I’ve lived in Rhode Island for 9 years now and I still have things on my RI Bucket List I want to cross off. Tops on the list? Visits to Block Island, kayaking in South County, a sunset sailboat cruise in Newport Harbor and more. This Summer I finally crossed a big one off my list: Newport Polo!
Matches take place every Saturday from May thru Sept., on the polo grounds of historic Glen Farm in Portsmouth, RI.
In preparation of this super fun Saturday I had 2 decisions: what to bring & what to wear?!! Sandwiches & sundress of course!
Here are Lisa and Theresa looking fab in their sundresses!
Our friend Frank had arrived early and set up the space. When attending Newport Polo it is best to arrive early(especially if you have general admission tix), to claim a great spot. Plus you have more time to tailgate!!
Once we had arrived and were settled in with a tasty beverage (Pimms Cup was my cocktail of choice), Theresa and I decided to check out the ‘Alex and Ani Pavilion’. A great viewpoint to be sure. A wonderful place to people watch.
I was also looking for ladies in hats. I figured that was a Polo tradition; wearing your finest hat to watch the match! I could not find one hat in my closet, but was looking forward to seeing what other ladies found.
Found some!!!
This one was my fave. I just LOVED this ladies entire outfit! She decorated the hat herself. I’d give her first place. She was so flattered that I stopped her to ask about her hat. She happily posed for a picture.
While waiting in line for the ever glamorous porta-potty, I spied Polo jackets and the really cool Preppy Big BBQ truck enrobed in the all important plaid pattern. The license plate was so cool.
Not one to sit still at a fun event like Polo, I was off again in search of terrific tailgaters. There are folks who attend these matches every week and they don’t mess around. Right away I spied some youngsters manning the grill for their Parents. Burgers anyone?!
It’s easy to make friends at events like this, just say hi, ask them what they’ve got cooking and of course compliment them on their hat!
The purple lady was a riot with such a fabulous hat! It was her Moms’. She then very enthusiastically offered me her tailgate special: Kahlua S’mores. Carefully broil marshmallows, top with crushed graham crackers. Make an indent in the middle. Add droplets of Kahlua and pop in your mouth. Yumm!
After about 6 of these(what can I say?! She kept handing me more!), I had to move and check out the “car” tailgaters. These folks are serious. Cool cars, tents, bars and so much glorious food!!
Because I was so busy socializing, I did not get to participate in the Polo tradition of stomping the divets. I did however make it in time to stick my hand out while the players come around and “high five” everyone “the Polo-way”.
I also (despite being allergic) wanted to see the horses. So strong and beautiful.
What a delightful day it was! USA won their match. We took the back roads home through Bristol and made it in time to see a spectacular sunset on Bristol Harbor. I look forward to attending more matches next season.
Today I’m headed to the Brown/Harvard football game, but you still have 1 chance left to experience Newport Polo this season. Today at 4pm are the finals!! Get your chores done and head on down to Glen Farm in Portsmouth and cross this great Rhode Island event off YOUR bucket list.
Cheers!!
Jen's Dish 