There are many things to see and do in Newport. Here are some suggestions:
Rich in history, Newport prides itself on being a vibrant community
offering a wide variety of events and activities all year-round. Whether
you were drawn here to enjoy the music festivals, yachting regattas,
mansion tours, professional tennis at the Newport Casino or a day at the
beach, Newport offers you a picturesque location to relax and enjoy.
This unique island community blends the old and the new - colonial homes
stand feet away from modern condominiums and offices. The bustling harbor
glistens as elegant yachts, luxury liners and lobster boats compete for
space. All of these are the charm that is Newport.
Founded in 1639, Newport's first residents were settlers seeking religious
freedom. The area was soon recognized for its ideal trade location and
quickly developed into one of the major seaports on the East Coast.
Beautiful schooners and trade ships billowed into the harbor, crowding the
wooden docks and bringing exotic treasures.
Ironically, this haven of religious tolerance became a key point of the
infamous Triangle Trade. So called because of the triangular route taken to
reach the three main shipping ports, the industry was an extension of the
slave trade. African slaves were traded for West Indian sugar and molasses.
These in turn were made into Newport rum and traded for slaves. During this
time pineapples first found their way into Newport homes. Now the city's
symbol of hospitality, pineapples were originally brought here by Newport
sea captains after trips to the West Indies. A pineapple was placed in
front of the voyagers' homes to indicate to neighbors and friends that his
door was open to visitors.
Newport's era as a seaport diminished with the British occupation of 1776.
British ships blockaded the harbor, and residents were forced to use the
city's timber wharves for firewood during the brutally cold winter.
However, Newport was rediscovered in the 1800's by the country's wealthy
citizens as the ideal location to spend their summers. Suddenly, elaborate
mansions and villas sprung up along Bellevue Avenue and Ocean Drive - each
more ornate and luxurious than the one next door. These "summer cottages"
provided the perfect backdrop for 'The 400,' an elite group of the very
rich. This extravagant era officially opened the door to America's first
resort.
Today, Newport enjoys a grand reputation as an ideal place to vacation. It
provides the perfect setting to enjoy the wide variety of events and
activities featured in this guide. We think you'll agree that there truly
is something for everyone.
