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Hartford is a city full of history and hard working people. It’s known for its beautiful architecture, top-tier educational institutions, and stellar arts scene. This all means finding a home in Hartford is a great idea. 

Whether you’re a lifetime resident or a transplant on the hunt for the perfect Hartford apartment, there’s always something fascinating to explore. From the impressive Connecticut State Capitol to the scenic Connecticut River, each spot featured below has its own charm. Let’s dive into some of the top things Hartford is known for to get to know the city a bit better.

1. Connecticut State Capitol

The Connecticut State Capitol stands as a stunning architectural marvel in Hartford. Completed in 1878, this building showcases Gothic Revival style. Its gold dome and intricate detailing make it a feast for the eyes. Inside, you’ll find historical exhibits and the Connecticut Hall of Fame, making it so much more than just a government building.

2. Mark Twain House

The Mark Twain House is a must-visit for avid readers. This historic house was home to Samuel Clemens, better known as Mark Twain. The author wrote some of his most famous works here, including “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer.” The guided tours offer insights into Twain’s life and his literary genius. The house itself is a beautiful example of Victorian architecture.

3. Connecticut River

The Connecticut River adds natural beauty to Hartford. It’s the longest river in New England, flowing through the city and providing scenic views. Along the riverbanks, you’ll find parks and trails perfect for walking, biking, or picnicking. Riverfront Recapture offers events and activities like boat rides and concerts. The river is a key part of Hartford’s identity.

4. Hartford Stage

Hartford Stage is one of the city’s premier artistic institutions. Known for its high-quality productions, this theater offers a range of performances, from classic plays to contemporary works. It has received numerous awards, including a Tony Award for Outstanding Regional Theater. The intimate setting ensures that every seat has a great view. Attending a show here is a memorable experience.

5. Connecticut Science Center

The Connecticut Science Center is a fantastic destination for families and curious minds. This state-of-the-art facility features interactive exhibits on topics like space, biology, and physics. There’s also a 3D theater and live demonstrations that make learning more fun than it is in a traditional classroom. The center aims to inspire a love for science in visitors of all ages. 

6. Bushnell Park

Bushnell Park is the oldest publicly funded park in the United States. Designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, it comprises 50 acres of green space in downtown Hartford. The park features a stunning carousel, paths, and beautiful sculptures. It’s a popular spot for locals to relax and enjoy nature. 

7. Trinity College

Trinity College is a prestigious liberal arts college in Hartford. Founded in 1823, it boasts a beautiful campus with historic buildings and modern facilities. The college is known for its rigorous academic programs and strong community spirit. Its chapel and library are particularly noteworthy for their architecture. Trinity plays a significant role in Hartford’s status as a stellar Connecticut college town.

8. Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art

The Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art is the oldest continually operating public art museum in the country. It houses an impressive collection of European, American, and contemporary art. The museum’s Gothic Revival building is a landmark in itself. Needless to say, artsy types will find plenty to admire here.

9. Elizabeth Park

Elizabeth Park is known for its stunning rose garden, the first municipal rose garden in the United States. The park spans over 100 acres and offers beautiful walking paths, greenhouses, and ponds. It’s a perfect place to center yourself. The rose garden, with over 15,000 bushes, is a highlight, especially in bloom. Elizabeth Park is a welcome tranquil escape within the city.

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With iconic landmarks like the Gateway Arch and the vibrant nightlife of the Delmar Loop, St. Louis offers a unique experience for renters. If you’re looking to rent an apartment in St. Louis, you’ll find that the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is $1,459. Whether you’re seeking a luxurious apartment or exploring different neighborhoods, ApartmentGuide is here to help. We’ve compiled a list of the most expensive St. Louis neighborhoods to rent an apartment in this year.

4 Most Expensive Neighborhoods in St. Louis

From the wrought iron balconies of the Soulard Historic District to the creative energy of Forest Park Southeast, there are plenty of exciting neighborhoods in St. Louis. Whether you’re looking for a luxurious home to rent in St. Louis or wondering where to live in the city, we’ve got you covered.

