Things To Do In Newport

No one knows exactly where he came from—perhaps a sailor taking shore leave, or maybe a wayfarer exploring the colonies—but locals think they know what he's waiting for. In the 1720s, two travelers checked into The White Horse Tavern—still functioning today since 1673. One murdered the other, fleeing into the night, never to be heard from again. Ever since, visitors have seen the ghost of the slain traveler, saying that he appears to be waiting the day for his companion returns and he may take his revenge.

This is just one of the tales shared by the guides of Ghost Tours of Newport. Cloaked in flowing black dresses, billowy capes, and top hats, they lead each tour by lantern light through Newport's historic colonial district, one of the oldest neighborhoods in the United States with buildings dating back to the late 1600s. Leading guests down easily overlooked alleyways still defaced by H.P. Lovecraft's tagging phase, the guides arrive at haunted locations, such as a wrought-iron-gated colonial cemetery neighboring a church constructed in 1726. The stories behind some sightings and locations even intersect with historical figures, such as George Washington and Lizzy Borden. Guides encourage picture taking and receive submissions each week of possible spectral figures caught during a tour, which they post to Ghost Tours of Newport's Facebook albums. These images range from the impression of faces in windows to orbs, believed to represent a spirit with a fondness for bowling.

The Preservation Society of Newport County protects and showcases Newport's one-of-a-kind architectural heritage. During tours of Newport's museum-houses, visitors get a glimpse into three centuries of American history, from the French Baroque styling of Rosecliff, high-Victorian splendor and fancy French name of Chateau-sur-mer. Tourists can trace the steps of some of America's most wealthy families as they explore latter-day castles such as Cornelius Vanderbilt II's The Breakers or the Isaac Bell House. Special events give guests a hands-on insight to the everyday people that worked in New England's most famous mansions, while annual occasions such as the Newport Flower show celebrate the treasured traditions and landscapes of Newport each year.

On January 17, 2014, runners along the water on North and South Flagler Drives will most likely be part of Sunshine State Races. The scenic route hosts a timed 5K race and a more challenging half marathon. Winners from each age division win awards?such as gift certificates and tickets to local events?and, at the end of the race, all participants receive a high-five from their running sneakers.

A crew of professional mariners at Confident Captain/Ocean Pros prepares students to navigate the earth’s bluest patches with instruction in all facets of boat operation and maintenance. A schedule of classes includes primarily Saturday and Sunday sessions, which take place 9 a.m.–3 p.m. at the Confident Captain Training Center. Soak up lessons in vessel safety through the At the Helm program. Novice sailors absorb the basics of seafaring equipment, security measures, and barracuda-hunting calls from the Brand New Boater course ($95), and the Competent Crew class teaches the essentials of gear stowing, knot tying, and line tossing ($150).

At Art Greenwich, David and Lee Ann Lester, owners of International Fine Arts Expositions, usher antique and contemporary art, design, and jewelry from more than 60 international exhibitors into a 228-foot docked megayacht. Fine-arts dealer David Brooker entrances art lovers with masterful works from England and America spanning three centuries. Pieces by Andy Warhol call out to pop-art aficionados, while Green River Stone’s fossilized, fish encrusted murals provide pristine snapshots of what life was like 50 million years ago and what salmon looks like when served at Medusa’s dinner parties. Guests swoon over floral accessories from Yvel and ogle the exquisite works of Murano glass from Mark Helliar 20th Century Design that inspire thoughts of flowers with their intricate, natural design and flower-themed costume parties.

The soldiers and military officers that once called Fort Adams home may be gone, but the paranormal energy they left behind still incites shivers in Fortress of Nightmares visitors. Guests confront the supernatural through several routes, one being ghost hunts. These 90-minute excursions into the unknown call upon The Rhode Island Paranormal Research group and knowledgeable tour guides to escort patrons through the facilities, answering questions about the barracks, officers? quarters, casemates, and slabs of haunted meatloaf in the mess hall. Adventurers get even closer to lingering entities through rental electro-magnetic field detectors and infrared thermometers. Horror also reigns in the Tunnels of Terror, possessed stretches shrouded in spooky light and sound effects, and the zombie-themed Apocalypse airsoft range. Ghost tours offer a less-frightening look into the fort?s history and stories, thanks to a local-folklore expert who accompanies the tour guide.