My colleague Mimi and I just returned from a whirlwind trip to Rhode Island, where we visited nine (9) hotels in two days, a very productive “educational”. In our industry, an educational, is an opportunity for Travel Advisors to visit a destination, get a detailed view of the hotels we recommend and partner with, experience the activities and dining opportunities, and return with “shareable” information for our colleagues and most importantly our clients.
I fell in love with Newport, and am a huge fan of this quaint seaside, marina town for a little escape any time of the year. Although Newport is mostly known for its summer sailing, there are also a myriad of interesting activities to partake in during the non-summer months. It is open all year and is very accessible from many Northeast destinations.
Did you know….
You can have your own mini “America’s Cup” by chartering two sailboats and race each other on the beautiful Newport waters?
If you are a tennis aficionado, what better place to visit than the International Tennis Hall of Fame.
This very charming, and yet sprawling town, has quaint cobblestone streets filled with unique shops and some of our old-time favorites. Bowen’s Wharf houses a variety of great restaurants, shops, and tour boats, Brick Market is a perfect place to stroll and visit shop after shop.
If you are interested in an artistic hands-on glass making experience, you don’t have to go to Venice! At Thames Glass with master glassmaker Matthew Buechner, you can make your own glass creation with his personalized “Make Your Own” Glassblowing Experience”.
Would you like to revel in the gilded age? Visit Newport’s seven (7) opulent mansions, where 19th Century America’s wealthiest residents built what they referred to as their summer “cottages”.
And what better way to get there than to stroll along the spectacular famous Cliff Walk? This 3.5mile path, has the sights and smells of the ocean on one side and the magnificent mansions on the other.
Have you ever seen a game of polo on the beach? During the summer months, Newport hosts the international Newport International Polo Series from June through September, one of Newport’s most popular summer attractions, a Gilded Age tradition, open to the public.
And there are many more activities you can partake in, such as a visit to The Redwood Library & Athaneum, In-depth Church Tours, and a visit to The Touro Synagogue, founded c. 1658, the oldest Jewish house of worship in North America that is still standing.
As far as hotels go, there are great options, from brand new properties to old-world charm….each property is quite unique, no matter where you stay, Newport is easy to get around. Here was our take on the five properties we visited in Newport.
Brenton Hotel – “New Contemporary, Hip, Waterfront on Edge of Town”
Vanderbilt – “Centrally Located, Historic Hotel with Outside Garden and Pool”
Hammett’s Wharf Hotel – “New, Hip, Industrial feel, Right on the Wharf”
Castle Hill Inn – “Historic Inn in Secluded Setting”
Chanler – “An Oceanfront mansion with a European flair”
Exploring our area opens up a whole new world of wonders!
