La Forge Casino Restuarant

 Paddy Cakes

 Onion Soup

Chopped Salad

We stopped into the La Forge Casino Restaurant after walking around the area and browsing menus. We also liked its proximity to the International Tennis Hall of Fame. It was a beautiful afternoon in Newport and we wanted to enjoy lunch outside, however, the porch was full. The group in front of us asked if there were open seats out back and the hostess sent them through the restaurant. Not knowing what to expect, we did the same thing.

Boy were we glad! The porch in the back overlooks the Tennis Hall of Fame and the courts, as well as being shaded. Absolutely beautiful. However, there is a small added fee for sitting outside near the courts for the preservation of the historic tennis courts. We were OK with that!

We ordered the paddy cakes, potato cakes made with chipped corned beef and served on an aioli; their onion soup and the chopped house salad. A lovely lunch in a lovely location. And, come here before you tour the Hall of Fame for discounts on the hall of fame ticket price.

International Tennis Hall of Fame

On Bellevue Avenue is the International Tennis Hall of Fame & Museum.  In here, you can learn about the history of tennis from it's creation to modern day.  The most interesting part to me was seeing the kinds of clothes they were back in the 1800's and early 1900's.  I don't think anyone would even consider wearing clothes like that these days to play tennis.

You'll also see all of the inductees to the hall of fame with an interactive exhibit to allow you to learn about their career.  There are also courts here that are still actively used and can even be played on by you for the right fee, including lessons.  Another very interesting portion is where you can see an indoor tennis court where the rules allow you to play the ball off the wall.  This can also be played on for a fee.

For any tennis fan, this is a great experience.  However, if you aren't a big fan of the sport, there isn't too much to interest you in a visit.