M.M.: Newport

My first trip to Newport, RI occurred when I was seven or eight years old. It rained. The entire time. Mansion tour memories are clouded up with memories of rain. It was so rainy that my parents and I left early. Therefore, my Newport memories weren’t all that great.

In 2004, I visited Newport again with my best friend Lori. I saw this quaint little town for what it was — a beautiful gem. It was no longer rainy. The August day that we went was perfectly sunny and in the high 70’s, which allowed us to take a sailing tour out on the Bay. We shopped for back-to-school clothes and dined at the Red Parrot and at the Mooring.

A few months later, Marc and I journeyed back to Newport, from New York City. We enjoyed our time there, taking in The Breakers and the Tennis Hall of Fame, despite the fact that it snowed.

I didn’t return to Newport again until October 2006. Marc and I went to Rosecliff this time. We also explored the Topiary Gardens, which are located just outside of the city.

I moved to Rhode Island in July 2007, but yet have only gone to Newport four times since my move. I’ve attended a p.d. at Oceancliff, apple-picked, and have hiked the Cliff Walk. However, on our trip to Newport yesterday, Marc and I realized that we LOVE Newport. It’s a city that shouldn’t just be saved for the warmest months of the year. We decided we’re going to take the drive down there more often since we truly feel a million miles away from home whenever we’re there. And, seeing as it’s under an hour away, that seems like a pretty good respite plan for us!