Stunning & majestic grandeur at 360 degrees for these historic mansions. Amazed and grateful that…read morethese have been restored for us to view this piece of lavish history. We joined the Historic society for the well worth is discount and toured 3 homes in a day, which is just the right amount. A must in the self guided audio tour via the mansions phone app. It really adds to the history of the mansion and gives great insight to the families and their world. Please explore these fabulous gems when in the area. Can't wait to see the rest!

Visited the Newport Mansions for the first time during the holidays to see all the beautiful lights…read moreand decorations!!! I visited The Breakers and The Marble House (third mansion is The Elms). Each house was lit up with Christmas lights, as well as a Christmas tree in each room. Also bought tickets to see "The Sparkling Lights" outside on the lawn. The mansions are absolutely grand, elegant, and filled with history!! They all cost money to enter, but there is a free audio tour for each one (bring a headset). I loved learning about each one! Short and sweet summaries of each room as you walk through the houses, with the option to listen to extended versions (for you history lovers). Each mansion has parking close-by (although the website claims you can easily walk from one mansion to the next, they are quite far, especially in the winter). I stopped in for a simple day trip, but lots to see and eat in Newport if you have more time! Another tip would be if you're there to see the Sparkling Lights, earliest admission is 4:30 pm, make sure you're in line by 4:15 pm (it gets long FAST)!

We stopped by on a drizzly weekday morning, but unfortunately the windmill is only open…read moreFriday-Sunday from 1PM-4PM. Hopefully we will be able to time our next visit to this historic windmill to coincide with its opening.

Delightful little historical stop and worth a look at this 230-year old structure from the state's…read moreearly days. Hard to believe this windmill's been around since shortly after the War of Independence - and it looks great for its age! The windmill's got 3 levels (which you wouldn't have guessed from the outside) and you're able to climb up to the very top bonnet where the windmill blades connect with a big gear to run the millstones. Very nice displays on each level as well. Beautiful views of the Newport bridge too! The hours are limited though - so need to check its schedule - and manned by a volunteer docent. The windmill is put into full operation a couple of times a year, demonstrating the corn grinding - per the docent, the next demonstration will be July 21, 2018! Free to the public. Just a note: no restrooms or running water on site.

Beavertail doesn't need much of an introduction. It's a spectacular slice of coastal paradise…read morelocated on the island of Jamestown. It boasts of spectacular views, walking trails, fishing, and deliciously fresh seafood. Most people hop right over this on their way to and from Aquidneck, but don't sleep on it! Stop in, stroll around taking in that sweet sea air, and eat something phenomenal.

Beavertail State Park is known for offering some of the most beautiful vistas along the New England…read morecoastline. Beavertail's most popular activity is sightseeing, and can be done from the comfort of a vehicle, in one of the four overlooks or on foot, from the rocky coastline. Beavertail also provides some of the best saltwater fishing in the area, along with offering hiking trails, and a naturalist program that attracts hundreds of people each year. This is a great place in the summer, fall or spring. Many people do enjoy winter hikes as well. The entry and the parking are free. If you have some free time and are in the Jamestown and/or Newport area, this is a nice stop to relax.

Historic lighthouse with red light dating back to revolutionary war. Refurbished. At the west end…read moreof Narragansett bay, between saunderstown and jamestown.

If you are visiting RI, Wickford is a cute seaside village. There are a couple of restaurants with…read morewater views that serve good food. Shops in town include coffee, antiques, clothes, household goods, day spa, kayak rental/tours and so on. Some of the older, long time businesses have closed in the past decade and a couple of 'big businesses' have taken over those spots. Still, it's a charming walk down tree line streets. We will often walk the town, and through the nearby neighborhood, ending at the town dock. There is a seafood market and a Seal Tour boat company near the dock with a few parking spots for customers. Information boards have been installed in the neighborhood near historic buildings, along the sidewalk. This is a nice addition. There are quite a few lovely older homes, a church and burying yard to see if you are willing to wander. Public parking is available on street and behind buildings on Brown St., on the water side. There are public restrooms in the parking area where you will find a water bottle filling station and diaper stations. The building is not signed, but is located near the Narragansett Rune Stone - A bit of local history and folklore. Walk down to the historic Hussey Bridge for water views of the marina.

We made a quick drive through parts of this historic village while on vacation. There were many…read moreinteresting shops waiting to be visited as well numerous historic houses that deserve more of our time than we had available. Perhaps a return will be made later this fall.

