A Guide to Newport's Cliff Walk: Tales of Seaside Mansions & the Gilded Age Elite (History & Guide)

I visited Newport and walked the Cliff Walk, or should I have said, hiked? It is a marvelous three miles of gorgeous acreage of the "backyards" of the summer "cottages" built more than a hundred years ago, impossible to duplicate today. The other side of the walk consists of the Atlantic Ocean, with no guard rails, it's just you and the sea. The book details the history of these mansions, as well as Newport itself, and also cautions the reader to truly beware on "the Walk" as a wrong twist of the foot could tumble you into the ocean. The book is an enchanting blend of pictures and narrative, written companionably to present a sublime image of one of Newport's greatest assets. It is marked to let the reader know where he is each step of the way. One word of warning, leave the book back at the motel, or read it before venturing out on Cliff Walk. One needs total concentration out there.

Never knew Newport had such a rich history. Everything I have ever read about the Gilded Age has been about New York. This book made me want to be there, walking the path and seeing these magnificent vacation homes. .

I purchased this guide book prior to a trip to Newport. I had heard of the Cliff Walk but didn't know much about it. The last time we visited Newport we toured the mansions but we didn't have time to take the walk and this trip I intended to give the Cliff Walk priority. I googled for information on Newport, RI and reference was made to the Cliff Walk and this guide. I was very happy with my purchase. The author not only gave descriptions and pictures of the homes along the way but a little history regarding the owners of the homes and informative and humorous stories associated with them. He divided the 3.7 mile walk into map segments with information on what you would see in each section. I think a trip to Newport, RI would not be complete without visiting at least some of the mansions and taking this walk along the cliffs behind the famous homes. The views of the ocean are beautiful and many of the homes are viewable from the path. I would advise, however, that if you go on a sunny day that you take sunblock and a hat!

A good reference guide to the many large cottages in Newport. I did not find the subject especially interesting, certainly not a page turner.

As a lover of Newport, RI this was a great guide to Cliff Walk which I have had been fortunate to walk!

Would like to redo my review on this book. At first l was disappointed because l thought it would be a picture book with all beautiful interior pictures, but after reading it give you a feel for that time period and worth visiting.

Interesting read History of Newport and interesting places to visit mentioned

Good information, but wish the book was a little larger in size