Tucked away in charming Saunderstown, Rhode Island, our family found the unique Gilbert Stuart Birthplace and Museum.

Stuart, who painted the portrait of George Washington found on the U.S. 1-dollar bill, grew up on this pretty site, which houses other works by the master portrait painter. Girls in period dress showed us around the restored home, and we saw a working replica of his father's snuff mill, the first in America. Just as interesting was the partially restored gristmill, dating to 1662. Read the rest of this entry »

New England is blessed with several ports that you can enjoy to the fullest without so much as a dime in your pocket. Newport, Rhode Island is one of the best.

The first attraction in this seaside wonder is the harbor. Vessels from all over the world dock here, and you could spend an entire day looking at them. If it floats, you'll spot it in Newport! Read the rest of this entry »