Back Trackin', Rhode Island Edition - On the Water in Newport

For this post, I'm going to backtrack a little and talk about a short trip that I took with Husband J to Newport, Rhode Island right after we got married. In the wedding blogging world, a short trip like this is called a mini-moon. Bali, which I've covered extensively here on this blog (don't worry, no more Bali posts!), was our official honeymoon ten months AFTER our wedding (but who's counting? I'm not!).*

I was not completely sold on the idea of Newport when Husband J suggested it, but as I researched all that the area had to offer, I was pretty excited to get there. We packed a lot into about five days, and yet it didn't seem rushed at all.

During our first two full days in Newport, we spent quite a bit of time on the water. Husband J grew up sailing a lot with his family as well as coming to Newport, so it was like reminiscing for him. Our first few days included a trip to the Newport area's second beach, which is technically in Middletown, Rhode Island.

A few hours later we took in a sunset cruise on the Amazing Grace tour boat and admired Newport's world famous harbor and learned a little bit about its history.

By the way, I have no clue what is on my shirt! LOL!

Well, what did we see on our tour?

Fabulous boats

Anybody wanna buy a boat? This is the Athena, apparently one of the largest sailboats in the world, and it will only cost you well over $100 million dollars. That's all! :)

This one is probably a little more affordable, huh?

There are many options for touring around Newport and its harbor via sailboat. More on that below.

Interesting Sites

A private family home out there all by itself in the middle of Newport Harbor

Hammersmith Farm

Jackie Bouvier Kennedy Onassis' childhood summer home

This is a historic house that's now condos. I'll live there!

Fort Adams, which is now used as a state park and as Navy housing.

Husband J and I also got a chance to tackle sailing on a former America's Cup 12 meter racing ship called the Heritage courtesy of SLJ and BLT, my brother-in-law and his wife.

The great thing about the ship was that we even got help out sailing the boat.

Here I am having just finished helping to hoist the sail.

If you have a chance, go on the Heritage's sunset cruise. I love being out on the water at sunset.

I found out from a friend this weekend that the reason Newport has been known for its sailing is because the location affords great wind movement that helps sailboats and provides a cool breeze in the summer. I definitely found that to be true because at one point the wind suddenly picked up, and our sailboat was gunning at full speed. I can only imagine what it was like to be a racer on that boat during an America's Cup race!

If you are thinking about a New England seaside location for an upcoming trip or vacation, then maybe Newport should be at the top of your list!

*Please note that parts of this post were previously published on my wedding blog and Weddingbee.com