Laurie Z. Stroll
President, Newport Hospitality
What are three of the most unique ways for groups to take in the great outdoors in Newport?
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Sailing on America’s Cup Boats: When you think of Newport, you think of the water. Newport was once the home of the America’s Cup race, and we still have 10- and 12-meter America’s Cup boats here. Some of them were contenders in the actual race and many have been restored with classic wooden interiors. Groups of up to 14 can charter one boat, and we have several, so you can get a group of 120 out there and have a sailing regatta to recreate the America’s Cup. It is quite an experience to be out there on one of those boats and take in the Newport Harbor. The views are spectacular.
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Guided Cliff Walk Tour: We have a cliff walk that goes along the backside of the mansions. While walking, guides give you the history of the cliff walk—from the mansions to the ecology of the bay. Most people come to Newport and don’t know anything about it. It is a treasure. The entire cliff walk is more than three miles, but most people just go out and back for about 90 minutes. In every direction—in the distance and straight down to the water below—the views are just breathtaking.
- Hike Through Norman Bird Sanctuary: Just outside of Newport in Middleton is Norman Bird Sanctuary. The organization’s mission is to preserve and protect the habitat of birds in that area. The sanctuary has beautiful nature walks through ponds and fields. We’ve done guided walks with groups where we will have a naturalist take us through a public trail. While walking, you go past beaches and learn about the flora and fauna of the area. It really highlights Newport’s costal beauty.