The season is underway, and three of Newport’s most magnificent houses—often called “summer cottages” by the Astors and Vanderbilts—are now open for daily tours: The Breakers, The Elms, and Marble House. Additional historic properties will open through May.
New for 2013 is a striking costume exhibition at Rosecliff (March 16–Nov. 22) that traces fashions from the Roaring Twenties through landmark designer creations by Chanel, Halston, and Givenchy. If you visit in summer, consider attending The Elms’ Summer Venetian Masked Ball on August 3. The ball celebrates the newly restored dining room and the return of ten Venetian history paintings that once hung there.
Scheduled events this season include the annual Easter Egg Hunt and brunch on Rosecliff’s back lawn, a plant sale at Green Animals Topiary Garden on May 11, and the 18th annual Newport Flower Show at Rosecliff, running June 21–23. This year’s theme, “Jade: Eastern Obsessions,” highlights influences from the East; the gala opening on June 21 features a seaside supper, live music, and a cocktail buffet—glass slippers encouraged.