By: Katie Wildgrube
Posted In: News
1.Newport Mansion Tour The Preservation Society of Newport County
424 Bellevue Avenue Newport, RI 02840 (401) 847-1000 www.newportmansions.org As obvious as it is, you haven’t discovered Newport until you’ve toured a mansion. The Preservation Society of Newport County offers great tours of their ten mansions. Take a look back in time and rediscover the Colonial Era to the Gilded Age. Whether you choose The Breakers or the Marble House, the summer “cottages” built by Commodore Cornelius Vanderbilt’s grandsons; the Isaac Bell House, an ideal example of shingle-style architecture; the Victorian-style Chateau-ser-Mer; the Hunter House from the Colonial Era; or any of the other spectacular properties, you will not be disappointed. Each mansion has something different to offer and new experiences to discover.
2.International Tennis Hall of Fame
194 Bellevue Avenue Newport, RI 02840 (401) 849-3990 www.tennisfame.com When you walk through the gate of the Tennis Hall of Fame, you will feel like you’ve entered a portal into history. The hustle and bustle of busy Bellevue Avenue completely disappears and you find yourself in peaceful environment untouched by history. The original intent of the building designers was to create such an atmosphere and the original shingle-style architecture has been well preserved. The best part? You don’t even have to be a fan of the game to enjoy this historic landmark. The museum is found on the second floor of the historic Newport Casino, originally a social club, and contains more than 2,000 display objects. The display begins with the earliest known painting of tennis and continues chronologically, ending with the most recent additions. “The best part about the museum is that it’s interactive and fun,” Doug Stark, the Museum Director, said. “It’s different from any other historic place in Newport.” Newly added audio guides, as well as dynamic videos on touch screens make for a more personal experience while you tour. There is even a Nintendo Wii set up on a big screen for visitors to enjoy some virtual tennis. Regardless of age or knowledge of tennis, the Tennis Hall of Fame is enjoyable for everyone.
3.Astors’ Beechwood Mansion
580 Bellevue Avenue Newport, RI 02840 (401) 846-3772 www.astorsbeechwood.com Unlike other Newport mansions, you will not simply receive a tour when you visit the Beechwood. The tour guides are members of the Beechwood Mansion Theatre Company who actually depict members of the Astors’ family, friends and staff; and you are invited into the role-play. If you visit during the winter while the family is out of town, you become a new member of the staff. Your fellow colleagues fill you in on the latest gossip while they show you around your new employer’s estate. If you visit after the family arrives in May, you are their personal guests and are treated as such. Whether you take a Servants Tour or a Victorian Tour your experience at the Beechwood will be unforgettable.
4.Museum of Newport History
127 Thames Street Newport, RI 02840 (401) 841-8770 www.newporthistorical.org The museum uses a variety of exhibits to tell the story of Newport. Not only is it a fun way to explore and learn about the history of Newport, but you get to examine all the displays of the architecture that makes Newport so beautiful and unique. Through photographs and artifacts, such as a printing press, a figurehead from a ship, and furniture, you get to meet the people who have influenced the prominence of Newport and made it the historical city it is today. Newport’s exciting history comes to life as you explore the museum and travel back in time.
5.Jane Pickens Theater & Event Center
49 Touro Street Newport, RI 02840 (401) 846-5252 www.janepickens.com More than just a movie theater, the Jane Pickens provides different films and shows in order to appeal to a broad audience. Anybody can rent the theater for events and fundraisers, which makes each visit to the theater a unique one. Specializing in first run movies, documentaries and art films, the theater strives to offer variety. “We show great, interesting films that other theaters don’t offer,” Kathy Staab, Theater Director, said. The Jane Pickens Theater likes to utilize its stage as well. Past performances have consisted of magic shows, an opera series and Strictly Sinatra (a Frank Sinatra impersonator). The theater also has a great relationship with the sailing community in Newport and hosts many fundraisers with Sail Newport. Now you can feel at ease the next time the weather doesn’t cooperate with your vacation plans. Also, keep in mind that many indoor attractions in Newport offer outdoor activities as well. You can play tennis on the grass courts and the Tennis Hall of Fame, or take a guided walking tour of historic Newport with a tour guide from the Museum of Newport History. You may not want to save these places only for rainy days. Make the most of your visit and explore Newport’s history to the fullest.
