October 5, 2005
Newport, Rhode Island - A Romantic Voyage
Back in Time
-Article by: Norm Goldman
-Paintings by: Lily Azerad-Goldman
Norm and Lily Goldman are a husband and wife team who meld
words with art focusing on romantic destinations.
Norm is the Editor of the team’s travel site, Sketchandtravel.com,
where you will find Norm’s travel articles and Lily’s
art work. Norm is also the Editor of the book reviewing and author
interviewing site, Bookpleasures.com.
The latter comprises over twenty five international book reviewers
who come from all walks of life and who review all genres.
NEWPORT'S CLAIM TO FAME
Newport Rhode Island is a town of Colonial charm, Victorian architecture,
Gilded Age mansions, inns, jazz festivals, tennis, a picturesque
harbor, marvelous restaurants, narrow old streets, and "la
bonne vie"- the good life.
However, not widely known, is that it is blessed with an unusual
past, as evidenced by the many firsts this town can boast.
The White House Tavern located on Marlborough Street, is the oldest
tavern building in continuous use in the USA. On Touro Street you
will find the first synagogue in the USA, the Touro Synagogue, built
in 1759.
Did you know that the first gas-illuminated streetlights (1803),
and the first photograph taken by an electric light all took place
in Newport? The oldest newspaper in continuous operation in the
USA, The Newport Mercury, started its publishing days here in 1758
by the Franklyn Family. A leisurely stroll along the elegant Bellevue
Avenue will lead you to the oldest lending library in the USA, Redwood
Library, built around 1745. The Quakers can claim that its first
settlement in North America was Newport. In 1895 Newport had been
host to the first open golf tournament. And the list goes on and
on, far too numerous to mention them all.
It is also where Jacqueline Bouvier grew up and married Jack Kennedy
on the 12th of September 1953 at St Mary's Church, the oldest Roman
Catholic Parish in Rhode Island, located at 70 Church Street.
BRIEF HISTORY
English settlers first began arriving in Rhode Island in 1636,
when an English clergyman, Roger Williams, and his small army of
followers were practically drummed out of Massachusetts for their
liberal religious views challenging the foundations of Puritanism.
Providence was the first settlement to be established in 1636,
to be followed by Newport, in 1639.
Among Williams' followers were Ann Hutchinson along with her spouse
William, and William Coddington. Eventually these three found their
way to the southern tip of Aquidneck Island, and Coddington purchased
from Native Americans, called the Narrangansetts, a tract of land,
later to be renamed Newport.
What is momentous about these early settlers is that there was
a concerted effort to cast off the restraints imposed by the political
intervention in religious life, and to separate the church from
the state. For this reason, Newport has often been described as
the birthplace of democracy, and it provided a refuge for Jews and
Quakers who were constantly escaping religious intolerance.
ROMANTIC NEWPORT
A visit to Newport is a romantic voyage back in time. It seems that
everything in this historic town are reminders of its past.
To appreciate historic Newport a good starting point is to hop
on the narrated Scenic Overview Tour, offered by Viking Tours of
Newport that will take you along the 9.5 mile Ocean Drive overlooking
the rugged Atlantic Ocean. The tour will remind you of Newport's
seafaring past, as it was one of the leading ports in colonial America,
along with Boston, New York, Philadelphia and Charleston.
Bustling with activity in the 1700s, the waterfront was the scene
of 150 separate wharves and hundreds of shops. Today, these old
wharfs, Bannister's Wharf and Bowen's Wharf, have undergone a most
impressive restoration housing charming restaurants and shops.
The tour will also point out some of the grandiose mansions lining
Bellevue Avenue, where the Vanderbilts, Astors, and their friends
spent their summers having a grand time partying. Mansions they
referred to as their "cottages."
Or, if you prefer, why not jump aboard the Spirit of Newport where
you will enjoy a one- hour narrated cruise of the harbor. The sightseeing
boat departs behind the Newport Harbor Hotel and Marina.
A visit to Newport would not be complete without taking a leisurely
stroll along Bellevue Avenue. It is here where you will be able
to enter some of Newport's castle-like mansions that have been preserved
by the Preservation Society of Newport County, and are open to the
public.
