Updated October 2019
It took me a while to visit Newport and Providence in Rhode Island, as they’re so close to Boston, but a few weeks before leaving I made it – and using public transportation nonetheless! I started my trip from Newport and then worked my way up to Providence. The weather didn’t help much, but at least it didn’t rain, so I got to enjoy both cities without the need of an umbrella! Without further ado, here’s what I got up to!
Visit Newport, Rhode Island
Newport is a charming coastal town (which I’m a sucker for after visiting a couple of coastal cities in Lake Michigan years ago), famous for the “summer cottages” of prominent and wealthy New York families, like the Vanderbilts! I added the quotation marks there as we are talking about mansions here and not actual cottages (although some of them had humble beginnings size and style wise). Grand, opulent, gilded mansions that honestly put the Versailles to shame!
There are 9 mansions maintained by the Preservation Society of Newport County, which are open to the public. Those are: The Breakers, Marble House, The Elms, Rosecliff, Chateau sur Mer, Kingscote, The Isaac Bell house, Chepstow and Hunter House. I chose to visit The Breakers as it is the grandest! The entry fee was $20.99 (but you can check for combined tickets, which are value for money if you are visiting more than one mansion) and included free audio guide which I suggest you take as it’s the only way to understand the function of each room and learn details about the Vanderbilt family and the house itself. Photography is not allowed (a thing that always annoys me), so I ended up buying a book about the mansions so I could keep the memory of what I saw!
Next on my list was the Cliff road which goes around those mansions and you are walking by the coast. I chose to walk all the way from The Breakers to Ledge road, which proved to be a big mistake because the last mile is on uneven terrain. I’m used to hiking up and down to visit secluded beaches in Greece, but the hike was very time-consuming. As a result I had just a few hours to explore downtown Newport!
I wandered around the wharves up to the bus stop. I also went to snap a few photos of the bridge and nearby houses, as they were so colorful! Then it was time to get in the bus and visit Providence!
Visit Providence, Rhode Island
The bus to Providence passed by the cities of Portsmouth and Bristol which looked very picturesque! As I reached the city I made my way to Faust, for a late lunch. Unfortunately, the restaurant is now closed. After lunch it was time to explore Providence. Therefore, I made my way towards College Hill to check out Brown University and Rhode Island School of Design (RISD). It was overcast but the bloomed magnolias made up for it. I cannot even recall how many photos of magnolias I shot!
As I was wandering around Brown, I stumbled upon an exhibition from the department of Textiles. As a fashion enthusiast I entered to look around and snap some photos. It was getting dark, so I visited the RISD Museum which was open until late. I loved the variety of exhibits, both modern and old ones. As a downside, the museum was difficult to navigate!
Before heading to Boston I stopped at Providence Place, which is a huge mall by the river. I bid the city farewell and hopped on the train home!
I'm Anna and this is my lifestyle and travel blog! 
the mansions are beautiful, I like the gardens as much as the mansions! Though I live close enough to Providence I haven’t been. So many great seaside artsy communities in New England to explore still!
Unfortunately I couldn’t make much of the gardens as it was late April and they were not in bloom! Providence was not on my radar until I realized that Brown University was located there. It is a lovely city worth visiting!
Rhode Island seems so very charming, and very New England! The Vanderbilts built some impressive mansions, didn’t they? One of these days I’ll spend a long weekend in RI eating too much seafood.
Silly Medley: Lifestyle and Travel
Oh yes they did! The Breakers was very beautiful! Rhode Island is so picturesque and I’m glad I had the opportunity to visit!
Πόσο όμορφα! Πόσο ονειρεμένα! Περιποιημένα, προσεγμένα, καθαρά και τα πλάνα σου εξαιρετικά!
ήταν κουκλίστικα!!
We are going to both of these places later this year. Yay. Your photos and article have made me more excited.
It’s a beautiful area Paula! I’m sure you’re going to enjoy your trip!
Beautiful photos! I’ve never been to any of these places but it looks great!
Tegan xx
Thank you Tegan!
Beautiful pictures! I am lucky to leave nearby and day trip to Newport every summer at least once. I plan a next trip in a few days for my birthday. Providence’ summer waterfires are on my to do for next summer. it must be a gorgeous and unique site!
Newport is ideal for day trips! I wish I had more time to explore the city!
What gorgeous mansions and I love the views of the water! I’ve never visited out that way but it looks really lovely. Thanks for linking up with #WeekendWanderlust!
It’s a beautiful place to visit Lauren! Especially the mansions!
I visited Providence and Newport for a short weekend break from Philadelphia. I loved touring the old mansions and pretending that I was ‘old money’
I have never been there before, but I heard great things!!
It looks stunning, your photos are amazing as always, and I totally understand why you took many pictures of the magnolias, they are sooo beautiful!!
#MondayEscapes
Rhode Island is very charming! It would be a shame not to visit as I was living nearby!
I’ve really wanted to visit Providence because I’ve heard that it’s such a cute and pretty town, and now I really want to go! I would love to walk around some of those beautiful houses, and get a feel for the city!
I’d heard about the ‘cottages’ at Newport – they always sounded so opulent, great to see your photos. #MondayEscapes
One of the things that amazes me so much about the US is the diversity of places. I am from the Pacific Northwest, and my America just looks so different. I realized this past year that I have traveled to far more countries than states, and I really want to see my own home. My first idea was an east coast road trip, but I love that from Boston you were able to do this all by public transit. How was that experience?? I know the public transit in Seattle, where I am from, is rather unreliable and dodgy.
Great photos! It looks like a really beautiful place and those tulips are just stunning!
My husband went to a conference in the area several years ago and took the tour of the “summer homes.” I so want to go and see them, too. I’ve only been to New England twice, and each time for very short visits. I want/need to go back and stay a lot longer.
Wow, the picture of the cherry blossoms is just so stunning! I’ve only seen Providence in tv shows so far but it always seemed really pretty to me!