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Pool and Beaches
The hotel's small outdoor pool opened the week we arrived in late-June. Far larger is the indoor lap pool, located in the basement of the house. Both are good spots to unwind after a day of sightseeing, but I wouldn't plan my day lounging by the pool. There's a lot to do in Newport, depending on the time of year. Easton's Beach, a crescent of sand on Newport's rugged coastline, is only a five-minute drive away. Much larger is Second Beach, technically located in neighboring Middletown but still a short ride away. Bring boogie boards, because this long stretch of sand features some of the best waves in New England. You'll spot surfers trying their luck at the far end of the beach.
Nearby Attractions
From the rooftop, you can spot the white steeple of Trinity Church, one of the oldest churches in the country, erected in 1726. You can tour Trinity and nearby Touro Synagogue, the oldest place of worship for Jews in America, open since 1658. On Bellevue Avenue is the Tennis Hall of Fame. See the grandstands and lawn court where the U.S. Open was first played in 1881. Then go upstairs and see displays on all the greats from Billie Jean King to Roger Federer. It's also fun to view the display on dresses worn by female players throughout the 20th century.
Mansions
While you're on a historical bent, you should tour at least one of the mansions. Start with the Breakers, built with the fortune of Alfred's father, Cornelius Vanderbilt. Vanderbilt Hall may have a refined sense of style, but the Breakers is as opulent as they come. For children, they offer a new audio tour about the indulgent lives of the wealthy Vanderbilt children. Another favorite is the Marble House, built by Cornelius' brother William. In a backyard the size of a football field, you'll find the Chinese Tea Room, a pagoda overlooking the ocean that serves sandwiches and soups at lunch.
Behind those mansions is the three-and-a-half-mile Cliff Walk, one of the great strolls in the country. The trail sits atop the rugged shoreline as ocean waves bathe the rocks below.
Shopping
Many of the best shops are just a short walk from Vanderbilt Hall. Stroll down Thames Street and you'll find a store called Pleasant Surprise -- kids love their whimsical mix of T-shirts, water bottles, cards and other fun souvenirs. Down the road, the Newport Historical Society's gift shop has a good collection of New England-related books. Many of the boutiques on Spring Street are owned by artists; one example is Alloy, run by a Rhode Island School of Design-trained jewelry artist who creates innovative designs. On the same block, Macdowell Pottery features an interesting collection of scarves, blankets, women's clothes and jewelry.
Sailing
There's a reason Newport has such a storied history as a sailing hub. Narragansett Bay is a long inlet with steady southwesterly winds to blow those sails. Head out on a schooner and get a taste of the ocean as you glide under the perfect arc of Pell Bridge. Better yet, take out a sailboat and get a firsthand feel of the waters that inspired so many landlubbers to take to the sea.
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