Instead of just driving up directly to Newport, I have decided to take the whole day and meander my way up the Connecticut and Rhode Island coastline.

First Stop-

New London Lighthouse

The New London Lighthouse was designed to match the homes of the local residents.  The last lighthouse built in New England has the dubious honor of supposedly being haunted by a ghost named Ernie. The ghost is allegedly a keeper who committed suicide after learning his wife ran off with the captain of a Block Island ferry boat.  Ernie hold on…I’m coming!

Second Stop –

Abbotts Lobster in the Rough~Noank, CT

Oh yeah…planning on hitting Abbott’s in time for lunch!

Third Stop – 

Old Stoney 

The once stalwart Old Stoney now houses the Lighthouse Museum.

Forth Stop-

Watch Hill, RI

My parents have always talked about going to Watch Hill when they lived in Mystic CT so I figured I would go and see what all the fuss was about.

Fifth Stop – 

Point Judith

Arguably, some of the best surfing in New England.

Sixth Stop – 

Not so glamorous, but smart…mainland food-store.

Last and final stop – 

SHUTTER GOURMET DIVE TOUR!

Bring a waterproof windbreaker!

Okay, this first item on the list I have to say I am not sure about the website if it is the right place or not.  But, the location seems right.

Johnny’s Atlantic – 55 Purgatory Road, Middletown

Diane says Johnny’s Atlantic, the only website I found just says Atlantic Beach Club, but when I saw some review sites that say Johnny’s, they have the same address, which seems to be the same location Diane is describing here:

At the end of First Beach (Easton’s Beach).  A landmark.  Took my aunt and uncle there when they visited us.  Elegant inside, but I believe they have a back patio for lunches – overlooks the beach and is reasonable.

Flo’s Clam Shack – 4 Wave Avenue, Middletown

Somehow I am not surprised that I couldn’t find a website for a place called Flo’s Clam Shack.  But, I did find this listing for it on a site called Quahog.org, which just amuses me.

At the end of First Beach, kind of across from Johnny’s Atlantic.  Fun, funky clam shack – for that end of town.  Small & busy, just like you’d expect.

Anthony’s Seafood – 963 Aquidneck Ave, Middletown

Out of town, on the way to Newport Winery. Not sure you’ll want to go that far out, but I am there the whole week & seek out the great bargains.  This place is a retail seafood place (best I’ve ever seen – I swear I’ll bring a cooloer and bring some home someday) with an ample area of booths for their restaurant offerings.  Great stuff.  Heck, I go to the winery anyway!

A few other quick notes from Diane.  First, she actually does not recommend bicycles unless you are hardcore into it.  She said there is *a lot* of automobile and foot traffic all over the place and she thinks it would be hard to manuever with a bike. 

I also asked her about dress code.  She says casual tourist gear is pretty much fine everywhere except for a few of the really nice restaurants.  

While a lot of Newport is walkable, it is a big town and once you walk halfway across it, you might not feel like walking all the way back!  So, Diane pointed out that on the other side of the harbor area from where we are staying there is the Visitor’s Center, which is on America’s Cup Avenue.  There is a small parking area there that she says is a little more reasonable than most of the others.  Also, the Amateur Gourmet mentioned a trolley service so we might want to look into that. 

Another cool tip she mentioned was that if we get a good clear night for a sunset, the road to Goat Island presents a great photo op for the Newport Bridge.  Also, and Shrewbie might have mentioned this one in one of her previous posts since she has been so thorough, but just in case it slipped by, Trinity Church is supposed to be very beautiful, with lots of Tiffany glass.  Some Kennedys got married there, but I don’t know which ones!  It is open for tours during the day. 

I mentioned First Beach earlier in this post, and of course there is also a Second Beach and a Third Beach.  Diane says that if First and Second happen to be closed due to red tide, Third is usually open because it faces the other way.  Also, because it is a little further out of the way it is usually less crowded.  Along the way to Second Beach from first, there is another photo op at Purgatory Chasm – a rock formation where the ocean really crashes and splashes. 

