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Newport Journals

Newport Mansions

A travel journal to Newport by travel2000

Quote: These over-the-top mansions attracted me to Newport. My visit in the fall time was decked with crowded tours but offered some amazing scenery and insight into these so-called "summer cottages" of the extremely wealthy. I can only imagine how these people lived.

Newport Mansions

Overview

Quote:
The mansions were the highlight, as well as the beautiful Cliff Walk. The scenery is spectacular. It took my breath away. Even with the crowds of people and the traffic jams, I would go back again for the scenery. In the town of Newport, there are also shops on Thames Street and the touristy pier. Both are good for strolling, but don't spend all your time there.Quick Tips: Spend at least 2 days here, and try to avoid the summer and weekends- it's a mad house. You see, you cannot just go into these mansions and do your own exploring. You have to join a guided tour, which means lines and lines of people during peak seasons. If you must go in the summer months, I woul...Read More

Breakers

Attraction | "The Breakers"

Quote:
The Breakers is the most amazing of all the mansions in the Newport collection. Built for Cornelius Vanderbilt II, I could not believe that they actually called this a summer cottage. It’s a palace, complete with a music room with gold ceilings, blue marble fireplace, a Great Hall with a grand staircase- the list goes on and on. Check out the mosaic on the porch ceiling. It is elaborate and supposedly took the poor Italians six months to complete. Our guide told us that it took more than 2,000 workers in 2 years to finish this 70-room palatial home. It was very crowded when I was there. I waited a long time in line for a tour, but believe me, it was well worth it. I left this place dreamin...Read More

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on November 21, 2000

Breakers
Ochre Point Avenue
Newport, Rhode Island 02840
(401) 847-1000

Elms

Best Of IgoUgo

Attraction | "The Elms"

Quote:
This graceful mansion is actually my favorite. The style is classical and not over-the-top in gold. Though the gardens were under work when I visited, I still got a chance to enjoy the interior. This was the summer home of Edward Berwind, who made his fortune in the coal industry. Apparently, this was one of the first houses in the country to have central heat and hot water. Makes sense for an energy millionaire. When the mansion was at its peak, there were lots of artwork and sculptures in residence, but unfortunately for us, they have since been auctioned off.

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on November 21, 2000

Elms
Bellevue Avenue
Newport, Rhode Island 02840
(401) 847-1000

Marble House

Attraction

Quote:
Wow, this is definitely extravagant by all measures. This mansion was built between 1888 and 1892 as a summer house by William Vanderbilt and was given as a gift to his wife. It reminded me a bit of Versailles, with the abundance of gold and lavish displays of wealth. Check out the Gothic Room, the Chinese Tea House on the cliffs, and the tapestries.

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on November 21, 2000

Marble House
596 Bellevue Avenue
Newport, Rhode Island 02840
(401) 847-1000

The Cliff Walk

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Story/Tip

Quote:
Easton Beach (also called First Beach) marks the beginning of the three and a half mile path along the cliffs all the way to Bailey’s Beach. This is paved most of the way but some parts are unpaved and can be quite difficult if you have kids. The view from the path is quite spectacular, and there are some breathtaking coastlines as well as views back towards the mansions. I recommend either doing just a section of the walk or joining a walking tour if you are interested in the historic background and information on the architects. Get to the Cliff Walk from Narragansett or Ruggles Ave, as this section is the most beautiful stretch. It passes through several waterfront mansions, incl...Read More

About the Writer

travel2000

travel2000
New York, New York

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