Newport, Rhode Island is justifiably proud of its storied inheritance. The original colony was founded on principles of religious tolerance, so an embracing ethic and open-minded spirit are defining characteristics. In the 19th century, wealthy industrial families with names like Vanderbilt and Astor built magnificent mansions, earning Newport a reputation as an elite coastal playground. But this New England town is much more than its illustrious past. While tried-and-true attractions like the Cliff Walk and venerable music festivals such as Newport Jazz and Newport Folk shouldn’t be overlooked, this charming town is effortlessly forging ahead into the 21st century.
Here are five new reasons to visit Newport.
Do: The Bodhi Spa
The Bodhi Spa is Newport’s first hydrotherapy spa. This ancient healing art utilizes water at a variety of temperatures for a range of health benefits. Float in the steamy Epsom and Dead Sea salt pools before taking an invigorating dip in the icy-cold plunge pool. An array of steam and saunas, plus a Zen-like relaxation zone, round out the water journey. The fee is $55 and you may stay as long as you like. It’s all sparkling clean and the epitome of serene. In addition, they offer a full range of spa services, from massages to facials. Bathing suits are required in this co-ed facility.
Do: The International Tennis Hall of Fame
This ode to tennis has been drawing racket-loving fans for decades. It underwent extensive renovations last year and novel high tech experiences abound. Highlights include the interactive “Roger Federer Hologram,” where visitors feel as though they are in a room casually conversing with the Swiss champion. The interactive “Call the Match” exhibit allows you to step into the role of broadcaster and announce pivotal points.
Do: Newport Mansions
Do: Charge your smart phones before you visit the must-see Newport Mansions. The “no photo rule” is now a thing of the past at The Breakers, The Elms and Marble House, with other historic mansions expected to follow suit. Go ahead and share selfies of your inner aristocrat on social media as you tour these odes to a bygone era of opulence.
Eat: Mission
Eat: While Newport has an undeniable connection to privilege, its most delicious new dining spot is the definition of democratic. Mission Burger’s inexpensive menu features New England ingredients and ethically raised beef ground on premise. The burger’s bun-to-meat ratio nails the hard to hit sweet spot. The crispy falafel, served on toasted pita with a refreshing salad of shaved veggies, is a satisfying vegetarian option. Hand-cut fries enhance the all-American dining experience. Mission is family-run and rich in nostalgic memorabilia, adding a spoonful of fun to all the yumminess.
Stay: Gilded
Gilded is Newport’s newest style-conscious property, offering guests a playfully irreverent take on the Gilded Age. Historic meets hip with a mix of ornate Rococo and bold Beaux Arts furnishings coupled with modern amenities such as iPads and in-room LED Smart TVs. The black velvet pool table adds additional eye-candy and the curated small plates at breakfast, included in the room rate, are a bounty of sunrise treats. Look out for off-season rates starting at $149 per night.
Get to Newport from NYC
Ride the Peter Pan bus to Providence from Port Authority or take Amtrak from Penn Station. Once in Providence, you can hop bus number 60 run by RIPTA from Kennedy Plaza towards Newport. Get off at the last stop at Newport Gateway Center at 23 America’s Cup Avenue. The ride from Providence takes just over an hour.
Photo Credits:Joey Lax-Salinas, Billy Black, Lark Hotels, The International Tennis Hall of Fame, Gavin Ashworth/The Preservation Society of Newport County, Mission, The Bodhi Spa.
Allison is a native New Yorker, who has lived in Rome, Tuscany, Melbourne, Toronto and Los Angeles. She frequently contributes travel pieces to Family Travel Forum, using her own children as guinea pigs as they travel the globe. She is fluent in Italian and Spanish and laughably adequate in French. Her background as an Early Childhood Educator gives her an added understanding of what it takes to travel with kids in tow. She firmly believes that the most important part of education takes place outside of the classroom, on the road, around the world. She never misses a chance to sample local delicacies, as her love for travel goes hand-in-hand with her love for food and wine. Follow Allison at @gourmetrav.
Sarah Knapp is a Brooklyn based entrepreneur whose love for the outdoors and community building led her to the October 2013 creation of OutdoorFest. She has a BA in History, is a Wilderness First Responder and a NY state hiking, camp and boating guide. Her proudest achievement to date is reading the Aeneid in Latin. 
Allison was one of our first top writers and Chief Editor but is no longer working with offMetro. Allison is a native New Yorker, who has lived in Rome, Tuscany, Melbourne, Toronto and Los Angeles. She frequently contributed travel pieces to Family Travel Forum, using her own children as guinea pigs as they travel the globe. She never missed a chance to sample local delicacies, as her love for travel goes hand-in-hand with her love for food and wine. 
Josh Laskin is a freelance travel writer and photographer based in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. When he is not at work or on the road, you can find him in the mountains snowboarding, climbing, hiking, fly fishing, mountain biking, and eating bagel bites.
Annie is a travel writer, environmentalist, and surfer based in Venice, CA. She heads up our West Coast team, keeps our grammatical errors in check, and makes sure our California writers always have a plan for their next adventure. Follow Annie’s travels @annelisemcb.
Carly Pifer is a freelance writer who has been known to follow whims inspired by romantic movie scenes or colorful street style shots to India, Japan, Tunisia and Argentina. After stints living in Seoul, Boston, Paris and Los Angeles, writing and searching for something intangible, she landed somewhat steadily in Brooklyn and has begun to find inspiration in her more immediate surroundings. 
Kate E. O’Hara is a New York based freelance writer and photographer who loves all things food—especially the people who make it and market it. Her writing aims to capture the essence of the food experience; the stories that go well beyond a plate of ingredients. In addition to her love of food, Kate is also known to have a hankering for red wine and craft beer. You can also find Kate on Instagram