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.