And, one last item – gonewport.com has lots of good information, including an event schedule.  I did a custom search for our date range there, but if it doesn’t come out like that, just pop the dates in yourself.  See you all soon!

The Shutter Gourmet Dive Tour!!!!

Since the earliest colonial days, Rhode Island, was set up as the tolerant colony.  Newport, as the gem of the colony, attracted many who found pursecution in the stringent religious systems of Massachussets, New Hampshire and Conneticut.  Congregationalists, Quakers, Episcopalians, Baptists and Jews were seekers of religious tolerance. They lived and worked in a city that was more than a just a melting pot; it was also a busy harbor of maritime trade equal to the ports of Boston, Philadelphia, New York and Charleston.

Amoungst some of the historical riches of the city is the oldest US synagogue building. Touro Synagogue was dedicated on December 2nd, 1763.

 

In addition to religious tolerance, Newport has always served as a safe haven for artisens of all walks.

From the elite cabinet makers of Townsend and Goddard.

to Bob Dylan going electric

to the quirky Beatrice Turner painter extrodinaire (seriously…check out her story, pretty strange)

And now Newport will face the toughest test of tolerance….

(I’m the fifth one from the left.)

From the White Horse Tavern Site~

 

Originally constructed in 1652 as the two story, two room residence of Francis Brinley, “the massively framed building and quarter acre of land fenced with Pailes at the corner of Farewell and Marlborough Streets” was acquired by William Mayes, Sr. in 1673 and he converted it to a tavern.

For the next one hundred years, before the Colony House was constructed, this large and comfortable tavern was the meeting place of the Colony’s General Assembly, Criminal Court and City Council. In 1702 William Mayes, Jr. succeeded his father as innkeeper and was granted a license to sell “…all sorts of Strong Drink.” William was a notorious pirate, who had just returned to Newport with his bounty. Openly welcomed and protected by the townspeople, Mr. Mayes caused much embarrassment to officials of the British Colony. Mary Mayes Nichols, William’s sister, and her husband, Robert, shortly followed as innkeepers.

In 1708 the Tavern became “birthplace of the businessman’s lunch” as city councilors dined here and charged their meals to the public treasury.

Jonathan Nichols became tavern keeper in 1730 and gave the tavern its present name. Walter Nichols, the proprietor in 1776, moved his family out of the tavern and Newport rather than live with the Hessian mercenaries billeted there by the British. When he returned after the war he added the gambrel roof and re-opened an enlarged White Horse Tavern.

In November of 1895 the Nichols family sold to Thomas and Bridget Preece and the building became a rooming house. By 1954 the structure showed years of use and neglect. Through the generosity of the Van Beuren family the property was acquired by The Preservation Society of Newport County and meticulously restored. It re-opened as The White Horse Tavern in 1957.

O.L. Pitts of Fort Worth, Texas, along with three partners, purchased the White Horse Tavern in 1981. Infamous participants in the revelry of the America’s Cup races, they continued the tradition of good fellowship, good food and good cheer. On his ninetieth birthday, O.L. Pitts turned stewardship of the Tavern over to Paul Hogan, a Newport native and only the sixth owner in three hundred and fifty years. No building is believed more typical of colonial Newport than the White Horse Tavern, with its clapboard walls, gambrel roof and plain pediment doors bordering the sidewalk. Inside, “its’ giant beams, small stairway hard against chimney, tiny front hall and cavernous fireplaces are the very essence of 17th Century American architecture.”

The Tradition Continues…Enjoy!

 

The menu looks awesome and as a former Colonial Williamsburg Employee I would love to go here.

But why the “?” in the title you ask.  Good Question.

Well…Pirate Lafitte may contest this claim since no one really knows when the tavern was opened.

Let the debate begin!

