Newport Mansions visit (house, to buy, live in)

[canuckexpat]

I live in CT and I am having some guests from out of the country and I would like to take them to see one of the Newport Mansions tomorrow Saturday. We only have time to see one or two maybe. I have never been there and I would like to know:

1. Which two I should visit?

2. How busy are the weekends in these locations?

3. How is the parking situation in front of these mansions?

4. Can you see the rest of the mansions at least by driving by since I heard that most of them are on the same street?

Any other advice for visiting these mansions.

Thanks

[GermanSpy]

I'd definitely go see the Breakers one. Maybe another fun one would be the Elms. They're all interesting though.

It will probably be fairly busy there, this is the middle of tourist season after all. I also think it's the Newport Flower Show this weekend so you'll have an even bigger crowd. Rosecliff might be closed because of the show. Parking is available close to the mansions but again, lots of people might be there so it might be a bit of a chore to find a decent parking spot.

Instead of driving around to see the mansions I'd really recommend going for a walk and taking a look, especially if the weather allows for it. These places are much more impressive when there's time to observe them. So don't whisk your friends past them in a car, take your time instead. Only other thing I can think of is if you've got small children be prepared to carry them, you won't be able to bring strollers into the mansions. Wear comfy shoes, there's some walking to be done.

Enjoy your visit!

[Coem]

The Breakers and Marble House are the two biggies. Don't bother just driving past the others if you're not actually going in because most are behind fences and bushes, and the inside of the mansions are what everyone wants to see anyway. There are some good drives in Newport along the ocean though.

[canuckexpat]

Ok thanks for the info. I was also thinking of visiting the Breakers as well. I called and they said you don't have to buy tickets online, tours go on continously every 5 min and there is a parking lot right there.

What else is to do in Newport other than the mansions, flower show and tennis hall of fame? Is there a street you can walk by the ocean with lots of restaurants/stores? If the weather is nice I know my guests would like to take a stroll.

[Hollytree]

The Cliff Walk is a must. Very picturesque walk by the ocean. Non commercial.
If you want shops & restaurants walk down Thames St.
Drive down Ocean Drive to see the mansions. Visit the tennis hall of fame (if interested). Take a harbor tour by boat. Go to the Newport Art Museum.
Go to Brenton Pt Park and fly a kite. You'll find plenty to do in Newport- don't worry just go!