Our nephew Zach Cohen is marrying Kelley Martin on the Island of Nantucket Friday the 13^th of September. We decided to extend the family trip into a September Wedding Anniversary (34 years) vacation. We have not really spent any time in the New England area and decided to begin with a stop in Newport, Rhode Island on the way up and explore Cape Cod.

Founded in 1639, this city embodies a very interesting religious and political story that significantly contributes to our American colonial history. 

Newport has one of the finest natural harbors on the east coast of the United States. In early American history, this was one of the five leading colonial ports, along with Boston, New York, Philadelphia and Charleston. Hundreds of "tall ships" lined the docks and shoreline at any given time.

The 8 hour drive from our home in Reston, VA results in a later than ideal arrival time, but we make the best of it. We checked in to the Harborside Inn where its wharf location is ideal. You can walk to just about any place you would want to see downtown. The free parking spot was a plus. The room included a queen bed downstairs with a living room suite and small refrigerator. The upstairs loft had a king size bed. The view from the first level small porch overlooking the parking lot towards the water was great.

We strolled the streets and find that remarkably, there is a sidewalk statue - a permanent wave with feet sticking out. Whose feet are they really? Some say Greta Garbo, Merle Haggard, Dorothy Lamore, Billy Carter, or Susan Lisella. It's a mystery whose answer is often sought by checking the size with socks. Throughout the year various socks, red, blue, plaid are mysteriously attached to the feet during cover of darkness.

Newport has one of the highest concentrations of colonial homes in the nation, in the downtown Newport Historic District, one of three National Historic Landmark Districts in the city. Many of these homes were restored in the late 20th century through grants.

We were told we should enjoy a cocktail at the "Aquidneck Lobster Bar" and soak in the sunset view overlooking the marina. It was fantastic and fun. The fresh lobster in tanks almost made me want to ignore the advice I received to eat elsewhere. Probably not that the food was bad, but you just could do better.

We then began our New England Cuisine tour at "The Mooring". Casey had decided she would sample the New England Clam Chowder all along our vacation sites. Not being a big fan of the chowder, I vowed to sample the raw bar offerings paying careful attention to the Local Oysters.

This night we both enjoyed the Malpeque Oysters from Prince Edward Island, Canada. These crisp oysters are very tender with a nice balance of brininess and sweetness. My safety oyster tonight was a Connecticut Blue Point. The Blue Points have s have a fresh, crisp, firm texture, with a sweet aftertaste that sparkles with salinity.

The clam chowder was, well, clam chowder with clams a bit chewier than they need to be and nothing much to brag about in any other way. 
 
The marina view from The Mooring was fantastic and the service was great. I would highly recommend it. Just bring your AMEX and be prepared to use it.