Newport & Providence – 2 Chicks, 50 States

Unsure as to why Rhode Island is called Rhode Island when the vast majority of it is connected to mainland America, we headed to Newport. Tucked away at the southern end of Aquidneck Island, also known as Rhode Island, it would appear that this island is the state’s namesake. The state’s official name is, in fact, State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations – a mighty long name for America’s smallest state in area. Arriving in Newport under overcast skies, it was clear the lack of sunshine was not deterring the hoards of tourists filling the streets, restaurants and harbour-side, us included.

Jumping on a trolley tour, we got a fabulous overview of Newport including the harbour which was home to the America’s Cup, the oldest international sporting trophy, from 1930 to 1983. Laying claim to a very wealthy history, Newport is famous for being the location of Presidents Kennedy and Eisenhower’s Summer White Houses and also boasts Bellevue Avenue, hosting some of the most ridiculously opulent Gilded Age mansions, or summer ‘cottages’. Our guide gave a great tour, pointing out houses along the beautiful Ocean Drive that belong to Jay Leno, Judge Judy and a random assortment of other celebrities.

I apologise in advance here for my photos but I seemed to spend a lot of time in Rhode Island battling with trees getting in my way.

The Claiborne Pell Bridge, or Newport Bridge, is a suspension bridge spanning the East Passage of Narragansett Bay

St Mary Church, where John F Kennedy and Jacqueline Bouvier were married in 1953

Built in 1873, Eisenhower House was the summer house of President Eisenhower and is located in Fort Adams State Park

Hammersmith Farm, the home of Jacqueline Bouvier’s stepfather and where the wedding reception of John and Jacqueline Kennedy was held. Hammersmith Farm was also Kennedy’s summer home during his presidency.

Marble House: Once the wealthiest family in America, the Vanderbilts were renowned, amongst other things, for their opulent townhouses and mansions in New York and on the East Coast. Located on Bellevue Avenue, Marble House was built and completed as a summer cottage for Alva & William Vanderbilt in 1892.

Another Bellevue Avenue home, Rosecliff was built by silver heiress Theresa Fair Oelrichs, also as a summer home. The Great Gatsby, starring Robert Redford and Mia Farrow, was filmed here in 1974.

From Newport to Providence and we began our time here with another Sidra colleague, Toni. It’s been so amazing, and somewhat surreal, to see old friends here in their home country after being fellow expats, and as we have done with other friends, we sat with Toni in Joe Marzilli’s Old Canteen Italian Restaurant in slight disbelief that we were actually looking at each other. Thanks for a great evening Toni!

The skies cleared for our day of exploring Providence. We started with a walk along the river and soaked up the sunshine.

This mural in downtown Providence pays tribute to the Narragansett Tribe. The mural depicts Lynsea, a 22-year-old current Narragansett Tribe member as she holds a picture of Princess Red Wing, *an indigenous activist* who died in 1987.

The Old Stone Bank served Rhode Island from 1819 to 1993

Then we met up with Peter, our walking tour guide for the afternoon, and made all the better by the fact that it was just us on the tour. Peter’s knowledge and perspectives on the history of Providence were interesting, fascinating and entertaining. As he walked us through the streets of Providence, including the lovely Brown University campus, he weaved us a story of the city primarily centred around three major stakeholders in the city’s past: Roger Williams, founder of Providence, who was a believer in religious freedom, an advocate of the Narragansett Indians and an abolitionist. John Brown, a slave trader, statesman, merchant and part of the American Revolution. And Vincent “Buddy” Cianci, a lawyer, radio talk show host and Providence’s mayor for 20 years collectively, making him the city’s longest serving mayor and leaving in his wake a colourful trail of controversy. Peter brought these three men to life during his tour as he described the influences they have had on Providence. One of the best walking tours we’ve done by far.

John Brown House, first mansion to be built in Providence and now a museum

Main Green, surrounded by fraternity houses

Quadrangle with University Hall in the background

Caesar Augustus on Main Green lost his right arm in a hurricane in 1938

The Slavery Memorial recognizes Brown University’s connection to the transatlantic slave trade and also the Africans and African-Americans who so significantly contributed to the building of the university.

Orpheus Ascending, on the Rhode Island School of Design campus

For such a small state, Rhode Island has a story to rival any other. Full of character, history and scenery, we thank you Rhode Island as we say goodbye and head into Massachusetts ☺️

S&P