YEAR VISITED: 2020

FAVORITE CITIES & EXPERIENCES: When we were planning our trip into Rhode Island we admittedly knew almost nothing about the state. We knew it was the smallest state in the Union, was located in New England, and was one of the original US colonies. Other than that we knew very little about Rhode Island. As a result we really had no idea what we were getting when we headed into the “Ocean State.” Ultimately we decided to head to the coast and the city of Newport. We crossed the Verrazzano Bridge as well as the Pell Bridge, which is the longest suspension bridge in New England.

Both bridges crossed the Narraganset Bay and provided beautiful views of the Bay and the Coast as a whole. Interesting enough every America’s Cup (sport of sailing) was held in Narraganset Bay from 1930 to 1983. Once we crossed the Bridge we headed to Easton’s Beach. Traffic was heavy and it was slow going but we finally found a place to park.

STADIUMS AND/OR SPORTING EVENTS: We have not attended any sporting events in Rhode Island.

ADVENTURE(S): Once we found a place to park at Easton’s Beach City Park we headed to the beach for some fun in the surf. However, we quickly changed plans as the ocean waves were red. At first we weren’t sure if we were imagining things, but soon it became abundantly clear the water was definitely red.

In talking to a number of people also observing the surf, we learned this is somewhat common and is referred to as the “Red Tide”. Evidently it is caused by algae that gets caught in seaweed and is somewhat of a common phenomenon in harbors or bays. Needless to say, the beach no longer seemed like an attractive option. Rather then playing in the surf, we headed to the the Cliff Walk (A National Recreation Trail).

The trail is 3.5 miles long and snakes back and fourth along the edge of the ocean.

One one side of the trail are breathtaking views of the ocean and the other side are some of the largest mansions I have ever witnessed in my life. The day we visited was extremely warm and muggy and therefore we didn’t complete the entire trail. However, we came away super impressed. Rhode Island seems like an awesome state to return to for a vacation!

NOTABLE DESTINATIONS & STOPS: Prior to visiting Rhode Island I had no idea of the rich history of Newport. Wealthy tycoons such as Cornelius Vanderbilt, JP Morgan, and John Jacob Astor all had summer homes in Newport. While they only vacationed here for a month or two out of the year, and commonly referred to their homes as “cottages”, these were some of the largest mansions I have ever seen in person. It was here, specifically in the Rosecliff and Marble Mansions, that the original Great Gatsby movie was filmed. As we explored the Cliff Walk we had to keep our head on a swivel as there were breathtaking ocean views on one side and mansion after mansion on the other. Arguably the most famous, and definitely the largest Newport mansion, is The Breakers.

It was built for the Vanderbilt family in 1895, contains 70-bedrooms, and has over 120,000 square feet of living area. Today it is open as a museum.

• OUR LIST TO VISIT OR RETURN TO:
• WaterFire Providence
• Mohegan Bluffs
• Pawtucket Red Sox Minor League Baseball Game