The place my dad was born

This past weekend, Patrick and I decided to put a few more miles on the Jeep and 

take a trip to the Ocean State! 

We have been wanting to see what other old towns are like across New England. 

Our destination: Newport, Rhode Island

We didn't know much about the place before we got there, but armed with Google and Wikipedia, we learned as we went :) Newport was established in 1639...yep, before the U.S. was a country. We learned that not only was this City By the Sea a trade port, it was home to pirates! In honor of this heritage, we dined at the Red Parrot Restaurant on historic Thames Street. 

Best seafood on the east coast to date.

I could bore you with lots more historical facts, but apparently these days Newport is most notable for its mansions. This was the summer play place for big time southern plantation owners in the mid-1800's. Along Bellevue Avenue there are dozens of these sprawling "cottages", some open for tours. So we had a look at one called the Breakers.

Pat in front of their enormous gate.

We couldn't take pictures inside, but they didn't call it the Gilded Age for nothing...expensive tapestries, sculptures, mosaics and gold leaf literally covered the interior. Who knew??

After wandering those halls awhile, we decided to go enjoy the natural scenery too. We took a walk along a trail called Cliff Walk, which skirts the mansion properties and the coast.

This place gets most of its tourists during the summer months, who flock here for the sailing. But the ocean was just as beautiful in February, and we got to introduce our puppy to the sea!

Before leaving, we had one more stop to make. Another little known fact about Newport, RI is that it is the birthplace of my father :) I'm sure the hospital has changed much over the years, but at least we can say we were there! (Drive-by photo, I know, lol)

We grabbed a tasty treat at the Sailor's Sweet Touth, then we hit the road. Another day trip, conquered! Til our next adventure :)