Newport Mansions

[PollyannaMom]

Newport Mansions is one of those "close enough for a day trip, but we've never done it because it's always there" things for us, and we're finally planning to go. I'm looking for advice from people who have been - which were your favorites? Is there a best order? How many can we comfortably visit in a day? What's the best ticket deal? ...etc. Any tips are appreciated. Thanks!

 

[slo]

I so so so so much want to do this - it’s something I want to do once DD20 is done playing college softball. I know someone that’s done this more than once and loved it.

Here‘s the app that my friend said is helpful - I have it on my phone.


When you decide to go, you’ll have to let me know all about it

 

[footballmouse]

Sounds like a great little trip.

 

[karmic]

We were frequent visitors to Newport. The mansions are stunning. Must do is The Breakers as well as Marble House and the Elms. Lots are on Bellevue avenue.
If seeing 3 or more an annual membership is the most economical as individual tickets will cost more. Newport as a whole is so much fun- lots to see and many good restaurants. Take time to do the Cliff Walk and Ocean Drive

 

[Moliphino]

We were frequent visitors to Newport. The mansions are stunning. Must do is The Breakers as well as Marble House and the Elms. Lots are on Bellevue avenue.
If seeing 3 or more an annual membership is the most economical as individual tickets will cost more. Newport as a whole is so much fun- lots to see and many good restaurants. Take time to do the Cliff Walk and Ocean Drive

Those are definitely the big three must sees. We used to go a lot when I was a kid, either daytrips or long weekends (in the off-season when hotels were crazy cheap).

I remembered doing one mansion that had actors doing the tour, but that sadly closed in 2010 (Beechwood).

 

[Babs Johnson]

Way back when I think the owners called those huge homes their summer “cottages.”

 

[RUDisney]

My nephew is studying at Salve Regina. I think you've convinced me that I have to plan a weekend visit to see him. He'll be my excuse to see everything else.

 

[wabbott]

Rough Point.

 

[CdnCarrie]

Funny timing as I'm just reading a book about society in Newport and it talks about Cliff Walk.
Are they still in use as private residences?

 

[LuvOrlando]

Lovely idea and a perfect time to visit, the summers can be too crowded to enjoy as much. I can't manage all the walking so we have just driven around and enjoy Bowen's Wharf area but there are several mansion tours and I would go with one of those mostly because the guides are reportedly so informative. Beavertail State Park is a also a beautiful place to see. Perfect day trip, enjoy!

 

[GAN]

Funny timing as I'm just reading a book about society in Newport and it talks about Cliff Walk.
Are they still in use as private residences?

There are a few that are still private "residences". More like places to bury lots of money! Usually the only people that live there are the caretakers. Although Jay Leno has a nice little place that he spends some time in pretty frequently. I live in Rhode Island so get down there quite a bit -sometimes for work related things. I've been in a few of the private homes and caught part of the filming of The Guilded Age series(HBO) at The Breakers a while ago ...a close friend is responsible for all the film projects that take place around this area. It's a fun little city....

 

[GAN]

Lovely idea and a perfect time to visit, the summers can be too crowded to enjoy as much. I can't manage all the walking so we have just driven around and enjoy Bowen's Wharf area but there are several mansion tours and I would go with one of those mostly because the guides are reportedly so informative. Beavertail State Park is a also a beautiful place to see. Perfect day trip, enjoy!

No ...definitely don't go to Beavertail! Trying to keep the crowds low.....

 

[wabbott]

Also, you'll want to spend some time walking along the Cliff Walk.