Strolling among the Newport mansions of Rhode Island, I imagined what life would have been like during the 1920s.  Listening to the intriguing conversations of America’s richest families, hearing them discuss their summer plans to visit their coastal homes.

Adding a couple of days to my business trip to Boston, I was looking forward to exploring the amazing homes of the Rockefellers, Vanderbilts and Astors.   The forecast called for a beautiful weekend of sunny skies, so I was ready to tackle the east coast  before heading back home.

What I knew about Newport was limited.  Extravagant summer homes, The Breakers and of course, the America’s Cup.  I decided to stroll the Cliff Walk, considered one of the most beautiful walks in the US, once an escape for the wealthy New York socialites during the Gilded Age.   Evidence of this coastal town’s extravagance can be seen through the lavish manors that dominate the Atlantic coastline offering dramatic views from the cliffs.

Cliff Walk was designated a National Recreational Trail offering an opportunity to explore the luxurious estates along the Atlantic.   It seems unbelievable that these stately homes were mere summer residences to some of the country’s most iconic families.

I began the 3.5 mile walk on Memorial Boulevard at First Beach, the western end of the trail.  The trail took me to the east end of Bailey’s Beach on Bellevue Avenue where I picked up the shuttle back to the start of my walk.   Alone on the path, I enjoyed a leisurely stroll taking in the natural beauty of the shoreline with its rocky cliffs.  I felt the warm sun on my face and the smell of the sea as I meandered along the walkway behind the charming chateaus.

Cliff Walk is a serene escape from the bustling lifestyle of the northeast with its stunning landscape and breathtaking views.  The extravagant architecture and pristine gardens were mesmerizing so I took the opportunity to smell the roses along the walkway.

One of the most beautiful homes on Cliff Walk is the Chanler Hotel, which is easily accessible from the paved trail.  I took a few moments to gaze out onto the ocean while relaxing in a comfortable Adirondack.  With magnificent views of the Atlantic Ocean, the Chanler is the only hotel along the Walk.

The sun was beginning to set and I wanted to take one last look over the cliffs before heading back to my car.  Out of the corner of my eye, I saw a little creature scurrying over the rocks so quickly that I honestly thought that I was out of my mind.  I waited a few moments until he appeared again and I was able to snap a quick photo.  Such a great ending to the extravagant day at Cliff Walk.

I highly recommend exploring the Cliff Walk trail if you are visiting Newport for its stunning cliffside views, beautifully manicured mansion lawns and whatever surprises nature may provide.  Enjoy the solitude and make sure you take it all in…you never know what you might see.

Have you ever set out on an adventure only to see or experience something that you would never have imagined?  I would love to hear about it if you would leave a comment below.   Many thanks for reading about my visit to Cliff Walk and wishing you many Happy Travels.

What to See and What to Do:

Cliff Walk
Address:  Walk starts at Memorial Blvd. in Newport, RI
Website:   www.cliffwalk.com

Where to Stay:

The Chanler at Cliff Walk
117 Memorial Boulevard
Newport, RI  02840
Phone:  401 847 1300

If you can afford the price, this is an amazing property along Cliff Walk in Newport. The amenities are endless and the views are spectacular!

Bouchard Inn
505 Thames Street
Newport, RI 02840
Phone: 401 846 0123

Where to Eat:

Bouchard Restaurant
505 Thames Street
Newport, RI 02840
Phone: 401 846 0123

For fine French cuisine, you will love this quiant upscale restaurant located in Newport.

22 Bowen’s Wine Bar & Grille
22 Bowen’s Wharf
Newport, RI  02840
Phone:  401 841 8884

The artisan cheese board was flavorful and delicious!  It included Four Regional Cheeses, Fig Jam, Cape Cod Cranberry Mostarda, Candied Salted Cashews, Cranberry Bread & Lavash.  I love the panoramic views of Newport Harbor from here! Spectacular!

What to Eat: 

• Clam Bakes are similar to the Louisiana crawfish boil but with clams.
• Clam Cakes
• Clam Chowder
• Clams Casino
• Coffee Milk is a milk drink with coffee syrup and sugar added for a milkshake-like beverage.
• Deli Grinders which are sub sandwiches topped with ham, salami, pepperoni, provolone, lettuce, tomato, onion, banana peppers, vinegar and mayonnaise.
• Doughboys are a doughnut-like pastry sprinkled with cinnamon and sugar
• Frozen Lemonade at Del’s which was brought over from Naples, Italy
• Hot Weiners are hot dogs topped with ground beef, onion, mustard and spiced with celery salt.
• Irish Brown Bread at Bywater in Warren
• Johnny Cakes are a pancake hybrid with cornbread added to the batter
• Pizza Strips made of a doughy base and smothered in pizza sauce
• Snail salad at Spirito’s in Providence
• Stuffies are large clams stuffed with bread, onion, chorizo and spices

What to Read: 

• My Sister’s Keeper by Jodi Picoult
• The Witches of Eastwick by John Updike
• Dance with Me by Luanne Rice
• Sing You Home by Jodi Picoult
• Murder at the Breakers by Alyssa Maxwell

Photo Guide for Newport, Rhode Island

• The Newport Bridge
• Beavertail Lighthouse
• The Cliff Walk
• Castle Hill Lighthouse
• Ocean Drive
• International Tennis Hall of Fame

To view more links to northeast US locations, check out the following:

East Haddam
The Energy of Times Square, New York

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