The Newport mansions and Cliff Walk take you to the Gilded Age on Rhode Island’s Aquidneck Island. Newport’s cool summer breeze and bay inspires a haven for the wealthy to vacation and sail their yachts. During the Gilded Age famous mansions arose, lining up on Bellevue Avenue, such as, the Vanderbilt’s villa called The Breakers. The gorgeous Cliff Walk goes along the shoreline, with views of the mansions facing the ocean. Read on to learn about my day on the Vanderbilt Newport mansion tour and Cliff Walk.
Newport, Rhode Island – Weather for the Wealthy and Sailing
Located on Narragansett Bay, the summer breeze keeps the temperature comfortable and is great for sailing. It’s harbor hosted the America’s Cup, a sailing regatta, for many years. Back in the 19th century, the cool summers attracted the southern planters to build summer cottages on Bellevue Avenue. Later wealthy ‘Yankees” also began building mansions here. Most of these early families made their fortunes from Old China Trade.
By the turn of the 20th century, many of the nation’s wealthiest families were summering in Newport, such as, the Vanderbilts, Wideners and the Astors. Even, Jacky and John F. Kennedy held their wedding reception here at Hammersmith’s Farm. Edith Wharton’s novel, The Age of Innocence, portrays the social scene here. They resided in gilded mansions, giving rise to the “Gilded Age.” Famous mansions providing tours are the Vanderbilt’s villa called The Breakers and the Miramar. The architect, Richard Morris Hunt designed most of the mansions here, including one for himself. Also, it was known for being the location of the “Summer White Houses” during the administrations of Presidents Dwight D. Eisenhower and John F. Kennedy.
Newport Cliff Walk Mansions
This 3.5-mile (4 km) walk starts at First Beach and runs south ending at Bellevue Ave. at the east end of Bailey’s Beach or “Reject’s Beach.” It’s a very rejuvenating walk with the beautiful ocean seascape and breeze on one side and the exquisite mansions’ architecture on the other. I walked the Cliff Walk and took these stunning photos that day.
The Vanderbilt’s mansion, The Breakers is the most well-known in Newport and where I did a tour. However, there are also many more mansions, such as, The Elms, and the Green Animal Topiary. Most noteworthy, the Rosecliff imitated Versailles on Bellevue Avenue became the setting for the 1974 movie The Great Gatsby. Here, Jay Gatsby, played by Robert Redford hosted extravagant jazz-age parties.
Vanderbilt Newport Mansion Tour at The Breakers
Located on the beautiful Cliff Walk, this magnificent 1895 mansion is a Renaissance-style palace. The famous owners, the Vanderbilt family gained their wealth mostly from shipping and railroad empires. Later, the well-known descendant, Gloria Vanderbilt became a famous fashion designer. Finally, today Anderson Cooper keeps the famous legacy going as a Reporter for CNN.
The Breakers is a 70 room Italian Renaissance-style palazzo. It is exquisite and elegant and worth the tour. However, for me the best part was enjoying the colorful gardens and sculpture outside, with the sea view reaching into the horizon. Just gorgeous, yet difficult to believe that one family owned all this wealth.
Overall…
The mansions, beaches, sailing and cliff walks here are a wonderful place to enjoy the scenery and architecture. Also, the town is very charming with wonderful shopping and restaurants. Even more, Newport is a splendid place for a grand escape, reminding us of a mythical time and place imagined in story books.
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