Looking out the window, we could see the sun shining. It was such a nice day out. The problem: it was way too hot. Where could we go to be outside and cool?
Why not Newport?
Newport, RI, situated on Aquidneck Island, juts right out into the ocean. Wanting to take advantage of the cool ocean winds, we went to the southernmost point of the city: Brenton Point State Park.
We drove down Ocean Avenue and were greeted by spectacular views. There are outcroppings of rocks which are fun to walk on and explore. If you decide to venture on the rocks, be careful, some areas are slippery. These areas are right off the road, and there’s a parking lot nearby.
Then, the ocean attacked! We came here to get cooled off, and we did! The waves crashed against the rocks and sprayed us with the cold ocean water.
We forgave the ocean for its attack. Other than salt on our glasses, we weren’t harmed. Instead of trying to exact our revenge on the ocean, we decided to film it instead.
There are also tidal pools to explore.
Sadly, there weren’t any critters in the tidal pools. They were cool to look at, though.
While my wife found a place to listen to the waves, I went off on a mini adventure. I had to balance on a sliver of dry rock between two tidal pools. It was a land bridge of sorts.
There’s more to Brenton Point State Park than just views of the water. I know, I was surprised too.
We came across an old, abandoned building. It used to be a carriage house owned by a Providence family. It was battered in the Hurricane of ’38, and then a fire destroyed the neighboring villa in the 1950s. The state took over the property in 1969.
I’ve always been fascinated by abandoned buildings. I wanted to explore inside, but a “No Trespassing” sign and my wife, who cares about my safety and knows how easy it is for me to get into trouble, prevented me from going in.
We did find a tower where I was able to get another shot of the old carriage house.
Because my family and I are in the real estate business, I couldn’t help but think up a nice description of the place for potential buyers:
Handy man special! Close to nature. Waterfront views of Narragansett Bay and the Atlantic Ocean! Beach access! Rebuild to suit your needs! Buyer to install a new septic and attach utilities. Strength of structural integrity unknown. No disclosures available. Only $56 million!
Why so much? It’s Newport.
Being away from the cool ocean zephyrs (I learned that word in high school, and since then I’ve been waiting for a moment to use it), we were starting to heat up, and decided to meander back to the car. We walked through a large field where kite-flying aficionados can go and rent kites.
Content with our time outside, we decided that we were due to get ice cream. That story, and an exploration of Thames Street, will have to wait for another time.
Looking for something inside to do in the area? Check out our post on The Newport Car Museum.
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Brenton Point State Park is in Newport, RI. To go there, follow Ocean Drive/Avenue.
Check out our map of places we’ve been in New England!
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beautiful
place to visit!
It certaintly is!