Tanks for the Memories: B&B&Newport
- Lindsay Britts
- Sep 7, 2017
- 3 min read
Getting inspired to do a little cruisin’ of your own? Ready to hit the road for a weekend ride to a place you’ve never been before? We can show you the best trips in your neck of the woods and you won’t even have to stop to fuel up. Each week, we pick a starting city and plan a getaway to some of the most charming, energetic, and just plain fun places that you’ll only need one tank of gas to reach. When it’s all over, you’ll be able to say… TANKS FOR THE MEMORIES!
Starting City: Boston, MA
Destination: Newport, RI
Distance: about 70 miles
There are two words that relax my shoulders and make my heart smile: bed and breakfast. In a blaze of innovative glory, someone saw these two words and put the concepts together to create cozy places of food and futons. Pancakes and pillows? Count me in! If you’re ever in Boston and it feels like you’ve run a mental marathon, consider unpaaking your Harvaad yaad caah to drive to an oasis of charming lodging seventy miles south in Newport, RI. There’s plenty of different lodgings to choose from, which may leave you waffling!
Source: Wikipedia
The city of Newport rests on Aquidneck Island, which at the time of founding in 1637 was called Rhode Island. (I guess the name had staying power.) Newport grew into a commercial center through the next century. By the late 18th century, the town had achieved great success due to the introduction of sperm whale oil manufacturing to the continent by Aaron Lopez, a Portuguese Jewish immigrant who sought the religious freedom of America from the Inquisition. (This great influx of trade also brought in pirates that would make the city their base.) Occupied by both English and French troops at different times in the Revolutionary War, Newport suffered a decline after the war was over but saw revival in the mid-19th century as a place for summer homes and vacationing. This tradition still continues today, with tourism being one of Newport’s biggest draws.
If you’ve ever wanted to saunter back to 18th century New England, Newport gives you the chance with many of its bed and breakfasts. The Francis Malbone House was built circa 1760 and its eighteen rooms are furnished in a luxurious Colonial style. They offer romantic getaway packages in addition to room and board and even carry an elopement package for those who want an intimate marriage ceremony for two. You can stay in your revolutionary mindset by taking a walk through the town’s Historical District, which boasts a large concentration of similar homes.
Fast-forward a century or so with a stay in the Marshall Slocum Inn, built in 1855 by an ancestor to a founder of Newport. They have several packages to add to your room rate that will help you explore the area and its maritime history. Another choice that’s closer to the water is the Almondy Inn, a Victorian-style inn with period antiques on Narragansett Bay. All the amenities plus a complimentary wine and cheese hour are a good draw to this house built in the 1890s. Both of these bed and breakfasts are what a realtor would describe as “quaint”, which may deter some people but is sure to attract many more.
If you’d like to bring your stay into the 21st century, why not set it directly in the lap of luxury at the Hydrangea House Inn? This inn has more suites than standard rooms, boasting quarters such as the “Oak Suite” with a king canopy bed and the “Winter Garden” suite with its lightly-tempered decor and sun porch. For those that prefer fashion to flowers, the Gilded is a hotel that features the decor style of the Gilded Age but mixes it with bold colors and prints from modern day, creating a brilliantly fun ambiance.
Source: Gilded website
Even if you’re a little farther away, Newport is accessible to many points in New England. If you’re look for a respite from The Big Apple, Newport is about a tank and a half away at 170 miles, which is a feasible journey to make sure you don’t have to turn down your own bed or flip sausage patties. Get ready to say Good Morning, Newport!
STRETCH YOUR LEGS: If you want to bring your own imbibements to cap off an in-room shindig, Black Hat Brew Works in Bridgewater, MA (on Route 104 just off Route 24) can help with its selection of craft beers. From a Belgian farmhouse ale to a coffee stout to a good ‘ol pumpkin ale for the fall, their variety will please any beer-ista. Their taproom is open Wednesday through Saturday at limited hours, so you’ll want to keep up with their Facebook for the latest info.
LEARN MORE:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Newport%2C_Rhode_Island http://www.cityofnewport.com/
https://www.bedandbreakfast.com/newport-rhode-island.html
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