Best of Newport's Gilded Age Walking and Driving Tour

This two-hour long walking-and-driving tour will highlight the best of Newport's Gilded Age views and vistas, from the Cliff Walk to the historic mansions of Ochre Point and Bellevue Avenues and out Ocean Drive. We'll learn how Newport's location and history led to its nineteenth century reputation as the "Queen of Resorts" and appreciate is natural coastal beauty along the way.

- From our predetermined meeting point, I'll give an overview of Newport's history from the colonial era to the middle of the nineteenth century as we drive to Bellevue Avenue, the backbone of Gilded Age Newport. - After parking on the campus of Salve Regina University, we'll leave the car for a walk along the Cliff Walk, appreciating both the coastal views and some icons of Newport's Gilded Age architecture. - From the Breakers, we'll get back in the car to see the southern end of Bellevue Avenue and its lesser-known mansions, discussing how Gilded Age Newport's society functioned during the summer season. - We'll follow the historic coaching route by driving out Ocean Drive, where attractions such as the Newport Country Club and Fort Adams stand amidst historic farmland. From Ocean Drive, we'll drive back to a predetermined ending point.