Summer 2009 - Newport, R.I.


A girlfriend in college once shared with me her Aunt's favorite saying: "Girl on a mission, finds a man with a mansion." When we visited Newport, R.I. in July, this phrase kept playing in my head along with "over-the-top" as we walked through the ginormous rooms that the Vanderbilts, the Berwinds and the likes once spent their summers many, many years ago. It was really mind blowing to see the facilities and amenities these mansions had to offer for a 6-9 week escapade each year.

It's easy to suffer mansion overload, so we had to choose wisely which ones we thought were worth visiting. We ended up in these super abodes.


Breakers



The Elms



Marble House



Rosecliff

Rosecliff is probably my favorite house mansion. It's not too cluttered and decorated with gilded trimmings - less is indeed more.


Cliffwalk

After experiencing a misty and dreary day before, we were very fortunate to enjoy a beautiful, sunny Sunday. It was just perfect for a walk by the cliffs. Definitely not to be missed if one were to visit Newport.

What a glorious day :) Blue skies and all...

Even "Marley" here agrees :)


Bowen's Wharf

Hats anyone? It's truly a summer staple...

What about some singing? Happy Birthday America!!!

Or, some R & R on board a yacht

We also came to a seaside town to enjoy... what else - SEAFOOD, of course! We tried two places near Bowen's Wharf - The Black Pearl and Barking Crab, over the 2 days.


The Black Pearl

Black Pearl patrons enjoying good food and summer sunshine

Our lunch, yum!


Barking Crab
Love the sign

Complete with instructions for the first-timers (it's unkind to write dummies)

Our appetizer - Stuffies

New England Clambake


Burp!!! I'm full and time to sign-off...till our next adventure.