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This unique island community prides itself on the variety of vacation experiences it has to offer. Any one of a dozen events may have drawn you to Newport: sailing regattas, music festivals, professional tennis at the Newport Casino, boat shows, arts and crafts exhibits, mansion tours or just a relaxing day at the beach. Whether you are looking to unwind or to heat up, Newport has something for you. Perhaps tales of Newport's multi-faceted personality--its colonial homes and churches located just blocks away from modern condominiums, its fleet of rusting lobster boats competing for space with elegant yachts--charmed you into visiting the city-by-the-sea.

It is ironic that this haven of religious tolerance became a point in the infamous Triangle Trade. The industry was an extension of the slave trade, using African slaves to obtain West Indian sugar and molasses to be made into Newport rum. It was during the days of the rum trade that pineapples found their way into Newport homes and became the city's symbol of hospitality.

Newport sea captains brought the pineapples home with them after a trip to the West Indies. A captain would place a pineapple in front of his home to indicate that he had returned from his voyage at sea and that his house was open to visitors. Newport's era as a seaport ended with the British occupation of 1776. British ships blockaded Newport harbor, and the city's timber wharves became firewood during the brutally cold winter. The era known as "The 400" is perhaps the most well-known phase of Newport's history. This was the time when the very rich used Newport as their summer playground. Elaborate mansions and villas sprung up along Bellevue Avenue and Ocean Drive. These architectural masterpieces were lived in for only a few months each year and were referred to as summer cottages.

There's something for everyone among Newport's many events and activities. We think we have a great deal to offer you and we hope this Newport electronic guide will help you capture the essence of our community.