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A visit toNewport, Rhode Island, is incomplete without a tour of Bellevue Avenues famous homes.

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Photo: Courtesy of Gardiner House

But there are also the ones youcanttour, the privately-owned mansions that you need an invitation to step inside.

you might check into Newports newest hotel Gardiner House.

I love the immediate reaction people have when they walk into [Gardiner House], says Cushing.

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Photo: Courtesy of Gardiner House

Its like, Okay, this is different, and Im going to have so much fun here.

Traces of Old Newport abound as you tour the property.

As for the activities on offer?

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Photo: Courtesy of Gardiner House

(Gardiner House also offers a beach picnic experienceparasols and alland provides bicycles for roving the town.)

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Photo: Courtesy of Gardiner House

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Photo: Courtesy of Gardiner House

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Photo: Courtesy of Gardiner House

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Photo: Courtesy of Gardiner House

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Photo: Nick Mele / Courtesy of Gardiner House

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Photo: Courtesy of Gardiner House