Rhode Island

Historic New England’s Watson Farm has its own herd of heritage Devon cattle.  A short drive away is HNE’s Casey Farm (see below).

An episode of “The Victory Garden” after our trip to Japan inspired us to visit Blithewold, a mansion in Bristol, RI with extensive gardens and its own bamboo grove. Downtown Bristol has a helpful tourist info center and many nice shops and restaurants leading down to and along the waterfront.

Many New England churches have fundraising breakfasts – we stumbled upon this one outside of Bristol.

Blithewold holsts Daffodil Days each spring.

Rosecliff is one of the largest Newport mansions and is open all year.

Chateau-sur-Mer in Newport is open seasonally and only open to guided tours.

Drooling over the butler’s pantry at Chateau-sur-Mer.

Historic New England’s Casey Farm in Rhode Island has heritage breed chickens, a Saturday farmers market and many special programs (particularly for kids).

Newport, Rhode Island Harbor with our fabulous goddaughter.

Touring the mansions in Newport, Rhode Island. Marble House.

An insanely good dessert with grilled peaches, chocolate, candied almonds and homemade ice cream at Gracie’s in downtown Providence, RI. One of New England’s best restaurants.

A highlight of summer in Providence is Waterfire, an art/fire/music installation along the river on select Saturday evenings. This is the eve of our 12th wedding anniversary.

A short stroll down the road from Historic New England’s Arnold House, just north of Providence, RI, is Chase Farm Park (also home to Hearthside historic house and the Hannaway Blacksmith Shop. If you’re lucky it might be open and in operation.