Good. Had a good time looking at the old buildings and seeing the tools that they used.read more

Ready for an adventure kiddies? Then come to Fall River and see the aging ruins of the Old Fall…read moreRiver Ice House. But please, be discreet. Signs around the entryway state that fishing, boating, swimming and camping are strictly prohibited. But ever since I was a child I always wondered what the old Medieval looking ruin had to offer the not so faint of heart. Now as an adult literalist, I interpret the absence of a no trespassing order as something akin to an invitation. One side of the structure can be seen on the right while driving north on Route 24 coming from 195. Take exit 5 and follow Eastern Avenue then take a left onto New Boston Road. At the end, turn left onto Willow Street which turns into Ruth Street (over the freeway) and then Meridian Street (in a very short distance). Park on Hannah Street or Bergeron Street and then walk back toward whence you drove and go around the left of the fence across the road. What awaits you on the other side is a lonesome path long neglected over time. Weeds and trees flourish between cracks in the crumbling asphalt. Once past the noise from the street, an eerie quiet sets in. A short walk will lead you to the northern shores of the pond. Continue along and watch for the ruins on the right. Inside you will find excellent photo opportunities and a remarkable example of structural decay and a forest gradually reclaiming lost ground. Vines ensnare the surrounding trees and creep alongside the walls of the massive building. The colossal inner chambers are full of trees and enormous stones that have given way to time. Interesting exterior brickwork nestled among stones can be seen as one moves along the southern edge of the building closer to the shore. One wall bears the scar of what may have been a large lightning strike. Most of the walls have soaring vacancies in the stonework that may have once held windows or doors. Sadly, there is some graffiti, but it's a minor distraction in such an exciting place. After you've had your fill of the ruins, continue along the path and feel the eyes of the forest upon you. Low walls of stone accompany you throughout most of your journey and it would be difficult to get lost. Bear left when the path splits about a half mile after you've gone over the causeway (it can be difficult to discern) and you will eventually return to Meridian Street. Do NOT forget your camera!

No tolls, almost unobstructed views-an almost MUST if you are traveling to Newport. Perfection!read more

A cool bridge with…read moregreat views I love going over bridges, especially really big bridges. I realize that some people think reviewing a bridge is stupid but real cool ones deserve to be reviewed. Here I am actually reviewing two bridges, the old Jamestown Bridge and its replacement the Jamestown Verrazzano Bridge. Everyone calls the new one the Jamestown Bridge, just like the older one. The first bridge was built in 1940 and was the very first bridge to Conanicut Island. This opened things up for people living there because they didn't have to rely on just ferries any more. There were plans to keep the old bridge open for bikes and pedestrians but the old bridge was found to be in such lousy condition that they were afraid it would fall and end up killing people. So they finally got around to blowing it in April, 2006. The new bridge was completed and opened in 1992 and is much wider and higher than the previous one. Great fun to drive over and look at down at Plum Beach Lighthouse, Dutch Island, ships and the water. It's such a great view that it's difficult to keep my eyes on the road, so I frequently weave around a bit. Scares the hell out of my wife which is always cool. Unlike the Newport Bridge (Pell), there is no toll to cross the Jamestown Bridge. Unfortunately bikes and people are not allowed on the new bridge which is to bad because it would be a great place for a walk. It can get a bit feisty in the winter, especially during snow or ice storms, but the highway guys do a good job of keeping it passable so there really aren't that many fatal accidents. I've been over both bridges a zillion times and still love it. Crossing into Jamestown over the bridge is something I'll never get tired of. Here's a cool video of the demolition of the old bridge. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h2nGtVURPlE

Passed this beautiful cove while driving around Ocean boulevard looking at mansions…read more What an Understated beauty! Looking at the waterviews & the mansion at a distance is so calming. We happen to be in the area at sunset & it was breath taking! We saw some cars stop briefly to appreciate the view. Our tour guide during the bus tour also stopped by to let us soak in the peaceful vibe of this beautiful spot. Highly recommended if you are in Newport.

I've only visited Newport a couple of times. Whenever I am here, I always seem to find myself…read moredriving Ocean Drive. I love the coastal views, beautiful homes, and the cool sea breeze. I recommend adding Ocean Drive to your itinerary if you are looking to admire the scenery or join the crowd gathering for sunset.

Ohhhhhh, what a beautiful place to visit! I would highly suggest to try and visit during sunrise…read moreand/or sunset. The views are spectacular, the landscape will leave you in awe, the gorgeous homes that surround this area are breath taking, the winding roads to go through this area are so enjoyable, and I'm certain, that you'll enjoy every second spent here. Even though it was cold and windy, I'm glad to have visited, and I highly recommend this experience.

My go to "not so secret spot" in Newport. Great views of the bridge and perfect sunsets. Pack a…read morelittle picnic and go for a nice stroll. I've been coming for years and it's never crowded.

A big, old, well kept house with a big lawn inside Fort Adams State Park and between Newport Harbor…read moreand Narragansett Bay. It is marked "Eisenhower House," but I didn't see any other information posted. It's not open for tours and, peeking inside, it's pretty empty. Googling I was able to find it was built in 1873, was the home of a Civil War General and later was the Summer White House of Pres. Eisenhower, it's on the National Register of Historic Places, and can be rented for events. It would be a very pretty place for a wedding. It's a nice stop while driving around Fort Adams State Park.