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The Elms: Housing History

December 6, 2012 By

No visit to this historic seaport town is complete without touring one of the five Gilded Age mansions under the protective auspices of the Newport Preservation Society. These ‘summer cottages’ as they were dubbed by the uber-rich, are actually lavish mansions modeled on European palaces and filled with priceless and often historically significant furnishings and artwork. The Elms was built by Edward Julius Berwind in 1901. It’s modeled on an 18th century French chateau and boasts Berwind’s collection of Renaissance ceramics, Oriental jades, and 18th century French and Venetian paintings. You can also stroll through the estate’s luxurious Classical Revival gardens, with lush terraced landscaping, bronze sculptures, fountains, and marble pavilions.

The Elms
367 Bellevue Avenue
Newport, RI 02840

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Mamma Luisa Ristorante: Stellar Italian

November 1, 2012 By

The codeword at Mamma Luisa Ristorante is ‘reservation’. That is, make one, if you want to get a table, because their stellar reputation has locals and tourists alike clamoring to get in. Rumors have it that their gnocchi is so soft and pillowy it practically floats off your fork and into your mouth. But that’s not to take away from the butternut squash ravioli, the spaghetti carbonara, the tagliatelle Bolognese, or the many other fantastic dishes on the menu. Save room for their tiramisu, a creamy delight that’s too scrumptious to be missed. The restaurant is located in an old house, with a cozy ambiance that makes for a romantic evening’s repast.

Mama Luisa
673 Thames Street
Newport, RI 02840
(401) 848-5257

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Oliver Hazard Perry: Sail On

October 11, 2012 By

The SSV Oliver Hazard Perry is a relatively new acquisition for the state of Rhode Island. It’s a 196-foot long sailing vessel with three masts that will reside in Newport Harbor, providing an opportunity for the public to enjoy and learn from one of the few Class A ships in existence worldwide. The ship is still under construction and will be inaugurated in 2013. Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry was a Newport resident who became a naval hero during the War of 1812. Although the vessel will be based in Newport, she’ll serve as a teaching ship, sailing the world as a proud ambassador of both the U.S. and the state of Rhode Island.

Oliver Hazard Perry
47 Bowens Wharf
Newport, RI 02840
(401) 847-8206

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Firehouse Theater: Comedy Night

September 20, 2012 By

Voted ‘Best Comedy Troupe 2011’ by Motif Magazine and ‘Best Comedy Night’ by The Phoenix, the Bit Players at the Firehouse Theatre are an improv group of talented players whose mission is to make you laugh until your sides ache. And laugh you will, as they extract hilarity using every means possible from just about any topic the audience throws at them, from Aunt Millie’s cat to shopping for underwear. The theatre’s BYOB policy means you can tote in a bottle of wine or a beer or two to enjoy with the show. Performances are on Friday and Saturday nights at 8 p.m. Reservations are suggested. Admission is just $15.

Firehouse Theater
4 Equality Park Place
Newport, RI 02840
(401) 849-3473

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Marble House: Gilded Age

August 16, 2012 By

Part of experiencing Newport history involves touring at least one of the grand Gilded Age homes that grace the town’s majestic coastline. Marble House is the historic 1892 ‘summer cottage’ that William Vanderbilt, heir to the steamship fortune, built as a birthday gift for his wife. What the uber-rich called a cottage is actually a grand stone mansion modeled on the Palace of Versailles that incorporates over 500,000 cubic feet of European marble into its design. Plan to spend a couple of hours on the self-guided audio tour, taking in the opulent architecture, decor, artwork, and furnishings. Don’t miss the Japanese teahouse behind the house, with its stunning view of the Atlantic.

Marble House
596 Bellevue Avenue
Newport, RI 02840
(401) 847-1000

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Fort Adams State Park

July 12, 2012 By

Whether or not you’re a military history buff, a visit to Fort Adams State Park is worth your while just to experience this architectural marvel overlooking a gorgeous stretch of New England coast. It’s the largest coastal fortification in the U.S., where military personnel were stationed from 1824 to 1950. A guided tour of the fort lets you explore the barracks where the soldiers worked and lived, the elaborate tunnel system, and the tall bastions where sentries kept watch over the coast for enemy ships. Today the fort plays host to a variety of events, including the Newport Jazz Festival, the holiday Festival of Lights, the Antiques Festival, and the Civil War Reenactment Weekend. Tours are available from mid-May thru Columbus Day, from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.

Fort Adams State Park
1 Lincoln Drive
Newport, RI 02840
(401) 841-0707

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Clarke Cooke House: Historic Seafood

June 21, 2012 By

Dining at the Clarke Cooke House is a fantastic way to experience the unique ambiance of this New England town. For starters, the house itself is a distinguished, 18th century, three-story gem on Bannister’s Wharf. Whether you’re having a cocktail in the Sky Bar, kicking up your heels in the Boom Boom Room, or slurping up oysters in one of the house’s several dining rooms while gazing out at Narragansett Bay, you’ll be getting a taste of a Newport tradition. Steaks, seafood, salads, and starters all receive kudos from diners – and there’s even sushi on the menu in the high season. The prices are a bit steep, but worth a splurge for great food, stellar service, and unique ambiance.

Clarke Cooke House
1 Bannisters Wharf
Newport, RI 02840
(401) 849-2900

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International Tennis Hall of Fame and Museum: Serves and Volleys

May 17, 2012 By

Whether or not you know the difference between a match and a set, chances are, you’ll enjoy a visit to the International Tennis Hall of Fame and Museum. It’s housed in the historic Newport Casino, designed by famed architect Stanford White in 1880 as a playground for Newport’s elite, lest they tire of their palatial mansions on the coast. Today the museum features exhibits chronicling the history of tennis, with interactive exhibits, videos, and memorabilia. You can also watch a match, take a lesson or play a game yourself on one of their grass courts. Open daily from 9:30 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Admission is $11 for adults, $9 for seniors, military, and students. Free for children under age 16.

International Tennis Hall of Fame and Museum
194 Bellevue Avenue
Newport, RI 02840
(401) 849-3990

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Sushi Go: Go To Sushi, To Go

April 19, 2012 By

If you like your sushi so fresh it’s practically swimming, Sushi Go is your go-to place. Their interesting hybrid concept combines a quick and easy takeout setup with friendly service and fantastic quality. After all, how many times have you picked up prepared sushi at the grocery store that tasted like it had been sitting on the shelf for a day or two? Not here, where everything is prepared to order from the freshest ingredients on the market. Whether you choose a premade item like the #6 salmon, avocado and mango roll, or have the accommodating chef create your own special combination, you’re sure to enjoy your sushi fix here. Stop by at 8 p.m. for half price specials on all of their pre-made rolls and edamame.

Sushi Go
215 Goddard Row
Newport, RI 02840
(401) 849-5155

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Perro Salado: Newport Mexican Cuisine

March 22, 2012 By

Offering an innovative interpretation of classic Mexican cuisine, Perro Salado – Salty Dog – uses fresh, local ingredients to craft a roster of spicy Latin dishes. The drink menu offers innovative cocktails, like the blood orange, passion fruit or jalapeno cilantro margaritas.  Add on an app or two, like the lobster quesadillas, duck nachos, or the crispy on the outside, creamy on the inside fried avocado. Entrees include a half-chicken with papaya pineapple glaze, fish tacos, grilled flatiron steak, and traditional Oaxacan pork tacos. Housed in a historic 18th century naval officer’s house, the décor is New England seacoast meets Cinco de Mayo, for a fun, relaxed ambiance that encourages celebration.

Perro Salado
19 Charles Street
Newport, RI 02840
(401) 619-4777

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