Thirty miles south of Providence lies Newport, the fabled resort city of America's Cup yacht racing and magnificent Gilded Age mansions. At the turn of the 20th century, one needed a blue-blood pedigree and millions in the bank to be invited inside the palatial Bellevue Avenue dwellings owned by America's elite. Today, nearly one dozen of these remarkable "summer cottages" are open to the public for touring, and Newport itself has opened wide its gates to welcome all who desire a leisurely, fun-filled and enriching vacation. 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. Within the last decade, a rich and varied schedule of year-round festivals and happenings has helped Newport evolve from a summer vacation spot into a four-season destination. Classical, folk and jazz music festivals highlight the summer months, followed by "Harvest-by-the-Sea" in October, December's "Christmas in Newport" celebration and the "Newport Winter Festival" in February. Within Rhode Island accessing Newport via two bridges, traverse the brilliant blue of Narragansett Bay to arrive in legendary Newport, whose stunning coastline, glittering harbor and charming Colonial seaport have lured the world’s wealthiest people for more than 150 years. This is the home of fabled Gilded Age mansions, world-class yachting, renowned music and film festivals, fine dining, spirited nightlife and shopping galore. Newport is home to the International Tennis Hall of Fame and Museum, where the greatest players in the history of the sport are enshrined. One hundred years of America’s Cup yacht racing has left Newport with a legacy as the Sailing Capital of America. Sailing lessons, yachting charters and fishing trips are abundant here. From Memorial Day through Labor Day, Newport Harbor is packed with so many boats of all shapes and sizes, that it seems like they could be used as stepping stones to cross from one side to the other!