Becky’s Best Vol. III: Trip Out East

By HMA Team on October 26, 2021

The summer season isn’t always easy to say farewell to but relishing in the fall foliage, fun seasonal treats, and the gorgeous scenery around you can make it palatable. I’m probably in the minority of cold weather lovers; but sliding on a cozy sweater in the crisp autumn air, eating cider donuts and walking down the street with a backdrop of vibrant foliage is one of my favorite things to do.

Luckily, I did just that with a recent trip out east. I flew to Newport, Rhode Island and Woodstock, Vermont with my childhood best friend from Texas. We went to see the crayon box of fall color, spend quality time together celebrating our birthdays and just explore that part of the country.

In Newport, we stayed in a Victorian suite at the Chanler at the Cliff Walk with first class service and accommodations. Meandering through the area mansions was an unbelievable time transformation to the Gilded Age. The rugged shoreline is breathtaking, dangerously rocky and yet you can’t resist being pulled toward the music of crashing waves, creeping ever closer to the water’s edge.

We took a private car tour to see Jacqueline Kennedy’s family home, Hammersmith, and drove by various colonial, saltbox and federal styled houses crafted back in the 17th century. We ended the day with a glass of wine and cheesy lobster dip at Castle Hill.  Our last day in Newport, we sailed the bay on a 12-meter boat owned by Ted Turner that he once raced in the America’s Cup. We had many splendid meals too, but dinner at the White Horse Tavern, the oldest tavern in America built in 1673, was a special treat. I swore I could feel its history envelope me as I ate my clam chowder.

In Vermont, we stayed at the Woodstock Inn. Purchased by the Rockefellers in 1967 its gone through a few additional transformations but as a New England Federalist structure has a long legacy in the community. Nestled against the Green Mountains we visited Vermont’s “baby Grand Canyon” Quechee Gorge. We were excited to see several covered bridges and even enjoyed a rainbow over one of the waterfalls. The downtown area is covered in cobblestone pathways, steepled churches and boutiques all elbowed together just grabbing at our pocketbooks. We were happy to fill our bags with Vermont Flannel and bygone items from the Vermont Country Store. Plus, those that know me, all the cheese I could eat. We were transformed back to Mayberry or Stars Hollow.

As with all my travels I’m always sad they end. If I could blink my eyes and be back, I would. But, until then, I’ll settle for wearing my new plaid shirt, sippin’ a pumpkin spice latte, and crunching through the leaves in my neighborhood. Happy fall y’all!