It's true, I've been to some pretty cool places around the world. Every year I swear, "I'm gonna explore my own country more this year." Well, check off Rhode Island from my list! That's right, I finally made it to The Ocean State.
My Rhode Island visit was an unplanned, direct response of the crappy rainy, cold weather in Boston.We packed up the Ford F-150 rental truck and drove two hours to Newport, RI, home of "The Gilded Age Mansions."
Before we embarked on our "mansion hopping" we stopped at the Red Parrot. Still in search of the perfect Bloody Mary, we did NOT find it there...
Located along the water's edge are 11 historic "summer cottages" previously owned by tycoons such as Berwind and Vanderbilt. These summer estates are mansions...and while they cost "only" $1 million in the late 1800's that equals about $22 million by today's standards. We opted to take two tours: The Breakers--which is a MUST and The Elms. The tours come with audio headsets so you can go your own pace through the properties and listen to as little or as much information as you like. (And even sneak off for some alone time, if you wish)
After two tours, we were "all mansioned out" and decided to take a quick stroll along the Cliff Walk before indulging in a few adult beverages. The Cliff Walk was beautiful, with stunning views. But living in Hermosa Beach for nearly 5 years now (has it been THAT long?!) the views reminded me of the Palos Verdes Peninsula and I was less than wowed.
We were both in the mood of a wine bar and tapas...reminiscent of Bin 26 in Beacon Hill. We found sort of what we were looking for at Fluke's Wine Bar & Kitchen. The fire roasted octopus was great, the bacon wrapped dates filled with almonds were amazing. The Spanish Mencia was quite nice. However, the "crispy squid" should have been described as "your typical plain, boring breaded, fried calamari."
And what better way to end the evening than with hookah! Genie's Hookah Lounge was the perfect venue to wind down and talk about our adventure. Double -apple tobacco, apple tea...it was a little bit of Turkey....in Rhode Island.
