Our family travels to Newport every July for the folk festival, of which is always an amazing time. This year, we decided to check off a bucket list experience, and stay on a house boat right at the Fort. Located on the floating dock field in Brenton Cove, the Lilypad is literally right off shore. As we were dealing with NFF traffic and logistics, parking was a little hectic but not quite as chaotic getting into the Fort as we had assumed it would be. A quick water taxi (on the half hour), signaled by a radio and very easy to use, brings you back and forth from the boat to the shore for a $3/pp cash fare. From there, you have a quick walk into Fort Adams (about 5ish minutes), right along the water. The same taxi also brings you into downtown Newport, to all of the fun shops and many dining options, and conveniently operates until quite late at night on the hour (1am over the event weekend, although this may be standard summer hours). It was a fun way to get around, with a very friendly staff, and super easy to get the hang of--just plan ahead with cash. While we didn't get the chance to spend too much time on the boat because of the festival itself, the hours on-board were fantastic. Danielle was a great host, who explained all the details of water-living, and made herself available to answer any and all questions during our stay (while also checking in on us throughout the weekend). Being located close to shore was comforting (especially over a weekend of high winds), while also being able to enjoy all the amenities of being right on the water. Being part of the floating moorings, you are nestled in among many other vessels, so--while not the most private--you get great views and a truly nautical atmosphere. We met several other people staying in Brenton Cove over the weekend, and was fun to chat and make some fast friends. It's apparent that the boating life is a community, and people are quick to help each other and offer info and advice. The interior of the house boat was quaint and functional, comfortably sleeping and housing 2 couples. The generator/battery/shower/toilet were all easy to use, and having the amenities of a coffee maker, toaster oven, gas range made our stay very convenient. We made a family dinner of tortellini and sauce on our final night with ease. Kitchen necessities (pots, pans, paper/silverware) were available, although the cabinets/draws could use a bit of a cleaning, re-organization, and replacement of a few items. Otherwise, everything was tidy, well-kept, and cute. The best part of the houseboat is definitely the rooftop deck, complete with a comfy patio set and lounge chairs. The view of the harbor was just beautiful, and sitting up there with a drink in hand and admiring the surrounds, was certainly amazing. All in all, the time went by way too quick,...