NEWPORT, RHODE ISLAND, RI, USA
Newport, Rhode Island bed and breakfasts offer affordable luxury
Newport, Rhode Island bed and breakfast establishments have made the Queen of Summer Resorts available to all travelers even those with a shoestring budget. Mention Newport, Rhode Island and it brings to mind the heyday of America’s power when industrialists and politicians, socialites and the most talented people in the United States congregated at Newport during the summer months. It reached the peak of its fame when John F. Kennedy and his lovely wife Jacqueline would summer there and it became known as America’s Society Capital. But Newport had been a wonderful leisure isle long before the days of the Kennedys. There are more wonderful old colonial mansions in Newport, Rhode Island per square mile than anywhere else in the United States. Many of these have been converted into B&Bs, inns and lodges to accommodate visitors in style and class while still being affordable.
Newport is a city on Aquidneck Island in Newport County, Rhode Island. It is about 48 km (30 miles) south of Providence. Today most of the visitors who stay in Newport, Rhode Island bed and breakfasts are either looking for a taste of yesteryear in the famous Newport Mansions or they are on visits to the naval station at Newport, which houses the US Naval War College, the Naval Undersea Warfare Center and a major navy training centre. It is obvious from the involvement of the navy in this area that Newport has a maritime history. In the 17th century it became Rhode Island’s major port. The oldest settlers included Jews and Quakers. These days descendants of these early communities visit Newport and stay in B&Bs, inns or lodges while investigating their family histories. Newport has a pirate history too, and many bed and breakfast hosts enjoy telling their guests about famous and well-loved pirates, such as Thomas Tew, who lived there centuries ago.
When staying in a Newport bed and breakfast, lodge or inn make sure you explore the whole island, not just the beautiful mansions. Aquidneck Island has several beautiful beaches. The largest public beach is First Beach in Easton, which as a view of the famed Cliff Walk, a 3.5 mile ( 5.6 km) public access walkway along the shoreline. It has been designated a National Recreation Trail. Second Beach, in neighboring Middletown, has great surf. Brenton Point State Park is a beautiful family park. The annual Brenton Point Kite Festival is held there. There are bed and breakfasts located near Fort Adams, a historical fort dating back to 1812. The B&Bs are packed during the annual Newport Folk Festival. The views of Narragansett Bay are spectacular. This is a great place for a picnic. Ask your bed and breakfast host if they can arrange a picnic basket for you.
