It has taken me a long time to adjust to the idea that I am within easy traveling distance—by some combination of bike, car, and ferry—of all those places people talk about when they talk about New England. And when I find myself in these quaint little towns or infamous beaches, I can't quite digest the idea that I can come back again anytime I want.

This weekend was no exception. A friend was staying with me for the weekend, and at about 11:30 Saturday morning we decided we wanted to go have lunch in Newport. Not one hour later, we were sitting at a table at the end of a pier, looking out into Newport Harbor, sipping margaritas while a band played Jimmy Buffett cover songs. We took a boat tour of the harbor, dodging the hundreds of sailboats competing in the Newport Regatta, and ogling the impressive array of summer mansions (including two summer White Houses) dotted along the southern end of the island.

On our way out of town we drove along Ocean drive, which took us through more mansions and out to the really gorgeous coastline where there was evidently a kite festival in full swing. There were tons of beaches and shops that I didn't even get to see, so I want to go back early one morning and spend some more time exploring. And the lovely thing about living in Providence is that I can!