In “5 Things,” we ask some of our favorite insiders in cities all over the world to share insider travel tips on where to eat, shop, stay, and play in their neighborhoods (plus, what to pack to make the adventure complete). Today, Caitlin Mandel of Our Natural Heritage shares how Newport, Rhode Island, is more than just beautiful old homes; the natural beauty of the area is sure to captivate any visitor!
Newport, Rhode Island is best known as a summer resort for some of America’s wealthiest families. But while Newport may be known as a playground for the rich, its delights are available to everyone. In fact, it was a band of religious outcasts that first negotiated with the native people to settle the area in the early 1600s, and the region has also served as an escape for artists, revolutionaries, theologians, writers, educators, and scientists.
I grew up in the area, and still find myself heading to Newport anytime I want a little escape. There is a strong tourist presence in summer, so if you aren’t up for dealing with crowds, September and October are a lovely shoulder season with more affordable hotel rates. Whatever time of year you visit, there are many wonderful ways to experience the unique character of the City by the Sea.
Not long after I moved to the Memphis area from the Pacific Northwest, I met a woman—who has since become a friend—and she began: “So you’ve been asked the three questions already, I assume?”
I looked at her confusedly. She smiled and proceeded…
Where do you go to church? Where does your husband work? Do you play tennis?
I burst out laughing. She was exactly right! I had been asked those exact three questions in some variation by nearly everyone I’d met since moving to the Mid-South. It was eerily comforting—and exactingly precise.
While it’s a funny generalization, there are a great deal of transplants in this Memphis area, and many people are stay-at-home parenting while their spouse works for some of the big corporations headquartered here (FedEx, International Paper, Autozone, etc.). And tennis is crazily popular for many. Connecting the dots between these questions allowed me, as it will you, to infer details about the demographics and lifestyles of some living in the areas beyond downtown Memphis.
Three little questions which speak so loudly.
Our identities are so much wrapped up in our place and sense of self but can easily be contained within smaller and smaller circles when we really think about it. I often think back to these three questions, still; at times I feel frustrated by them because they seem overly simplified and in other spaces, I’m intrigued by them and what they say about me and those around me.
So, now it’s your turn: What are (or would be) your community’s three questions?
A former high school English teacher and editor, Molly Coyne recently left the classroom when she and her husband and their three young sons relocated from the Pacific Northwest to Tennessee. Read her previous piece on Parenting Podcasts and Gender Expectations.
We’re headed to Southern California for a weekend at Disneyland! No matter how many times I’ve been, I still get so excited—and today is no different. Also, no matter how many times, I inevitably return only to be asked ‘did you try the such-and-such?’ And the answer is usually, “Darn! No!”
Sure, I’ve tried the Dole Whip, and the Mickey Mouse beignets. I agree that the corn dogs are some of the best. But no doubt I’ve missed plenty.
Rarely is the food my focus, but if we’re talking Disneyland fare, then so far—in my experience—the best stuff is concentrated in New Orleans Square: Monte Cristo Sandwiches (ham, turkey, and swiss with berry puree and powdered sugar); Beignets from the Mint Julep Bar; Pommes Frites with garlic and parmesan; and chowder in a sourdough bowl.
But I’ve been told I’ve been missing out on a few other must-try items. For example, at…
Pooh Corner, the chewy-chocolatey-chip cookies, and the Tigger Tail Marshmallows wands (dipped in caramel and chocolate).
The Jolly Holiday Bakery Café on Main Street, the Grilled Cheese and cup of tomato basil soup combo.
Carnation Café, the Fried Pickles.
Galactic Grill in Tomorrowland, the Galactic Burger topped with fries, bacon, grilled onions, cheese, and Thousand Island dressing.
And at California Adventure: Chili Con Queso (like Frito Pie in a bread cone) at the Cozy Cone Motel (also the breakfast cones and Dill-pickle-flavored popcorn); Lobster Nachos at the Cove Bar; and hand-dipped ice cream bars—with toppings from chocolate chips to fruity pop rocks—at Clarabelle’s.
Am I missing anything? Any other last-minute tips?
