As we hit the midpoint of summer and the highpoint of people again traveling far afield, we've decided to stay close to home and visit Newport, R.I. 

The storied destination for the great and the good of America's Gilded Age, today Newport retains all of its extravagant history and none of its restrictive exclusivity.  As a result, Newport is a perfect destination for a late summer getaway and a "next summer" wedding! 

On a recent visit, we were welcomed at The Chanler on Newport's famous Cliff Walk. As the only hotel housed in one of the town's historic mansions—or cottages, as they are quaintly referred to—The Chanler gives anyone the chance to experience living in Newport as the Vanderbilts and Dukes once did. 

Each of its 20 rooms and villas is designed around a historical era or particular theme. Enjoy a fireplace, private terrace or view of Narraganset Bay. Its newly installed yurts are an amusing counterpoint to the rooms and a great spot in which to enjoy Chef Jacob Jasinski's superb fare, which is focused on local and seasonal cuisine. 

Nothing is quite more local fare than oysters from The Chanler's oyster purveyors, Walrus and Carpenter. We thoroughly enjoyed our 90-minute excursion to their oyster farm learning all about farming, harvesting, shucking and tasting this Narraganset delicacy. 

For the landlubbers among us, Newport is a feast of activities. As home to more colonial houses than anywhere in the country, and host to the oldest jazz festival in the U.S.—The Newport Jazz Festival from July 30 - August 1 this year—Newport is a feast for the eyes and ears. 

And, when it comes time for you to say "I do," there's no need to look further than Newport for a storybook wedding. Stay at The Chanler, wed at any of the town's historic homes like Glen Manor House, and have Jubilee Events design your dream wedding. 

Photo: Carla Ten Eyck

While wanderlust might be coaxing us to points overseas and beyond, experiencing Newport's shores this month will make for the history books. Please reach out to Brandi, Anna Clara or Lorenzo at Valerie Wilson Travel to book your Newport weekend today. 

Creative Team for Featured Wedding:

Design: Jubilee Events, @ajubileeevent
Photography: C10ike, @c10ike
Fashion & Styling: The White Dress by the Shore, @thewhitedress
Makeup: Simply Gorgeous by Erin, @simplygorgeousbyerin
Hair: The Beauty Bar, @thebeautybar
Floral Design: Just For You Floral Design, @justforyoufloraldesign
Rentals: PEAK Event Services, @peakeeventservices
Film: Artistic Wedding Films
Stationery: Coral Pheasant Stationery, @coralpheasant
Cake: Something Different Cake Couture
Catering: Blackstone Caterers, @blackstoneri
Lighting / Design: Ryan Designs, @ryandesignsri