Mansions (breakers, rose cliffs) * ocean drive * historic center * Mexican restaurant
We decided it would be worth the long drive to visit Rhode Island for a couple of reasons. One, the kids could check Rhode Island off their list of states visited, and two, we heard about the huge mansions that could be visited in Newport, Rhode Island. We were also excited to say that this summer we had visited Newport, RI and Newport, CA- on opposite sides of the country.
Our first mansion we visited was The Breakers, owned by the Vanderbilts. We had no idea that there were such huge, European-esc mansion in American. This “home” was over the top. First it sat on a piece of prime real estate that overlooked the Atlantic Ocean. This must have been the height of society during the turn of the century.
The home had a grand hall right at the entrance with beautiful rooms on either side. All the details were from top craftsman of the era and with the finest materials from all over the world. The bedrooms upstairs were not as elaborate with the exemption of the master bedrooms. The rooms were all connected with “secret” doorways so that it was easy to get from room to room. Also, off of the master bedrooms there was a secret room where the help could come and go without being noticed.
After The Breakers we enjoyed our Monday call with Emma and walked along the coastline to another mansion - Rose Cliffs. Although not as big as the Breakers it was still amazing. It is still used today for special events and receptions.
Before making our way to Newport Harbor we drove through this neighborhood and marveled at the size of these huge homes. Most have become too costly for their owners, or their size and opulence have gone out of fashion and their owners were frowned upon by society. At the Harbor we enjoyed a rainy walk along the boardwalk and visited a couple of shops. Charlie bought a Newport, Rhode Island sweatshirt that he thought would be cool next to his Newport Beach sweatshirts.
We enjoyed dinner at a Mexican restaurant tonight followed by some games.
No comments:
Post a Comment