East Coast USA

Newport Harbour Hotel and Marina. Mum got up really early to do some morning sunrise viewing from our balcony overlooking the harbour. We then did coffee, cards and gifts in bed.

We had a birthday breakfast at Franklin's Spa, this is the oldest breakfast spot in Newport and has been serving breakfasts for 180 years. In order to try as much as possible we ordered for the table, a breakfast tapas of sorts. We had eggs benny, blueberry pancakes with A grade syrup, a smoothie and a toasted corn muffin to go. It was the birthday breakfast of kings.

After breakfast we began our Newport Mansion road trip. First stop was The Breakers. The Breakers is a huge big house that was owned by the Vanderbilts family. It had a lot of gold inside and a great ocean view. Although it was just their summer residence, referred to by American socialites of the time as a "summer cottage".

We went to Gooseberry Beach and had a wander along the sands that squeaked (like gooseberries) as we walked. It was beautifully peaceful and warm enough for a paddle, which may be a first for Mum on her birthday, in October. We did wish we had brought our swimming costumes and picnic blanket as we have been truly blessed with the weather.

Following this we went to the Marble House, which is exactly that. Again, this was owned by the Vanderbilts, it was given as a gift to Alva Vanderbilt by her husband for her 39th birthday (which is not even a special birthday!)

Feeling a bit 'big housed out' we went to The Castle Inn for cocktails on the lawn, looking out over the ocean. This was exceptionally lovely and very warm in the sunshine. Our big breakfast had worn off by this point, so we had some luxury snacks on the terrace.

We made it back to our hotel just in time to watch the sunset from the balcony, and get ready for dinner at the White Horse Tavern. This is the 10th oldest restaurant in the world and America's Oldest Tavern - rumour has it George Washington drank here. We had a delicious meal - Jenni got to try a big scotch egg, followed by the biggest plate of vegetables. She is looking forward to having maple syrup covered sprouts again, perhaps at Christmas. Caris and Mum had the catch of the day, which was swordfish with pinapple salsa which is a phenomenal combination. Caris had wondered why they call it 'creamed potato', why not call it 'mash'....then her potato's arrived, and they were exceptionally creamy. The sommelier recommended a bottle of Ravines Riesling from a New York winery which complemented the fish perfectly.
All in all a very good start to the big birthday year for Mumbles.En savoir plus