Newport and the boat show

Newport, Rhode Island.

September, 16th 2006

Alan's Log:
Joan's Log:

We arrived at Newport, Rhode Island from the Bahamas.

Newport's waterfront

We have been having a blast here in Newport! In three words, it’s completely charming! I love it. It’s also historic, nautical, bustling and fun.

The Newport Boat Show

Our first order of business was to get Moonstruck ready for the show, which meant moving most of our possessions off the boat and into a nearby hotel. then we could start to enjoy the show!

We rented a car and took all our personal stuff off Moonstruck (3 car loads) and are now camped out in a Ramada Inn. The show starts Thursday and is going to be a huge event, the Hylas boats are in a great location on the pier, up front and center. Also there is going to be a Hylas Rendezvous on Saturday night with about 150 people and 30 boats represented. There will be a dinner and we will get to meet all the owners, so that should be lots of fun. After the show we are sailing to Block Island (must be a nice place, because everyone keeps saying "you must go to Block Island!") for a few days to visit a friend and former co-worker of Alan’s. He and his wife own a wonderful, old Victorian, which they run as a B& B. We had dinner with him last night, sweet man; I’m looking forward to meeting his wife. After Block Island, we will start our voyage to Annapolis.

Mystic Seaport (Alan fulfills an ambition)

Mystic seaport is famous as the home of the real pizza restaurant used in the making of the Julia Roberts movie "Mystic Pizza". Since we were in the heighborhood, and Alan is a major Julia fan, we just had to get the hat (the pizza seems to have gone downhill somewhat!).

Exploring Newport

I have never seen so many BEAUTIFUL sailboats in one place. The harbor is completely filled with them. The architecture of the buildings and homes is just lovely, and all are beautifully maintained. Lots of fun shops, great restaurants and bars. We had brunch at the White Horse Tavern, the oldest tavern in America. 300 years old!!!!

There are also the biggest, most beautiful mansions (summer homes) with incredible gardens, that I have ever seen in my life here. All lined up on Bellevue St. where of course, they have a view of the ocean. Lots are open to the public, so I’m looking forward to touring them.

Also the weather has been wonderful; a cold front came through the day after we got here so it’s clear and cool! Anyway I’m loving it! We are officially kicked off the boat as of yesterday, so Hylas can finish getting it ready for the boat show. So we are going exploring today, maybe we'll drive up to Cape Cod.

Newport Cliff Walk and Summer "Cottages"

The combination of a beautiful cliff walk and views of the "summer cottages" of the nation's wealthiest during the gilded age between the World Wars makes for an intoxicating combination.