Newport

The belle-epoque capital of summer leisure, Newport still boasts a bevy of mansions that wow visitors now as much as when they were built. They can be overwhelming, but a stroll along the Cliff Walk affords views of several from the outside as well as ocean views. Perched on the southern Rhode Island coast, Newport is home to the Naval War College and a bustling port of working and leisure vessels. The city welcomes Tall Ships in an annual festival, and several museums explore nautical themes. Lovely boutiques and antique shops dot the fashionable narrow old streets from Thames street up the hill, but once you've left the neighborhood, the ...

The belle-epoque capital of summer leisure, Newport still boasts a bevy of mansions that wow visitors now as much as when they were built. They can be overwhelming, but a stroll along the Cliff Walk affords views of several from the outside as well as ocean views. Perched on the southern Rhode Island coast, Newport is home to the Naval War College and a bustling port of working and leisure vessels. The city welcomes Tall Ships in an annual festival, and several museums explore nautical themes. Lovely boutiques and antique shops dot the fashionable narrow old streets from Thames street up the hill, but once you've left the neighborhood, the city's chichi district yields to a very normal place, with no-frills diners and corner stores. Fine restaurants in town represent a variety of cuisines, but seafood-lovers will be especially thrilled with the choices. Even more luxurious diversions lie hidden away along the coast nearby, from horseback riding to golf with ocean views.

About the Expert

Juliette Rogers is coauthor of the guidebooks Eating New England: A Food Lovers Guide to Eating Locally, Secret Providence and Newport, and two Thomas Cook guides on France.