Incidentally, the Rosecliff Mansion has recently been the setting
for such films as The Great Gatsby and True Lies.
If you are brave and energetic, try the scenic Cliff Walk, a 3½
-mile public park that winds its way between the backs of the Bellevue
Avenue mansions and the ocean. In 1975 it was designated as a National
Recreation Trail. It is one of the best ways to see the city.
ACCOMMODATIONS
To capture Newport's colonial charm, discriminating travelers will
insist on well-appointed amenities, and no less than perfection
when it comes to service. Without doubt, the legendary Hotel Viking,
ideally located within the fashionable neighborhood of Bellevue
Avenue's graceful mansions satisfies these requirements.
Stepping into this charming hotel is a step back in time circa
1920s. Originally built in 1926 at a cost of $500, 000.00, the hotel's
primary's objective was to accommodate out-of-town guests of the
famous Newport "400." (This prestigious list comprised
213 families and individuals, whose lineage could be traced back
at least three generations.)
It is the only hotel in Newport to be listed in the prestigious
National Register of Historic Places, and it is also a member of
the Historic Hotels of America, as well as the Noble House Hotels
and Resorts collection.
Over the years the hotel has been host to President and Mrs. John
F. Kennedy, the Astors and the Vanderbilts, many international dignitaries,
Tennis Hall of Fame players and Newport Film and Jazz Festivals
attendees.
Guests who appreciate Queen Anne and Chippendale-style furnishings
will relish settling in one of the 237 newly renovated guest rooms
offering an authentic romantic Newport experience. Among the amenities
offered are a health club and sauna, state-of-the-art workout facilities,
indoor pool (presently undergoing renovation), and two restaurants.
Newport lends itself to walking, and many visitors find this mode
of transportation to be the most convenient way to explore the city's
highlights. The Viking's adjacent parking lot makes it easy to forget
about fighting traffic or parking spots. Once you check into the
hotel and park your car, you are free to go on you way without any
sweat.
Just about all of Newport's attractions, restaurants, antique stores,
and boutiques are within an easy stroll from the hotel's front door.
You will find many of them on Thames Street and Spring Street in
the heart of Newport.
ROMANTIC DINING
Newport, no doubt, is endowed with great history and culture; however,
it also overflows with many fine-dining establishments.
Le Bistro, a Yankee Magazine Travel Guide "Editor's Pick Award"
located on Bowen's Wharf , specializing in French country cuisine
for the past twenty nine years is a favorite choice of visitors
and locals alike.
This charming and intimate restaurant has a wonderful view of Newport's
harbor, making it somewhat difficult to concentrate on the menu.
After soaking in the beautiful scenery, turn your attention to the
innovative menu. It will not disappoint you.
Recent diner selections included baked stuffed lobster, broiled
local scrod, seafood linguini, roasted duck, steamed native lobster,
New York Sirloin Steak, fresh sea scallops, grilled salmon, rack
of lamb, shrimp sauté, chicken sauté. One caveat,
the portions are humongous! We hardly had enough room to savor the
finale, the delectable deserts, such as the apple tart and the amaretto
cheesecake.
The casual atmosphere of the restaurant with its simple décor
makes you feel at ease, creating an ideal setting for a pleasant
romantic rendezvous. In fact, the couple seated beside us was celebrating
their tenth anniversary, and from what I gathered from our extremely
helpful and courteous waiter, many an anniversary had been celebrated
here.
Try arriving early in order to be seated near the window.
To learn more about Newport: KEY ATTRACTIONS
The Hotel Viking
One Bellevue Avenue
Newport, RI
Tel: 800-556-7126
401-847-3300
Fax: 401-849-0749
Email: reservations@hotelviking.com
Le Bistro
Bowen's Wharf
Tel: 401-849-7778
Newport County Convention & Visitor's Bureau
23 American's Cup Avenue
Newport, RI
Tel: 800-976-5122
401-849-8048
Fax: 401-849-0291
Email: jbailey@GoNewport.com
|