The Astor’s Mansion in Newport, Rhode Island
Astor’s Beechwood Mansion is just one of a long stretch of jaw-dropping, meticulously maintained mansions along the Cliff Walk in Newport, Rhode Island. The Rhode Island Convention & Visitors Bureau invited me and my family to come to Newport and look at these mansions – and the Astor’s Beechwood was specifically mentioned as more accessible for children. The phrase “more accessible” means “less boring,” in this case, as goggling at fancy furniture probably doesn’t rank highly on many kids’ vacation priorities. The Beechwood Theatre Company work here: Several actors in era-appropriate costumes act as actual Astors and their staff (footmen, maids) to give kids an idea of what life was like in the Gilded Age.
Family Approaching Astor's Beechwood Mansion
Ocean View from Astor's Mansion in Newport RI
Astor's Mansion, Newport Rhode Island
I have many more photographs from the Astor’s Beechwood Mansion in Newport, Rhode Island. They’re on my digital camera, though, and I forgot to pack the USB port that lets me upload photos (these ones were taken with my Blackberry). A more detailed post about the actors that made an educational tour fun for kids will have to wait for my eventual return home. In the meantime, enjoy the glimpse of life at the upper-crust of a more sophisticated era!
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I visited this mansion ages ago when I lived in Rhode Island. I always say, for such a teeny tiny state (it is said that there is a farm bigger than Rhode Island in Texas) it has sooooo much to offer. And Newport tops the list for sure!
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