Toward the end of December, 1999, I started thinking that maybe my husband and I really should do something to celebrate the "New Millennium". Everyone had been talking about taking trips, going to huge parties, celebrating big time to welcome the Year 2000, but we hadn't given it much thought. Not wanting to travel far or spend tons of money, I came up with the idea of staying in a Bed & Breakfast somewhere in Newport. It would be different, (for us anyway), living in Rhode Island all our lives we had never stayed in any hotel or B&B in the State, and we've always loved visiting Newport, so why not?

Okay, that decision was made, so I called the Chamber of Commerce in Newport and was given numbers to call to check on vacancies. One of the recommendations I received was for the White House B&B. I called and made the reservations for one night, New Year's Eve 2000.

When we arrived at 73 Catherine Street in Newport, we found a wonderful, big, old Victorian-style home, very comfortably furnished with antiques. The proprietors greeted us and showed us around. In the study, there were hors d'oeuvres laid out for guests, with comfortable chairs, books, etc. available to relax in and with.

We were brought upstairs to our room, which turned out to be the Jefferson Room. All of their guest rooms are named for former Presidents, hence the name. Anyway, the room was perfect, large, furnished with antiques, complete with a fireplace and very comfortable bed. The bathroom was also a typical large Victorian bathroom with claw-foot tub, of course. Everything was perfect!

We went out to dinner and returned to relax in our room, and also enjoyed a fireworks display in town from our windows. The following morning there was a knock at the door and the proprietor brought in our breakfast to enjoy in our room. It was a wonderful, relaxing way to welcome the New Year!