Narragansett, Rhode Island (State #24)-Fisherman's Memorial State Park

Rhode Island was a short stay for us.  We were unable to get the 7th night in our reservation and it ended up being a good thing for two reasons.  The first is that we were continually irritated by the many tourist taxes in the area (like an additional $10-$14 charge to park at the beach for non-residents) and various difficult situations/issues at the campground.  Just when we would try to move past one issue, another one would pop up.  

The second is that we would have a long journey to our next spot and having the extra day to get there was a great relief.

But despite all of the frustrations, we did do a couple of fun things.  The first was a trip to Newport to see one of the mansions.  We chose The Breakers, home of Cornelius Vanderbilt II who made his fortune in the New York Central Railroad.  For the tour, you travel through the house while wearing headphones that narrate the history and instruct you in the direction to go.  They even had a special kids version.  The kids could hardly wait to get to the next "castle" room!

(front view)

This place was gorgeous on the outside and just enormous and elaborate on the inside!!  It has 70 rooms and 20 bathrooms.  It was built in 1895 and cost over $7 million!  It is truly hard to imagine the life they had in this "summer home".   

 (back and side view)

(side view)

And check out the Vanderbilt children's playhouse!  I could live there! (Sorry, the sun was not cooperating)

The second fun thing we did was take a ferry to Block Island.  There we met up with Nana, Aunt Kristen and cousins Hayley and Savannah!  They were on summer break and traveling for a couple of weeks in the northeast.

We toured the island a little by bicycle and moped,

(a tough uphill climb)

stopping at Mohegan Bluffs to wade in the water and collect stones.  It was so beautiful.

 (250 steps down)

And then we hung out on another beach a little.

It was a super fun day and even more so because we could share it with family.

The rest of our time in Rhode Island was spent at the campground.  Jordan and her new friend, Sara, played together every minute they could.

Looking back over the week, it turned out okay but the tourist taxes and campground have really left a bitter taste in our mouths :(

We are heading to Delaware!