It's Not Always Sunny in Newport
Have a great vacation, regardless of the weather.
Katie Wildgrube
Issue date: 5/10/09 Section: News
It's happened to the best of us. You plan a wonderful Newport, R.I. vacation, pack up the car and go through the list- beach umbrella, towels, sand toys, sunscreen, cooler; it's all there. Just as you pull out of the hotel, a flash of lightning strikes and the skies open up. Now what?
Let's face it, it's New England. The weather is unpredictable and you can't always rely on spending time at the beach or going on the cliff walk. So what do you do when it rains? Don't worry; Rhode Island Monthly has you covered. There are plenty of great indoor attractions in Newport; we've scoped out the top five.
1.Newport Mansion Tour
The Preservation Society of Newport County
424 Bellevue Avenue
Newport, RI 02840
(401) 847-1000
www.newportmansions.org
As obvious as it is, you haven't discovered Newport until you've toured a mansion. The Preservation Society of Newport County offers great tours of their ten mansions. Take a look back in time and rediscover the Colonial Era to the Gilded Age. Whether you choose The Breakers or the Marble House, the summer "cottages" built by Commodore Cornelius Vanderbilt's grandsons; the Isaac Bell House, an ideal example of shingle-style architecture; the Victorian-style Chateau-ser-Mer; the Hunter House from the Colonial Era; or any of the other spectacular properties, you will not be disappointed. Each mansion has something different to offer and new experiences to discover.
2.International Tennis Hall of Fame
194 Bellevue Avenue
Newport, RI 02840
(401) 849-3990
www.tennisfame.com
When you walk through the gate of the Tennis Hall of Fame, you will feel like you've entered a portal into history. The hustle and bustle of busy Bellevue Avenue completely disappears and you find yourself in peaceful environment untouched by history. The original intent of the building designers was to create such an atmosphere and the original shingle-style architecture has been well preserved.
The best part? You don't even have to be a fan of the game to enjoy this historic landmark. The museum is found on the second floor of the historic Newport Casino, originally a social club, and contains more than 2,000 display objects. The display begins with the earliest known painting of tennis and continues chronologically, ending with the most recent additions. "The best part about the museum is that it's interactive and fun," Doug Stark, the Museum Director, said. "It's different from any other historic place in Newport." Newly added audio guides, as well as dynamic videos on touch screens make for a more personal experience while you tour. There is even a Nintendo Wii set up on a big screen for visitors to enjoy some virtual tennis. Regardless of age or knowledge of tennis, the Tennis Hall of Fame is enjoyable for everyone.
Let's face it, it's New England. The weather is unpredictable and you can't always rely on spending time at the beach or going on the cliff walk. So what do you do when it rains? Don't worry; Rhode Island Monthly has you covered. There are plenty of great indoor attractions in Newport; we've scoped out the top five.
1.Newport Mansion Tour
The Preservation Society of Newport County
424 Bellevue Avenue
Newport, RI 02840
(401) 847-1000
www.newportmansions.org
As obvious as it is, you haven't discovered Newport until you've toured a mansion. The Preservation Society of Newport County offers great tours of their ten mansions. Take a look back in time and rediscover the Colonial Era to the Gilded Age. Whether you choose The Breakers or the Marble House, the summer "cottages" built by Commodore Cornelius Vanderbilt's grandsons; the Isaac Bell House, an ideal example of shingle-style architecture; the Victorian-style Chateau-ser-Mer; the Hunter House from the Colonial Era; or any of the other spectacular properties, you will not be disappointed. Each mansion has something different to offer and new experiences to discover.
2.International Tennis Hall of Fame
194 Bellevue Avenue
Newport, RI 02840
(401) 849-3990
www.tennisfame.com
When you walk through the gate of the Tennis Hall of Fame, you will feel like you've entered a portal into history. The hustle and bustle of busy Bellevue Avenue completely disappears and you find yourself in peaceful environment untouched by history. The original intent of the building designers was to create such an atmosphere and the original shingle-style architecture has been well preserved.
The best part? You don't even have to be a fan of the game to enjoy this historic landmark. The museum is found on the second floor of the historic Newport Casino, originally a social club, and contains more than 2,000 display objects. The display begins with the earliest known painting of tennis and continues chronologically, ending with the most recent additions. "The best part about the museum is that it's interactive and fun," Doug Stark, the Museum Director, said. "It's different from any other historic place in Newport." Newly added audio guides, as well as dynamic videos on touch screens make for a more personal experience while you tour. There is even a Nintendo Wii set up on a big screen for visitors to enjoy some virtual tennis. Regardless of age or knowledge of tennis, the Tennis Hall of Fame is enjoyable for everyone.
Be the first to comment on this story