places where you won't be able to wipe the wag off your dog's tail - Newport RI
The Park
William Brenton was in his early 30s when he sailed for Boston from England in 1633. In 1637 he was part of the founding band of settlers of Newport. He became Deputy Governor of the towns of Portsmouth and Newport and took possession of some 2000 acres here in 1639. He named it “Hammersmith” after his home in England. Two centuries after the governor’s death in 1674 the property was acquired by Theodore M. Davis, a lawyer and famous Egyptologist. He built a large shingled mansion overlooking the sea called “the Reef ” that became one of the most distinctive residences in Newport, characterized by beautiful formal gardens. The Reef fell victim to messy divorces and World War II when the United
States Army took over the estate and used it as a sight for a Coastal Artillery Battery. Following the war the mansion was never re-occupied and after years of vandalism eventually burned and was razed. In 1969 the State of Rhode Island
took over the property and opened Brenton Point State Park in 1976.
The Walks
Your canine hiking day at Brenton Point is left to your imagination. There is a paved one-mile oceanfront walking path or you can explore the ruins of the old estate on access roads and wide grass paths. The debris from the Reef is buried
under the mound overlooking the Atlantic but still standing are the remains of an elaborate L-shaped stable and a stone tower that your dog can climb to a viewing stand. This is an easy go for any dog although the trails through the reeds at the back of the property can be a tight squeeze if attempted. Based on the places dogs are allowed to hike in Rhode Island it should be called the “Forest State” so this open-air outing for your dog is a real treat.
Where The Paw Meets The Earth: There is no map and nothing is marked but none is needed.
Workout For Your Dog - An easy hour of trotting.
Swimming - This is not the place to test the roiling waves of the Atlantic.
Restrictions On Dogs - This is the place to come for dogs to get the feel of the grounds of the fabled Newport estates.
Something Extra
The grassy oceanside expanses at Brenton Point are not merely an awesome setting for a game of fetch but a mecca for kite-flying enthusiasts. In July the Newport Kite Festival brings together elaborate kites from all over the world to fly on the former grounds of the Reef.
Phone - (401) 849-4562 (in season)
Website - www.riparks.com/brenton.htm
Admission Fee - None
Directions - Newport; The park is on Ocean Drive. Take Route 114 South (West Main Road) to 138 South to Broadway in downtown Newport. Follow the signs to Ocean Drive.
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