Providence, Rhode Island

Earlier this summer we spent some time on the East Coast. We visited Newport and spent some time there but we stayed in Providence. Our visit was cut short by some annoying travel delays so we were in the city for less than 48 hours. No matter, we managed to fit a lot of fun into a small amount of time.

Sidewalk dining at Mediterraneo

We got together with family to have dinner at the Mediterraneo Cafe on Federal Hill. Federal Hill, long a gathering place and home to Italian immigrants, is still the place for fabulous Italian restaurants. The area now also boasts a very diversified and lively dining scene made up of many different cultures and cuisines.

The gateway arch over Atwells Ave.- The LaPigna (the pinecone) sculpture hanging from its center is a traditional Italian symbol of abundance and quality and has become the symbol of Federal Hill (not the pineapple, which is what I always call it)

Outdoor dining piazza style

Many of the area restaurants have outdoor dining options. Some are set up around a central courtyard made to mimic a piazza in Italy. A place to meet up with family and friends, grab a nightcap and take an after dinner stroll. 

There are many things to bring visitors to Providence, everything from the nearby beaches, art museums (the RISD museum to name one) to the spectacle that is WaterFire. We've never managed to make our schedule work so that we can get to the WaterFire display. Definitely on our list of things to do next time we're in town. It looks amazing.

Providence has history, interesting architecture, world class dining, shopping, sun and sand; just about anything you might be looking for in a vacation getaway.

Lastly, but not least by any stretch, I want to mention some of my favorite local foods. Be sure to look for these on your visit. Can't leave town without a stop at Del's for some frozen lemonade, no trip to the beach is complete without a stop for stuffies and clam cakes, of course chowder too, snail salad, pizza strips, Italian pastry, and New York System hot weinies. Which have always been from Rhode Island, go figure. All worth seeking out.

There you have it, the many reasons to put Rhode Island and Providence on your must visit list. A little something for everyone. 

Happy travels!

Sailing - The Adirondack II - Newport, Rhode Island

On our recent visit to Rhode Island we went for a sail out of Newport that took us on a scenic tour around Newport Harbor. As luck would have it this was the exact same boat that we had previously sailed on in Key West, the Adirondack II. (The Adirondack III now sails out of Key West) More info here.

Adirondack II sailing out of Key West, Florida (During the fall of 2008, Classic Harbor Line made the decision to open up a schooner sailing operation in Key West, Florida. This operation would employ the schooner Adirondack II November through April, 2008-2010. In the fall of 2010 a decision to keep Adirondack III in Key West year round was made.)

We sailed out on a warm sunny morning in relatively calm waters. We did get to experience the boat tacking back and forth in the slight wind which was fun. This time out was much more active than our sailing adventure in Key West. 

The tour around the harbor passes various points of interest and Newport history. One very interesting site is a house clinging to a small rock island in the middle of the bay. It's a privately owned residence that may be available for renting.

This is appropriately known as the House on the Rock

 There are many residences and resorts all around the harbor.

The sound of the sea...a clanging buoy.

Fort Adams State Park

 

The Newport Bridge (Officially the Claiborne Pell Bridge)

Despite the more active sailing (for me at least) we had a great time. This was officially a Mimosa cruise but with my uncertain sailing history I decided to stick to the soft drinks. The ginger ale I had was refreshing and just the thing on a warm summer day.

The boat was lovely and like I remembered it. I couldn't get a picture under full sail from my vantage point but I did get one of a similar boat that gives an idea of what it was like.

Another harbor cruise

Another boat in the harbor that day was one of the ships used in the filming of Pirates of the Caribbean.

You can just make out the cannons on the deck. 

The crew was friendly and made the sail enjoyable. The Captain was a wealth of information about the harbor sites and the area in general.

The Adirondack II leaves Newport out of Bowen's Wharf. There are other fun activities there as well as places to grab lunch or dinner. Sadly our plans for lunch took us out of the area but check out the local spots if you have the time.

Having sailed on the Adirondack II twice now I'm looking forward to going out on the Adirondack III when I get back to Key West. Fun for groups of friends, families or couples, if you're in either area I recommend sailing with the crews of Classic Harbor Line.  Check out their other locations in Boston and New York.

Happy travels!

Newport Rhode Island

I was lucky enough recently to spend some time in Newport Rhode Island. Newport is known for being a New England summer resort town. It's located on an island in Narragansett Bay. It is a beautiful city, rich with history.

 

Newport was once the summer home of some of the nations wealthiest families and is the location of what they referred to as their summer cottages. The rest of us call them the Newport mansions.

We spent most of our time in the South Harbor walk area...

After a stroll around we stopped for lunch here...

It was such a gorgeous day we ate lunch outside.

Yum!

I love fish and chips. It was a Friday night staple growing up

 We spotted this place and stopped in for cupcakes after lunch. How could we not?

Cupcake Charlie's was featured on the Food Network's Cupcake Wars

Fortified with that heavenly lunch and cupcakes we headed to Fort Adams State Park. Fort Adams is situated at the mouth of Newport Harbor. The park offers lovely views of both Newport Harbor and parts of Narragansett Bay.A great place for a picnic.

You can spend several days in Newport and never run out of things to do. From the breathtaking Ocean Drive (Ten Mile Drive), to the exhilarating Cliff Walk (not for the faint of heart) to the most opulent Summer Cottages ever, you will never be bored.

Even the Starbucks is in a quaint space

 A few things to note:

Bring lots of quarters as you will most likely end up parked at a meter. (They are strictly enforced) Although it may be tempting to park in an unauthorized area, don't do it. Nothing will ruin your lovely day faster than coming back and finding your car towed.

If you have the time try to take a narrated trolley car of the historic downtown or a tour of Ocean Drive (that way everyone can enjoy the views)

If boating is more your style you can take a scenic harbor cruise on a sail boat.

As always, wear comfortable shoes. You may end up doing a lot of walking and some of the surfaces may be cobbled or uneven. It can get cool near the water so if you're prone to getting chilled bring a light sweater.

Most of all have fun! Stroll down the side streets, enjoy the outdoor art and the ocean views.

As always, happy travels!