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Take an early afternoon stroll throughout downtown Newport to see some of the oldest houses of worship that solidified the city’s commitment to religious freedom.

Travel back in time to 1639 when a group of English settlers fled persecution to venture towards the southern side of Aquidneck Island, forming the community of Newport.

GREAT FRIENDS MEETING HOUSE

📍 21 Farewell Street, Newport

Six passengers from the Woodhouse ship arrived in Newport harbor in 1657, seeking an escape from persecution in England. These passengers were members of The Quakers, a historically Protestant Christian group originating in 17th-century England, focusing on individual "Inner Light." The colonial government had a strong distaste with the theology of a "self-minded society." However, Governor Benedict Arnold soon determined authorities had no right to punish anyone for how they chose to worship.

After the Quakers, 'Society of Friends' gained traction in the Newport city, members rose in social, political and economic status. The emerging community first held meetings at the estates of the Coddington, Easton, and Coggeshall families; then formed a smaller meeting house on the same grounds of the present-day structure. Newport's congregation approved plans for the Great Friends Meeting House to be built on the site of Farewell and Marlborough streets between 1699-1701, now the oldest surviving house of worship in Rhode Island. Learn more here.

TOURO SYNAGOGUE

📍 85 Touro Street, Newport

Built in 1763, the Touro Synagogue is recognized as the oldest surviving synagogue in North America, oldest still standing in the United States, and only building of this kind dating to the colonial era. The site is a true symbol of early Jewish life in America and religious liberty. 

Tours to learn about the history of religious freedom and the Colonial Jewish pastime can be scheduled with TSF Newport.

TRINITY CHURCH

📍 1 Queen Anne Square, Newport

Trinity Church has a long history of worship dating back 300 years to 1726 when it was originally built. It has since served as the place of worship for George Washington (commemorated by a plaque placed in his favorite pew), the filming location for Wes Anderson's Moonrise Kingdom, and today is home to the only center-aisle, freestanding, three-tiered wineglass pulpit left in its original location in the United States.

Fun Fact: Trinity Church is celebrating 300 years of faith, community, and worship in 2026. To commemorate this milestone, a series of special events and programming will take place throughout the year. Learn more about Trinity300, click here.

CHANNING MEMORIAL CHURCH

📍 135 Pelham Street, Newport

Channing Memorial Church started to form in October 1835, when ten men formed the first Unitarian society in Newport. The group chartered in January 1836 as the Unitarian Congregational Church of Newport, while also creating a Sunday school and purchasing the Hopkins Meeting House on Mill Street.

Later on a dedication was held for Reverend William Ellery Channing, son of founding father William Ellery (signed Declaration of Independence), and one of the ten original men to help form the Unitarian society in Newport. A later ownership change in 1969 renamed it to the “Channing House” in honor of him.

Tucked along the waterfront, Newport’s Point Neighborhood is one of the city’s most charming and historic areas, where quiet streets meet sweeping harbor views. Each street is lined with beautifully preserved 18th-century homes, offering a glimpse into the era, complimented by picketed fences and flower boxes.

Fun Fact: Newport has more colonial homes than any other location across America, and many of the properties were once home to craftsmen, merchants, and visionaries. 
 

HUNTER HOUSE

📍 54 Washington Street, Newport

Hunter House is a premier example of Newport’s “Golden age’ in the 18th-century, a well-preserved Georgian Colonial styled home built in 1748; owned by wealthy merchants who furnished it with decorative arts produced by expert craftsmen.

A lifestyle at this time in the home depended on the labor of at least 13 enslaved people of African descent who lived and worked at the house. Seasonal guided tours are available through the Preservation Society of Newport County.

VERNON HOUSE

📍 46 Clarke Street, Newport

In 1708, the Vernon House began as a modest structure of two rooms downstairs, and two upstairs, built by owners: Captain and painter William Gibbs and his wife. By November of 1759 the property experience several changes of hands before Metcalf Bowler and family occupied the home, choosing to double its original size. In 1772, an enterprising merchant, economist, religious leader, and slave trader by the name of William Vernon had a mortgage on the property, and eventually bought the home from Metcalf Bowler.

A few remarkable features of the home during its material evolution is the series of Chinoiserie panels in the Great Room, and "Old Master" paintings collected by William H. Vernon. The home evolved over the years, owned by the Vernon family through 1872, and within that time became a residence and headquarters for the French commander-in-chief. This complex history is still being uncovered by the Newport Restoration Foundation; many of the integral stories that took place here paint a broader picture of colonization, global trade, and historic preservation happening in the city of Newport.

Interested in learning more about the Newport Restoration Foundation (NRF) and its preservation properties? Click here to learn about their digital, self-guided walking tour through Newport’s historic neighborhoods.

