Newport - where to begin

So many people rave about it. We have never been. I started looking in to it and I am impressed but don't know where to even begin.
Please recommend your favorite places to stay (not taking kids).
What is there to do there?

Newport - where to begin

We went about 9 years ago for our first anniversary. We stayed at the Francis Malbone B&B. Very close to the water and shopping. What to do there depends a little on the time of year. We went in the fall, so it was a little chilly. We shopped, visited the mansions and did the cliff walk. Ocean Drive is very pretty.

Re: Newport - where to begin

We loved Newport and can't wait to go back. When we went, we had no money in our pockets, no ferry reservations and no hotel reservations. We just hoped in the car with the GPS and went with it. BEST TRIP EVER. They have a visitor center right in the middle of everything to help you. We stayed at the Jail House Inn. It was very nice, free parking and in the middle of everything. Didn't need to take the car anywhere.

Have fun if you go!

Newport - where to begin

Thanks! We are booking it any day for the summer. So excited looks beautiful

Newport - where to begin

Love it there. The mansions (3 is really all you need to do), cliff walk, rented bikes, sunset sail in the harbor, just walk the strip - see the shops etc., stop at a waterside bar for cocktails and apps, nice dinners - great town!