For the long day weekend, I was not permitted to go and conquer some state highpoint. Instead, I let the gf choose and we ended up visiting Matt and Kristen at their summer apartment in Newport, RI. If you are not familiar with the town, let’s just say it’s a woman’s dream–quaint, shopping, cafes, and beaches. Not a mountain in sight. Luckily, for me, there were also bars.
The historic downtown is excellent for strolling.
Along with the harbor and boats, there is the International Tennis Hall of Fame. Most of my travels on this site are places that I hope my friends will go. Some are places that I go so you don’t have to.
Also in town was the U.S Open of the LPGA. We skipped that event, but were force to share the streets with golf people. Pink polo shirts are NOT acceptable. I freakin’ hate golf.
If you didn’t know, you should, the most famous thing about Newport is the mansions. Lots of ’em, each bigger than the last. Most of the huge ones are now museums and open to the likes of me.
A windy day drove us off the beach, so I suggested we do the Cliff Walk…A THREE AND A HALF MILE HIKE. Hahahahaha. I knew I could sneak hiking into the gang’s precious beach weekend. Death to the beach! Actually, the next day I remembered how much I love swimming in the ocean, but we had to leave early. Kristen keeps a mysterious, yet very strict schedule that all must obey.
The walk gives the best view of the mansions, and is a must-do if you visit Newport. That gray one is Belcourt Castle, I think. The path intersects roads often along the way so it can be as short or as long (I drug the gf for over six miles!) as you want.
One of the mansions was not like the others. I think it was a temple. We saw some monks and some affluent Asians meditating in suits on the lawn.
The walk is “unimproved” for the last mile or so and contains some decent bouldering. It’s also the least crowded and most beautiful.
If you don’t have a botlle opener at your beach apartment, a screwdriver, hammer, and some paper towels through which you can strain out the glass shards can work.
I’m not a beach guy, but I did like Newport. The restaurants were very underwhelming and touristy, but Pasta Palace on the way to the beach did have some of the best homemade sauce I have ever had. Second Beach was really nice when the weather cooperated. There are tons of sailboat tours that I would look into if I went back. Also, there were tons of people jogging on the Cliff Walk and I want to try that. Four days of nothing but vegging under the sun and drinking made me feel like a slug. Still, a slug very happy to not be at work.
Links:
– Visit Rhode Island – Newport
– Newport Wikipedia
– Newport Mansions
– Bellcourt Castle