A scale model of the Vernon house on display in the Solarium of Rough Point, located at 680 Bellevue Avenue in Newport.

ISLAND CEMETERY & COMMON BURYING GROUND

📍 Corner of Farewell and Warner Street, Newport 

One of the main entrances and exits to Newport is Farewell Street, lined on both sides by Common Burying Ground and Island Cemetery. Beginning in 1665, the site of Common Burying Ground holds over 8,000 graves, including “God’s Little Acre,” a section of 300 markers identifying the oldest and largest surviving collection of enslaved and free African Americans in the United States.

Island Cemetery next door welcomes all faiths and heritage, dubbed the first cemetery listed of Rhode Island Historical Cemeteries, and is now the only active cemetery remaining in Newport.

Many prominent historical figures are laid to rest in Island Cemetery. Jane Pickens, a renowned musician, performer, writer, and philanthropist raised partly in Newport, rests in the cemetery and is memorialized at Jane Pickens Film + Event Center.

Along with Ida Lewis, the first female lighthouse keeper, and known among the best swimmers in Newport. Ida would rowboat her siblings to school from their home at Lime Rock Light (her father the original keeper), and earned fame for her rescue of 18 people from Newport Harbor, with earliest heroic stories beginning at 12 years old. She has been nationally recognized for her bravery by President Ulysses S. Grant, and in 1924: Lime Rock Lighthouse was officially renamed to Ida Lewis Rock Lighthouse.

NEWPORT HISTORY WALKING TOURS

For the 250th year, historic walking tours throughout the city are offered almost every day April through October by the Newport Historical Society. All tours depart from The Brick Market Museum & Shop and last approximately 75 minutes. Arrive early and head inside the award-winning museum housed in the 1763 Brick Market for an engaging introduction to Newport's rich history. 

A SAMPLE OF WALKING TOURS TO EXPLORE:

• Creative Survival: Newport's Black History
• Common Burying Ground
• Discover Colonial Newport
• George Washington's Footsteps
• Golden to Gilded
• Legends and Lore
• Point Neighborhood
• Road to Independence
• Rogues & Scoundrels

Dates and times are subject to change, please visit Newport Historical Society's website for an up-to-date schedule and to purchase tickets. 

EDWARD W. KANE & MARTHA J. WALLACE CENTER FOR BLACK HISTORY AT WANTON-LYMAN-HAZARD HOUSE

📍 17 Broadway, Newport

The Wanton-Lyman-Hazard House, estimated to have been constructed in 1697, is one of the oldest surviving homes in Newport, and arguably one of the most storied with extensive history connected to the Rhode Island colonial government, pre-Revolutionary War conflict, the Quakers, and New England slave trade. Over the years the home underwent renovations since it was originally constructed, with a Norman Isham’s 1920s restoration style reflecting the shift in architectural trends from the 17th to 19th centuries. Occupants varied from missionaries, politicians, and tailors across three generations. 

The Wanton-Lyman-Hazard house will be officially open in June 2026 welcoming the Edward W. Kane and Martha J. Wallace Center for Black History.

COLONY HOUSE

📍 Washington Square, Newport

History is living and breathing at Newport Colony House, the fourth oldest statehouse still standing in the United States. Benjamin Wyatt led its building in 1739 at the apex of the Washington Square, with previous designs by Richard Munday, architect of Trinity Church and Seventh Day Baptist Meeting House. The General Assembly planned the construction in February of 1738-39, appointing three committee members to lead the project, including George Wanton, chief justice and first mayor of Newport. Inspired by Georgian architecture, it was decided the building would be brick to evoke a more grand, significant look to its surroundings.

The project commenced and Long Wharf, Newport's public wharf, was constructed months later directly across. The total cost of the Colony House amounted to 13,093 pounds, almost $2 million modern US dollars. Endless historical activity took place here from the Stamp Act of 1765, to its reporting location history after the Gaspee burning, and needed considerable mending after British occupation. 

Many of the Newport Historical Society walking tours begin and end with the Colony House. Consider taking a guided tour to take in every bit of history that unfolded!

JANE PICKENS FILM + EVENT CENTER

📍 49 Touro Street, Newport

Originally built as a church back in 1834, Jane Pickens has evolved from silent films of the 1920s, to a vibrant cultural hub in Washington Square, hosting screenings on a daily basis, live events, and renowned performances. Find Oscar Nominated, Cult Classic, and themed series tributing the past, present and future.

HOTEL VIKING

📍 1 Bellevue Avenue, Newport

The Hotel Viking is a historic centerpiece of classic Newport. Its storied history on Bellevue Ave is one marked by inviting accommodations, and influential guests like Ella Fitzgerald and U.S. President John F. Kennedy.

Celebrating its 100th anniversary in May of 2026, the hotel will welcome renovations that tastefully honor the past and look towards the future.