The Amateur Gourmet went to Newport for the day last weekend!  He ate at the Black Pearl – one of Diane’s recommendations and loved it.  There are lots of pictures on his post of the town and of the famous Cliff Walk.  Quick – go take a look at his post and prepare to get excited!

The pineapple was first used as a sign of hospitality in Newport, RI.  Sailors would be at sea for months or years at a a clip.  

The last stop would be generally to the West Indies for the precious sugar cane to make the famous Newport Rum to trade for slaves in Africa.  

On the way home, the sailors would pick-up pineapples from the tropical climate zones. When the sailor was ready to receive guests, that pineapple would be placed outside his door.  Ironic beginnings to the symbol, don’t you think?

My co-worker Diane’s hand-picked list of Newport favorite eats continues! 

Firehouse Pizza – 595 Thames Street

Just plain fun & funky.  My only break from seafood when the kids are with me. 

Clark Cooke House – Bannister’s Wharf

For a more pricey lunch or fancy-menu dinner.  On Bannister’s Wharf (hence the priciness) but I love it there.  Several distinct dining areas inside – the fabulously lucky get the windows on the second floor overlooking the wharf walkers.  I love that little room in the winter.  The chowder is the “thin” kind but it’s my favorite. 

Black Pearl – Bannister’s Wharf

Mike’s [our old boss] favorite.  I prefer the Cooke House.  You decide!  Both pricey (inside.)  But I’ve eaten at the Black Pearl’s outside summer area – tested the chowder and was very happy.

Vincent’s on The Pier – Howard’s Wharf

Renovated a few seasons ago.  An easy walk from where you are staying.  It’s kind of hidden, down the wharf from the street – don’t be intimidated!  My vote for hidden gem.  I took my daughter there for her birthday dinner last year (our timeshare week often includes her September 20 birthday).  Great view, nice dinner restaurant…old school. 

Scales & Shells – 527 Thames Street

Still wanting to go there!!  My kids don’t like seafood and it’s an ALL seafood restaurant.  Great reviews, always crowded.

Mamma Luisa  – 673 Thames Street

This is way down Thames on “your” side of the street, so not far.  I’m definitely meaning to go there – great reviews – but just haven’t yet.

There’s just a few more on Diane’s list and I will get to those in the next post, along with her tips for places to go and things to see and even where to park!

 

 

 

While we are in Newport, the following events will take place.

 

 

August 15th

Primetime

In 1984, 16-year-old gymnast Mary Lou Retton won gold in the women’s individual all-around competition. In 2004, 16-year-old Carley Patterson did it. Now, at the Beijing Games, two more U.S. teens each have a chance to win what is perhaps the most illustrious event of the Olympics. Sixteen-year-old Iowa native Shawn Johnson is the reigning world champion and Nastia Liukin, an 18-year-old Russian-born Texan, is a nine-time world medalist (LIVE ET/CT).

 

 

August 16th

Primetime

Four years ago, Deena Kastor won bronze in the women’s Olympic marathon, ending a 20-year drought for the U.S. Now she tries for a second medal, while China’s top entry Zhou Chunxiu chases victory at home (LIVE ET/CT). Also, the title of “World’s Fastest Man” is at stake in the 100m final. American Tyson Gay is the reigning world champion, but a pair of Jamaicans stand in his path: Asafa Powell and world record-holder Usain “Lightning” Bolt.

Four swimming finals: The men’s 4x100m medley relay could be the eighth and final gold medal race for Michael Phelps at the Beijing Games. If so, he has a chance to surpass the single-Games record set by fellow American Mark Spitz. Also, the women’s medley, the women’s 50m free, and the grueling men’s 1500m free (LIVE ET/CT).

 

August 17th

 

Primetime

The first night of gymnastics individual event finals, including men’s floor and pommel horse; the women perform floor and vault routines. Sixteen-year-old Shawn Johnson of Iowa won the floor world title in 2007 while China’s Cheng Fei, in her second Olympics, is the gold medal favorite on vault. Also, track and field finals, including a U.S.-Jamaica dominated women’s 100m, and the women’s 3m springboard diving final.