1. St. Louis Hills
2. Forest Park Southeast
3. Lafayette Square
4. Soulard Historic District

Let’s jump in and see what these neighborhoods have to offer.

1. St. Louis Hills

Average 1-bedroom rent: $1,595
Apartments for rent in St. Louis Hills

St. Louis Hills is the most expensive neighborhood in St. Louis, as the average rent for a one-bedroom unit is $1,595. St. Louis Hills stands out with its picturesque, tree-lined streets and beautifully maintained brick homes, many of which showcase charming Tudor and Colonial architectural styles. The neighborhood is home to Francis Park, a beloved green space featuring walking paths, racquetball courts, and the iconic “Francine the mermaid” statue, where residents gather for community events and outdoor activities. Local favorites like LeGrand’s Market offer delicious, homemade deli sandwiches, adding a unique flavor to the area. Art enthusiasts appreciate the stunning mosaics and sculptures scattered throughout the neighborhood, contributing to its artistic charm. Residents without a car can use the well-connected MetroBus system for convenient transportation, although many find the area highly walkable and bike-friendly.

2. Forest Park Southeast

Average 1-bedroom rent: $1,550
Apartments for rent in Forest Park Southeast

Forest Park Southeast in St. Louis stands out for its eclectic vibe and vibrant street life, characterized by colorful murals and historic brick buildings. The neighborhood is home to The Grove, a lively entertainment district featuring unique bars like Urban Chestnut Brewing Company and eclectic eateries such as The Gramophone, known for its gourmet sandwiches and live music. Forest Park itself, located nearby, offers expansive green spaces, walking trails, and attractions like the St. Louis Zoo and the Missouri History Museum, making it a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and families. Residents often get around on foot or by bike, taking advantage of the neighborhood’s bike-friendly streets and proximity to public transportation options, including several MetroBus routes and the Central West End MetroLink station. The area’s housing includes a mix of restored historic homes, trendy loft apartments, and modern townhouses.

3. Lafayette Square

Average 1-bedroom rent: $1,519
Apartments for rent in Lafayette Square

With an average one-bedroom rent of $1,519, Lafayette Square is the third most expensive neighborhood in St. Louis. Picturesque Victorian architecture and beautifully restored 19th-century homes give the neighborhood a timeless charm. The centerpiece of the area is the historic Lafayette Park, the oldest public park west of the Mississippi, featuring lush gardens, winding paths, and a charming gazebo. Local attractions include the Lafayette Square Fountain and Plaza, as well as unique establishments like Planter’s House, a renowned cocktail bar housed in a historic building, and Eleven Eleven Mississippi, a popular restaurant offering Tuscan-inspired cuisine. The neighborhood’s tree-lined streets and brick sidewalks create a walkable environment, encouraging residents to stroll and bike through the area. Public transportation is readily accessible, with several bus routes and proximity to major thoroughfares making it easy to navigate the city.

4. Soulard Historic District

Average 1-bedroom rent: $1,460
Apartments for rent in Soulard Historic District

The Soulard Historic District in St. Louis is famous for its French-influenced architecture, with beautifully preserved 19th-century brick townhomes and wrought-iron balconies lining its streets. The Soulard Farmers Market, one of the oldest public markets in the country, offering a diverse array of fresh produce, local meats, and artisanal goods. The area’s nightlife is lively and distinctive. Iconic establishments like McGurk’s, known for its traditional Irish music and expansive outdoor garden, and the funky, live-music hub, The Venice Cafe draw crowds from all over the city. Residents and visitors can explore the area easily on foot or bike, thanks to its pedestrian-friendly layout and dedicated bike lanes. Soulard also hosts the city’s largest Mardi Gras celebration, drawing crowds for its festive parades and street parties.

