Newport has been a high-society summer resort since it became synonymous with the USA’s last Gilded Age, around the turn of the 20th century. With a history stretching back to 1639 and a current population of around 25,000, this left Newport not just with an impressive concentration of colonial era homes but also various grandiose mansions such as the “summer cottage” of the Vanderbilts, complete with ornate ballrooms, crystal chandeliers, and exquisitely manicured grounds. Read about more top Ocean State attractions in our post 'Big Experiences in the USA's smallest State, Rhode Island'.

(jejim)