Rhode Island’s Newport Bristol Heritage Passage

One of the most historic areas in the nation stretches from Newport to Portsmouth to Bristol, and will make up Rhode Island’s newest tourism project, the Newport Bristol Heritage Passage.  Founded in 1639, Newport is well known for its historic mansions and beautiful bay views.  Now, with its neighboring communities of Portsmouth, Jamestown, Middletown, Tiverton and Little Compton, visitors will be able to explore a trail of historic attractions by following color-coded maps and road signs.  From Colonial-era farms to museums and parks to Gilded Age mansions, visit more than 80 sites along the Passage. You can also enjoy the beautiful Gooseberry Beach in Newport, 2nd Beach in Middletown, and the beach at Colt State Park in Bristol.

Some of the lesser-known sites to be found on the Heritage Passage include the 1810 Linden Place, the gem of Bristol’s mansions. It has been visited by 4 Presidents, was featured in the film “The Great Gatsby”, and was the former home of Ethel Barrymore.  This spectacular beauty is impeccably landscaped with aromatic gardens and fine statuaries.  It is open from May 7th until October 10th, but you can also enjoy special events such as the Spring Serenade or 4th of July Parade Picnic.

You will also want to see the 200 acre Colonial Mount Hope Farm in Bristol and the Herreshoff Marine Museum, which houses the America’s Cup Hall of Fame.   Fort Adams, the largest coastal fort which was active from the 1850’s through World War II, and is open May - October for tours and rental. Those interested in America’s religious history will want to visit the Touro Synagogue and also the Great Friends Meeting House, built in 1699, Rhode Island’s oldest house of worship.

Preserved in 1950, the 300 acre Norman Bird Sanctuary features 7 miles of paths meandering through woodlands, marshes and hay fields.  Numerous species of birds can be heard twittering their songs, or walk out to the bluffs for spectacular views of the ocean.

Stay overnight at the Rose Island Lighthouse, an operational light that is fully funded by private contributions.  You can sign up to be a Vacation Keeper or a Full Time Keeper, and get a small taste of what life was like at the turn of the century.  You can also help the Lighthouse Green Program, 2008 projects include plans to install a composting toilet, restore the basement cistern, install solar (PV) panels, convert to biofuels, and install solid panel interior window shutters to retain passive solar heat.

The Astor’s Beechwood Home is the only Living History home in Newport.  In winter, you will receive an “interview” tour by the Astor servants.  In May, the “family” arrives and you will be treated as a special guest with accompanying tour.  Special entertainment by The Beechwood Theatre Company includes a Tuesday evening Astor Family Affair, with candlelight tour and evening of music and dancing in the grand ballroom.   Or become part of the entertainment during a Murder Mystery masquerade party, Thursday evening or Saturday afternoon.

Of course, the centerpiece of the region will always be the 11 properties that make up the Newport Mansions.  The oldest topiary garden in the country can be found in Newport, the Green Animal Topiary Garden, with 80 pieces including 21 animals and birds.  The most prestigious of all the homes, The Breakers, was the 70 room summer home of railroad giant, Cornelius Vanderbilt. 

For your stay, choose from the most luxurious hotels in the world, to comfortable economy.

The Chanler is located at the start of Newport’s famous Cliff Walk and is one of the most unique luxury hotels in the area. 20 distinctive rooms with elegant decor and immaculate furnishings.  Voted one of the 15 best new luxury hotels in the world (Food & Wine 2003), you will rarely find yourself in such pampered surroundings.  Rates From $275 thru April 30.

The Hotel Viking is a luxury property located on Bellevue Avenue in Newport’s Historic Hill, and offers a blend of modern amenities including free highspeed, dataports and individual climate controls; along with traditional furnishings, plush comforters and pillow top mattresses.  Room, breakfast for 2 each morning, valet parking and 2 Newport Mansions tickets from $279

Carriage House Inn Clarion College offers 23 guest rooms in an elegantly renovated Victorian home.  Rooms include microwave, frig, coffee maker, robes and more, with Hot Rates from $79