Methodology: Whether a neighborhood has an average 1-bedroom rent price over the city’s average. Average rental data from Rent.com in June 2024.

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The opinion overturning Chevron deference was written by Chief Justice John Roberts (bottom left) and joined by Justices Samuel Alito (bottom right), Neil Gorsuch (top right) and Brett Kavanaugh (top right), as well as Justices Clarence Thomas and Amy Coney Barrett (not pictured).

Eric Lee/Bloomberg

The Supreme Court on Friday overturned a major legal precedent requiring judges to defer to federal regulatory agencies’ interpretation of ambiguous statutes. The 6-3 ruling reduces the power of a wide range of executive branch agencies, including bank regulators, to interpret laws.

The 40-year-old legal doctrine — known as Chevron deference, named for the 1984 Supreme Court decision in Natural Resources Defense Council v. Chevron establishing the precedent — had long frustrated companies in regulated industries because it limited their ability to sue agencies over their interpretations of broad or vague legal authorities. 

The doctrine often meant that regulators could write broader, more costly rules than regulated companies believed were warranted. Its demise is expected to open the floodgates to a wave of litigation challenging such rules.

But the end of Chevron deference could be a double-edged sword for banks, according to industry lawyers, because the Supreme Court’s decision will also make it easier for advocacy groups and state attorneys general to challenge rules they oppose, which would introduce more uncertainty for banks.

The ruling by the high court’s conservative majority, written by Chief Justice John Roberts, held that the Administrative Procedure Act requires courts to exercise their independent judgment in deciding whether an agency has acted within its statutory authority. Courts have the option to defer to an agency’s interpretation of an ambiguous law, but the court said the firm requirement that it must is incorrect.

“The deference that Chevron requires of courts reviewing agency action cannot be squared with the APA,” Roberts wrote. “Perhaps most fundamentally, Chevron’s presumption is misguided because agencies have no special competence in resolving statutory ambiguities. Courts do.

“Chevron has proved to be fundamentally misguided,” he continued in an opinion joined by Justices Clarence Thomas, Samuel Alito, Neil Gorsuch, Brett Kavanaugh and Amy Coney Barrett. “And its flaws were apparent from the start, prompting the Court to revise its foundations and continually limit its application. Experience has also shown that Chevron is unworkable.”

The court’s decision encompassed two cases: Loper Bright Enterprises v. Raimondo and Relentless v. Department of Commerce. The cases involved fishermen in New Jersey and  Rhode Island who claimed the National Marine Fisheries Service could not impose a fee requiring federal observers on herring boats, based on the applicable law.

In a dissenting opinion, Justice Elena Kagan wrote that for 40 years, Chevron deference has served “as a cornerstone of administrative law, allocating responsibility for statutory construction between courts and agencies.”

“This Court has long understood Chevron deference to reflect what Congress would want, and so to be rooted in a presumption of legislative intent,” wrote Kagan, who was joined by Justice Sonia Sotomayor. “Congress knows that it does not — in fact cannot — write perfectly complete regulatory statutes.”

Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson joined the dissent in one of the two cases but was recused from the other because she took part in it as a federal appeals court judge.

Banking trade groups reacted favorably to the court’s ruling.

“This is an important win for accountability and predictability at a time when agencies are unleashing a tsunami of regulation — in many cases clearly exceeding their statutory authority while making it harder for banks to serve their customers. We will continue to fight to ensure that bank regulators follow the law every time they exercise their powers,” the American Bankers Association said in a written statement. 

Going forward, lawyers said, federal agencies will be under greater scrutiny, giving industry actors more opportunities to challenge agency rules and interpretations of the law.

“The decision could be viewed as putting regulated communities on a more equal footing with the agencies,” said Varu Chilakamarri, a partner at the law firm K&L Gates.

Eugene Scalia, a former Trump administration Labor secretary and prominent corporate litigator, said that the Supreme Court’s decision on Friday is part of a broader trend in which courts are applying more scrutiny to agencies’ exercise of their legal authority.

