New England Road Trip: The Elms, Servant Life Tour at The Elms, & Shopping Downtown and at the Wharfs | Newport, RI

I began the day by going on the "Servant Life Tour" at The Elms. It was amazing!!! If you are at all curious about the people behind-the-scenes who kept the house running (aka the real life Anna and Bates types from Downton Abbey), go on this tour! 

A few of the male servants

New England Road Trip: Newport Historical Society Walking Tour, Chateau-sur-Mer, The Breakers, & Beneath The Breakers Tour | Newport, Rhode Island

I started the day by driving from Melrose, Massachusetts, through the crazy Boston traffic, to Newport, Rhode Island. Tip: the areas around Boston have an insane amount of traffic so make sure you include plenty of time to navigate it. 

New England Road Trip: Newport Eats | Newport, RI

Lobster macaroni and cheese...my new comfort food favorite!

America's oldest tavern. Established in 1673.

New England Road Trip: Newport Lodgings | Newport, RI

While I was exploring Newport, I stayed at the Yankee Peddler Inn. It was so cute!!

Sorry for the night time pic!

New England Road Trip: Solo Vacation Tips & Itinerary

While it would have been fun, and at times less stressful, to have someone to travel with, I wanted to go on this trip no matter what and I am so glad that I did! I would absolutely go on another solo trip!! I could do the things I wanted, when I wanted, at the pace I wanted, how I wanted, and change my mind if I wanted. It was great :)

Newport Mansions, Salem Witch Trial Museum, Peabody Essex Museum, Mayflower II, Plymouth Rock | Mom in New England | Newport, RI, Salem, MA, & Plymouth, MA

It seems like it has been forever since I have written! Life has been a little hectic and you will see why in my next posts. Sorry about the delay, but better late than never :)

Mom came to visit! So where do you go sightseeing in New England when your visitor does not care for big cities? Luckily, New England is full of small towns with interesting histories. We decided to visit Newport, Rhode Island, Salem, Massachusetts, and Plymouth, Massachusetts. 

Newport Mansions | Newport, RI

I had company for this weekend's exploration. My friend Elizabeth came down from Massachusetts and we drove to Newport, Rhode Island, to visit the mansions. Even though the families who owned these homes only lived in them for two months out of the year, it is estimated that each family would spend around $500,000 per season on dinners, parties, balls, and upkeep (that comes out to $7 million dollars in today's economy). 

Aerial view of Newport