Newport Photo Blog
Tour Name: Springtime in Newport, Rhode Island
Dates: June 13-16, 2023
Tour Director: Patti Olson
Tour Highlights: We stepped back in time to the Gilded Age, beginning with a circle and a contra dance led by “Mrs. Astor,” our local guide. Then we toured two of the awesome mansions where the Vanderbilts entertained guests with lavish banquets and similar dances. Each room was a work of art! The weather gave us a great day to walk along the famous Cliff Walk in front of these mansions. Newport is also home of the International Tennis Hall of Fame, and our guide told fascinating stories about the sport and the most famous tennis players. There was even a chance to visit “live” with Roger Federer’s hologram! Heading home, we learned about topiaries, shrubs shaped into artistic and animal shapes and were also wowed by a traveling Lego exhibit at the topiary gardens that is in Newport this year. The giant Lego creations were amazing. As we walked through the beautiful mansions, I was reminded of the Bible verse from John 14:2-3 — “ In My Father’s house are many rooms; if that were not so, I would have told you, because I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I am coming again and will take you to Myself, so that where I am, there you also will be.” As striking as the Newport mansions are, Heaven will be so much more glorious!
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“Mrs. Astor” taught us the circle dance.
The contra dance was really fun!
As we toured Newport, we saw Eisenhower’s Summer Whitehouse.
The Marble House
Aptly named, marble lines all the walls and stairs throughout.
The Library – oh how I would love tohave alibrary like this!
The rooms kept getting more and more ornate as we walked through this spectacular mansion.
I could never sleep in this room. It is way too busy!
The Japanese Tea House overlooks the bay behind the Marble House.
All the gardens were colorful and well manicured.
The weather was perfect for relaxing by the water and contemplating what life would have been like during the Gilded Age.
The rugged coastline along the cliff walk – there are few sandy beaches around Newport.
We took a LOT of pictures!
The Forty Steps lead right down to the water. These commemmorate the original steps cut into the embankment years ago.
The Cliff Walk took us by several beautiful mansions that look out onto the water.
Each mansion has a unique character, color, and style.
We ended the Cliff Walk right at the Breakers mansion.
Can you hear the beautiful music being played in this room?
The Breakers
This is my facorite room of all the rooms we toured.
Downtown Newport was very walkable with lots of shops and restaurants. I loved this sculpture!
The Brick Alley Restaurant is one of the most popular eateries in downtown Newport. Note the true brick alley to the left.
This is like Cracker Barrel, but all the furnishings are transportation related. So much to look at as we waited for our food.
The tennis courts at the International Tennis Hall of Fame are grass and used regularly.
Many exhibits in the museum display the history of tennis, and a new interactive tennis trivia game has been added to stump the visitors.
I loved the hologram presentation by Roger Federer, and I caught it just right to see his powerful swing.
We finished the day with a tasty meal at the International Tennis Hall of Fame, looking out at people playing on the grass courts.
It was nice to relax outdoors at our luxurious hotel before departing the next morning.
The Topiary Garden was a great place to get a group photo.
Can you believe that this giant dragon fly is made of Legos? A traveling exhibit of Lego animals and bugs were on display throughout the gardens.
This one gives me nightmares!
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