newport on a budget
George had never been to Newport, Rhode Island before, so wouldn't it be grand to take a day trip with our friends, Carla and Jol on a photographic and historical tour. The last time I remember going was in the early 90's, more than 20 years ago! When we arrived, everything looked familiar to me which was a comforting feeling. I'm more of a wanderer, without an agenda and I try not to use my GPS, rather just stroll along the streets and let my curiosity lead the way. We had a few destinations in mind, like the Vanderbilt estate, "The Breakers" and Fort Adams.
As soon as we found parking, it wasn't long before I spotted one of my favorite subjects ... bicycles! Even better, a dapper young man, named Paul who is a Newport native riding a vintage single speed. As he mounted his bicycle and started to ride away, I quickly yelled out, "Would you like your portrait taken?!" He promptly agreed and circled back. What a fine way to be welcomed to Newport, with old world charm and grace. After a few quick snaps, off we went to find lunch. We happened across a Thai restaurant on Thames and everyone enjoyed their meal.
We strolled a bit further down Thames and took a left on Bellevue Avenue where the Newport mansions begin. The Elms had tremendous beech trees in the front yard and there was a fine gentleman to greet us and share his knowledge of the trees. On our way back to the car, as the meter was about to expire, we stopped at The People's Cafe for an espresso. I spotted a young man wearing bright orange shirt that read, summer getaway while he savored his ice cream cone. It was perfect ... summer, ice cream, being a child. Nostalgia through and through.
There were no guided tours at the Vanderbilt Mansion by a person, rather headphones with a recorded history lesson that escorted you room by room. Upon arrival, I was disappointed to learn that no photography was allowed inside the mansion, only on the balcony on the second floor.
The estate was beyond regal and opulent. It heralded the time of wealth and power. The time the railroad paved the way and earned financial success to the Vanderbilts. It was sad to learn that Vanderbilt himself only enjoyed one summer there before suffering a stroke and dying the next year. Newport was a town for women who would often change their clothing seven times a day. They were the society women and threw parties.
The Preservation Society of Newport County is a non-profit organization that preserves these lavish mansions as a historical reminder of the grand architecture of the gilded age. Fortunately for them, they haven't had to pay property taxes on these large estates for the past 20 years. I'm fascinated by the curiosity of humans to see how the 1% lives. We are paying them to enter these estates, when they were/are the ones who had money. Human nature is ironic sometimes. Still I'm fascinated with architecture and our relationship to it and our environment.
I stopped often to observe the different cultures and beliefs that bring us together. We are one huge melting pot and that's what makes it so interesting and delicious. Regardless of our beliefs, opinions or social/financial status, we can all learn and grow from one another. I believe we can live in harmony and appreciate our differences. After all, we are all human and have the same basic needs ... shelter, food, and most important, love! We need to be generous with our gifts, time, talent and finances in order to bring balance to a world that has polar opposites just around the next block, down the street or neighborhood. It was a pleasure to help out friends and families who needed a group photo to remember the day, so I was happy to take their photo with their camera and grab a few of my own, as the observer.
I hope everyone is enjoying their summer. What's your next destination on a budget?
As soon as we found parking, it wasn't long before I spotted one of my favorite subjects ... bicycles! Even better, a dapper young man, named Paul who is a Newport native riding a vintage single speed. As he mounted his bicycle and started to ride away, I quickly yelled out, "Would you like your portrait taken?!" He promptly agreed and circled back. What a fine way to be welcomed to Newport, with old world charm and grace. After a few quick snaps, off we went to find lunch. We happened across a Thai restaurant on Thames and everyone enjoyed their meal.
The estate was beyond regal and opulent. It heralded the time of wealth and power. The time the railroad paved the way and earned financial success to the Vanderbilts. It was sad to learn that Vanderbilt himself only enjoyed one summer there before suffering a stroke and dying the next year. Newport was a town for women who would often change their clothing seven times a day. They were the society women and threw parties.
The Preservation Society of Newport County is a non-profit organization that preserves these lavish mansions as a historical reminder of the grand architecture of the gilded age. Fortunately for them, they haven't had to pay property taxes on these large estates for the past 20 years. I'm fascinated by the curiosity of humans to see how the 1% lives. We are paying them to enter these estates, when they were/are the ones who had money. Human nature is ironic sometimes. Still I'm fascinated with architecture and our relationship to it and our environment.
I stopped often to observe the different cultures and beliefs that bring us together. We are one huge melting pot and that's what makes it so interesting and delicious. Regardless of our beliefs, opinions or social/financial status, we can all learn and grow from one another. I believe we can live in harmony and appreciate our differences. After all, we are all human and have the same basic needs ... shelter, food, and most important, love! We need to be generous with our gifts, time, talent and finances in order to bring balance to a world that has polar opposites just around the next block, down the street or neighborhood. It was a pleasure to help out friends and families who needed a group photo to remember the day, so I was happy to take their photo with their camera and grab a few of my own, as the observer.
I hope everyone is enjoying their summer. What's your next destination on a budget?
Photos by Corey Lynn Tucker Photography
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