Trip Report (September 5-7, 2008)

We arrived in RI no later than 2 PM. We were in %26amp; out of our B%26amp;B, Spring Street Inn, quickly as we had appointments at Spa Terre (located in Hotel Viking) for massages, they were decent massages. I have had better, but this was still a nice, relaxing way to start off our weekend. We strolled back through town, stopped at H2O for a drink and shared an appetizer, lobster crab cakes – they were delicious. We continued our stroll back to SSI, enjoying window shopping and just taking in the sites. We got ready for dinner and a very short walk to Pronto for dinner (review for them under restaurants), it was a great evening. We walked down Thames Street to see more of the area and then stopped into a local bar for a drink. We couldn’t stop watching the weather channel though because Tropical Storm Hanna was making her way to RI so we were checking out what we were in for.

Woke up Saturday to a great breakfast at the B%26amp;B, walked to the bus stop (across from Tennis Hall of Fame) and got a $5 all day pass and made our way to the mansions. We first got off at The Breakers – spectacular! It was unfortunate that there was so much fog as it hindered our view of the ocean, but one can imagine hearing the waves break on the shore. To us, it was worth the 1 hour guided tour. We walked around the grounds and then caught the bus to Marble House, where it was a self-guided 30 minute tour. What another beautiful property! I’ve been suffering with bad feet pain for over 1 year now so after all of that walking, my feet began to ache and unfortunately I had to call it a day with the touring. We caught the bus back into town (for us, pick-up %26amp; drop off was right across from the Tennis Hall of Fame) and thankfully sitting down for a bit helped ease some of the pain. We stopped by Nikolas Pizza and shared a sandwich and some sangria and then slowly strolled along Thames Street again. This time we stopped into shops and picked up a couple of Newport shirts, a gorgeous ring for myself and some fudge to enjoy at home. It started to rain really hard so we decided to head back to SSI to relax a bit before dinner. We called for a taxi and off to Tucker’s Bistro we went (review for them under restaurants). After dinner, because of the storm, we just called it an early night.

We awoke Sunday to another wonderful breakfast. Went back to our room, finished packing and then off we were. Now it was a gorgeous day so we took a ride along Ocean Drive – simply gorgeous!!! We already planned our next trip back and decided that a picnic at Brenton Point State Park along Ocean Drive is a definite addition to our ‘to do’ list!!

Quick drive to Middletown to stop at Flo’s Clam Shack (recommended by someone for their lobster roll) and then we started our journey home. I think Flo’s Clam Shack was my least favorite part of the trip. The décor and relaxed nature of the place was great and the outside seating was even better since it was a gorgeous day in Rhode Island, but the lobster roll wasn’t that great and the fried clams were a bit too greasy. That aside, Newport is so gorgeous and my husband and I honestly cannot wait to go back and this time we plan to stay 1 week!

Trip Report (September 5-7, 2008)

Glad you had a good time, sorry the weather on Saturday evening wasn%26#39;t that great, but at least it hit later than it was supposed to and hit mostly overnight.

I was out at Flo%26#39;s on Sunday as well, enjoying a couple beers and the Patriot%26#39;s game....well, at least up until the part where Brady got hurt. I%26#39;m not a big fried seafood fan anyway...but I like the low key, Key West vibe to the bar there...

Glad to hear you%26#39;ll be back.

Trip Report (September 5-7, 2008)

Glad to see that you had a great time, and that you will be going back!

As far as my wife and I are concerned, the more we go there, the more we like it. Just went in July and we%26#39;ll be going back again next month. I guess there are worse things you can be addicted to. ;=)

Great trip report. Good that you included details about using the Newport bus system. People are hesitant to use public transporation sometimes so your report should give people the idea to try it.

OT: Consider trying compression stockings for foot and leg pain. Ask your doctor about them. You can get them OTC at some medical supply stores.

My husband had a wonderful birthday trip, thanks!!!

Thanks for the foot information. I was doing cortisone shots and now I%26#39;m trying acupuncture...this seems to be helping, but the amount of walking, especially on the hard surfaces in the mansions took its toll. Thankfully I recovered quickly after a short rest, just walked a bit slower.