Newport - Clifftop Cottages and Acres of Masts

If you are a boater, a pilgrimage to Newport RI is on your short list. Newport fame began as a commercial and whaling center, making the town unusually cosmopolitan. At its height of prosperity in the mid 18th century, all ended abruptly in 1776, when the British began a three year occupation and destroyed over 500 buildings. After the British departure, the French army used it as an outpost. Newport never fully recovered.  

However in the 1800's it continued as a commercial port, with ships as large as 200 feet, coming from far and wide. While sea captains began leaving the area, wealthy Southerners, and their counterparts from New York, Baltimore, Boston and the Carribean returned, building "cottages" on the cliffs overlooking the harbour as their summer retreat. By the llate 1800's, Newport became the unchallenged summer playground of the Gilded Age's ultra wealthy. World War I and stock market crash again changed the harbors character. The Navy to expand its influence but when it left in 1973, commercial businesses took over the waterfront and places like 'Blood Alley", where polite society had never dared visit,  have become wildly popular destinations for all. 

                                    

Approching the harbour today, one is inevitably heralded with racing sailboats and all manner of boats large and small funneling into the well marked opening  of this large protected area. The massive "cottages" from a bygone era dot the cliffs and, if you make it to land, are worth a visit for their diversity and incredible interior workmanship.  

Marinas and mooring balls are plentiful. There are literally acres of sailing masts. Some marinas specialize in motor boats, with many yachts well over 100 feet. Beautiful old schooners ferry folks out for day and sunset cruises. Water taxis provide cross harbour access. As you find your way, steeples along with other historical buildings dot the shore.  Boater or no, Newport is a pilgrimage worth making. 

PS - Technology can be a little too helpful. The previous Mystic post refers to a "vascular" bridge, when what was meant was a BASCULAR bridge. However, in reality, this is a "SWING BRIDGE". Bascular bridge's create an opening by hinging up from one side. The blogmiester will attempt to better check her future sources.