REDWOOD LIBRARY AND ATHENÆUM

📍 50 Bellevue Avenue, Newport

Redwood Library and Athenaeum—meaning an interdisciplinary 'think space' comprising a library, museum, and research center, was established in 1747 and reigns as the oldest circulating library in continuous use in the United States. The Redwood began as a community endeavor by its namesake, Abraham Redwood and 45 original proprietors to "propagate virtue, knowledge and useful learning with nothing in view but the good of mankind." 

This first of 'purpose-built' libraries has been considered one of the single greatest acts of philanthropy in colonial America, now containing over 200,000 volumes, portrait paintings, artifacts, and two gallery spaces for rotating exhibits — an ode to hosting Rhode Island's first art gallery in 1875. The Redwood collection holds strong early American history, Newport and Rhode Island history, material culture, architecture, decorative arts, garden design and 18th century European illustrated books.

During the revolutionary war, the library was used as an officer's club for the British army, and subsequently many of the books went missing until 1947 when an intentional effort was made to replace and renew the original collection as closely as possible. 

Fun Fact: In 2023, a black Murano glass chandelier was installed between the original library space and Rovensky Room at Redwood. Artist, Fred Wilson, designed these chandeliers to remember the role people of African descent played in Renaissance Venice, a period predating the Atlantic Slave Trade.

Redwood continues to integrate meaningful contemporary art with collections to further historical understanding and place. 

TOURO PARK

📍 Corners of Mill Street and Bellevue Ave, Newport

Journeying down Bellevue you can pass through Touro Park, a 2.25-acre green space home to the Old Stone Mill, a 28-foot-tall fieldstone-and-mortar structure supported by eight pillars and more than a few theories to its original existence. The park is named after Judah Touro, who funded its purchase by the city in 1854. There were reports at the time in 1855 by The Newport Mercury, a colonial newspaper founded in 1758 and now the oldest in continuous operation in America; that Eugene Baumann of New York was responsible for the park landscape. Baumann was a talented landscape student in Europe, and an eventual contender in the Central Park project. Another theory quipped Calvert Vaux also had a hand, and installed a music stand in 1871.

Now, numerous additions have been made to decorate this relatively flat city block with serpentine pathways, flagpoles, lampposts, Victorian style benches, and monuments like native Newporter Commodore Matthew Perry, and Temple Lantern, a gift from the Japanese government in 1954 on the centennial opening of Japan to the West.

This is a good spot to absorb a series of historical happenings while taking a beat on your exploration. Make it a picnic with provisions from the Picnic Cafe nearby.

NEWPORT ART MUSEUM

📍 76 Bellevue Avenue, Newport

Shortly past Redwood Library, and across the street from Touro Park, find the first commission in Newport by architect Richard Morris Hunt: the Newport Art Museum.

Founded in 1912, this community was created on the belief that arts and culture have a civilizing power to bring diverse groups of individuals together that will influence and foster vibrant communities. Soon after their charter in 1915, founding members determined a suitable building was needed for classes and exhibitions.

The former John N.A. Griswold House on Bellevue Ave was selected, and Hunt created a “stick-style” architectural design that stands out till this day. People of all backgrounds, ages and experience levels were welcome to attend public programs and showings. In memory of Howard Gardiner Cushing, a second gallery was opened in 1919 south of the Griswold House and designed by NY firm: Delano and Aldrich.

Over the years the Hunt building has undergone a decade-long renovation process, and the beautiful 3-acre campus encompasses two historic galleries, a Museum School, and a Center for Creative Studies.

UPCOMING EXHIBITIONS:

• Annual Summer Art Party - July 10, 2026
• Sheila Isham "Between Worlds": July 10, 2026 - February 28, 2027
• Play Pretend: May 7, 2026 - January 31, 2027
• Springboard: Members' Juried Exhibition - Now through May 31, 2026
• Howard Gardiner Cushing: A Harmony of Line & Color - Now through May 31, 2026

INTERNATIONAL TENNIS HALL OF FAME

📍 194 Bellevue Avenue, Newport

Tennis is no stranger to Newport. The first National Lawn Tennis Championship was held on August 31, 1881 at the Newport Casino, now grounds of the International Tennis Hall of Fame on Bellevue Ave. This inaugural event included 25 participants and was accompanied by a string quartet. Bostonian Dick Sear emerged as the champion, going on to win the first seven championships and retiring undefeated. The competitive sport took off, and by 1914 relocated to New York City to commence the US Open.

The world’s foremost tennis players continue to play tournaments in Newport, including the Annual Hall of Fame Open that graces Newport in July. Whether a novice to the sport, or enthusiast eager to walk the same courts legends once stood, this must-visit destination offers rich history through interactive displays, rare artifacts, and compelling storytelling across the museum and grounds. 

