It was once again a journey to discover another state within New England, located in the northeastern region of the United States. New England comprises six states: Connecticut, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, and Rhode Island. Rhode Island, the smallest state in the nation, borders three states and has a coastline along the North Atlantic Ocean.
New England is characterized by its iconic white-steepled churches, rugged coastlines, and timeless landscapes of serene farmlands, which are depicted in the accompanying photographs. These features present a stark contrast to the beaches of New York. As we embark on our travels during the first week of November, we observe that the trees have already begun to shed their leaves, yet the roadways do resemble the picturesque scenes often found in calendars.
This region is often referred to as the “cradle of American civilization,” as its history is intertwined with the broader narrative of America. Comprising six states, it is characterized by its white-steepled churches, rugged coastlines, historic villages, and serene landscapes of peaceful farmlands, alongside the sophisticated city of Boston. This region is often referred to as the “cradle of American civilization,” as its history is intertwined with the broader narrative of America.
Vermont state is renowned for its ski resorts and rolling farmlands, while New Hampshire is celebrated for its dense forests and breathtaking mountain passes, particularly during the fall. Maine is known for its dramatic coastline; Massachusetts boasts a rich tapestry of history, culture, and prestigious universities; and Connecticut is famous for its charming postcard-worthy villages. The island we are visiting today is particularly noted for its grand mansions.
Itinerary
Total distance covered: 650 KM
Day 1
4 PM North Bergen, New Jersey to Connecticut 7 PM,
Stay at Connecticut
Dinner at Sravana Restaurant and roam around the downtown
Day 2
9 AM Connecticut to Rhodes Island 1 AM
Visit the roads, market, harbor and posh colonies of old rich community in Rhodes
Return by 7 PM for Connecticut 10 PM
Dinner in Sravana Indian restaurant
My purpose here is not solely to appreciate the natural beauty, as the entirety of the United States is replete with stunning vistas, but rather to experience the vibrant life and urban atmosphere of Rhode Island. The two principal cities in Rhode Island are Providence and Newport. We will focus our exploration exclusively on Newport, as Providence is primarily home to state offices.
The area currently recognized as Rhode Island was originally inhabited by Native Americans, including the Narragansett tribe, prior to the arrival of English colonists. In 1639, a group of eight colonists seeking political freedom established a settlement that would later be known as Newport.
Our journey took approximately 4.5 hours from New Jersey, and as we traversed the picturesque landscapes of Connecticut, we arrived in Rhode Island around 1 PM. We had prepared a meal of cooked rice, referred to locally as ‘Tehri,’ which we enjoyed while standing.
After parking near the historic mansion known as ‘The Breakers,’ the former residence of the Vanderbilt family, who were once the wealthiest industrialists in America, we walked for about 15 minutes to reach the estate.
The site was bustling with visitors, all eager to learn about the history and lifestyle associated with the mansion. Admission to the mansion was priced at $28; however, we opted to admire the exterior instead. The expansive lawns were not only vast and beautiful, but the Atlantic Ocean to the southeast further enhanced the mansion’s allure.
Constructed from large stones and surrounded by numerous trees, we circled the mansion, capturing photographs of the stunning architecture against the backdrop of the sea. A well-known pathway, referred to as ‘Cliff Walk,’ runs between the mansion and the ocean, and we observed many tourists enjoying this scenic route. We decided to join them.
The experience was remarkable, allowing us to appreciate the opulence of the series of mansions lining the trail. The path featured numerous cliffs and Gilded Age residences, and it has been designated as a
National Recreational Trail. We spent approximately 1.5 hours in this area, and by the time we concluded our visit, it was around 4 PM. While there were not many additional attractions to see—aside from a few
locally renowned historical buildings—we enjoyed strolling through the town, admiring the charming old bungalows with their expansive gardens and fences. This area vividly illustrates how the colonists settled and established their presence in the region.
The China Coffee house on way on Cliff walk.
Following the cliff walk, we traveled approximately 3 kilometers to arrive in the downtown area. Thus far, I had not encountered any marketplace where I observed exclusively white individuals walking along the streets or frequenting shops and restaurants, with all shopkeepers and even security personnel also being white. It presented a unique perspective as a tourist. I noticed only a handful of Indians, who I presumed were tourists rather than permanent residents.
This atmosphere reminded me of the typical vibes I have only experienced in the New England states, evoking imagery from Shakespeare’s novels that depict a time when governance was solely in the hands of white individuals.
As we navigated the streets, we were greeted by neatly arranged rows of shops on either side, with golden sunlight illuminating the trees that had yet to shed their leaves, causing the brown and mauve foliage to glisten. Numerous churches, some over a century old, dotted the townscape.
I came across a park dedicated to Commander Mc, situated within a large park. We captured several photographs there. The dry leaves scattered across the ground beckoned me to sit on a bench for an extended period, allowing me to relish my days in retirement. The entire scene seemed to invite me to linger for hours, reflecting on the 65 years of my life.
Additionally, I encountered a historical tennis court, the site of the first tennis tournament, which eventually evolved into the US Open event. The memorial is well preserved, enhancing the historical significance of Newport for visitors.
After visiting this monument, we crossed over to the wharf, where people were enjoying themselves, engaging in conversation, and sharing their experiences. We enjoyed tea at a restaurant adjacent to the Atlantic Ocean, where boats awaited. We could take these boats for a local excursion into the sea to appreciate its beauty.
Shopping in the area
Epilogue
The East and West coasts of North America present a striking contrast. The West is characterized by a rich tapestry of cultures and a mix of various ethnic groups, including Hispanic, non-Hispanic, Asian, African, and Latin American communities. In contrast, the East Coast, particularly the New England region, predominantly comprises individuals of Hispanic, Irish, British, or Dutch descent, making up approximately 99% of the population. The New England experience offers a unique perspective of America that is worth exploring. The region’s flora and fauna appear lush and vibrant, the oceans are pristine, and the residents seem to relish their leisurely evenings, often gathered in the open courtyards of restaurants and along the waterfront. The overall ambiance is one of purity and freshness. Rhodes Island appears to be a vibrant repository of centuries-old, magnificent bungalows that belong to the affluent class, who established the foundations of America and made this place their home.
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