A Day in Newport

We decided to move over to the moorings at the US Naval Station in Newport which were full when we arrived yesterday. It was a short trip around Rose Island, under the Newport Bridge and then past the Naval War College and into the Coasters Harbor Navy Sailing Center and Marina. We were soon on a mooring and ashore for sightseeing. 

We spent the afternoon and evening walking through the harbor area exploring the waterfront. Newport is definitely a tourist town filled with vacationers and those catering to them. We tried to find entertainment at two places which advertised live music. The first establishment appeared to be almost empty and we heard no live music even though it was an hour after the time the musicians were advertised to be playing. The second venue was closed when we arrived around 7. We returned just before 10 pm and saw the stage for the band was empty and heard no music. So, we headed to Kilwin's Chocolates and Ice Cream for a late dessert before heading back to the boat. 

Kilwin's was busy. We watched employees making waffle cones and caramel popcorn while standing in line waiting to order our ice cream. Kilwin's makes their own sweets and ice cream. It was very entertaining and hard to resist ordering more than just our ice cream. We watched a young gal being taught how to pack caramel corn into bags through the storefront window. The guy teaching her could fill three bags to her one. He wasn't timid about grabbing the caramel corn and quickly jamming it into the bag. On the other hand, she gingerly picked up small handfuls and gently put the caramel corn into the bag and carefully weighed each bag to make certain it contained exactly the correct amount. The fellow giving the lesson showed her how if you filled the bag to a certain point, it was the proper amount. She acknowledged she understood and tried to pick up her pace; however, it was obvious, it would take her a while to become as proficient as the guy who had the process mastered. He merely shook his head and continued to encourage her to "dig into it". Watching the guy making waffle cones wasn't as interesting. He was working solo and was really cranking them out.

We didn't tour any of the mansions or museums. We'll do that on our way south.