Scalia has been hired by the Bank Policy Institute, which represents the nation’s largest banks, to advise on potential legal challenges to a Federal Reserve proposal for higher capital standards that has drawn fierce pushback from the industry.

He said Friday that “all regulators are wise to be more careful than they’ve been” in recent years “to make sure they’re acting within the authority Congress gave them, and they’re giving thoughtful consideration when the public tells them what its concerns are.”

The stakes appear to be particularly high for the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. The CFPB has a reputation as being more aggressive than some other federal agencies, and during the Biden administration, the bureau has found its rules routinely challenged in court.

The CFPB said Friday that it is reviewing the ruling and declined to comment.

The CFPB’s interpretations of laws will now be subject to “heightened attack,” said Joe Lynyak, a partner at Dorsey & Whitney.

“Courts around the country may be inundated with private parties who may now litigate and relitigate an agency interpretation, including creating conflicting decisions by lower courts,” Lynyak said.

Eamonn Moran, senior counsel at Norton Rose Fulbright, said the rollback of Chevron deference may result in the overturning of regulations such as the CFPB’s $8 credit card late fee rule. But he also cautioned about potential downsides for banks.

“While there may be now more opportunity for the plaintiff’s lawyers to try to undo regulations through court challenges, industry may now be faced with lack of predictability and compliance challenges,” Moran said.

Leah Dempsey, co-chair of the financial services practice at the law firm Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck, pointed to what she described as challenges for regulated companies stemming from the court’s decision, in addition to the opportunities.

In an interview before the decision was released, Dempsey said that companies are always looking for clarity on how to operate, and argued that the demise of Chevron could limit the ability of agencies to provide such clarity.

Kate Judge, a professor at Columbia Law School, wrote in a social media post that banks, like many businesses, “may see Chevron’s fall as a win, but the Chevron doctrine was central in facilitating deregulation.”

“The result today does not mean less regulation; it just ensures more uncertainty about the obligations the law imposes on regulated entities,” Judge wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.

The National Community Reinvestment Coalition is one of the progressive groups that may become more aggressive in suing over regulations it dislikes. The group’s chief policy counsel, Eden Forsythe, predicted that in the wake of Friday’s decision, “cynical corporate lobbyists” will try to undermine important regulatory safeguards.

“We can’t let that become a one-sided fight. If the courts are declaring open season on regulatory decision-making, then we have to make sure corporate America aren’t the only ones fighting,” Forsythe said. “Where regulatory outcomes have not been good enough to protect our communities, economic and environmental justice organizations should be aggressive in pursuing positive change.”

Joann Needleman, an attorney at the law firm Clark Hill, noted that many laws that affect the financial services sector are decades old, so they don’t provide clear guidance about how companies may use newer technology. It has long been up to regulators to fill in those gaps.

Needleman said that following the demise of Chevron deference, she can foresee litigation by consumer advocates challenging regulations that CFPB established regarding the use of modern communications technologies by debt collectors. The CFPB’s 2020 rule implementing the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act addresses the use of email and text messages by debt collectors.  Advocates have opposed parts of the regulation.

Needleman, who is a former president of the board of directors of the National Creditors Bar Association, said in an interview before the court’s decision was released that the CFPB’s rule provides a modern interpretation of a decades-old law.

“A lot of what the CFPB did around that regulation was really helpful,” she said.

Kyle Campbell contributed to this report.

Source: nationalmortgagenews.com

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HSBC has joined two other major lenders in reducing mortgage rates following hints of a summer base rate cut by the Bank of England.

Barclays cut the cost of its fixed-rate home loans for new deals on Tuesday, following an earlier move by NatWest.

HSBC’s cuts will come into effect on Wednesday, with brokers expecting more mortgage companies to follow suit.

However, these reductions are small in the wider context. Borrowers still face relatively high costs, with many paying significantly more in monthly repayments when current cheaper deals expire.

