On the Newport waterfront (From Hampshire Society)

On the Newport waterfront

4:41pm Wednesday 2nd September 2009

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Across the pond there is a wonderful haven for yachties and landbubbers alike that is as picturesque as any quaint English harbour and as vibrant as a bustling port. That place is Newport, Rhode Island.

With its awe-inspiring architecture and breathtaking scenery, the thriving waterfront town is quite rightly regarded by many as a shining gem in the coastal crown of New England.

For those who want to immerse themselves in the many goings on in Newport the hustle and bustle of Thames Street has it all.

From waterside bars, restaurants and cafes to the vast array of shops, the street, which runs the length of the town, has it all.

But for many the main draw to Newport is the yachting scene. The numerous marinas play host to some of the largest and most prestigious yachts in the world as well as some of the most high profile teams on the water.

The appeal of sailing in Newport is obvious.

Fantastic scenery awaits anyone who ventures out of the comfort of Newport and into Rhode Island Sound, with its magnificent Newport Bridge backdrop.

Out on moorings live a handful of classic 12 Metre America’s Cup yachts, serving as a reminder of the place Newport has in yachting history.

One place that celebrates that impact is the Museum of Yachting. Found at Fort Adams, the museum is a shrine to the history and tradition of yachting.

In 2007 it merged with the International Yacht Restoration School to create a rich educational living heritage experience by co-ordinating exhibits, events and restoration projects.

Along the scenic Ocean Boulevard are the famed opulent ocean-side mansions of the Gilded Age that once were the summer playground for socialite families with names like Astor and Vanderbilt.

One of the most stunning is Rough Point, the once home to Doris Duke.

Overlooking the ocean, the huge mansion was originally built for Frederick Vanderbilt in 1887 and for years was the largest house in Newport.

Doris, daughter of tobacco magnet James B. Duke, inherited her father’s wealth – and his house – in 1925 when she was just 12 years old.

The young Doris spent summers at Rough Point and filled it with an eclectic mix of treasures – and that is how the house remains today.

Following her death in 1993, Doris bequeathed Rough Point to the Newport Restoration Foundation, which opened its doors to the public and turned it into one of the most popular tourist attractions Newport has to offer.

A ten-minute drive out of town finds you at Newport Vineyards and Winery, one of a handful of local wine producers. It may be a fairly small-time operation but, trust me, there’s nothing second rate about the glorious wine they produce. From their best seller, the Great White, to their Newport Merlot, every mouthful of their delicious wine is a taste sensation.

As well as boasting the oldest operating synagogue in the United States, Newport is also home to the White Horse Tavern, the oldest pub in the US, operating as a tavern since 1673.

Out on Goat Island, a small island in Narrangassett Bay, sits the regal Hyatt Regency hotel.

Once a colonial grazing place for goats, Goat Island is now home to trendy waterfront condos, a marina and yet more bars.

The Hyatt is the ultimate in luxury with stunning views over the bay, fantastic service and modern, airy rooms.

Just 90 minutes from Boston, Newport has long been a weekend getaway destination for countless Americans seeking a few days away surrounded by beautiful scenery and fantastic culture.

And with flights from the UK taking just seven hours, Newport is well within the reach of anyone wanting a relaxing holiday in one of the most appealing and attractive places in the United States.

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