 19th century, the wooden steps served as a gathering place for the servants working at the nearby mansions. After being destroyed by a hurricane in the early 1900s, the steps were reconstructed with stone and cement. Carved into each of the 40 steps is the name of an individual who donated money for this restoration in 1980.
And last, but certainly not least, the mansions! Along the walk you’ll see many historical homes, including the Breakers, Newport’s most famous summer cottage, serving as a symbol of the Vanderbilt’s financial and social significance in the late 1890s.
Beauty, elegance, and style – the homes along the Cliff Walk, the history of a thriving seaport, and the exclusivity of a posh casino allow us to reminisce (and only dream) about what life in Newport’s gilded age must have been like.
