American Landscape's
“Newport's Golden Age, Then and Now" Tour 
 Sunday May 3rd, 2020
 Guest Invite
Dear Tour Guest:

 I wanted you to be one of the first to know about another all new tour for 2020. “Newport's Golden Age, Then and Now” Tour on Sunday May 3 rd , 2020.

Departing from Sharon MA and Smithfield RI, on this all new tour we will journey to Newport RI. Once the summer home to America’s wealthiest residents of the late 19 th century who built their palatial summer cottages to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.

Today Newport is a worldwide destination for tourists and vacationers drawn to its beauty, history architecture and culture. On this tour we will visit 3 very different Gilded Age mansions and learn how they have each evolved and remain an important part of Newport today.
 First stop, Vernon Court built in 1898 occupying a full block on Bellevue Ave. It has been widely heralded as one of the most spectacular mansions in the country. Purchased in 1998 by Laurence and Judy Cutler who established at Vernon Court the National Museum of American Illustration . Home to largest collection of illustrated art. Enjoy a guided tour of this unique museum and view the works of celebrated illustrators such as Norman Rockwell, Maxfield Parrish and NC Wyeth to name a few displayed throughout this beautiful mansion.
 Then it’s on to Belcourt of Newport . Built in 1894 by Oliver Belmont Perry, it is Newport’s 3 rd largest mansion. It was designed as a summer cottage for Mr. Perry, and stable for his beloved horses. As the golden age came to a close, the mansion changed hands many times and fell into disrepair.

In 2012, a new chapter began for Belcourt as it was purchased by Carolyn Rafaelian, founder of Alex and Ani. Today a massive multimillion-dollar renovation and restoration is well underway returning Belcourt to its former glory and ensuring a long future.

As we tour Belcourt, witness the incredible transformation and learn what it takes to restore every detail of this storied mansion. If you have visited Belcourt in the past, you will be amazed at the transformation. Recently Belcourt was the site of Actress Jennifer Lawrence’s wedding. When finished it will become a museum dedicated to History of Newport.
 Then enjoy a 3-course lunch right on Bellevue Ave at the La Forge Casino Restaurant located on the grounds of the Tennis Hall of Fame . We will dine in a private dining room overlooking the grass center court of the Tennis Hall of Fame.
 After lunch by special arrangement with Salve Regina University we will visit Ochre Court , not regularly open for tours by the general public. If you are thinking Ochre Court “never heard or seen that mansion”, be prepared to be amazed. Not located on Bellevue Ave, it is often overlooked. Ochre Court is modeled after a French Chateau and was built in 1892 at the cost in today's dollars of 128 million dollars. Only the Breakers is larger. Donated to Salve Regina in 1947, it was here that the University began.
  But first we will enjoy a rolling-tour of their 90-acre campus , which in large part is made of 21 historically significant buildings . Part of seven contiguous 19 th century estates, including several grand Gilded Age mansions. Learn how the University continues to act as a steward and is actively engaged in preserving the splendor of the Gilded Age properties, while adapting them for education purposes. There preservation efforts have been recognized by numerous local national and international awards.

 We also will view and learn about their Arboretum featuring 1,200 trees of more than 100 different species. Much of the trees were planted during the Gilded Age by original estate owners and their renowned landscape architects.
Vinland Mansion
Wakehurst Mansion
Other Gilded Age Mansions owned by Salve Regina University
 Note this a Sunday tour . Should you be interested in being part of this tour, all you need to do is email me that you want to be part of May 3 tour. No payment is due at this time. Payment in full is due by April 1 st , 2020.

Peter Pineo
Tour Director
American Landscape Tours
(781)-366-1481
*** What’s Included ***

  1. Transportation by luxury motor coach
  2. Departing from Sharon MA and Smithfield RI
  3. Tour Vernon Court & National Museum of American Illustration , Newport RI
  4. Tour Belcourt of Newport, RI
  5. 3-course Lunch at La Forge Casino Restaurant at the Tennis Hall of Fame, Newport RI
  6. Tour Ochre Court, rolling-tour of their 90-acre campus & Arboretum at Salve Regina University, Newport RI
  7. Professional tour services
  8. All admissions, taxes and gratuities (except bus driver)

Price per person $150.00
Update
“Little Women’s, an Insiders” Tour on June 18 th , 2020

The response has been incredible and in less than two weeks nearly 70% of seats have already been reserved . A number of people who have already reserved seats have inquired if they could add a person the answer is “Yes ”, just send an e-mail with contact info. Payment info will be going out shortly. Payment for tickets will be due the week of March 15 th – 21 st , 2020 . After that, reserved seats which have not been paid will be released.

Should you have any questions as always be happy to answer by phone or email.

Hope to see you "All Aboard" American Landscape's “Little Women, an Insider’s Tour” on Thursday, June 18 th , 2020.
 
Peter Pineo
Tour Director
American Landscape Tours
(781)-366-1481