Leaving Mystic behind, we continued on to the colorful town of Newport, Rhode Island.
Newport is most known for the location where the New York Yacht Club successfully defended the Americas Cup continuously from 1930 to 1983.
It is also known for the stretch of large, opulent mansions which served as summer homes for America’s wealthiest families from the mid 19th through early 20th centuries. Among the owners were successful southern plantation owners wishing to escape the summer heat, along with the Vanderbilts, Astors and Wideners. Presidents Kennedy and Eisenhower both chose Newport for “Summer White Houses” during their presidential terms.
Then there’s the Newport Jazz Festival.
One of the early colonies, Newport was also known for religious tolerance. Its growth was largely due to Portuguese Jewish settlers in the 18th century, who developed whaling and international trade. Other groups seeking tolerance followed, including Quakers, abolotionists and freed slaves.
We explored the downtown area of Newport after arriving and the next day, we were joined by our good friends, Todd and Kathy. We enjoyed a dinner in town and catching up before heading out to Block Island the next morning.
8 Responses
Sounds and looks beautiful!
Thanks, Shep. Sorry we missed you in Cape May. D&S
Hmmm. I am going to have to follow in your wake and footsteps. Excellent.
Bill, Agreed. Time to get out from behind the desk and get back out there. You’ve inspired many sailors. D&S
I have not attended in many years, but Newport Jazz festival used to be a real big deal and perhaps still is. One month before Woodstock, I had the thrill of seeing Janis Joplin perform there. Few people knew anything about her at that time, but she became very well known shortly afterward.
Jim, Think it’s still a pretty big deal but unfortunately, no nore Janis Joplin :-(. D&S
Regarding Newport’s religious tolerance, it’s the home of Touro Synagogue, the oldest synagogue in America.
Right. We walked by it. See you in a few days. D&S