Newport, More than Mansions
I didn’t know much about Rhode Island. When Jen suggested we visit the smallest state in the United States for our 20-year celebration I thought, why not?! Happily, it checks off another state on my ‘Visit all 50’ bucket list. Jen flew from Duluth, Minnesota to Boston and me from Indianapolis. We landed within an hour of each other, rented a zippy car (read cheapest-available) and embarked upon a leisurely two-hour drive from Massachusetts to Rhode Island.
Newport, for lack of a better description is an affluent white person’s playground. Estate homes, the harbor and ports, the sea of yachts – pun intended, sailboats and rows of speedboats to get to the bigger boats was incredible. I loved how each vessel had a proud name. I saw a ‘Black Sheep’ right by ‘Black Jack’; ‘Foxy Lady’ and ‘Hallelujah Patti’. I wish I had written down some of the other names, because the owners’ creativity made me smile and daydream. If I had a boat I would name it Jhansi it’s the name of an Indian warrior queen from the early 1800s – she was a legend.
Newport is known for its McMansions but I want to share the parts other than the Vanderbilt’s that inspired and marveled me.
The Cliff Walk is a 3 and ½ mile stretch along the cliffs of the island with breathtaking views of the ocean. Jen and I walked from our quaint Airbnb to the start of the walk and doubled over one section which resulted in a 6-mile hike. Parts of the Cliff Walk were a touch dicey. The rugged terrain had us walking across many uneven and wobbly rocks. But the views were breathtaking and I call it a must-do. If you’re looking for zen, this is your zen, many moments of zen. Jen and I sat down several times to soak in the views, the sounds of waves crashing, the musical trickle of water as it retreats, the deep blue sky dotted with clouds that provided shade from the sun and then the nooks that were so silent because of still waters. To me, it echoed my heart and the nature of life.
Since pictures speak a thousand words… here are a few from the Cliff Walk.
Cliff Walk, Newport RISomething equally enjoyable, less challenging for your physical self but terrible for your wallet is America’s Cup Avenue and Bowen’s Wharf. Jen and I had coffees, ate meals, window shopped and shop-shopped in this area. A lunch we ate at the Mooring Seafood Kitchen was one of my favorite meals in Newport. Jen and I got their signature clam chowder and shared a few appetizers. Muscles in green curry soup was decadent. The tuna tartare was succulent.
On the food topic, another meal that stands out was our dinner at the Red Parrot Restaurant. If you’re in the area you must try their crab cakes! Jen also ordered fried pickles for us, something I hadn’t had before. Fried pickles are good.
A place that came highly recommended by locals is called Pour Judgement Bar and Grill, the name alone had me intrigued. The food hit the spot- Jen had jambalaya and I devoured shrimp tacos and tomato bisque.
A place my bestie and I felt compelled to dine at was The White Horse Tavern. This is the oldest tavern in the United States! Established in 1673 the restaurant had its charm alright, but the food didn’t live up to the high culinary standards Newport demands. Don’t get me wrong, the scallops I ordered were very good, but they overcooked the asparagus. I serve mushed asparagus because I’m not a good asparagus-cook. But that is why I seek it in restaurants and expect nothing but perfection. Regardless, I’m glad we ate there because of the historic significance and our main meals were pretty darn good.
Overall I feel that in Newport is a culinary delight for seafood lovers. Even our meal at from La Costa Lobster and Tacos food truck was (cheap &) good. Lastly, if my descriptions weren’t enticing enough, here’s is a collage of the decadence.
If aimless wandering, art shops, Irish luxury and trinket shopping is your thing I recommend Thames Street. Thames Street offers much that is local. You’re spoiled for choice in Newport when it comes to all things homegrown. One of my favorite stores was Ohanga. It celebrates and grows local artists. To gain costumer confidence they provide an ‘Ohanga verified’ certification. This is a confirmation that they have personally checked on the artist, visited their studio/ workspace and guarantee what you’re buying is local and authentic.
If you think that’s cool, let me tell you about the cofounder. Yunping Chang is a Ph.D. in Civil Engineering (you know I love me my engineers) who decided to up and leave her job at Amazon Robotics to co-found this store. I applaud her bravery. I bought a painting called ‘The Clam Dance’ by the artist Robert Chase. It hangs in a prominent spot in my kitchen/ breakfast area. I say prominent because we removed a walk clock from its spot to hang this painting.
A historical site I really wanted to check out was the Touro Synagogue. This Jewish place of worship was established in 1763 and there is an awe inspiring story behind it of national significance. I will dedicate another blog post towards my experience of Touro, thinking the title could be ‘Touro, a National Treasure’. Stay tuned.
When I think back, even walking around the local college Salve Regina University was a site to behold. Imagine having classes with views of the cliffs, harbor and rocky beaches. The state of Rhode Island did not disappoint – unique with it’s historical significance. For a small state, I mean the smallest state in the U.S., it is grand. Uniquely Newport skirts the vibe of opulence and struggling-artist. Go figure! It’s a winner in my books and I would like to visit Rhode Island again. I want to check out Providence and other cool places.
34 down, 16 to go… there is much to explore.