The women’s triathlon takes place at the Ming Tomb Reservoir in northern Beijing (LIVE ET/CT). Athletes will swim nearly one mile, bike another 25, then finish with a six-mile run. Also: the first of three nights of gymnastics individual event finals, including men’s floor and pommel horse; women perform floor and vault routines; track and field finals, including a U.S.-Jamaica dominated women’s 100m field; and the conclusion of women’s 3m springboard diving.

 

 

August 18th

 

Primetime

Gymnastics coverage includes the women’s trampoline final and night two of individual event competition (men’s rings and vault; women’s uneven bars). On the uneven bars, Moscow-born, Texas-raised gymnast Nastia Liukin is a three-time world championship medalist. Track and field action features men’s 400m hurdles, long jump and women’s pole vaulting.

The semifinal-round of the women’s beach volleyball tournament. Misty May-Treanor and Kerri Walsh have built a U.S. dynasty, claiming three straight world titles and the 2004 Olympic crown. Now they attempt to return to the gold medal game. Some likely challengers are China and traditional beach powerhouse Brazil (LIVE ET/CT). Also: Gymnastics, trampoline and track and field finals.

 

August 19th

Primetime

In gymnastics, it’s the final night of individual event competition (men’s parallel and high bars; women’s balance beam). America’s top two female gymnasts, Nastia Liukin and Shawn Johnson, could each challenge for a medal. In track and field, Lolo Jones tries to win America’s second straight Olympic title in the women’s 100m hurdles. The women’s 400m and men’s 1500m are also contested. In the latter, 2007 world champion Bernard Lagat has a chance to end an Olympic medal drought for his adopted country that dates back to 1968. Born in Kenya, Lagat moved to the United States 12 years ago for college. In diving, historically dominant China will likely have two of its stars on display in men’s 3m springboard final.

Coverage of men’s BMX cycling (LIVE ET/CT). New to the Olympic program, the unpredictable racing event features steeply banked turns, big jumps and huge crashes designed for top-level riders. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

August 20th

Primetime

Coverage of the Champions Gala: Watch the stars of the Beijing gymnastics competition perform exhibition routines. Also, track and field finals. The U.S. swept the men’s 200m medals four years ago, led by Shawn Crawford, who’s back at the fore of another strong American group. But the favorite may be Jamaican sensation Usain “Lightning” Bolt. Also, the women’s 400m hurdles.

BMX racing is one of the new events at the Olympics – an all-out, full-contact race through a twisting course with plenty of jumps. Though the event is unpredictable in nature, the American men have unmatched depth, featuring 2007 world champion Kyle Bennett. On the women’s side, Jill Kintner was the top American finisher at the 2007 World Championships (LIVE ET/CT).

Defending Olympic beach volleyball champions Misty May-Treanor and Kerri Walsh could confirm their status as “Queens of the Sand” in the women’s gold medal final (LIVE ET/CT). Their top competition is expected to come from fellow Americans, Brazil and host country China.

 

August 21st

Primetime

During the men’s 110m hurdles the host country will likely come to a standstill for 13 seconds as its Olympic hero Liu Xiang attempts to repeat as Olympic champion, on his home track. Other coverage includes the men’s 400m, the women’s 200m, the men’s triple jump, and Day 1 of the two-day decathlon. Also, women’s diving finals.

It’s the women’s 10m platform diving gold medal final, and Laura Wilkinson is used to being the underdog. Eight years ago in Sydney she came back from eighth place to win an unexpected title while competing with broken bones in her foot. Now, at age 30, the Texan plays the underdog again, this time behind two Chinese teens half her age. Also, coverage of marquee events from track and field.

The men’s beach volleyball gold-medal match (LIVE ET/CT). Also, coverage of several marquee track and field events, including men’s and women’s gold-medal finals; and the conclusion of the women’s 10m platform diving competition.