Trip to Newport, RI

By Thomas Morrone, CFP®, CPA

A trip to Newport is always an enjoyable time and this past weekend did not disappoint us one bit. Over the years, we have visited this wonderful place countless times. Every time we visit, we do many of the same things, eat at our favorite restaurants and inevitably, do or see something we have never experienced before. This trip was no different.

As far as the repeat items, each trip includes at least one drive along Bellevue Avenue past all the mansions from the Gilded Age. The drive then extends past Bellevue and brings us further out and along Ocean Drive. Along this road, there is the most beautiful shoreline scenery that you can experience anywhere in the Northeast. There is always a stop at Brenton Point Park to gaze out over the ocean and to watch the waves crash on the rocky shore. A trip to Newport usually includes, weather permitting, a stroll along the famed Cliff Walk past Salve Regina College, the Breakers, and other majestic mansions with their sprawling front lawns directly on the ocean. If you have never experienced the Cliff Walk, add it to your bucket list. You will not be disappointed.

Two of our favorite restaurants for dinner are 22 Bowens (years ago it was the Chart House) and the Midtown Oyster Bar, a newer restaurant to the Newport dining scene. Both are fabulous and add them to your dining options when visiting. A lunch stop usually includes chowder from the Black Pearl. They serve the traditional New England creamy “chowda” and if you like that style, add the Black Pearl to your list as well. This is not to say that these are the only good places to eat because there are restaurants everywhere, boasting seafood and the fun part is trying the different options. But when you find something that you like and it is consistent, why take a chance?

We stayed at 41 North (the hotel) which was our first time staying at this location. The hotel was in the center of town, on the water, overlooking the beautiful Newport Bridge. There was a large patio on the marina with a large outdoor bar area, where we enjoyed a bottle of wine and watched the world go by. It was so relaxing and enjoyable.

Needless to say, meandering along the streets and stopping in the varied shops and boutiques is a standard Newport item. On Bellevue Avenue, there is the International Tennis Hall of Fame known for the grass courts. Though I have walked by this location every trip here, on this visit I walked around the grounds and immersed myself in tennis history. As I strolled around the grounds, I made my way to the rear of the property and found myself entering the Tennis Court Club building. Inside, I came upon a match in progress and stopped to watch. It was a men’s double match. The game in progress was on a full-size tennis court with walls and sloped corners. The game was a combination of tennis and racquetball rolled into one. In my youth I played tennis and quite a bit of racquetball but never saw a game played where the two sports, were merged into one. It was the first time for me to see such a unique sport on this trip to Newport. Very cool.

So, we created more memories this past weekend doing the things we have enjoyed so very much over the years. Adding a new experience made this trip more memorable.

Life is Good.

Until the Next Tom’s Take……….

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