Day 712 TGIF Newport Style

 

TGIF Newport style. Having access to the Officers Club is something we don't take advantage of often enough, one visit reminds us of this! The club has live music on Friday nights, so-so food, cheap drinks and arguably the best view of the sunset in the state with the bridge as a backdrop. We met my in laws, Alida and Ray, as we have every summer for years. Sitting by the water with the ocean breeze and hovering seagulls, embracing all that is wonderful about summer and one of the rare military perks.  Our nephew, who still works at the base,  joined us after work then the five of us headed out (after sunset) to the Hibernian Club. Driving through Newport in the summertime is insanity. Electric bikers riding the wrong way down a one way street, rollerbladers, skating backwards towards oncoming traffic, people darting out to cross the street without warning and pedestrian mobs everywhere you look. We navigated the craziness and miraculously found three parking spots close to our next stop... seriously, more than a small miracle. Tim was so proud to show his nephew and brother his Hibernian club, with thoughts of recruiting them I'm sure. The Hibernian Club is a members only, Irish, catholic men, descending from Ireland and who protected the catholics priests from English persecution, dating back to 1565. Tim, being a proud Irish Catholic man was accepted into the order with open arms. We haven't taken advantage of his membership but enjoy it every time we do. After driving through Newport madness we entered into the peaceful club, grabbed a table in the outdoor patio and sat smack dab in the center of Newport inside our own little private oasis. It wasn't lost on me that my English ancestors were on the other side of history, but there I was, enjoying the benefits. If we lived closer we'd probably be there weekly but the 20 minute drive is too much for us Rhode Islanders. However, I do love an exclusive club so we'll make a point to go back soon, making the long drive over two bridges.  I've already begun planning another Friday night in Newport, embracing all the military perks of the officers club and those of my Irish husband. I'll also be keeping an eye out for other exclusive clubs, not sure if that makes me snobby or savvy?