Summer is here

It is almost July and I have been terribly remiss in not updating this blog as often as I should have. Oh well. It is a rainy Sunday afternoon as I write this, but from where I live I can see the traffic pouring into town.

This summer's grand event, The US Women's Open is getting ready to begin and the beautiful Newport Country Club, normally closed to the public, will the setting for this tournament. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to see the best of the best in the sport of Women's golf. If you're nearby as you read this, try to get here to see this.

This summer thus far has been quite a soggy one. But fortunately for those visiting Newport, there is much to see inside. The beautiful mansions and one of a kind shops and one cannot forget the many museums there are here. Don't miss the Newport Art Museum. Great exhibits!

Throughout this website, I have stressed how much nicer Newport is during the week than on the weekend. It is just so much more enjoyable on a Tuesday and Wednesday than on a Saturday night.

When I was an innkeeper in Newport, I offered a midweek package that my guests throughly loved. This is what we offered and I suggest to you the traveler to Newport, a great way to spend three days.

Be sure to get out on the water. Either a harbor tour and sailing tour is a great way to see Newport from the water. (www.sightsailing.com and www.cruisenewport.com) Both do a great job. A sunset tour is great, but on a hot day, there is no better place than to be out on the water.

The mansions sell a combination ticket - that is your best bet. But don't miss the Tennis Hall of Fame while you're here. Even if you're not a tennis fan, it would be like being near Cooperstown, NY and not seeing the Baseball Hall of fame. Doesn't matter if you're a fan or not. The museum has great displays and is a beautiful building.

There are numerous guided tours, but for a really personal experience, try Newport tours at www.newport101.com. Very interesting and entertaining and Newport is just so much better on foot.

As far as where to eat, I like different places for very different things. I love the Lobster Roll at La Forge Casino - great lunch spot. For dinner, I am a big fan or both the food and atmosphere at the Canfield House. The Mooring is good for lunch, but getting pricy although their crab focaccia is outstanding and scallop chowder is award winning.

When I owned an inn, I offered my guests a lobster dinner in house, on the deck which was just so much fun to eat it in the rough, without pretense in a casual setting. We did this because lobster is just such a New England in the summer must, but unfortunatley, there isn't really a restaurant that is casual and offers lobster that doesn't require a second mortgage, so my suggestion is to go to the Cape or Maine or, well, just anywhere but downtown Newport.

Some other links that are helpful for travel planning:
www.gonewport.com
www.newportri.com
www.newportonline.com

Have a great trip and welcome!

Julie