Newport Attractions

One of the greatest fortifications situated on a coast is Fort Adams, Rhode Island, just across the harbor from Newport. This is a tremendous historical treasure in United States History that housed soldiers between the years of 1824 and 1950, and today it's an excellent place to stop, explore, and learn about the history of this magnificent architectural master work. Situated on Narragansett Bay, this was a natural location for an innate harbor and a perfect location for Rhode Island's citizens to thwart an enemy attack.

There are several fascinating areas to explore around Fort Adams, and plenty of things to experience, including:

- Take a tour of the casemates and learn about this bombproof enclosed space that contained the cannon soldiers used to fire at invaders.

- Walk around the Bastions, which is a photographer's delight because the view is spectacular of the surrounding harbor and bay...

Tennis lovers will be delighted when they arrive in Newport, Rhode Island, because it's the home of the International Tennis Hall of Fame. Its primary purpose is to pay tribute to the greatest players of this excellent sport, and, a historical note, the complex was actually built in 1880 by James Bennett and the Hall of Fame was founded in 1954. The complex is known as the Newport Casino. The first championship game was actually held in this facility in 1881, and many tournaments have been played on these beautiful grounds.

There are a number of places of interesting in this International Tennis Hall of Fame that includes the following:

- One of the most interesting areas in the complex is the museum, which contains over 13,000 square feet of exhibition area that includes photographs, recordings trophies, and other memorabilia of this very popular sport.

- Reserve time the best grass tennis courts in the county, of if the weather is not cooperating, there an excellent indoor court where visitors can display their lobs and backhands...

For those who are fascinated with Italian, French, Gothic, English, or German architecture, the Belcourt Castle is fascinating because it incorporates all three designs. This "summer cottage" was built in 1894 by Oliver Belmont in Newport, Rhode Island, and its 50,000 square feet in size. Building this castle cost $3.2 million, and more than 30 servants were employed during this time.

Going on a tour through this magnificent structure is quite fascinating and gives the visitor the opportunity to enjoy this amazing structure. It has patterned after Louis XIII's Versailles hunting cabin.

The first floor of the Belcourt Castle contains the expansive stables for the cherished and valued horses as well as the spaces for the magnificent carriages. These exceptional race horses were the foundation for the Belmont Stakes that was the namesake of Oliver Belmont's father, who was one of the most noted four-in-hand drivers...

In the late 1800s and around the turn of the century numerous summer "cottages" were built along Bellevue Avenue, and The Elms is one such "cottage" in Newport, Rhode Island. It was the home of Edward Berwind who made his fortune in coal, and it was completed in 1901. The design is similar to a château in France at Asnières-sur-Seine called d'Asnières and the gardens are truly magnificent because the landscapers worked closely with the architect to ensure the continuity of design. In 1901, this home cost $1.5 million and was part of what was called the "Gilded Age".

The façade of The Elms' magnificent structure is made of limestone, and it's framed with steel incorporating brick partitions. As visitors tour the facility, the Grand Ballroom, library, conservatory, dining and breakfast rooms, and a salon are all found on the first floor. As visitors move upstairs to the second floor they will find the family and guests bedrooms and a large lounge area...

Besides all the mansions on Bellevue Avenue in Newport, Rhode Island, is the Newport Art Museum that was founded almost 100 years ago, and it's listed as the premier American Stick Style building as a Historic landmark. The Griswold House is also a part of this museum and is currently operating as the gallery, and it's run by the Newport art Association, which is the oldest ongoing association of art in America.

Currently, guests can enjoy a variety of artwork in this Newport Art Museum, such as the following:

- Many of the exhibits are centered on the art of New England and particularly Newport with featured works by George Inness, William Richards, John La Farge, Howard Cushing, Helena Sturtevant and many more.

- Many of the contemporary local artists are also included in the Annual Artists' Studio Gallery throughout the year, so various art work is rotated in this exhibit.

- Numerous pieces from John Griswold's permanent collection of over 100 pieces from the eighteenth century through today have recently been established in this museum...

When a group of Sephardic Jews from Portugal settled in Rhode Island in 1763, the Touro Synagogue became the oldest Synagogue in America, and known as the representation of religious freedom for Americans. The significance of this Synagogue spans from the late 1400's because Jews in Spain during that time were forced accept Catholicism and they fled to various areas in the America's for religious freedom. In 1658 fifteen Jewish families fled to the New World to join Roger Williams' settlement in Rhode Island seeking this religious freedom and Jeshuat Israel Congregation was founded. It also served as a place for the General Assembly and the Supreme Court of Rhode Island to meet.

Visitors will find the Touro Synagogue's magnificent architecture, which was designed by Peter Harrison, to be quite creative in the Georgian style with lovely arched windows and embellishments. The building is a classic "colonial" style building and is built on an angle to the street allowing the congregation to face toward Israel during their prayers before the Holy Ark...

During the incredible Gilded Age of the late 19th century, numerous mansions were constructed on Bellevue Avenue in Newport, Rhode Island and the Beechwood Mansion is one of the most beautiful of these so-called "summer cottages". This particular estate was originally built by Daniel Parrish in 1851, but later on it was purchased by two brothers, George and John Astor, who manufactured flutes and started the legendary Standardbred horses.

The Beechwood Mansion has some incredible views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Newport cliffs. This beautiful mansion offer tours by the Beechwood Theatre Company who play the roles of the family and servants of the Astors. Visitors will see exactly what life was like to live in this magnificent home. They also host a variety of events throughout the year, so check the calendar.

Visitors can take the Newport Cliff Walk that is a three and a half mile walk along the shores to see some of the most magnificent structures in the area...

Put the walking shoes on, and enjoy one of the most spectacular walkways, the Cliff Walk, in Newport, Rhode Island. This three and a half mile walk along the shore and cliffs is spectacular and is identified as a National Recreational Trail. This trail starts at Bailey's Beach and continues past Bellevue Avenue all the way down to First Beach.

For visitors to the Newport area, take a journey along the Cliff Walk to see some of these magnificent sites:

- Hikers and strollers can get a great view of some of the most famous "summer cottages" such as the Astor's Beechwood, the Belcourt Castle, the Marble House and many more along the shores.

- Photographers will enjoy the opportunity to take some spectacular pictures of the beautiful winding paths, the cliffs, and the great vistas along the way.

- Nature lovers will enjoy the local deer and other wild life that can be seen along the trail...