Two Visits, Two Seasons of Family Life
Some places hold more than one chapter of our family story. Rhode Island brings us back to Newport in 2011, when our children were little, and to a Providence side trip with Dad Mark in 2023. Different years, different seasons—and both worth remembering.
Newport in 2011: Family, Friends & The Breakers
Our old Newport album says it best: “So much things to do in so little time.” We came with family and friends, with young children alongside us and plenty to explore in this small, beautiful state.
One place that stayed in my memory was The Breakers, the Vanderbilt mansion in Newport. This grand summer home was built for Cornelius Vanderbilt II and his family. Today, it is preserved as one of Newport’s best-known historic homes, offering visitors a glimpse of the architecture and life of the Gilded Age.
Looking back at our pictures, I love seeing the children together with the mansion in the background. The building is magnificent, but the people we shared that visit with make those photographs precious. We were younger, the children were little, and we were gathering memories we would still be talking about years later.
The Breakers in Newport—a view from our 2011 getaway with family and friends.
Harbor Views, Boat Rides & Time Outdoors
Our Newport album also holds boat outing and camping pictures, harbor views, and moments at Fort Adams. The photographs bring back a getaway filled with time outdoors and time together. Fort Adams is a historic coastal fortress overlooking the entrance to Newport Harbor—a place where waterfront scenery and history meet.
I may not remember every stop or every detail of the route, but I am thankful we took the pictures. They remind me that the ordinary moments between destinations belong in our family story, too.
Providence in 2023: A Side Trip with Dad Mark
Years later, we returned to Rhode Island in a different season of parenthood. After our daughter’s family send-off event in September 2023, Dad Mark and I made a side trip to Providence, about a 45-minute drive from the event venue.
We had limited time, but we made the most of it: walking, taking pictures, and enjoying a little exploring together.
College Hill, Brown University & Historic Streets
We visited Brown University and stopped at the First Baptist Church in America. Brown’s campus sits on College Hill, an area of Providence where university buildings and historic streets invite a leisurely walk. The church traces its congregation to Roger Williams in 1638.
We also posed at the Rhode Island School of Design and admired the older homes around College Hill. RISD is known for art and design; its museum is another option for travelers who have more time to explore. Our stop was for photographs, and the surrounding architecture gave us plenty to admire.
The State House, Downtown & An Italian Dinner
Our short outing included the Rhode Island State House and a walk through downtown Providence. We finished with an early, sumptuous dinner at an Italian restaurant—a lovely way to end our visit.
It was a brief side trip, but I am glad we made room for it. A few hours can still become a memory worth keeping.
Make Rhode Island Part of Your New England Journey
For readers planning a coastal trip north from New Jersey or New York, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts can fit into a New England itinerary, with New Hampshire and Maine farther north. Newport requires a detour from the main interstate route, so allow time for it rather than treating every stop as a quick pass-through.
The Breakers and Newport’s waterfront are wonderful starting points for planning, while Providence offers campus walks, history, art, and dining. These are ideas for your own trip; our memories here come from two separate visits.
Plan Your Own Visit
Start with these official resources for current visiting details and tickets:
Newport Mansions tickets and tours · Fort Adams visitor information · Visit Brown University · First Baptist Church in America
These are official destination links, not affiliate booking links. Check current hours, access, and ticket requirements when planning your visit.
Grateful for the Memories We Keep
Rhode Island holds both the joy of traveling with little children and the sweetness of a later outing with Dad Mark. The places were beautiful, but the lasting blessing was being there together—with family, with friends, and with another opportunity to make memories.
Thank You, Lord, for safe journeys, the people who share them with us, and photographs that help us remember. The children grow and the seasons change, but Your faithfulness remains.
— Emie ❤️