Average mortgage rates had been creeping up, driven by a lack of fresh competition between lenders during the election campaign.

The average rate on a two-year fixed deal stands at 5.96% according to the financial information service Moneyfacts. It said the average five-year deal had a rate of 5.53%.

“These moves [by HSBC and others] suggest that the recent edging up in rates is now unwinding and most cuts are being made in small steps,” said David Hollingworth, from broker L&C.

The interest rate on a fixed mortgage does not change until the deal expires, usually after two or five years, and a new one is chosen to replace it. Doing nothing would leave people on a variable rate, which can be very expensive.

About 1.6 million existing borrowers have relatively cheap fixed-rate deals expiring this year.

Although spring tends to bring more activity in the housing market, this may have been dampened as potential buyers wait for more political certainty.

Borrowers will also be watching for whether the Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC), which sets interest rates, opts for a cut at its next meeting on 1 August.

At the most recent meeting last week, there was a significant change in tone indicating a majority could vote for one.

Optimism about such an outcome may have led to the latest moves by major lenders. The banks may also be jostling for custom.

Andrew Montlake, from mortgage broker Coreco, said: “Lenders will be keen to kickstart a market lethargic from the election, hot weather and football.

“The country desperately needs the boost of a cut to relieve some of the financial pressures that have held back the economy and put borrowers under immense pressure.”

However, he said positive news about falling inflation may only be temporary, and could lead to more caution from the Bank.

Michelle Lawson, from Lawson Financial, said borrowers were “beleaguered” but more lenders could cut rates in the coming days.

Separate figures published on Tuesday by UK Finance, which represents lenders, showed a further drop in the number of people paying only the interest on their home loan, despite the tough current conditions for borrowers.

Source: bbc.com

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If you rent a house when you would rather own, pin some of the blame on corporate landlords.

The 10 biggest institutional investors owned more than 430,000 single-family rental homes at the end of 2023, and they continue to acquire houses to rent out to middle-class families. Corporate landlords seek to dominate the neighborhoods they target, simultaneously reducing the inventory of houses to buy while expanding the stock of houses to rent.

Members of Congress have introduced bills to force the largest institutional investors to dramatically cut their holdings.

Renting costs less than buying

The United States suffers from a housing shortage of between 1.5 million and 5.5 million units, depending on whom you ask. Institutional investors benefit from the shortage because it pushes prices higher, making homeownership unaffordable for many. The median home resale price rose to a record $419,300 in May, according to the National Association of Realtors. Mortgage rates have remained above 6.5% since May 2023.

Consequently, it costs more to buy a starter home than to rent in the 50 largest metro areas, according to a Realtor.com report in March. According to Zillow, the median rent for a three-bedroom house was $2,200 in June. That’s $32 less than the principal-and-interest payment on a median-price house at the average mortgage rate in May — after making a 20% down payment. But who has $83,860 for a 20% down payment on a $419,300 house? The combination of high prices and interest rates forces many would-be homeowners to rent.

‘Significant market power’

Renters occupy about 15.9 million single-family homes, according to the Census Bureau. Corporate landlords own about 3% of them. That doesn’t seem like much, but corporate-owned rental houses are concentrated in a few metro areas, mostly in Florida, Georgia, the Carolinas, Texas, Arizona and California. In metro Atlanta, just three companies owned 19,000 houses at the beginning of 2022, for an 11% market share, according to research by Georgia State University geographer Taylor Shelton.

“These companies own tens of thousands of properties in a relatively select set of neighborhoods, which allows them to exercise really significant market power over tenants and renters because they have such a large concentration of holdings in those neighborhoods,” Shelton said in a news release.

Shelton says the corporate landlords’ market share has increased since then. “The reality is that the corporate stranglehold on the single family rental market in places like Atlanta has only gotten worse,” he said in an email.

