Visiting Rhode Island, New England part 2

Since we only had a day to visit Rhode Island, it was challenging to pick the best thing to do. My sister told me about the mansions and Cliff Walk in Newport, RI which sounded perfect to me. What could be better than walking along rocky beaches near gorgeous mansions. Since Jessica was meeting us there, we decided to park at The Breakers since they have a decent size parking lot which makes it easier with the truck.

The Breakers was the summer home of Cornelius Vanderbilt II. It is considered the grandest of Newport's summer "cottages" and a symbol of the Vanderbilt family's social and financial pre-eminence in the Gilded Age. Hard to believe that this huge mansion was considered a cottage. There are other mansions and Salve Regina University along the 3.5 mile Cliff Walk.

We chose to just walk around the grounds of The Breakers and not do the tour. That gave us more time to explore the Cliff Walk and it’s free! This trip through New England could get expensive so I am being selective on where to spend money. I love seeing spectacular views so the Cliff Walk and looking at the mansions was enough for me.

First view of The Breakers through the entranceway.

Breakers was stunning from the outside so I am sure the tour of the mansion would be worth it. Tim and Trent stayed in the air conditioned Cafe while Jess and I walked along the Cliff Walk. I will let the pictures tell the story of what we saw.

The front of the “cottage” facing the ocean.

Along the Cliff Walk

More mansions along the walk

This gazebo was right at the edge of the property above the water.

This is part of Salve Regina University

More viewpoints on Cliff Walk

The sandy beach in the distance.

A part of the Cliff Walk was closed for repair and you had to take a detour. We decided to turn around there and head back so we didn’t get a closer shot of the beach. It looked like a very nice beach to visit. Instead, we met back up with Tim and Trent and headed out to find a good spot for lunch. We chose a restaurant in Bristol, RI. Bristol has the oldest running 4th of July celebration, starting in 1785, and is known as the most patriotic town in America. Since we were there just before the 4th, we had to make a stop. Flags were flying along the Main Street and the center lines on the street were painted red, white and blue. Very festive and patriotic atmosphere.

On our way back to the campground, we stopped to see Ned’s Point Lighthouse. This was the closest lighthouse to our campground in Massachusetts, so I wanted to see it, but I didn’t really know anything about it. Very cool to learn that it was built in 1836 on the recommendation of John Quincy Adams who was a representative from Massachusetts at the time. Always good to learn some history on our travels.

Back at the campground for some rest and relaxation over the holiday weekend. Next up, touring Boston.