At the turn of the 20th century, one needed a blue- blooded pedigree to be invited inside the palatial Bellevue Avenue dwellings owned by America's elite. Though yachting and the Gilded Age made Newport world-famous, the city is also renowned for its delightful mix of Colonial heritage, beautiful beaches, lively waterfront and cultural attractions. Newport is a shopper's paradise, with options ranging from fashionable Bellevue Avenue to waterfront boutiques. Fine resort wear and hand crafted jewelry and gifts are popular choices. Newport has several antique districts and has some of the region's best fine arts galleries.
Nature is a major attraction of the region.
Visitors can ferry to nature trails on Prudence Island or visit the Green Animals Toplary Gardens in Portsmouth. In nearby Middletown is the Norman Bird Sanctuary with seven miles of trails. Sakonnet Vineyards in Little Compton produces Rhode Island's premier wines, and is New England's largest winery. The Best of Coastal New England For more than 100 years, southern Rhode Island's wide, sandy beaches and relaxed lifestyle have attracted summer vacationers from around the globe. Yet South County's vacation appeal extends far beyond the shore.