Find great and fun things to do in Newport Rhode Island

The oceanfront estate of heiress Doris Duke was built by Frederick Vanderbilt in 1887 with the grounds landscaped by Frederick Law Olmstead’s’ firm in 1890. It was then the largest summer house in Newport. In 1922, James B. Duke purchased the house then left it to his 12 year-old daughter upon his death. Upon her death in 1993, Doris bequeathed the estate to the Newport Restoration Foundation, which opened the estate as a museum in 2000. The house is decorated with French furniture, European art, Chinese porcelains, and Flemish tapestries. Open seasonally April – November. Check website for tour times and events,

Want to learn about naval activities in the Narragansett Bay area in colonial times? Or how the science of naval warfare has changed from the time of the Greeks and Romans through the Civil War, both World Wars to today? Then head to the Naval War College Museum, free and open to the public, where naval battles and strategies come to life via changing art collections, exhibits and documents. Starting Dec. 14, learn about the Navy’s role in World War I from the new exhibit, “To Win or Lose All: William S. Sims and the U.S. Navy in the First World War.”
Year round hours: Monday -Friday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Closed weekends & federal holidays. Reservations required in advance for those without base access.

More than a place about wine, for more than 20 years Newport Vineyards continues its traditions of outstanding wines with daily tours and tastings, and adds the Brix Restaurant, The Marketplace, Vineyard Cafe, a new Tasting Room and Tank Room, new and expanded venue facilities for public and private event, and a unique wine shop. The vineyard is the largest grower of wine grapes in New England producing and bottling over 20,000 cases of estate-grown wine each year through sustainable farming methods on nearly 60 acres of historically preserved farmland. The region’s leading agritourism destination, the vineyards are alive with seasonal activities including music, comedy, annual clambakes and celebrations of every kind.

Designed by architect Richard Morris Hunt and built in the 1890s for Alva Vanderbilt, Belcourt at 657 Bellevue Avenue in Newport is an ornate tableau reflecting the Palace of Versailles in France up to the Freemasons of America. Under new ownership, the mansion is undergoing a major renovation enabled by modern technology. By rerviewing historic photographs and using reclaimed materials, a group of experts is bringing Belcourt back to life, and he public can join guided tours to see the reclamation work as it moves forward. Tours are 45-50 minutes, followed by a 15 minute Q&A session.

Newport Vineyards at 909 E Main Road in Middletown Is a showcase of the excellent wines and hospitable vineyard operators in New England. Since its founding in 1978 this family-owned orperation has grown to 50 acres of varietal and hybrid grapes. Visitors are offered public tours every day. These include a tour in the vineyards, a behind the scenes look at the winemaking process and a tasting of five wines. The winery features an art gallery and retail shop, occasional Paint Nites, yoga sessions, clambakes, farmers market on Saturdays in season. Open year around. Phone: 401-848-5161.

At 240 acres, Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge in Middletown is important stopover and wintering area for migratory birds. Nature- and bird lovers know this rocky peninsula as the place to see colorful harlequin ducks, loons, eiders, gannets, and, in winter, snowy owls. A walk on the three miles of trails around Sachuest Point reveals several habitats, including salt marshlands and steep rocky shorelines around the perimeter. Elevated observation platforms along the trails provide unobstructed views. The visitor center is an ideal way to begin or end a trail walk; creative exhibits tell you all about the land and creatures you will be traversing. You can get a permit for nighttime fishing. Trail map. Brochure.

Like so many places in Rhode Island, Fort Wetherill State Park in Jamestown offers stunning ocean views and coastal walking trails. Situated upon 100-foot-high granite cliffs overlooking Narragansett Bay, the site was first used as by the colonists during the Revolutionary War. Now visitors can explore the labyrinth of empty concrete gun emplacements set into the side of the hill. It’s a military ghost town, but it’s fun to climb all over the abandoned forts and take in some breathtaking views of Newport Harbor. And don’t forget your scuba gear; this spot is a favorite amongst divers.

For a tour of a beautifully preserved Revolutionary War fort, make a trip to Fort Adams on Harrison Avenue in Newport. During this tour, visitors may see the officers’ quarters and tunnels under the fort; visit a scenic overlook for views of Newport Harbor; and stroll the six-acre parade field and the complex outerworks; and learn bout more than 180 years of American history, military culture, architecture, and engineering. Check fort website for details on tour dates and hours. Phone: 401-841-0707.