Newport, Rhode Island, called the "Eden of America," truly lives up to its nickname. Located 90 miles south of Boston, Newport is admired for its historical cliffside mansions, which draw thousands of tourists each year. After the obligatory mansion tour, admirers stick around to lie on the beach or take advantage of such cultural offerings as the world-famous Newport Jazz Festival, an annual gathering of such artists as Cole Porter and Bob Dylan (both of them former headliners). Newport for many years has been a magnet for the ultra rich, who maintain summer homes here; ogglers, who are drawn here by the people-watching opportunities; and the rest of us who simply come here for a chance to unwind in one of America's most well-preserved historical cities.

Despite its exclusive aura, Newport, lined with cobblestone streets and small antique shops, invites even the most short-term visitor with a welcoming atmosphere. Its lighthouses alone -- an architectural anomaly for most of us -- are worth the trip

According to the city's convention and visitors' bureau, Newport is divided into three harmonious entities: its year-round community, the U.S. Navy (the U.S. Naval Education and Training Center is based here), and its "summer colony" of part-time residents.

Newport's architecture is one its best qualities. Although Newport has something to offer every buyer, many buyers take advantage of the city's more historical real estate offerings -- from Colonials to Victorians to "salt-box style" homes -- all of them including such selling points as wood floors, bay windows, and, of course, a short commute to the beach. Many Newport Realtors conduct an active summer rental business and often sell summer vacation homes in addition to catering to the needs of year-round residents buying and selling homes.

Due to its proximity to the Atlantic, Newport is a water sports lover's paradise, offering scuba diving, surfing, spearfishing, sailing, and yacht races, among other sports. In fact, Newport is a popular venue for regional, national, international, and Olympic yacht competitions.

If leading a yacht or boat isn't your style, tour the replicas of two Revolutionary War ships instead, take a windjammer cruise off the port, or sit back and relax on a harbor cruise.

The town of Newport was settled in 1639 and was designated a city in 1784. The city's founding philosophy was one of political, religious, and cultural freedom for its residents. In the early 1700s, farming and fishing brought prosperity to the local economy at the same time that sea captains from British North America arrived here, carrying with them passengers from the Carolinas and the Caribbean -- all of whom were experiencing the same plight we are now. Simply put, they were seeking respite from the heat. Called the "Birthplace of the Navy", Newport enjoyed the economic and cultural benefits of both private and naval shipping.

Newport continues to claim the bragging rights to more standing buildings built before 1830 than any American community. Many of those structures are open to visitors, including the Old Colony House, the nation's second oldest capitol building; and the armory of the Artillery Company of Newport, the oldest and most active military organization in the United States.

Newport's revered mansions all have names and include the Breakers, Breakers Stable and Carriage House, Marble House, Chateau-Sur-Mer, Rosecliff, The Elms, Isaac Bell House, Hunter House, Green Animals, Chepstow, Kingscote (for an online historical tour, head to . Log on, and enjoy. This site guides you through a virtual walking tour of each mansion, including an extensive background on each, as well as color photos. It's the next best thing to being there.

Newport's combination of historical architecture and breathtaking scenery offers both residents and visitors the perfect escape -- and an unforgettable trip back in history.

Published: August 3, 1998

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