The Secret Garden Tour returns for its 42nd year June 26-28, opening the gates to 14 private gardens in Newport’s historic Point neighborhood for a series of self-guided walking tours.
The tour, which begins at Storer Park near the causeway to Goat Island, features a mix of returning favorites and gardens new to the route, all maintained by their owners. Tours run daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and tickets are good only for the day purchased.
Proceeds support arts education programs in Aquidneck Island’s public schools. Since 1984, the tour has funded dozens of music, theater and fine arts programs for local schoolchildren, giving more than $1 million to the cause to date.
Advance tickets are available online at secretgardentours.org for a discounted rate of $35. A limited number will be sold. If any remain, they may be purchased the day of the tour at Storer Park, 32 Washington Street, for $40.
The organizers note that Condé Nast Traveler named Newport one of the best walking cities in the U.S. in spring 2014, citing the June Secret Garden Tour through the Point as a highlight.
