Americana the Beautiful - One state and wacky festival at a time

The Newport Cliff Walk was touted as a Rhode Island must-see. The opportunity to ogle mansions—true mansions—in all their historic opulence. At the same time, take a stroll along the ocean.

Well, turns out these mansions turned my stomach. They felt gluttonous and a massive game of one-upmanship. They were more than gated, they were barricaded to keep lowlifes out; and now their estates deigned to let us in and take a peek and their spectacular lives. No thanks.

Turns out for some the feeling is mutual. Take a look at the local graffiti.