Newport, Rhode Island

[TonyDown]

Have any of you traveled to Newport, Rhode Island?

I'm on the West Coast and brainstorming a trip east.  Not interested in NYC, Provincetown, Boston, etc. this trip.  Just Newport.

Would love to find a gay tour group I could join, but not finding much.  Perhaps I should look for a tour that is not specifically gay.

My interest centers around the National Museum of American Illustration, located there, at Vernon Court.  Sadly, I've learned that Vernon Court is closed for renovations.

By now I've learned how many architecturally significant mansions are located in Newport, hence my strategy to find a travel entity to help plan the most worthwhile visit.  There is a lot to see.

But also I am seeking ideas on line, starting here on Company of Men.  I'm hoping to learn from those of you with actual travel related experiences.

Image below is from ....
https://historichouses.wordpress.com/2012/09/03/vernon-court-newport-ri/

 

 

Edited May 28 by TonyDown

[+ Charlie]

There is really not a lot to see and do in Newport unless you are interested in driving around to see the many mansions  built by the wealthy from cities like New York and Boston in the 19th century, as homes to escape from the summer heat. However, if you are interested in tennis--as I am--there is the International Tennis Hall of Fame that is worth a visit.

[TonyDown]

@Charlie I would like to see the International Tennis Hall of Fame and also Fort Adams.

[+ Vegas_Millennial]

16 hours ago, TonyDown said:

Have any of you traveled to Newport, Rhode Island?

I'm on the West Coast and brainstorming a trip east.  Not interested in NYC, Provincetown, Boston, etc. this trip.  Just Newport.

Would love to find a gay tour group I could join, but not finding much.  Perhaps I should look for a tour that is not specifically gay.

My interest centers around the National Museum of American Illustration, located there, at Vernon Court.  Sadly, I've learned that Vernon Court is closed for renovations.

By now I've learned how many architecturally significant mansions are located in Newport, hence my strategy to find a travel entity to help plan the most worthwhile visit.  There is a lot to see.

But also I am seeking ideas on line, starting here on Company of Men.  I'm hoping to learn from those of you with actual travel related experiences.

Image below is from ....
https://historichouses.wordpress.com/2012/09/03/vernon-court-newport-ri/

 

 

I spent one day in Newport as a stop on a cruise.  I toured one mansion and it was beautiful.  Later that afternoon I had some of the best sex of my life, but it was with a crew member aboard the ship I was on so I can't really consider it a local Newport experience. 😊 

I went in June and it was cool (jacket needed during the day).  It truly was built as a place for millionaires to escape the summer heat of Manhattan in the century before air conditioning.

Edited May 29 by Vegas_Millennial

[+ poolboy48220]

I've heard about Newport on "Downton Abbey" and "The Gilded Age" but never realized it was so far from New York City - 3-4 hours these days, according to Google Maps.

[pubic_assistance]

15 hours ago, Charlie said:

There is really not a lot to see and do in Newport

We go every year.

I dont share this opinion with @Charlie

As far as it being a place to hook up with hot gays. I can't say that I would recommend. Ive checked my Grindr (mostly out of curiosity) and the selection is weak) The nearby gay-romp village of Provincetown probably draws off all the local talent.

Nevertheless, Im not there to hook up, but to relax and enjoy the beauty of this little sea side town. "The Cliffside Inn" is a fantastic five star Bed & Breakfast in a quiet residential part of town. Walking distance from the hustle and bustle of the Port's nighttime entertainment. The cliff walk is a beautiful way to see the many turn of the century mansions  from the outside or you can tour any of the nine properties run by the Preservation Society. All of this is accessible by foot (recommnded) as you stroll through some of the most beautiful neighborhoods of private mansions, or take the free shuttle bus.

Loads of museums great restaurants, live music, pubs and shops surround the old port.

We love it there. Have visited many times.

 

[TonyDown]

4 hours ago, pubic_assistance said:

We go every year.

I dont share this opinion with @Charlie

As far as it being a place to hook up with hot gays. I can't say that I would recommend. Ive checked my Grindr (mostly out of curiosity) and the selection is weak) The nearby gay-romp village of Provincetown probably draws off all the local talent.

Nevertheless, Im not there to hook up, but to relax and enjoy the beauty of this little sea side town. "The Cliffside Inn" is a fantastic five star Bed & Breakfast in a quiet residential part of town. Walking distance from the hustle and bustle of the Port's nighttime entertainment. The cliff walk is a beautiful way to see the many turn of the century mansions  from the outside or you can tour any of the nine properties run by the Preservation Society. All of this is accessible by foot (recommnded) as you stroll through some of the most beautiful neighborhoods of private mansions, or take the free shuttle bus.

Loads of museums great restaurants, live music, pubs and shops surround the old port.

We love it there. Have visited many times.

 

I anticipate good food!   Yeah, I would not be looking for hookups.

Have you visited The Breakers?   Is there a favorite mansion you have toured?

I enjoy history.   I see a lot of options.

[pubic_assistance]

51 minutes ago, TonyDown said:

I enjoy history.   I see a lot of options

If you enjoy history, then you will love Newport. SO many interesting sites to visit.

[pubic_assistance]

I have visited all the mansions. My personal favorite was "The Elms". The Breakers is incredible...but also so over the top its obnoxious. The Elms is a more elegant (but also impressive) mansion from the period.

You can buy a day pass from the historical society that lets you visit several of the mansions. Many include guided tours and some allow you to wander around and see the spaces at your own pace.

The oldest synagogue in the country is in Newport. There are several museums of art, and numerous historic landmarks. The port area is full of great seafood restaurants, live music venues and shops (and good icecream).

[BSR]

On 5/29/2025 at 10:21 AM, pubic_assistance said:

We go every year.

I dont share this opinion with @Charlie

As far as it being a place to hook up with hot gays. I can't say that I would recommend. Ive checked my Grindr (mostly out of curiosity) and the selection is weak) The nearby gay-romp village of Provincetown probably draws off all the local talent.

Nevertheless, Im not there to hook up, but to relax and enjoy the beauty of this little sea side town. "The Cliffside Inn" is a fantastic five star Bed & Breakfast in a quiet residential part of town. Walking distance from the hustle and bustle of the Port's nighttime entertainment. The cliff walk is a beautiful way to see the many turn of the century mansions  from the outside or you can tour any of the nine properties run by the Preservation Society. All of this is accessible by foot (recommnded) as you stroll through some of the most beautiful neighborhoods of private mansions, or take the free shuttle bus.

Loads of museums great restaurants, live music, pubs and shops surround the old port.

We love it there. Have visited many times.

 

I used to go to Newport a lot, but it’s been a while.  I remember it as kind of a New England Yankee version of Las Vegas, minus the gambling and neon.  Tons of bars line Thames St., where young pretty heterosexuals swarm every weekend to hook up.  If you want to gnash your teeth in frustration, Narragansett Beach across the bridges has some of the most gorgeous (straight) men you’ll ever see.  But the mansions and sailboats on the water are beautiful, as are the grass courts at the Tennis HoF as long as you go before the tournament.  Also, Newport has the best fried clams I ever had, wish I could remember the name of the place.

If you like history and beautiful scenery, you’ll love Newport.  But as @pubic_assistance advises, temper your hook-up expectations.