Newport, Rhode Island

We had a fun trip to Newport, Rhode Island on Saturday. We've been to the city many times and enjoy its natural beauty and history. Photo credit: http://www.aquidneck.info/images/bridge3.jpg.

Newport was founded in 1639 by a group of settlers from Portsmouth, RI who had a political fallout. It became the most important port in Rhode Island, as well as the home to Jews fleeing Spain and Portugal (the second oldest Jewish congregation in the US is here, as well as the oldest synagogue in the Northern hemisphere). The city was also a thriving home for Quakers and for pirates. Unfortunately, it was also the center of New England slave trade. The diversity in the city's settlement helped shape a community that is still interesting (for more, see Wikipedia).

America's wealthy began building summer cottages in Newport around 1850. Amongst them were the Vanderbilts and the Astors. Cornelius Vanderbilts' cottage, the Breakers, is one of the most lavish of the cottages. His grandson, William, also built a cottage there called the Marble House. The Preservation Society of Newport County is very active in saving these historic sites; they manage 11 historic landmarks (7 are national historic landmarks) and make them open to the public for tours. The tours are well worth the cost of admission ($11 for one house, $31 for five houses). Touring at Christmas is particularly fun because the homes are decorated. We've visited most of the mansions -- some several times.

We had drinks at the Spiced Pear, located in The Chanler at Cliff Walk, during our recent visit. The view from the bar was amazing and the entrance to the cliff walk was right outside the seating area. The Inn offers luxurious rooms ranging from $275-$475/night midweek low season to $795-$1,295/night weekend high season. Needless to say, we have not stayed there.

Another site in Newport that we like is Captain Brett's Tribal and Celtic Tattoos. We got Celtic tattoos done there and will go back for any future "embellishments." The shop is very clean and Brett is a nice guy. He was excited to have been featured in Harley Davidson's 100 Year Anniversary book and has been a tattoo artist foor 27 years.

We'd love to check out Newport Blues Cafe on a future visit. Always thinking ahead...