Raising rents, charging fees

Invitation Homes owned 12,726 rental houses in metro Atlanta at the end of 2023. The company exercised its market power by raising the average rent there 7.1% last year, according to the company’s annual reports, while the area’s median home price went up 1.3%, according to the National Association of Realtors. Invitation also stacks up to $145 in mandatory monthly fees on top of rent: up to $40 for smart home technology, $9.95 for quarterly air filter delivery, $9.95 to manage utility billing and up to $85 for internet.

Corporate landlords raise rent and charge ancillary fees because they can. “These institutions have outsized power in our housing market, and that influence is growing,” said U.S. Sen. Jeff Merkley, D-Oregon, in an email. “By 2030, Wall Street could control 40 percent of U.S. single-family rental homes.”

How corporate landlords get so many houses

Big corporations have two main methods of accumulating rental houses: buying homes when the owners list them for sale and build-to-rent. In recent years, build-to-rent has dominated.

In the build-to-rent model, a company constructs houses that are intended for the rental market from the time the company buys the land. According to an Urban Institute analysis, construction was started on 120,000 build-to-rent houses in 2022 — 12% of all single-family starts.

The other way these companies collect houses is by buying them on the resale market. When they do, corporations have the resources to outcompete folks who browse for houses online.

Progress Residential is the largest corporate landlord, with 85,000 houses. It bought most of them on the resale market, competing with ordinary people. But Progress has an edge over people, a company executive explained in a 2021 episode of the Leading Voice in Real Estate podcast.

“We have an incredibly effective system for acquiring homes one at a time,” Progress’s then-CEO, Chaz Mueller, said. Every 15 minutes, the company got an update of newly listed homes in its markets. When an algorithm identified a house that met its criteria, the company’s acquisition team made an offer “within a couple of hours of the home going on the market. So we’re able to analyze it very quickly, make an offer. Our offers are all cash, very flexible closing, basically whenever the seller wants to move out,” Mueller said.

A bill to make them sell

Merkley, the Oregon senator, has introduced a bill that would force corporate landlords to sell their houses. The End Hedge Fund Control of American Homes Act “is intended to give all families a fair chance to buy a decent home in a decent community at a price they can afford, because houses should be homes for families, not a profit center for Wall Street,” Merkley said in an email.

His bill would make corporate landlords sell at least 10% of their inventories of single-family rental homes every year for 10 years or face steep tax penalties. A similar bill was introduced into the House, sponsored by U.S. Rep. Adam Smith, D-Washington.

Are corporate landlords giving people what they want?

Corporate landlords point out that they build houses in a country that needs millions more dwellings. “We continue to do our part in solving the housing shortage by providing new premium housing options in desirable family-friendly locations across the country,” said David Singelyn, CEO of AMH, the third-largest corporate landlord with about 60,000 houses, in a recent earnings call.

Sean Dobson, CEO of The Amherst Group (fourth-biggest, 50,000 houses), made a similar point when he was interviewed for Barry Ritholtz’s Masters in Business podcast in March. He described a family that outgrows an apartment, but can’t afford to buy a house. Then the family rents from Amherst: “These are homes that [the] resident would have a very difficult time getting into without us,” he said.

Source: nerdwallet.com

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Donna Lang Arenshield, has owned Vail Home Outfitters for 30 years.


Brent Bingham, courtesy image

Vail Home Outfitters has offered homeowners distinctive home decor and design for more than 30 years. The team there believes in honesty, integrity and providing a relaxed, beautiful atmosphere when it comes to helping people furnish their homes. They take the time to listen to what you want and cultivate lasting relationships, so that you can find unique items to reflect your personal style. The following is an interview with Donna Lang Arenshield.

Tell us about your interior design experience.

