The Breakers: touring the most opulent mansion in Newport, RI
While exploring the Cliff Walk in Newport, RI, we detoured for a couple of hours to tour one Gilded Age mansion, known as the Breakers. The Breakers is one of the most opulent mansions on the Cliff Walk. At over 125,000 square feet with 70 rooms, architect Richard Morris Hunt designed this Italian Renaissance masterpiece for Cornelius Vanderbilt II. The Vanderbilt’s were one of the greatest railroad empires of the Gilded Age. Original Breakers vacation home The current mansion is not the original Breakers home to sit on this site. The original house, built in 1878, was a simple wood-frame…
New Bedford: Whales, whales, & more whales
Whales, whales, and more whales. That’s what you will find in New Bedford, Massachusetts. A seaport near Dartmouth College, New Bedford served as one of the world’s top whaling ports in the 19th century, earning the nickname,…
One Day in Rome? Maximize your sightseeing!
Do you only have one day to spend in Rome? We arrived in Rome the day before we were scheduled to board a cruise out of the Civitavecchia port. This is what our day looked like: …
One Day in Paris? Spend it wisely!
Do you only have one day to spend in Paris? We stopped in Paris on our way to Rome to catch a cruise. This is what our day looked like: 11:30 AM – Land at Charles de…
50 common phrases for travel, in 4 languages
Why do we need 50 common phrases for travel? Well, as a graduation gift, we booked a western Mediterranean cruise for me, my husband, and two daughters who recently graduated from high school. While planning the trip,…
12 Things NOT to Say or Do When Traveling
Every country has its own customs and practices. It’s important to make sure you are aware of what NOT to do, so you do not inadvertently offend someone. I put together this list of 12 things not…
Cliff Walk in Newport, Rhode Island
A Walking Guide to 3.5 Miles of Spectacular Views and Opulent Houses Newport, RI and the Gilded Age Known as the “Queen of Resorts”, Newport, Rhode Island was a premier summer destination for wealthy, influential families looking…