When artists dream, they probably dream of Newport, home of ocean waves and sailboats on the horizon, cobblestoned streets and exotic mansions, quaint little shops and galleries cuddling together on the wharves, warming the hearts of all who pass by. Such are dreams made.

The town is composed of countless galleries that exhibit art of all types, shapes and forms ? for furniture, tall ships and glassware, as well as for traditional fine art. Festivals for every occasion heat up the summertime. There are music and art festivals, kite and flower festivals, film and folk festivals ? you name it, they celebrate it.

There are enough museums in Newport to keep one occupied for a while. Some of these include the Newport Art Museum, Museum of Newport History, Museum of Yachting, International Tennis Hall of Fame, and the Naval War College Museum, among others. Many are free, some require reservations, all are interesting.

Newport has champagne taste where sports are concerned . Polo, croquet, and sailing are favorites here. In fact, Newport is known as the yachting capital of the world. Adventure treks usually involve scuba diving, sail boarding, or sea kayaking. Of course, there are the usual games of golf, hiking and fishing, as well.

`A number of places rent out bikes and mopeds for hot wheeling on land, and there are a variety of nature trails to follow. A multitude of beaches in town await tourists with soft warm sands and the music of the waves to embrace the soul. Ice skating and horseback riding facilities are also available in the area.

Nearby, Norman Bird Sanctuary in Middletown and the Prudence Conservancy on Prudence Island are among several excellent facilities for observing and photographing the beautiful avian creatures that nest here..

There is a danger to visiting Newport ? once there, it never leaves the blood. Sweet memories of a charming New England town, kissed by the ocean breeze, with sounds of music in the air and sailboats bobbing in the water will remain forevermore.

Newport is about 30 miles southeast of Providence.