WHITE HORSE TAVERN Where: Newport, Rhode Island Open since: 1673 It seems fitting that the spot claiming to be America’s oldest tavern was once run by a notorious pirate. There are even stories of that seaman, William Mayes, Jr., still haunting the White Horse Tavern today. Current-day patrons come to the red, barn-like structure in search of other throwbacks to the past, like the classic New England clam chowder served beside a huge, wood-burning fireplace.