I knew in high school that I wanted to be a designer and graduated with a degree in design in 1975. It seems like yesterday. I then worked for a large retail design showroom — much like Home Outfitters — and my career took off. It was a combination of being in the right place at the right time, and taking advantage of what opportunities were placed in my path. At that job, I worked with a team that created a personal space for the King Khalid of Saudi Arabia at The Cleveland Clinic, designed the offices of Mark McCormack (founder of IMG) and designed the corporate headquarters of Diamond Shamrock.

Finally, the job that jumpstarted my career was working on a team that designed the personal residence of Will McFarlane, who ended up being my extremely supportive mentor, in Naples, Florida. He owned AIRCOA, a hotel equity and management company based in Cleveland, Ohio. After the completion of his home, I was offered the position of director of design for his hospitality company, moving from Cleveland to Denver. So, the majority of my background was in hospitality design: The Brown Palace Hotel in Denver and The Maxwell House in Nashville are just two of the hotels that I am most proud of.

Since 2016, I have been fortunate enough to make the change to residential design. Working on the design of Mikaela Shiffrin’s home in Edwards was the first residential project that helped put Home Outfitters on the map. Since that project, I have been able to work on so many wonderful and creative renovations and new construction here in Vail and around the country. Through those relationships, I have been so fortunate to have formed many wonderful personal relationships.

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What can customers expect when they walk into Home Outfitters?

I feel that we have curated a visual that offers our customers not only a selection of what is new but also what is comfortable and offers a value for them.

What kind of perspective do you bring to curating items in Home Outfitters?

We really do a lot of reading and research in what is new. We offer a bit of what is trending but place an importance of what is lasting for our customers. Furniture is expensive today, and we want to make sure that our customers are receiving a value for their money.

Describe your design services.

DLA: In addition to our retail showroom, we offer a full-service design department. We are hardworking and detail-oriented, but most importantly, we believe that we listen to our clients’ needs and wishes. My overriding philosophy is that our job as designers is to interpret our client’s vision — not impose our aesthetics on our clients.

What makes your store, as well as your services, unique?

We believe that our showroom is a reflection of what our customers are asking for — but they are also looking for our expertise, our experiences and the research we are willing to undertake for them. We love what we do!

What has one of your favorite projects been and why?

I can’t really reduce it to one, though I think of the fun I had working with Mikaela Shiffrin — receiving texts with pictures of furniture she loved and styles that she hoped would work in her home. The honor of working on the Brown Palace Hotel and the history that I was expected to honor was also wonderful. And there’s so much more: every time I finish a home for clients, then being asked to design another one, to my parents trusting me to design their vacation home in Naples. That was a project of love and respect.

What else would you like to add?

I feel it is such an honor to be asked to help someone make their home not only beautiful but also comfortable and personal. In my mind, it’s a trust issue, and I always hope, at the end of the day, I have fulfilled that goal and honored that trust.

Source: vaildaily.com

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Rhode Island may be the smallest state in the U.S., but it certainly packs a punch when it comes to character and charm. The state is famous for its stunning Newport Mansions, the lively Providence WaterFire, and, of course, its pristine beaches. But what else is Rhode Island known for? Whether you’re considering renting a home in Providence, looking to settle into an apartment in Richmond, or just planning a visit, you’ll soon find that Rhode Island has much more to offer than meets the eye. In this article, we’ll uncover some of the iconic features that make Rhode Island one of a kind and why so many are proud to call it home. Let’s jump in.

1. Newport Mansions

The Newport Mansions are a collection of grand Gilded Age estates in Newport. The Breakers, the most famous of these, was built by the Vanderbilt family and offers a glimpse into the extravagant lifestyle of America’s elite in the late 19th century. Visitors are welcome to tour these lavish homes, marvel at their architecture, and stroll through beautifully maintained gardens.

2. WaterFire Providence

WaterFire Providence illuminates the waterways of downtown Providence with a unique art installation and festival. This event features over 80 bonfires burning on the surface of the rivers, accompanied by music and performances. Organizers hold WaterFire multiple times a year, attracting locals and tourists alike, and creating a mesmerizing atmosphere. The combination of fire, water, and art provides a memorable experience that distinctly represents Rhode Island.

