Newport Photo Blog
Tour Name: Springtime in Newport, Rhode Island
Dates: June 13-16, 2023
Tour Director: Patti Olson
Tour Highlights: We stepped back in time to the Gilded Age, beginning with a circle and a contra dance led by “Mrs. Astor,” our local guide. Then we toured two of the awesome mansions where the Vanderbilts entertained guests with lavish banquets and similar dances. Each room was a work of art! The weather gave us a great day to walk along the famous Cliff Walk in front of these mansions. Newport is also home of the International Tennis Hall of Fame, and our guide told fascinating stories about the sport and the most famous tennis players. There was even a chance to visit “live” with Roger Federer’s hologram! Heading home, we learned about topiaries, shrubs shaped into artistic and animal shapes and were also wowed by a traveling Lego exhibit at the topiary gardens that is in Newport this year. The giant Lego creations were amazing. As we walked through the beautiful mansions, I was reminded of the Bible verse from John 14:2-3 — “ In My Father’s house are many rooms; if that were not so, I would have told you, because I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I am coming again and will take you to Myself, so that where I am, there you also will be.” As striking as the Newport mansions are, Heaven will be so much more glorious!
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The weather was perfect for relaxing by the water and contemplating what life would have been like during the Gilded Age.

The Forty Steps lead right down to the water. These commemmorate the original steps cut into the embankment years ago.

The Brick Alley Restaurant is one of the most popular eateries in downtown Newport. Note the true brick alley to the left.

This is like Cracker Barrel, but all the furnishings are transportation related. So much to look at as we waited for our food.

Many exhibits in the museum display the history of tennis, and a new interactive tennis trivia game has been added to stump the visitors.

I loved the hologram presentation by Roger Federer, and I caught it just right to see his powerful swing.

We finished the day with a tasty meal at the International Tennis Hall of Fame, looking out at people playing on the grass courts.
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