Throwback Thursday – Girls Weekend in Newport Rhode Island

Recently, I came across some photos from a (long time ago) girls weekend in Newport Rhode Island.  Of course, I just had to scan them into the computer and share them with you.  If I am correct, they were taken the summer of 2002.

This is the view from one of my favorite places in Newport – the lawn at the Castle Hill Inn.  I remember sipping cocktails out here during many visits to Newport.  Such a beautiful spot!

Here I am during one of our sightseeing days and I still have that gingham dress…

This is the entrance to the Marble House, one of the many “cottages” we toured.  Marble House was built for Alva and William Kissam Vanderbilt.  He actually gave her the house for her 39th birthday.  Gee, I don’t remember getting anything like that for my 39th birthday.  I’ll have to remind my husband to step it up on the gifts.

Seriously, it blows my mind that these were summer homes, known as “cottages”.  Not really what comes to mind when you think of the word ‘cottage’!

On the back lawn of Marble House sits this Japanese tea house.  Quite a structure to have in your backyard.  In our lawn, all we have is a swing-set.

This ‘cottage’ is called The Elms.  From this photo, you can kind of tell that the grounds of this mansion were just spectacular.  How would you like a yard like that?

Since Newport is surrounded by water, a sunset cruise only made sense.

Such a wonderful viewpoint to see all the mansions.

Around the time I took this picture, I remember spilling my whole glass of champagne on my friend…good times.

This is the Castle Hill Inn I mentioned above.  As you can see, the lawn is filled with guests enjoying cocktails on the lawn at sunset.

And a beautiful sunset to end the day.

The next morning we actually visited my favorite Castle Hill Inn again.  This time instead of cocktails on the lawn, we had a lovely brunch.

Look how happy and relaxed I looked back then.  Not that I am not happy now, just less relaxed!

It was a little chilly that morning so we just took a few pictures before heading inside to dine.

Actually, the outside was filled anyway.  Apparently, these people didn’t mind the chilly weather.  The mimosas probably helped!

Here we are enjoying a delicious brunch to end the trip.

Thanks for reminiscing with me.  It’s been way too long and I think I need to plan another trip back to Newport but with my family this time.  My kids are old enough to appreciate the architecture and they would definitely enjoy the Cliff Walk – (a 3.5 walkway along the back lawns of many of the mansions).

For some reason, I can’t find the rest of my photos (or maybe I didn’t take any).  Take my word, that the town of Newport is the most charming little village filled with shops and incredible restaurants.  Each year, the local restaurants compete in a clam chowder contest known as “The Great Chowder Cook-Off.”  For me, a trip to Newport is not complete without a few bowls of clam chowder!

Have you ever been to Newport Rhode Island?