Mini-Moonin' It

As I am sure that I mentioned before, we're not really sure if and when we'll be taking a full-fledged honeymoon. Between lack of ample vacation time for me and no job yet for the Mr., we're still hoping that we can find our way overseas for an adventure and some relaxation sometime soon in the future. Instead we'll be taking some time away after the wedding to Newport, Rhode Island. Why Newport? Well it's got the makings for an easy and low-cost mini-moon since it's Mr. Swan's home state. Here's why:

1) a free place to stay in Mr. Swan's family apartment house there (don't worry they don't live there too. They live in a separate town.);

2) we can borrow one of the family cars;

3) Newport is not that far of a drive from NYC, and we'll be driving there with the FFIL and FMIL Swan the day after the wedding; 

4) Plus it looks like this in the summer time:

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I will admit to you that I was not very excited that Mr. Swan suggested we even go to Newport. For one, in addition to being Miss Swan, I like to also think of myself as Miss Adventure. I'd already been to Newport for an afternoon with him, so I kinda figured that maybe we wouldn't have much left to see. Also going to Rhode Island is not really all that new for me, since I've been going there to visit friends who lived there for years even before I'd met Mr. Swan. To me, it was just going to be another trip to Rhodey (Rhode Island brides, please forgive me!).

Anyway, I recently started to research our trip, and I've actually started to get really excited about some of the things we'll be able to do there. For one, we'll get to see fabulous homes.

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Of course one of the most well-known aspects of a visit to Newport is the collection of gorgeous mansions. You can take tours of these old stately homes that have been restored to their former glory.  These "summer cottages" (yeah, y'all these are just the summer homes) were built by wealthy and prominent families like the Vanderbilts. I think I'll enjoy a little history lesson on our trip. 

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Newport also has wonderful restaurants especially those featuring fresh seafood. I actually went to the one pictured above my first time in Newport. They've got really good chowder. I'm marrying a born and raised New Englander, so I better like me some chowder. :)  

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Newport is also known for its harbor and its sailing activities. Some consider it the sailing capital of the U.S. (maybe even the world) because it's hosted the America's Cup sailing race so many times. Mr. Swan wants to take a harbor cruise for the first time since he was a kid.  He spent most of his childhood years on a boat in the summer time especially around the Newport area, so it will be fun to be able to share this experience with him. 

Unfortunately, we will miss the Newport Jazz Festival again this year. It's too bad because I'd love to see (or hear, I guess) Chaka Khan, Branford Marsalis and even Tony Bennett. Maybe next year!

Are you mini-moonin' it too? Where are you going, and what aspects of your trip are you looking forward to?  

Also does anyone have any Newport recs for me? I know Mr. Swan is a native, but it's always cool to hear others' picks. Thanks in advance!