Rhode Island, USA
We hired a car for a day in Boston and drove to the smallest US state called Rhode Island (one and half hours from Boston). It is an extremely beautiful place, especially in Newport which as the former host of America’s Cup (1930 – 1983) has a huge yachting culture. In fact we were lucky enough to be there on the day when the America’s cup was on display. A boat from Newport won the 2010 Cup.
Even if the cup is not on display, Newport is certainly worth a visit if you are in Rhode Island. There are some of the biggest estates we had ever seen. Newport is recognised for its mansions of which many are now in the care of the Preservation Society of Newport County. Incredibly huge, stunning properties line the streets of Newport, particularly along Bellevue Avenue.
As you head towards the coastline, the houses are perhaps not as grand as the mansions but there are certainly no beach shacks in sight. Every home is so beautifully maintained and the views they have are just incredible.
To see these mansions you can either do what we did and hire a car or there are tours that take you to the area known as Bellevue Historic District.
Newport as a town is also well worth a walk around.
Check out some more mansions and photos of the America’s Cup: