Romantic Getaways in Rhode Island

With 400 miles of coastline, Rhode Island offers unending vistas of scenic nature and diverse wildlife. At the same time, this is a state rich in historical and cultural attractions. Thus while Rhode Island might be the smallest state in the United States, nevertheless the Ocean State offers plenty of getaway options for its vacationing couples.

Providence

Providence makes an ideal getaway spot for couples who can soak in the cultural attractions and the relative quiet of a small city. With many art galleries and installations, historic New England architecture and a wide array of dining options, Providence offers plenty of attractions for the couple in search of romance. Lovers of literature can visit Providence's Atheneaum, the historic private library where Edgar Allan Poe courted Sarah Helen Whitman. Here you and your sweetheart can stroll around the gardens and the Gothic Fountain. Also on College Hill, the Rhode Island School of Design Museum offers a setting for art lovers to behold a range of works, from ancient sculpture to contemporary painting. A romantic way to view Providence is from the river with a gondola trip for two. There are several such gondola rides available some of which even include a basket of cheeses and crackers, an ice bucket, glasses and Italian music in the trip. In the evening, head to WaterFire  an artistic installation of bonfires along the Providence River and the centerpiece of the city's renaissance in the late 1990s. The bonfires burn most Saturday nights during the summer, with a more limited winter schedule. Have a romantic Italian dinner in Providence's Federal Hill neighborhood, a mecca of "ristorantes" and cafes after which you can end the evening over a cannoli and an espresso.

Newport

In Newport, visitors can travel back in time and tour 11 historic mansions across 80 acres. Many of the mansions are National Historical Landmarks and were summer homes of many rich and famous Americans. One such mansion is the Breakers, once owned by the Vanderbilt family. Dating to 1895, the Breakers is a 70-room mansion that includes Italian Renaissance architecture. Another Newport mansion available for touring is the Marble House, also formerly owned by the Vanderbilts. The Marble House was completed in 1892 at a reported cost of $11 million and is constructed of 500,000 cubic feet of marble. A particularly romantic way to explore the place is to head for the Newport Vineyards, spread over more than 50 acres about two miles from the Atlantic Ocean. The family-owned winery overlooks the Rhode Island Sound and is the largest producer of wine grapes in New England. At the winery that dates to the 1910s, you and your sweetheart can have fun learning about the wine-making process and sampling several of the facility's wines. Newport Vineyards produces red wine, white wine, sparkling wine, hard cider, dessert wine and blush wine. The winery also includes an art gallery and a gift shop where you can purchase bottles of wine, wine accessories, and specialty food such as sauces, dip, and spreads.

Block Island

If you and your partner are wildlife enthusiasts, make sure you visit Block Island during your romantic Rhode Island vacation. Here you can explore several wildlife refuges, including the Block Island National Wildlife Refuge in Charlestown, spread across more than 130 acres. the area is home to more than 250 species of birds, including several rare or endangered species. Best of all, the refuge is open year-round and provides plenty of opportunity for bird-watching and photographing wildlife. In addition, the refuge offers a visitors center and dozens of freshwater ponds where you can try their hand at catching striped bass or other species during fishing season. Once you are through with outdoor activities, you and beloved can simply stroll through more than four miles of walking trails and experience the area's diversity of wildlife and vegetation. The rest of the Island too is highly pleasing with beautiful old hotels, nature trails and incredible beaches. Rent a bike and explore the island up-close and personal, or just relax on one of the beaches, all of which are open to the public.

Misquamicut Beach

The picturesque Misquamicut area of Rhode Island that borders the Atlantic Ocean has been a prominent attraction since Native Americans first discovered its soft, white sandy beaches. Misquamicut Beach is seven miles long, making it the longest stretch of beach in the state. Misquamicut State Beach lies within the middle of that stretch and is equipped with a modern pavilion, picnic tables, concessions and lifeguard-patrolled swimming, all of which make it a perfect destination for a romantic day out. Though attractions at the Atlantic Beach Park are more family oriented, you can check out its funky gift and souvenir shop which has jewelry, toys, kites, nautical gifts and beach supplies. During summer months, you and your beloved can dance to live music, try your hand at karaoke or play a game of pool at Sandy's Lighthouse. After sundown, Misquamicut Beach is simply teeming with enjoyable nightlife – while Paddy's Beach Restaurant offers live entertainment at its outdoor patio bar and grill, the Andrea Hotel has an on-site restaurant and bar with nightly entertainment options, including a live DJ, dancing and a game night. Above all, Misquamicut Beach offers several lodging options where you and your beloved can crash for the night; with a beachfront location, all Andrea Hotel guest rooms have a front or side ocean view from the private balconies while the oceanside Breezeway Resort offers several lodging options including suits, efficiency units and romantic cottages looking out on the beach. Pleasant View Inn and Sandy Shore Motel are other lodging options that won’t force you to break your bank for a romantic getaway along the Misquamicut Beach.

Narragansett

The southern part of Rhode Island is known as "South County," and one of the most beautiful places here is Narragansett - a picturesque town by the sea. Here you can book a room in a seaside bed and breakfast within walking distance to the beach. After enjoying a leisurely breakfast, begin your day with a romantic walk on the half a mile long beach. You may want to stay at the beach and enjoy a swim or, when the weather is cooler, cross the street for a coffee and donut – classic indulgences of Rhode Island living! Once you are done with seaside activities, simply sit on the "wall" with your beloved and watch the surfers.

If you have time for a short excursion, Point Judith should be your next stop. Being a delightful, working fishing village, There are plenty of restaurants here, all offering fresh seafood. Thus you and your partner can have a sumptuous lunch while watching the fishing boats return with their catch. Make sure to try several of Rhode Island's specialties like a clam cake, a lobster salad roll and coffee cabinet. Fried clams are also a specialty and will leave you craving more – just like so many of romantic attractions of the state.

Besides oceanside views, Narragansett is also rich in history.  in the latter part of the 19th century it was one of the most popular resort areas on the East Coast. Today, the pace is slower but it is still a beautiful spot where the ocean breaks perfectly on the town beach and which can make some of the most beautiful of memories for a couple.