Newport, R.I., is best known as a summer vacation destination, but you can still have a “wealth” of fun in the winter at this beautiful coastal community known for its opulent mansions, stunning beaches and great downtown shopping and dining.

Before we tell you more, let us get you in the Newport winter mood with this winter photo at Ocean Drive…

We did a recent Newport hotel comparison price check and came up with some hotels coming in at under $100, at this writing! We noticed some

three star historical inns and hotels in the mix, thus putting your mind at ease that cheap prices don’t necessarily mean lower quality accommodations.  Even better news is that you won’t die of boredom in the off season as Newport remains quite active in the winter. You can still tour the mansions and take in the ocean with a scenic drive at Ocean Drive, a walk along the oceanside 3.5 Cliff Walk or Easton’s Beach, and visit Fort Adams State Park with amazing panoramic views of both Newport Harbor and the east passage of Narragansett Bay. Just make sure the weather conditions are OK before you embark on any walking or driving tour.

The downtown, by the way, is an extensive, uneven yet charming grid of main and side streets with many wonderful locally-owned restaurants (great seafood here in Newport!) and shops along the way — many of these businesses are open during the winter. Additionally, the historic Jane Pickens Theater, at Washington Square, is open for first run movies, documentaries and classic films. The International Tennis Hall of Fame, at 194 Bellevue Ave., is also open during the winter, 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. daily.

If you are budget-minded with your travel and find it more of a challenge financially to vacation in New England’s summer hot spots, winter is definitely a nice time to visit Newport, R.I.!