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Photo: Kenneth C. Zirkel, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Tour philanthropist Doris Duke's eclectic art collection housed in one of Newport's finest "cottages".
Rough Point is one of the Gilded Age mansions of Newport, Rhode Island, now open to the public as a museum. It is an English Manorial style home designed by architectural firm Peabody & Stearns for Frederick William Vanderbilt. Construction on the red sandstone and granite began in 1887 and was completed 1892. It is located on Bellevue Avenue and borders the Cliff Walk and overlooks the Atlantic Ocean. The original gardens were designed by Frederick Law Olmsted’s firm. The home's last owner was Doris Duke and it is currently owned and operated by the Newport Restoration Foundation.
© OpenStreetMap contributors
Bellevue Av. Built between 1891 and 1894 for Oliver Belmont.
Hazard Beach
The scenery here is particularly striking, even by Newport standards, with grand houses sitting atop cliffs surrounded by water. Both the water and vibes are calm, and visitors can wade out to some interesting large rock formations. Showers, chair, umbrella, and kayak rentals are available to the public. The concession stand is one of the state's best, with some surprisingly fresh and creative options; don't leave without trying the strawberry lemonade. Hazard beach is the next strip of sand over and closed to the public.
Dedicated in 1975, this 3.5 mi public access walkway is a beautiful walk, and two-thirds of the trail is easy walking for all ages. The cliff walk offers some of the most beautiful views in New England, and wildlife can be seen throughout. Along the way you'll get a peek at several the famous Newport Mansions. Be sure to look out for the Forty Steps; an amazing staircase leading into the ocean below. During Newport's Golden Age, the steps were a gathering place for servants and workers from the nearby mansions. Here they would hold weekend dances and play the Irish songs and music that reminded them of home. The bottom of the steps are also safe for swimmers, runners and walkers alike. To walk the trail, start at Newport's First Beach and follow the coast to Ocean Drive. While walking, watch out for poison ivy. Additionally, some portions of the walk drop off steeply into the water, rocks can be slippery, and the path is not fully paved; so proceed with caution. Most people complete the Cliff Walk in about 2-4 hours. While bikes are not permitted, dogs are as long as they are kept on a leash. There are no refreshments or picnic areas, so plan ahead. The north end is handicapped accessible and baby carriage accessible. There are multiple ways to exit the Cliff Walk, all of which lead back to Bellevue Avenue and the front side of the mansions. Walking back to your car can take a while, so consider the free RIPTA trolley as a viable return option.
Museum at historic Vernon Court houses works by Norman Rockwell, J. C. Leyendecker, N. C, Wyeth, Maxfield Parrish, and more.