Whilst planning or shall I say “brainstorming” about how I am going to start this trip (and accomplish it) when I turn 60, I noticed a book I had recently bought right there on my coffee table. Its a New York Times travel resource book called 36 hours USA & Canada. FULL of trips curated by all sorts of authors and travelers. I guess thats all I need as mentioned in another post a few days ago as the only real metric I am giving myself is to spend at least 36 hours in each of the 50 States.
Then what am I actually doing here? Isn’t the work done for me? Do I need to do any research myself?
Of course I do. Thats part of the fun in this process! But exactly how is the question …
Well, I’m a curious kinda guy. As I also mentioned in a few posts already, I am fulling embracing the use of AI in not only some of my image creation but in formatting and creating some of these posts as well. I was curious to see what kind of list I could come up with myself, with some simple but specific direction.
Rhode Island seemed like a pretty small state and a great one to test this experiment with. Kinda looks like a cute little state actually! That being said, I decided to give the “machine” a simple request …
“Please create a 36 hour visit to the state of Rhode Island. Things to keep in mind is my love of landscapes and interesting things to photograph, smaller interesting towns are a plus, and also, I would rather get to know an area in depth as supposed to traveling and covering alot of area”
And just like that, below was the result.
Day 1: Explore Newport
Morning:
- Start in Newport: Arrive early to explore this historic city known for its stunning coastal scenery and architectural beauty.
- Cliff Walk: Begin with a morning walk along the 3.5-mile Cliff Walk for breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and the city’s famous Gilded Age mansions.
Afternoon:
- Explore Downtown Newport: Wander through the cobblestone streets, visit unique shops, and enjoy lunch at a local eatery.
- The Breakers Mansion: Tour this iconic symbol of the Vanderbilt family’s social and financial preeminence in the Gilded Age.
Evening:
- Sunset at Brenton Point State Park: Capture stunning sunset views over the water.
- Dinner in Newport: Enjoy a seafood dinner at a restaurant with ocean views.
Day 2: Discover Bristol and Surrounding Areas
Morning:
- Drive to Bristol: A charming, small town known for its rich history and beautiful landscapes.
- Colt State Park: Photograph the panoramic views of Narragansett Bay and enjoy the open fields and stone walls.
Afternoon:
- Downtown Bristol: Stroll through historic downtown, capturing photos of the quaint architecture and visit the Herreshoff Marine Museum.
- Lunch in Bristol: Try local delicacies in a cozy downtown café.
Late Afternoon:
- Drive to Tiverton Four Corners: An idyllic spot for photography enthusiasts, known for its rural beauty and historic buildings.
- Sakonnet Vineyards: If time allows, visit for a quick wine tasting and enjoy the scenic vineyard landscape.
Evening:
- Sunset at Beavertail Lighthouse, Jamestown: End your trip with a sunset photo session at this picturesque lighthouse, offering dramatic views of the rugged coastline.
- Dinner in Jamestown: Have a relaxed dinner in this quaint town before concluding your trip.
This itinerary offers a blend of coastal beauty, historic charm, and picturesque landscapes, ideal for photography and in-depth exploration without covering too much ground. Remember to check the opening hours and any need for reservations at the attractions you plan to visit. Enjoy your trip!
A weee bit dry in the delivery, but a pretty doable trip and a good framework to utilize. I go much deeper in my state by state posts that will be released soon. That series begins right as I launch the site on 2/1/2024. At least thats the plan!
Such a large, diverse, and amazing country. So much to think about …. and so much to see!
Happy Travels 🙂
