chic getaways for families in Newport Rhode IslandWe were inspired this week by Newport Rhode Island, a beautiful and elegant town replete with seaside mansions, museums, great restaurants, beaches and more.The "Must Do List" in Newport, includes Cliff Walk, where visitors can take a walking tour of the shoreline dotted by spectacular mansions, home long ago to the Vanderbilts and their ilk. If just seeing the outside is not enough, get a ticket to go inside and enjoy the opulent furnishings and lush settings- saddle up to a tour guide, as some of the stories are entertaining, especially for the kids, of well dressed dog companions, table manners and dining habits.Speaking of dining, when you're done drooling over these over-the-top pads, for a bite, head on over to The Clarke Cooke House on Bannister's Wharf, for some fresh fish and lively atmosphere. For an after dinner ice cream, Sprinkles is a good choice on Bowan's Wharf, where you can enjoy a casual cone while you check out the shops in the area.Our heart belongs to The Chanler at Cliff Walk (a hotel with a delicious restaurant inside) for Sunday brunch - their menu and enviable perch are both scrumptious. The hotel is hop and a skip from Second Beach that surely wins beach with best land-view (back at the Chandler House). After showering off the sand after a delightful day at the beach, catch a   movie in town at the charming Jane Pickens theater, and then grab an appetizer or two at Forty 1° North, one of the chicest hotels in  town.Tempted? Time to pack: get yourself in the spirit with these hand picked goodies: Go old school with the vintage mauve bathing suit, snazzy it up with a pair of stylish shades, hold tight to a Coco Chanel doll (in lieu of teddy), don't forget a Pride & Prejudice primer and play set, and, if you're really setting up shop and outfitting more than just yourself - say installing yourself in the Breakers or Rosecliff - we suggest a (so not shabby) shabby-chic canopy bed - perfect for those of us who's last name should have been Rockefeller.Been there, Done that? Check out some of our other travel ideas!