Newport Unplugged: Hikes, Heritage, and Hoisting the Sails
Finding Our Footing: Stepstone Falls & Mount Tom: We kicked off our Newport explorations by trading the coastal breeze for the forest canopy. Our day started with a quick, refreshing hike to Stepstone Falls—the perfect warm-up for our main event: a 3.6-mile trek to the summit of Mount Tom. Stepping onto this woodland trail brought an immediate sense of peace; there is a distinct quietness that truly calms the soul.
This was our first real hike of the season and a fantastic test run for the miles we plan to log as we push further north into New Hampshire and Vermont. The reward at the top was worth every step. Along with sweeping forest views, we found an unexpected, whimsical surprise at the summit. Someone had carefully constructed three “chairs” out of the surrounding stones—a unique and wonderful invitation to sit down, catch our breath, and just listen to the wind rustling through the trees before our descent.
Testing Our Sea Legs at the Maritime Museum: Before hitting the water ourselves, we spent the afternoon diving into local history at the Maritime Museum. This isn’t your typical “look but don’t touch” setup—it’s wonderfully interactive, featuring multiple stations where you can test your seaworthiness and practice various sailing skills.
Mitch was absolutely in heaven. He bounced from station to station, mesmerized by the sailing videos and admiring the craftsmanship of the different sailboats on display.
Setting Sail on the Elenor: With our nautical knowledge refreshed, we headed to the docks for our long-awaited sailing cruise. We arrived early, eager to board our vessel, the Elenor. We were thrilled to discover it was an intimate experience, accommodating just 18 passengers and two crew members.
Our female captain gave us a warm welcome aboard, introducing the crew who kept the libations flowing and answered all our maritime questions. When it was time to hoist the sail, the crew asked for a volunteer. To absolutely no one’s surprise, Mitch’s hand shot straight up! He was out of his seat in a flash, helping haul the canvas into the wind.
It was the kind of afternoon you dream about when you book a coastal trip: endless blue skies and a gentle breeze to caress your face. We were reluctant to head back to shore, but the promise of one last buttery lobster roll with Mitch’s name on it made the return a little easier. It was the perfect way to move beyond the ordinary tourist checklist and truly experience the magic of the coast.
Travel Tip: We actually missed the famous Newport Boat Show by just one week. While it would have been quite the spectacle, we considered it a massive lucky break—we got to enjoy the town’s charm without triple the tourist crowds!
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