Blithewold Manor, Gardens, and Arboretum is a fascinating historic landmark and an intact, exemplary 45-room property from the Country Place Era in the United States.

Blithewold is among the few later 19th and 20th century New England summer estates, offering 33 acres of preserved landscapes and plants, period furnishings, and authentic family archives and artifacts. The property is a fusion of architecture, horticulture, and decorative arts, with unique aesthetics like a great lawn and gardens tying to its Old English namesake “happy woodland.”

Since damage from a fire in 1906, the manor has been rebuilt to reflect its medieval and 19th century character, with modern conveniences to host a variety of programming. The family retreat setting and gardens offer a whimsical character with mysterious to exotic, and poetic to practical features that tell a story rich in cultural heritage. 

Directly on the waterfront in downtown Bristol and featuring the East Bay Bike path, Independence Park offers four acres of public greenspace for passive recreation, and includes a boat ramp, board walk, and amenities to catch a beautiful sunset.

On the park grounds, find the memorial “Our Ancestors Come With Us.” A sculpture created by Spencer Evans and dedicated in August of 2025 to honor the memory of those impacted by the Transatlantic Human Trade, and to remember Bristol’s role in it.

Find more information about the memorial here, and the timeline of enslavement in Bristol on the historical society website.

Wander into one of several iconic foodie pubs in downtown Bristol.

You won’t find any yellow brick roads in Bristol, rather a festive red, white, and blue line marking the route of the longest continuous Fourth of July celebration in the country.

This annual celebration begins on Flag Day to commemorate the inaugural event in 1785 when Reverend Henry Wight of the First Congregational Church and a Revolutionary War veteran conducted patriotic exercises. The exact format of the parade is unknown, but it is thought community members marched in a procession together, expressing victory in the fight for independence. 

The official parade and incorporation of the military, civic, and firemen is believed to have begun in the early 1800s, and is now marked with a 2.5-mile long conclusion on July 4th each year. Events are scheduled throughout this season, including a concert series in Independence Park, fireworks, a “Firefighters Muster” (a series of physical, skills-based competitions), a Fourth of July ball and more!

The Fourth of July Parade begins at 10:30 a.m. and will step off at the corner of Chestnut Street and Hope Street (Rt. 114) and ends on High Street, between State Street and Bradford Street. Hope Street (Rt. 114) will be closed off beginning at 8:00 a.m., including Poppasquash Road.

While meandering the corridors of Bristol and the parade route, a Federal-style mansion known as Linden Place dates back to 1810, and reflects the prosperity of the notable DeWolf merchant family. Tours are available at Linden Place, highlighting the dark history of the DeWolf tycoon and descendants, financial ruin and turned prosperity before almost 200 years later, a non-profit group known as Friends of Linden Place assumed ownership in 1988. The home is an architectural wonder to Bristol, with taste inspired by ancient Greece and Rome. Visitors can admire the Palladian windows, fluted Corinthian columns along the front entrance, a four-story spiral staircase, sculpture-filled gardens, and an 18th century gazebo. 

DeWolf Tavern was first renovated in 1818 to a warehouse built by the Bristol-based maritime merchants James and William DeWolf for their shipping business in the “Triangle Trade.”

Later on the building was dented by the Prudence Island Ferry during the Great Hurricane of 1938. But stoic in nature, the tavern remained structurally sound and reopened in 2004 after an extensive renovation. Guests can choose from an array of timeless dishes from fresh caught seafood to signature entrees and sandwiches, even request a gluten-free menu of options.

You can learn more here about the DeWolf family warehouse and wharf in Bristol.

📍 474 Hope Street, Bristol

Situated in the patriotic town of Bristol, the Bradford-Dimond Norris House, originally built in 1792, is the famous residence of the influential William Bradford, Deputy Governor of Rhode Island and United States Senator. The property has five esteemed guest rooms, elegant private baths, and a distinct architectural character. Whether staying on property or visiting for the day, this landmark is worth a stop on the corner of Hope and State street.

📍 250 Metacom Avenue, Bristol

Over 100 acres make up the national historic site of Mount Hope Farm. The land was first home to the indigenous Pokanoket, the First People of Land of the Sowams, that included the towns of Bristol, Warren, Barrington, and East Providence. Learn more about the Potumtuk (Mount Hope) region from the Rhode Island Slave History Medallions here.

Today, Governor Bradford House at Mount Hope Farm, features five ensuite guest rooms, two living rooms, a dining room and full kitchen. Inside, guests can find thoughtful antiques, period wallpapers and comfortable furnishings. 

📍 154 High Street, Bristol

The William’s Grant Inn on High Street is a former sea captain home built in 1808. A 150-year generational home is a Colonial Federal design featuring seven fireplaces. The house was built on land deeded to Mary Smith, daughter of the region’s largest landowner.