Newport, Rhode Island has been witness to numerous historical moments, not least of which was the wedding of John Fitzgerald Kennedy and Jacqueline Bouvier in 1953! It was also where one of the earliest anti-British acts took place in 1769, a forerunner to the American Revolution. More than 250 years later the city has become an immensely popular tourist destination and summer colony for American high society. Located on Aquidneck Island in Narragansett Bay, Newport is also a major U.S. naval base. This is where the U.S. Naval War College and the Naval Undersea Warfare Center are situated. A maritime town, it is teeming with fishing boats, sail boats and high-powered pleasure craft. Harbor tours are a favorite holiday pastime for the stream of tourists that pour into the city all through the year. Newport is most famous for the magnificent mansions dating back several centuries, such as The Breakers, Belcourt Castle, and The Elms, some of which offer guided tours to awed visitors. The city offers many other historical and cultural delights and is home to the Touro Synagogue, the oldest synagogue in the United States. Newport also hosts a range of exciting festivals including the Newport Jazz Festival and the Newport Winter Festival in February. A visitor to Newport will find a lot to do, either rambling around on his own, or by taking one of the many guided tours. Walking is the best way to discover the city and its many museums and galleries. The city abounds in hotels, quaint bed and breakfast inns, fine restaurants, and charming cafes and bistros. The seafood here is especially recommended, and possibly the freshest you will find in the New England area. Many American notables were born in Newport, among them Matthew C. Perry, renowned Commodore of the U.S. Navy, musician Tanya Donelly, actress Mena Suvari, actor Van Johnson, and baseball legend Frank Corridon. Many others would like to claim they are native to this wonderful city, but will have to resign themselves to paying through their noses for a temporary summer residence! |
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