Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Cliff Walking in Newport

One of my favourite parts of visiting Newport, Rhode Island is the infamous Cliff Walk – a 3.5 mile hike along the private property of waterfront land owners.

IMG_7336

As you navigate the multi-terrain path along the ocean, you get stunning views of both the legendary mansions and the ocean.

IMG_7350IMG_7355 IMG_7359

For architecture buffs, the cliff walk is a great way to take in the exteriors of the beautiful mansions that wealthy tycoons built for their summer retreats in the late 1800’s.

IMG_7363

While you’re walking it feels more like a glamorous European getaway than an American escape.

IMG_7341

A pause at Forty Steps, a beautiful stone staircase leading to a plateau above the water, makes for great photo-op’s. Originally made of wood, the steps were a meeting place for the mansion staff.

IMG_7343IMG_7345IMG_7372

There are so many wonderful sights to take in, but one of the coolest is an authentic Chinese Tea House that one of the Vanderbilt’s had constructed as part of their Marble House property.

Tomorrow I will post about my favourite stop that you get a nice view of at Cliff Walk: Rough Point…

No comments: