About halfway between Providence and Newport is the historic hamlet of Bristol, overlooking Narragansett Bay. Repeatedly attacked by the British during the Revolutionary War, this peaceful village is now home to the oldest, continuous Fourth of July celebration in America. Use Bristol as an affordable base for touring Newport, or discover its own attractions, from the gardens of Blithwold, to the sculptures of Linden Place, to the sailing lore of the Herreshoff Marine Museum, to the native American culture of the Haffenreffer Museum of Anthropology, to the 1790s authenticity of the Coggeshall Farm Museum. You can even explore the area by bicycle, via the 15-mile East Bay Bike Path. More info… Built in 1808, the William's Grant Inn is located on a quiet side street. A homey, old-fashioned B&B, it offers affordable, comfortable accommodations, good food, and friendly innkeepers. The imposing Bradford-Dimond-Norris House dates back to 1792, but was substantially expanded in the mid-1800s. The spacious guest rooms have lace-canopy beds and antique furnishings. Equally impressive is the 1809 Rockwell House Inn, Bristol's best choice for business travelers.

Location: Newport is located in southern New England, 35 miles south of Providence, 90 miles south of Boston, and 175 miles northeast of New York City. If driving from New York or Connecticut, try to avoid peak periods, when traffic backs up at the Jamestown-Newport Bridges. Newport traffic is intense from Memorial Day weekend through Columbus Day. If possible, explore this compact city on foot, bicycle, or by bus. Your can also park at the centrally located Gateway Information Center for just $1 if you buy a bus ticket; an individual day pass is $5 daily; families, $10. Details from RIPTA (800-244-0444). Avoid crowds by visiting Newport in winter or spring; if you must come in summer, stay midweek. Activities: "America's First Resort," Newport is most famous for its mansions, built as summer "cottages" by families made immensely wealthy by the Industrial Revolution. The Breakers, Marble House, and the Elms are open year-round; the other eight properties operated by The Preservation Society of Newport open for the season in early May. Be sure to visit The Breakers, a 70-room Italian Renaissance-style palace, built by Cornelius Vanderbilt II. Even better--buy a combination ticket and tour several mansions; most are just a few minutes walk from one another. Another "must" is to walk part of the Cliff Walk, offering magnificent views of the rocky coastline, Narragansett Bay, and Newport's famous Gilded Age mansions. If the weather is good, sign on for a ferry ride, or a sailing or motor cruise of the bay; if not, learn all about the America's Cup races--and more--at the Museum of Yachting. Prefer your sports on terra firma? Visit the International Tennis Hall of Fame instead. Study the past at the Museum of Newport History; visit the 1675 Wanton-Lyman-Hazard House for a genuine taste of the Colonial era. Science fans should stop at the Thames Science Center, while artistic types will prefer the Newport Art Museum. For lots more shopping, wine-tasting, attractions and more, contact the Newport Convention & Visitors Bureau. Inns: Newport has dozens of wonderful inns and bed and breakfasts, catering to a wide variety of tastes and pocketbooks. Through March 30, 2001, many offer excellent package rates including admission to mansions, museums, and more. Details…. Two of Newport's larger inns stand out for their high quality, consistency, and professionalism: Just a half-block from the Cliff Walk, the Cliffside Inn has a quiet, residential setting, and offers attentive service, and such treats as wake-up beverage service, full breakfast, and afternoon Victorian tea. Paintings by long-time owner Beatrice Turner add unusual charm to the inn's distinctive décor. Be sure to check the inn's website for special rates and promotions. Just opening in the spring of 2001 is Cliffside's sister inn, the Adele Turner Inn, on a quiet street just 2-3 blocks from all attractions. If you'd prefer a quiet oasis in the heart of Thames Street's shops and restaurants, chose The Francis Malbone House, a Colonial mansion built in 1760. Inside, you'll find friendly innkeepers, extensive common areas, a serene courtyard garden, and guest rooms which combine the B&B charm with the professionalism of a fine European hotel. Though ideal for a romantic getaway, all conveniences are offered to business travelers. If you're traveling off-season, check their website for last-minute availability, which can save you up to $195 a night; through March 29, 2001 their midweek packages are equally appealing. More inns… Restaurants: Newport has dozens of great places to eat, but a long-time favorite is Yesterday's Ale House, also home of The Place Wine Bar. The former has 36 microbrews on tap, plus great burgers and salads; the latter is a fine-dining experience, with deliciously creative cuisine. Find a B&B | Specials | Recipes | Message Boards | Gift Certificates | Store | Book Online