Marble House was built between 1888 and 1892 for Mr. and Mrs. William K. Vanderbilt. It was a summer house, or “cottage”, as Newporters called them in remembrance of the modest houses of the early 19th century. But Marble House was much more: it was a social and architectural landmark that set the pace for Newport, Rhode Island’s subsequent transformation from a quiet summer colony of wooden houses to the legendary resort of opulent stone palaces.

Mr. Vanderbilt was the grandson of Commodore Cornelius Vanderbilt, who established the family’s fortune in steamships and the New York Central Railroad. His older brother was Cornelius II, who built The Breakers. Alva Vanderbilt was a leading hostess in Newport society who envisioned Marble House as her “temple to the arts” in America.

The house was designed by architect Richard Morris Hunt, inspired by the Petit Trianon at Versailles. It includes 500,000 cubic feet of imported marble. Upon its completion, Mr. Vanderbilt gave the house to his wife as a 39th birthday present. The Vanderbilts had three children: Consuelo, who became the ninth Duchess of Marlborough; William K., Jr., a prominent figure in pioneering the sport of auto racing in America; and Harold, one of the finest yachtsmen of his era who successfully defended the America’s Cup three times.

The Preservation Society of Newport County acquired the house in 1963. Today it is designated a National Historic Landmark.

Marble House is open daily through May 4; closed May 5-24; reopens May 25. House & grounds open at 10 a.m. Last tour admission at 4 p.m. House & grounds close at 5 p.m.

Tennis has a long history in Newport, RI. The National Tennis Club, located at the Newport Casino was opened on July 1, 1880 after a six-month construction period and quickly became a fashionable venue for Newport summer residents. The United States Lawn Tennis Association held its first championships at the Newport Casino in 1881. The Casino currently houses the Tennis Hall of Fame.

While it may be a little chilly, and snowy to take advantage of the grass courts this month, the International Tennis Hall of Fame is hosting an exhibit featuring the history of Black Tennis is Rhode Island, Breaking the Barriers. In celebration of Black History Month throughout February the International Tennis Hall of Fame will offer digital content and virtual special events featuring the inspiring people and historic moments that comprise the history of Black tennis.

There isn’t a month in the year that tennis isn’t celebrated and appreciated in Newport!

Visit the International Tennis Hall of Fame 

Running Aquidneck Island is something you can enjoy year round. The best part, it’s an island… so you don’t have to circle back, ever! Rather its a short mile to Easton Beach or a pop up 5k down Bellevue Ave and return to Brenton put on your treads and have at it! For the more adventurous, try the 10 mile Ocean Drive loop.

Safe Travels – Andy Ross

Of the numerous breweries in RI, there are a few within a short drive’s distance of the Brenton. The 5 on this list offer retail sales of their beers in cans/bottles and growler fills. All have Tap/Tasting rooms and offer seating by reservation. I couldn’t begin to describe all the beers offered by these 5 breweries but suffice it to say that I’ve never tried one of their beers that I didn’t like. From stouts to sours to lagers and beyond, these breweries offer a great representation of all styles of beer and all do a great job of preserving the feel of the small local brewery.

Twelve Guns Brewing in Bristol 
Ragged Island in Portsmouth
Whalers in Wakefield
Tilted Barn in Exeter
Taproot in Middletown 

Cheers – Chef Wood

The Cliff Walk along Newport’s Easton Beach is probably the most notable of all walking tours in our beautiful City by the Sea. It’s 3.5 mile trail leads you along historic coast lines, through Salve Regina University and along the sprawling lawns of many of our famed Gilded Age Mansions. The Walk is extraordinary and a must do for the trail hound. With that said there are many option for people who like short strolls around town or scenic  paths along nature preserves and state parks. My top trails are: Brenton State Park, the Norman Bird Sanctuary, Sachuset Point National Wildlife Refuge, Fort Adams state park, and strolling along the paths of “The Point” district (It’s like a walk through the colonial era.).

Enjoy your stroll – Andy Ross, Managing Director

Pajama Brunch:  Every weekend through March join us in the Living Room for our Pajama Brunch.  We kick off every Saturday and Sunday morning with Tarts and Toons.  Enjoy handmade toaster pastries and cartoons from your childhood.  Pajamas are encouraged.  Our brunch menus are inspired from our small plates dining concept and offer breakfast and lunch inspirations from around the world that have been locally perfected.  Mimosa’s begin flowing at 7 am.  Our Pajama Brunch Package begins at $249 per night and includes overnight accommodations and two Mimosa’s.  The Pajama Brunch is open to the general public features our full Living Room Menu and we will be awarding the family with the best PJ’s an overnight stay with our compliments each week.

Brenton Brunch Menu

Classic Movie Thursdays:  Join us in the Living Room for Gilded Age Inspired Cocktails and Classic Movies.  Cocktail service begins nightly at 4 pm, and the feature presentation begins at 7.  Check out our blog for current weeks title.  Classic Movie packages begin at $209 and include overnight accommodations, two featured cocktails, and popcorn during the show.  Admission to the movie night is open to the general public, featured cocktails and our full Living Room Menu is also available!

THIS WEEK!

We believe in the healing power of travel. We believe in the peace that comes with travel. We believe in the passion of travelers. We welcome you.

New England has a wicked history, and Newport’s cobblestoned streets, centuries-old buildings and graveyards dating back to the mid-1600s create the perfect backdrop for a spooky evening of storytelling and ghost hunting.  Being a lover of Newport’s history I have found that Ghost Tours of Newport is a fun and creepy way to explore the city while learning more about its darker side. Though best known for mansions, sailing, tennis and golf, Newport was founded long before the Guilded Age and has no shortage of spooky secrets.

For an adventure that is a little less scary, Escobar Farms in near-by Portsmouth is the perfect place.  Their corn maze covers 8 acres of land and is both family and dog friendly!  They also offer hayrides and have a pumpkin patch for the full fall in New England experience.

Fall is in the air! As a Chef, I love a good fall recipe and this Pumpkin Soup is no exception. I am sharing this recipe with you so you can enjoy a seasonal specialty at your house!

Pumpkin Soup

2 medium pumpkins

2 bunches leeks, chopped

4 T. butter

Chicken stock or water, as needed

1/2 tsp. nutmeg

salt and white pepper to taste

2 cups heavy cream

French bread croutons

Parmesan cheese, freshly grated

fresh parsley and chives, chopped

Cut lids out of the pumpkins and remove the seeds and stringy stuff,

as if preparing a jack-o-lantern. Cut one of the pumpkins into two

inch chunks, leaving the skin on, and leave the other one whole. It will

serve as the tureen.

Melt the butter in a stock pot and add the leeks. Cover and cook

gently for 3 minutes, until soft but not browned. Add the pumpkin

chunks, and chicken stock or water to just cover the pumpkin. Season

to taste with salt and white pepper. Partially cover and simmer for

about 30 minutes, or until the pumpkin is very tender, then puree.

If you are serving the soup later, it can be chilled and reheated.

About an hour before serving time, brush the whole pumpkin shell with

olive oil and place it in a 400º oven. In about 45 minutes it will turn a

dark orange and begin to show hints of browning. Take it out at this

point. Do not let the pumpkin get too soft or it will collapse, and

won’t be a good tureen.

Reheat the soup, stir in the cream, check the seasoning, and pour into

the hot pumpkin shell. Float croutons on top, sprinkle with freshly

grated Parmesan, and herbs, and carry the pumpkin to the table amid

pomp and ceremony with much cheering.