MIDDLETOWN MARVELS

 

     OK, we've done Jamestown, put driving into Newport on hold.  What else is down that way that's special, yet price smart? Gather up the kids (or not) and take Rte 138 (West Main Road) to the Christmas Tree Shop in Middetown, load up on nice items for less,  then turn around and go to the Blue Plate Diner. Fabulous food in a slick upscale diner, waitstaff in black bow ties, and really reasonable prices make this a winning restaurant. Top off you meal with a great shake,  like one of  those pictured above, or a mouthwatering dessert, then while the kids are on the sugar slide ride,  burn off that energy either at  the Norman Bird Sanctuary or Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge.
       

     Norman Bird Sanctuary has 7 miles of trails on 300 acreas (check out their website for all the details) and I recommend for adventurous adults and older children a hike out to Hanging Rock with  panoramic sweep of St. George's school with it's imposing spire and an overview of Second Beach (great for a dip without the crowds). As a sidebar, just below St. Georges school, on Tuckerman Ave, is Purgatory Chasm but not for kids as there are areas with no protective rails but a really impressive site and great photo ops.   Sachuest Point Refuge is free and at the end of the road past Second Beach. Great walking and water views with spots all over the rocks to sit and eat, fish or just relax.

 

     I'd just like to mention a few more places to eat in the area. Try breakfast or lunch at Cindy's Country Cafe on 138, owned by Cindy and Lyle , Johnson & Wales Culinary grads. Sweet Berry Farm is on my list of places to try; has a cafe, food to go and picnic tables. It's been mentioned to on several occasions , so next time out that way I'll see what's cooking!    Everybody still hungry? Don't leave Middletown/Portsmouth without a stop in Island Park for clamcakes at Flo's. It's a clamshack, with affordable prices, outdoor tables and a free beach across the street.

NEWPORT - DOING DOWNTOWN

         One of my favorite places can be impossible to enjoy in the summer because everyone wants to be there, so traffic and prices are at an all-time high.Yes, there are free concerts and events like 'Victorian Day' at one of the mansions, but I prefer off-season vacationing. I will do a 'Best for Less' on that subject at a later date.

   Do Newport by crosssing the bridge into Jamestown and taking the ferry(pictured above) intead. There's a $4 toll each way from the Middletown side.  Follow the signs to downtown and park anywhere that doesn't have 2 hour or less parking (not in the big lot). Office for the ferry is near the end of the row of shops near the water. Ticket prices are $20 or under. Of course, you already googled all this information, right?

     When I went, Captain Andy was piloting the boat, and Bill was the mate. Bill kept us entertained with historical tidbits and hilarious stories. The beauty part of taking this gorgeous little ferry is that you can get on and off all day long, stopping at several points downtown (try lunching at Panera), or going to the Rose Island lighthouse for a small additional fee and picnicing, touring or fishing for a few hours.

    
     When you're done cruising around,  if you haven't already eaten I suggest a walk up the hill opposite the ferry for some great food,shopping  or stop for a gelato. Don't leave Jamestown without a trip to the Beavertail Lighthouse at the end of the island. Sit on the rocks, take a museum tour or eat that picnic lunch you've been saving. You can't get lost on Jamestown, it's just a perfect size for a day trip.

Where The Elite Meet

 

While you may not own three polo ponies or a small monarchy, attending a match is a  great way to spend a few hours.The grounds are gorgeous and lawn seating is an inexpensive way to enjoy the day. Best way to go is bring camp chairs, a small folding table and food and drinks. Here's where you can really shine. A real tablecloth, stemmed glasses, good china and fancy appetizers will put you in the mood and gather admiring glances from the other party goers.

 You can find matches on line (e.g. www.newportinternationalpolo.com) for dates and times. Leave the kiddies home and have a great time with friends or a loved one.



LOCAL LIBRARIES - NOT JUST BOOKS

 

  

It's not just about books anymore. Looking for a great way to entertain the kids this summer? Most libraries have sections,, sometimes entire rooms, set aside for educating and amusing children,  filled with, yes, books, but also puzzles and games. They also put on special events, such as ice cream making day, movie nights and story readings. If there are any fees for materials, they are nominal.

If you don't already have one, get a library card. In southeastern Mass. it gives you access to the Sails system which is connected to numerous libraries. Go on-line and order any CD, DVD or book listed, and it will be sent to the location of your choice. I've watched all of the British murder mystery series that PBS carried and listened to all types of music. Add up the cost if you had to buy and it would run into hundreds of dollars  Need to use a computer with Internet access? No problem and if you need any help, librarians are delighted to provide quick tutorials ( I love these people)!

 

Libraries host events for grownups like cooking classes, craft lessons and author lectures. Don't pass up this great resource to enhance the quality of your life for a minimum cost to you. I took the photos above at the Millicent Library in Fairhaven, MA, an  architectural jewel with a fascinating history.

Free Publications

Photo: S. Farmer

 

Let's start with some free publications. Favorite is SOCO Magazine. Available in restaurants, business establishments and supermarkets in southern New England, it's a slick, glossy mag featuring fashion, food, events in the area and newsworthy stories.





 Another good one is 'The Bay' filled with happenings around the East Bay and South Coast. Both are excellent sources for things to do for the month.  Other giveaways are Providence, The Insider and the 'Phoenix' (ditch the insert if you have kids). If you know of any others, pass it on.

Local libraries sometimes have stacks of older issues of magazines they carry. I love getting back issues of 'The New Yorker' for free .Also, piles of glossies like 'Oprah' and 'Architectural Digest' around the house give the feel of luxury without a high price tag. Next time I'll talk about a great source for free events and entertainment. We all know it's there,  it's just a matter of utilizing it.



My Welcoming Speech

This blog has been created for anyone looking to do more for less - whether it's finding somewhere fun to go for a day, planning longer vacations, wowing friends with great gifts, getting good freebies and anything else I can think of that I've experienced myself.