Well folks, spring has finally sprung in Rhode Island and as most of us would agree, "finally!" We have had a long winter at home with our significant others and probably are at the point of tearing each other’s hair out! Or maybe not. But in any case, it's time to rekindle the love we have for each other and enjoy the beauty of Rhode Island. It is my job as Romance Editor to find romantic things to do in this lovely state and since I am in awe of this wonderful weather we have been having and the flowers blooming everywhere, I thought it would be nice to list some wonderful "fragrant" places to visit and enjoy the beauty of the outdoors.

The first on my list would be Blithewold Mansion, located on 101 Ferry Road in Bristol RI. The mansion itself is a thing of beauty to explore, but this time of year, you really need to see the Gardens and Arboretum. They offer afternoon tea on Wednesday. Thursday and Friday at $10 per person if you happen to be into that sort of thing. Normal hours are from Wednesday through Sunday, 10-4, adults are $10 and seniors are $8 and you can walk the gardens to your heart's content. They are absolutely gorgeous! Just imagine strolling through them with you loved one, arm-in-arm, enjoying the blossoming flowers, starring into each other’s eyes and envisioning a life together, filled with romance and beauty.

Sounds pretty magical to me.

Then, there is Roger Williams Park where you would not only enjoy the playfulness of the animals in the zoo, but also the beautiful flower gardens. The most noted one is located off of the Elmwood Ave entrance. Many couples have had their wedding pictures taken at this site. Enjoy the vine-covered gazebo with its ornate flower gardens, while sitting on the benches, enjoying each other’s company. Smell the sweet fragrance of roses, lilies and other delicious smells. Or, visit the Japanese Gardens near the carousel. Then how about strolling the grounds of the zoo. If you start to hunger for a snack, stop at "Alice’s Restaurant" located in the African Fishing Village. Sample some of the charbroiled foods offered there while viewing birds nesting in the wetlands. The zoo is open from 9-5, every day of the week. The fees are as follows: adults are $10, children 3-12, $6 or seniors, 62 and up a reduced rate of $8. What a way to rekindle the romance between the two of you!

How about Kinney Azalea Gardens located at 2391 Kingston Road, Kingston, RI? Depending on how you want to see variety of plants, from now to about the end of May, you can view the radiant birth of colors or wait until the early part of June, where it would be more of splashes of colors. The grounds are beautiful, providing an occasional bench for the strollers. One could get lost in the beauty of the gardens that weave in and out, providing an occasional relief from normality. Being around such splendor and relishing in the fragrant aromas, you couldn't help yourself but feeling romantic. If you are romantic AND green-thumbed, you can even purchase one of the mature azalea plants, or rhododendron plants.

Another place that is "blooming" with fun is the Green Animals Topiary Gardens, located at 380 Cory Lane, Portsmouth, RI. The gardens are built on 7 acres, complete with a Victorian home over looking Narragansett Bay. There are 80 pieces of topiary, including birds and animals. Walking through the gardens, one can almost feel the childlike stances of the animal topiaries, providing the enraptured couple with a chance to feel young and in love again. Afterwards, you could sit on the grounds and have a snack before venturing off to another "aromatic" escape.

One more beautiful place to escape to would be Newport, and none other than Bellevue Avenue, where practically every mansion provides one with a spectacular view of manicured gardens. Not only would one be able to traipse through the mansion, but also enjoy the splendor of the outdoors. Start with the Astor's Beechwood Mansion, with a simple, but elegant garden. Then, try The Breakers, which provides 2 acres of summer flowering plants and greenhouses. Then, head out to The Elms, which offers Classical Revival, featuring terraces with marble and bronze sculpture, a park of specimen trees and a lower garden with marble teahouses, fountains, a sunken garden and carriage house and garage. The Marble house, which is a summer home of the Vanderbilt’s, has formal grounds, including a Chinese Tea House on the cliffs used for entertaining and suffrage rallies. And last, but not least is Rosecliff, a truly grand mansion, which was named in honor of the "American Beauty" rose, which was developed by the owner of the previous cottage on the site. The rose garden, dating back to the previous owner, and features is a sizable planting of "America," a climbing rose. Beds of begonias ornament the entrance and a central path and fountain. This tour of the elegant mansion will truly bring a romantic flare back to your lovely relationship that had been somewhat "plowed in" with the winter weathers.

Romance is never lost in Rhode Island. It may need some "rekindling” at times, but it always thrives, especially with all of the aromatic sites in this beautiful state.

Enjoy!

About the author, Linda Eagleson: Linda Eagleson has been a writer for as long as she can remember. She has been published in local papers, anthologies, and columns, and participates in poetry slams throughout the state.

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