Newport, Rhode Island, is quickly establishing itself as a must-stop transit call on fall foliage itineraries.

The tender port had a packed September and October, with ships ranging from Le Boreal to the Queen Mary 2 calling, and just about everything in between, including multiple double-call days handling large vessels. There were 42 scheduled calls to the niche destination in September and October.

Newport markets history and architecture to arts and culture to culinary experiences, events and its coastal New England charm. Among the highlights are the mansions from the Gilded Age, where America’s industrialist wealthy lived.

There’s also the Rhode Island Food Tour, a three-hour walking tour featuring more than a dozen culinary stops and including plenty of local folklore.

Renovated in 2015, there’s also the Museum at the International Tennis Hall of Fame.

Discover Newport added a mobile visitor center adjacent to the tender piers for the 2016 season. For each arrival the center had maps, brochures and information for cruise passengers, as well as information specialists onhand to answer any questions.

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