During our stay in Providence we took a ferry to Newport, also in Rhode Island. This town also has a lot of history. It was a naval base and hosted the first US Open competitions for golf and tennis. It has also been a base for the America's Cup sailing race.
Shipping and boats are still big things there. We passed at least one lighthouse.
As well as a huge bridge that was built so big naval ships could pass under.
We even saw some new boats that may have been shipped over from the Netherlands.
As we did not have a car we took a 'trolley' bus tour. This was a stop by a field where a lot of kite flying goes on and there is a memorial to Portuguese explorers.
Newport has been a popular vacation spot for the rich of New York and elsewhere. They built what they refer to as 'cottages', but they are more like our British stately homes. Now they are owned by people such as Larry Ellison (founder of Oracle), Jay Leno and Judge Judy. Those were some our guide pointed out.
This house used to be used by the commander of the naval base, but President Eisenhower took it over as his summer White House.
We had tickets to visit The Breakers which was built by Conelius Vanderbilt II.
This place is extreme opulence and was to show off his wealth. Marble was shipped over from Europe. How is this for a music room? When you are that rich you can do what you want, but I can think of better things to spend the money on.
We all need a little terrace where we can look out to sea.
Back in town we ran into another JFK location. We had already seen where he proposed to Jackie in Boston and where the family spent vacations in Hyannis, Cape Cod. They got married in Newport.
Dinner was on the harbour with the obligatory lobster dishes.
We could have hired some transport. These little three-wheelers seemed popular. I think they had little 2-stroke engines.
Rhode Island is a tiny state, but has plenty to offer, especially if you like being on the water.
When we got back to Providence there was a roller disco going on in the park by the hotel.
We were to leave for New York the next day, but that will wait for another post.
