I recently returned to my home state of Rhode Island and spent the weekend in Newport with my family. I haven’t visited this beautiful New England city in many years and was surprised to see its many changes. It’s known as a summer resort and is famous for its beaches, historic mansions and its rich sailing history. While visiting Fort Adams State Park, we chanced upon teens, enrolled in an advanced sailing program, who just finished racing each other.
We also walked the Cliff Walk, a 3.5-mile elevated, winding path along Newport’s shoreline with spectacular views of Narragansett Bay. (I only walked half!) It passes in front on some of Newport’s mansions from the Gilded Age, the most famous of which is The Breakers, formally the home of one of America’s wealthiest families, the Vanderbilts.
Of course, food was a major part of the experience, and it didn’t disappoint. We had a wonderful meal at The Mooring, where the seafood was fresh and delicious (dessert was the best!) and a brunch at Belle’s Cafe, which featured twin lobster rolls. It’s located in the heart of Safe Harbor Newport Shipyard, so after our meal, we took a leisurely tour of the amazing yachts docked there.
I definitely recommend taking a trip there. Summer may be a bit crowded, but spring or fall would be perfect.
The Vanderbilt Mansion from Cliff Walk

