Newport Idyll Rich, Rich, Rich

As New England cities go, Newport, RI is definitely one of the crown jewels, if not the Crown Jewel. And, among the well-preserved Gilded Age "cottages" and high-brow nautical haze of Lily Pulitzer, seersucker, whale belts, and wide-brimmed straw hats, there is an occasional glimpse of modern design and unexpected whimsy. Witness 41 Degrees North, which looks as though it secretly floated up from South Beach, Miami — gleaming white finishes, and bits of snobbery included.

Wall planters in the banquet dining area.

Life is a banquet...

At the other end of this great space, I found an oversized chess set.

Chess anyone?

I waited for 10-foot-tall Alice to join me for a match but she was a no-show.

It's your move.

In addition to being a great Sunday brunch spot (try the lobster sliders and a mimosa or two — delicious, delicious), 41 Degrees North is near lots of great shopping opportunities.

Shopper in hot pursuit.

Another Newport highlight was touring Kingscote, one of the smaller Gilded Age mansions on Bellevue Avenue, originally built in 1839 in the Gothic Revival style, and designed by the architect, Richard Upjohn. It was later enlarged by the renowned firm of McKim, Mead and White to include a new large dining room featuring an unusual cork tile ceiling, and opalescent glass bricks by Louis Comfort Tiffany.

Kingscote front facade.

Other unusual features include the thick moldings over the windows. These molding details also appear over the inside windows as well.

I also enjoyed the great privilege of visiting the Tennis Hall of Fame. An exceptional friend of mine scored tickets to a very special luncheon, the induction ceremony, which featured Guga, and Jennifer Capriati, and tickets to the tennis matches held on the following day. The luncheon was held at the wonderful Horseshoe Piazza, a Victorian masterpiece also designed by McKim, Mead and White.

Horseshoe Piazza window trellis.

These highlights served as the ingredients for the perfect summer weekend, darlings. It's no contest: "Love all."