ON THIS DRIVING TOUR which begins with a quick spin through Historic Newport, The Ocean Drive and Bellevue Avenue I tie together more than 350 years of the area's history. Newport's story begins with its settlement in the mid-1600s by religious refugees from England.
Although not much evidence remains from the 17th century, I can point out a few important landmarks on sites the where Newport began – the old town spring, the White Horse Tavern, 1673, the Quaker Meeting House, 1699, and the Wanton House, 1675. Most of the downtown areas of the colonial city are protected within a National Registered Historic Landmark District. In fact, there are over 200 buildings that date back to before 1800 – no other city in America has this many authentic pre-Revolutionary War buildings.
The drive takes people by the Old Colony House, 1739 (Steven Speilburg filmed Amistad here), the Brick Market, 1763, now a museum, Trinity Church, 1726, Touro Synagogue, 1753 (the oldest in America), and the Redwood Library, 1748 (also the nation's oldest). (Many of the most historic streets ban large vehicles such as tour buses – so that’s why the walking tours are fun.)
Along the Waterfront, visitors see Newport's colorful blend of old and new – a mix of historic properties, modern condominiums, shops and restaurants.
Beginning the Ocean Drive, I take people on a ten-mile loop around the southernmost point of Aquidneck Island, that commentary about the New York Yacht Club, Fort Adams, and Hammersmith Farm (the Kennedy Summer White House and Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy Onassis' childhood summer home). At Brenton Point State Park (restrooms), at the tip of the island, I usually stop so that people can take photos or go shell collecting for a few minutes. The rocky shoreline at the park, together with Newport's Cliff Walk forms some of the most rugged and spectacular views in the entire state.
Leaving the park, the Ocean Drive continues past the Newport Country Club, past many elegant private homes, and through wildlife habitats until it reaches Bellevue Avenue. This three and one-half mile boulevard is the only place in the world with so many mansions and "summer cottages" built so close together – a phenomenon of 19th century American resort architecture. This enthusiastic building boom among the world's wealthiest industrialists made Newport famous as the "Queen of Resorts" by 1900. Built between the Civil War and World War I, after the 1940s many of these magnificent homes fell into disrepair. Along Bellevue Avenue the tour commentary highlights The Astors' Beechwood, Belcourt Castle, Doris Duke's Rough Point, plus the Beaux Arts and Victorian style mansions owned by the Preservation Society of Newport County which are open to the public for tours. Because of an abundant variety of trees, Newport has been named a "USA Tree City." Throughout Newport, the landscaping, flowers and thousands of hundred-year old trees are remarkable.
This drive takes about an hour and a half, with time to stop here and there for photos. Also, I can do this at any time of year.