We went to Rhode island

Pretty much the only thing I knew about Rhode island was that there were chickens called Rhode Island reds, that is before I actually went to Rhode Island. I think I may have had some idea that it was the smallest states in the USA and that it was a place the rich and famous loved to holiday… I’m rather ashamed that was about the sum of my knowledge, however, since our tour guide (our daughter) took us there on our recent visit I have learned a lot more about it, including the fact that it is rather lovely and would really like to visit again and explore more of it.

We really enjoyed just wandering round the small streets of Newport where we were staying; we had no particular plan in mind, just ambling along, enjoying the atmosphere and soaking up the feel of the place. Newport as the name suggests is by the sea, and is one of the oldest settlements, being founded in 1639 by eight men who had left the settlement of Portsmouth after a dispute with the leaders there.

This old inn was built in 1845 and was a convent, but was then dismantled and moved to its present location; it is named after the famous  Admiral Fitzroy, who as well as  commanding the Beagle, the ship Darwin sailed on for his famous expedition, was a meteorologist and one of the first to attempt a scientific weather forecast. He also designed one of the first barometers. I have a personal connection to the name Fitzroy, my great-grandfather had a pub, now lost, called the Fitzroy Arms in Cambridge.

Benjamin’s is on Thames Street, which has many very attractive, very old buildings.

This elegant house might seem dull as it is only painted blue, but with the splash of white from the irises and the white fence it looks very sea-like.

Waffles on a stick…. how could our tour guide resist? We were happy to buy her one… and her father had to sample one himself!