Rhode Island
- shimonsolof
- Feb 16
- 2 min read
Day 1:
We began our day with Save the Bay’s seal tour aboard one of their educational vessels. We enjoyed stunning views of Narragansett Bay (and, of course, the seals!) before heading back to shore. Save the Bay also offers a 2-hour cruise that stops at Rose Island, where you can visit the historic lighthouse.
Next, we visited The Breakers, a massive and opulent mansion once owned by the Vanderbilt family. We took our time strolling through the mansion, marveling at how the wealthy lived. The house was grand and magnificent. We also explored the veranda and the backyard, where we were treated to beautiful views of the bay. Our guide shared fascinating stories about the lavish summer galas the Vanderbilt’s hosted in the backyard every year.
Day 2:
We started our second day with a tour of The Elms, where we explored both the main house and the servants' quarters. The two tours essentially took us from the basement to the rooftop, moving through the servants' halls and kitchens in the basement, and then through the grand and beautiful home itself. Like The Breakers, The Elms was opulent and extravagant—an expression of wealth rarely seen today. We also explored the gardens, though because we were visiting in winter, there wasn’t much to see. I can only imagine how stunning it must be in the summer.
Afterward, we toured Touro Synagogue. Be sure to check the synagogue’s website before planning your visit, as tours are limited during the quieter season. The synagogue was fascinating, and it was incredible to stand in the first synagogue ever built in America.
Finally, we visited the Cliff Walk and enjoyed a beautiful sunset walk along the edge of the water, with stunning views of historic mansions lining the shore and the bay spreading out before us.
After dinner, we had some fun bowling at a local alley.
Day 3:
We started the day at Fort Adams State Park, a beautiful and interesting park with many different areas to explore.
Next, we went to Newport Helicopter Tours and Charters for our scheduled tour. Once in the air, we were treated to breathtaking bird’s-eye views of the mansions, vineyards, and the bay below. Our guide was extremely knowledgeable, and we enjoyed learning about Newport’s rich history and its role during the Gilded Age.
After a scenic and memorable helicopter ride, we headed back home, reflecting on an amazing few days in Newport.
Note: If you plan to visit Newport in the spring or summer, be sure to head over to the Green Animals Topiary Garden. It’s a beautiful spot where you can enjoy intricately shaped animals created from shrubs and trees. Additionally, there are many boat rentals and cruises available throughout the spring and summer months, offering a great way to explore the bay.
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