1 We booked the top floor at the Belle View Inn in Newport for the holiday weekend. Lorna, the hostess, was a delight. Since we arrived early on Friday to beat the traffic, she allowed us to park our car while we walked around and found lunch, pending
the afternoon checkin time.
the afternoon checkin time.
2 We grabbed lunch at La Forge with outdoor seating overlooking the International Tennis Hall of Fame.
3 Max had the lobster cobb salad, while I had the lobster roll. Not bad, but better was to come later in Newport. When we got back to the inn, Lorna clued us that La Forge's "stuffies" (RI-speak for stuffed quahogs) are what we should have ordered. I had eyed it on the menu, but too late now.
4 We still had time after lunch before we could checkin at the inn, so we walked over to take a tour of the Touro Synagogue. Founded in 1763, it is the oldest synagogue still standing in the United States.
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6 The synagogue was built at an angle relative to the street because, like all others, it faces towards Jerusalem.
7 A docent led a 30 minute tour and explanation of the synagogue. You are not allowed to take pictures inside, but I was able to capture this photo standing outside the doorway looking in at the bimah and the ark.
8 After touring the synagogue, we headed back and checked into the inn, unpacked, and got ready for dinner. As we walked down to Newport harbor for Friday night dinner, we had this sunset preview guiding us.
9 Friday night dinner was at The Mooring right on one of the wharves. I had some of the best seared yellowfin tuna I have ever had.
10 View from our dockside table as the sun was going down, real nice!
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12 Saturday morning dawned as beautiful as Friday. We walked approx. 3/4 mile from the inn to the start of the Cliff Walk. We weren't exactly sure how far it was, but our plan was to go down to The Breakers, turn around and head back.
13 The beginning of the Cliff Walk gives views back towards Newport (more properly Easton's) Beach
14 The building right at the start of the Cliff Walk is The Chanler, one of the premiere inns and restaurants in Newport.
15 About 2/3 mile down the Cliff Walk are the 40 Steps, which are literally just that. It is a staircase that descends the cliff to a small platform that was supposedly a gathering place for the staff and servants during Newport's gilded age.
16 The view from the 40 Steps is pretty impressive
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19 About 1/2 mile south of the 40 Steps is Ochre Court, a former mansion that is now the adminstrative offices of Salve Regina University.
20 "Next door" is McAuley Hall. Built from sandstone it houses Salve Regina classrooms.
