Newport.

I was introduced to Newport, Rhode Island, as a child by my parents.

My father loved sailing and being on the water. So much, we actually owned a boat. So much so, I went to sailing CAMP.

I know, super WASPY.

But those are two stories are for another time.

My mother loved history. The mansions in Newport are full of it. Newport in general is full of it.

So it really was the best of my parents interests, the best of both worlds.

My father made sure when we could, we would go sailing, and in between, my mother would escort me to the many mansions. Each evening ending at one of Newport's many fabulous restaurants.

We went in the summer, we also spent many Thanksgivings there. In fact for my 40th birthday, instead of throwing a party, I chose for us to go to Newport, in March.

It doesn't matter the time of year, Newport is always a good time.

I made the decision years ago to introduce my children, and now they too, adore Newport.

We have seen the mansions, lingered in Banisters Wharf, eaten at the Black Pearl, and wandered the grounds of the Tennis Hall of Fame.

I remember when actual tour guides were present to tell the stories, not the head phones we get now.

I will often tell my children to take off their headphones so I can recall what a tour guide may have told me years ago that isn't included in the current tour. I miss real tour guides, because no matter how many times you went to the same house, you would get a different account.

For example at Marble House, the Vanderbilt's hosted a "beach party." Each guest was given a sterling silver bucket and shovel. The middle of the table filled with sand. Within the sand were rubies, diamonds, emeralds and other precious stones. The guests were encouraged to dig through the sand to retrieve whatever gems they could. They could then place them in their bucket as a parting gift.

We did the servants tour of the Elms. It was nearly two hours. The people on the tour gave me serious side eye when they spotted a 6, 7, and 9 year old.

Those same people came up to me after it was over and said they couldn't believe how good they were.

My kids eat up museums like cake. We went to Philadelphia a few years back for my sons birthday. We hit up every Museum we could get our hands on. When we went to the Please Touch Museum in Philly, my son audibly groaned upon entering because there was nothing really to "learn."

I have created snobs.

But Newport, the history, the food, the water, it never gets old. My kids have never had enough. In fact my youngest keeps asking when we can return.

The excitement at seeing the mansions, touring the grounds, the wide eye looks, its priceless.

I am so happy to continue the tradition of my parents.

I am also happy my kids know what a Porte Cochere is.

I'll wait while you look that up.

Xoxo,

C.