3. Sandy beaches

Rhode Island boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in New England. Popular spots like Misquamicut State Beach and Narragansett Town Beach offer clean, sandy shores and excellent swimming conditions. Activities such as surfing, sailing, and beachcombing are common. The state’s extensive coastline provides plenty of opportunities for beachgoers to enjoy the sun and sea.

4. Rhode Island clam chowder

Rhode Island is famous for its distinct style of clam chowder, which is clear-broth based, unlike the creamy New England or the tomato-based Manhattan versions. This local delicacy features fresh clams, potatoes, onions, and sometimes a hint of bacon. Many coastal restaurants, like the Black Pearl in Newport, serve this flavorful chowder.

5. Block Island

Block Island, off the coast of Rhode Island, is a popular destination known for its pristine beaches and stunning natural beauty. Visitors can enjoy activities such as biking, hiking, and exploring the island’s 17 miles of beaches. The Mohegan Bluffs, with their dramatic cliffs and panoramic ocean views, are a must-see.

Fun facts Rhode Island is famous for

  • First Open Golf Tournament: The Newport Country Club hosted the first U.S. Open Golf Championship in 1895, making Rhode Island a significant place in golf history.
  • Coffee Milk State Drink: Rhode Island’s official state drink is coffee milk, a special beverage made by mixing coffee syrup with milk.
  • Home of the Oldest Operating Tavern: The White Horse Tavern in Newport, established in 1673, is the oldest operating tavern in the United States, serving patrons for over 350 years.

6. International Tennis Hall of Fame

The International Tennis Hall of Fame celebrates the history and achievements of tennis. Housed in the historic Newport Casino, the museum features exhibits on legendary players, significant matches, and the evolution of the sport. Additionally, the Hall of Fame Championships, an annual tennis tournament, attracts top players and fans to the state.

7. Autumn foliage

Rhode Island boasts stunning fall foliage, attracting those who come to see the vibrant colors of the changing leaves. Scenic drives along routes like the Blackstone Valley and the coast provide breathtaking views of the autumn landscape. The state’s picturesque fall scenery is a highlight for both residents and tourists.

8. Historic Benefit Street

Benefit Street in Providence, often referred to as the “Mile of History,” showcases beautifully preserved Colonial and Victorian homes. This historic street features over 200 buildings dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries, representing Rhode Island’s architectural heritage.

9. Rhode Island School of Design (RISD)

The Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) is one of the most prestigious art and design schools in the world. The RISD Museum, affiliated with the school, houses an impressive collection of fine art, including works by renowned artists such as Picasso and Monet. The institution fosters creativity and innovation, making it a cornerstone of Rhode Island’s cultural landscape.

10. Brown University

Founded in 1764, Brown University is one of the oldest universities in the United States and boasts notable alumni such as John F. Kennedy Jr. and Emma Watson. The campus features beautiful Georgian and modern architecture, with landmarks like the Van Wickle Gates and the John Hay Library.

11. Newport Jazz Festival

The Newport Jazz Festival is one of the most prestigious music festivals in the world. Founded in 1954, it has featured legendary performers such as Miles Davis, Ella Fitzgerald, and Duke Ellington. The festival takes place at Fort Adams State Park, offering stunning views of Newport Harbor. It continues to attract top jazz artists and music enthusiasts from around the globe.

12. Slater Mill Historic Site

The Slater Mill Historic Site in Pawtucket is a key landmark in America’s industrial history. Established in 1793, it’s considered the birthplace of the American Industrial Revolution. Visitors can tour the mill, which showcases early textile machinery and manufacturing processes, and attend educational programs and exhibits on the history of industry in Rhode Island.

Jenna is a Midwest native who enjoys writing about home improvement projects and local insights. When she’s not working, you can find her cooking, crocheting, or backpacking with her fiancé.

Source: rent.com