Thirty miles south of Providence lies Newport, the fabled resort city of America's Cup yacht racing and magnificent Gilded Age mansions. At the turn of the 20th century, one needed a blue-blood pedigree and millions in the bank to be invited inside the palatial Bellevue Avenue dwellings owned by America's elite. Today, nearly one dozen of these remarkable "summer cottages" are open to the public for touring, and Newport itself has opened wide its gates to welcome all who desire a leisurely, fun-filled and enriching vacation. Though yachting and the Gilded Age made Newport world-famous, the city is also renowned for its delightful mix of Colonial heritage, beautiful beaches, lively waterfront and cultural attractions. Within the last decade, a rich and varied schedule of year-round festivals and happenings has helped Newport evolve from a summer vacation spot into a four-season destination.

Discover Jamestown's most visited landmark, the Beavertail Lighthouse, with its beautiful panoramic view of the Narragansett Bay. The Beavertail Lighthouse is located at the south end of Jamestown, Rhode Island. The Beavertail Lighthouse Museum is exhibiting a collection of information, artifacts and conversation about the history and site of the third oldest lighthouse on the Atlantic seacoast. More about the Beavertail Lighthouse

The Newport Casino is considered one of the world's finest examples of the Victorian shingle-style architecture. There has been a restaurant in the Newport Casino since the day it opened in 1881. It offers a variety of unique dining experiences, from the sidewalk cafe on Bellevue Avenue to the porch overlooking the championship grass courts and the Horseshoe Piazza, unchanged for over 100 years. The atmosphere is informal and friendly, even on the elegant porch, and the menu covers a broad spectrum from sandwiches and burgers to fine dining. More about the La Forge Casino

The Breakers is the grandest of Newport's summer "cottages" and a symbol of the Vanderbilt family's social and financial preeminence in turn of the century America. The 70-room Italian Renaissance-style mansion, a National Historic Landmark, is visited by nearly 400,000 people annually. Chateau-sur-Mer is a landmark of High Victorian architecture, furniture, wallpapers, ceramics and stenciling. The Elms was the summer residence of Mr. and Mrs. Edward Julius Berwind of Philadelphia and New York. Construction of The Elms was completed in 1901 at a cost reported at approximately $1.4 million. The interiors and furnishings were designed by Allard and Sons of Paris and were the setting for the Berwinds' collection of Renaissance ceramics, 18th century French and Venetian paintings, and Oriental jades. More about Newport's Mansions

Whether looking for a unique home decor piece to remember a Newport Getaway, the perfect accessory to complement a special outfit, that hard-to-find gift, or exceptional antiques, Newport is home to boutique shops and unique stores offering something to appeal to every shopper's style. The city-by-the-sea's historic waterfront downtown is filled with cobblestone shopping wharves lined with antique stores, art galleries, resort clothing shops, and specialty shops. Be sure to stop by the Newport Visitors Center to pick up the official Destination Newport Coupon Book loaded with valuable savings throughout the city. More about Shopping in Newport County

Come to the Wharf - for a special shop, a favorite restaurant, or simply for the pleasure of being here. The wharf John Bannister built was the social and commercial lifeline to colonial Newport, the connector between an active harbor and an enterprising young town. A century and a half ago, the shops which lined the Wharf were the purveyors of life's necessities. Today, 20 shops and galleries offer a diverse selection of life's niceties. They are welcoming places where storekeepers have assembled the unusual, the distinctive, and the very, very tempting. At the focal point of Bannister's Wharf is the Clarke Cooke House Restaurant, and some say it is the focal point of Newport itself. Here serious diners and those in search of lighter fare or a purely social evening will find satisfaction. Here there is much to share, to savor and to celebrate! More about the Stroll Around Bannister's Wharf

Sit Back, relax, and enjoy the salt air breeze as you travel along the cozy west shore of Aquidneck island in an open platform coach built 1904 or an 1884 parlor car. Experience a once forgotten era as you travel through the noted Newport Rhode Island Naval Base and along scenic Narragansett Bay with its scenic vistas of ships sailing in the bay, natural rocky beaches and wildlife that have adjoined the railway since 1864. You can also have a delicious dinner surrounded by elegance on your sentimental journey. Be a part of the railroad heritage. More about the Train Tour - Welcome Aboard

The Coastal Wine Trail winds through the heart of the Southeastern New England wine growing apellation. It stretches from the Cape and the Islands through South Coast Massachusetts, Coastal Rhode Island and Coastal Connecticut. The Newport vineyards are a family-run winery and the 50 acre vineyard is one of the most modern in the East. The Newport winery and vineyard is open year round for tours & tastings, 7 days a week. Along the Coastal Wine Trail wine lovers can also find cozy Bed & Breakfasts and first class restaurants to enjoy to gether with beautiful wines. More about the Coastal Wine Trail

More than 400 miles of coastline features over 100 salt and fresh water beaches in the resort communities of Newport, Narragansett, Watch Hill and Block Island. Facilities for swimming, picnicking, camping, horseback riding, surfing, skin diving, boating and water skiing are complimented by a large selection of public and private accommodations and dining facilities. Relax in the sun and have fun at the beach because this is a place to get together with friends and family, to do some watersports, and to take long walks on the shoreline. More about the Wonderful Beaches of Newport County

Experience the thrill of sailing or just sit back, relax and take in the sights. Treat yourself and your group to the stunning sights of scenic Newport bay. Any event you plan will have ever-changing views of the city's waterfront and Newport's coastline, Newport and Jamestown Bridges, and the rest of the bay as a background to this adventure. Newport is considered by many to be the sailing capital of the world. The sights and refreshing sounds of graceful sails filled with ocean breezes is an experience that will be appreciated by all in your event or party. More about the Harbor