Thames Street Glass
Simply gorgeous. That will be your reaction to the work of the glass artist represented in this store of nearly 25 years. Located on Thames Street, just where you'd expect such a store, you will find colorful and eclectic bottles, vases, ornaments, brickabrack, fruits and vegetables -- almost anything you can imagine.
Samuel Whitehorne Museum
Nearly 200 years old, the Whitehorne House stands out in Newport's Colonial-dominated architecture as one of the few Federal style mansions. Restored by Doris Duke (she of tobacco money), this place is all about furniture, particularly early American furniture. Mainly 18th century furniture, but not exclusively, whatever your tastes there's no denying that they don't make it like this anymore.
Redwood Library
Another "oldest" that Newport can lay claim to, the Redwood Library (and Athenaeum) is the oldest lending library in the country, built in the mid-18th century. These days it's not meant particularly for general use (the public library a few blocks away is), but rather is more of a repository of rare books, portraits, and antique furniture. It's still undergoing repairs from a partial roof collapse in 2003.
Beechwood Mansion
Also known as Astors' Beechwood Mansion, this mid-19th century mansion is synonymous with the Astors family, as in John Jacob Astor, the best known of the family today. Beyond its spectacular ocean-front setting, the mansion has become known for something unique in recent years: a living history museum, in which actors are enlisted to portray the mansion's previous residents.
National Museum Of American Illustration
Sitting on gorgeous Bellevue Ave, this museum, located in a turn-of-the-20th-century Vernon Court manse, contains collections by some of our most famous artists, such as Rockwell, Gibson, and Wyeth. Paintings as well as drawings comprise the collection with an eye toward illustrating how each was used in various forms of print media (books, magazines, ads, etc).
Touro Synagogue
Where is the oldest synagogue in the country? In the heart of Newport, built nearly 250 years ago and now a National Historical Site (the first religious building to be so recognized). Open for touring (except in the winter), it was built by one of the most storied of Colonial architects at no charge, and based on the striking interior alone, it was quite a bargain.
Rose Island Light House Fndtn
A guiding light in Newport Harbor for more than 130 years, and recently upgraded to be more energy-efficient, it's still serving that function in an unofficial capacity and is now open for public tours and even overnight visits. Supported by various donations, sponsorships, and fund-raising events, you can even help out in maintaining the site for up to a week at a time.
Belcourt Castle
Prominent on Newport's famed mansion row, this late 19th-century mansion was fashioned after the style of French king Louis XIII, and is recognized as one of the few in which the owners still reside (at least part of the year, and obviously not when tours are being held). Comprised mainly of medieval and renaissance architecture, this sprawling 60-room mansion and its grounds are among the most picturesque on the island.
Artillery Co of Newport
Located just off tourist-crazy Thames St., this museum, as its name belies, concentrates on military artifact collections. Dating back to the mid-18th century (not that old by Newport standards), you'll find such jewels as bronze cannons (made by Paul Revere), military uniforms worn by various heads of state, Civil War artillery, and quite a bit pertaining to Rhode Island's place in military history.
Naval War College Foundation, Inc.
Located on a tiny island in Newport (which is located on a larger island itself), this museum's exhibits concentrate on the relationship between war and the sea, particularly when it comes to the surrounding waters (Narragansett Bay). Situated in a grand, white, unmistakable 19th-century building, it's one of the most beautiful in a town full of beautiful structures.
