Rhode Island is one of those states few of us get to actually visit. I checked it off my bucket list this month as we drove over the bridge headed for Newport, bordering the ocean on two sides.
This city of the nineteenth century 'rich and famous' brats has dozens of mansions to visit. Quaint trolleys take you around the town to see from the street or stop and take a closer look inside these opulent summer homes. A sea walk borders the back properties where debutante parties by the Vanderbuilts, Berwins and 'millionaire' homeowners were held all summer long.
Glass, gold, marble, walnut and more fill these dinosaur hulks interiors. Spiral staircases, fifty foot woodburning kitchen stoves, five styles of china, chandeliers bigger than a car were a must. $100,000 was the tab for just one weekend 'Got to impress the Joneses' event.
Our eyes couldn't take in the grandeur of each estate. Sad we were that such waste and selfishness ruled this class of people. Would we do the same in our day?
The funnest part of Rhode Island was the mile markers on the highways. Where most states have posts for every mile. This tiny one has mile markers for every quarter mile posted as 1.2, 1.4, 1.6 and so on. I wish I would have taken a photo of one.
Put Rhode Island on your list to visit. It will be worth it.
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