Growing up in the suburbs, I was not introduced to big cities for quite awhile. I was either too young to ride the bus or too old to be walking around the streets. Eventually, I succumbed to the mystique of the big city of Providence. Forty years ago, Providence was not what it is today. There was the Outlet Company, Shepherds, and Cherry & Webb. There were vendors in the streets selling hot roasted peanuts and hot dogs. People said hello to each other and opened doors to the welcoming stores. During the holidays, the window displays enticed the young and old to walk hand and hand along the streets, while the snow always fell gently from the sky.

As a young adult, I always romanticized the big city. Providence had its own mystique. Darkened streets, quaint little “mom and pop” restaurants and a stranger at every corner. I don't mean "stranger" as we were told to beware of as a young kid, but the kind of "stranger" that was going to sweep you off your feet and carry you away to some distant land.

Well, I never met that kind of stranger and glad that I didn’t, but I did meet someone who eventually swept me off my feet and carried me to the distant city of Providence. Being the romantic that both my husband and I are, we knew that we would find a lot of romantic and unique places in Providence

Providence is rich in history, culture, pizzazz, and romance. And lots of good old-fashioned romance, too. Not just the Federal Hill romance or the night club scene, but the everyday kind of romance, with lots of hand holding, snuggling, smooching, sneaking into delicacy stores to taste luscious morsels of rich chocolate, catching a matinee at a local theater, or a quaint little coffee shop for some delectable new flavor of the day.

Or, how about a jaunt to some of the fabulous art galleries in the city. There are the new West End galleries, like Gallery Z and Gallery Insane, where there are the rich blends of culture, non-stereotypes, and human sexuality displayed. Take a brisk walk to these galleries, or better yet, ride the trolley on Gallery Night on the third Thursday of every month.

Afterward, stop for a cup of tea or coffee. There are plenty of places to choose from.

I find history so romantic, so why not head back up to the fabulous East Side and step inside to another time period? Many of the fabulous old houses have been restored by the Preservation Society of Providence. Read about the forgotten tunnels of Providence or the merchants that traveled into the ports of Providence with their wealth and ware. Every new little fact adds to the mystique of Providence.

Ok, so you want to try something that is extraordinarily different, try Thayer Street and Wickendon Street, the home of many of our RISD and Brown students. Step into the world of an artist as they experiment with different foods, cultures, and entertainment. Paul and I just love the many little bistros hidden in the back streets and the constant flow of new and amazing restaurants to visit.

Of course you still have the romance of Waterfires and the Trolley car rides. Or, the ever-tantalizing pleasure trip in the outside elevator of the Biltmore. How about whisking your lover away to the new McCormick and Schmick restaurant and relax in their “Snugs” while sampling some of their daily catch of mouth-watering fish from the waters of the East Coast. Then, stroll over to the Cable Car Cinema on South Main Street and catch an “interesting” flick while snuggling in the comfy sofas in the theater. Remember to steal a kiss or two, or three, or four, or five ... Take a walk through the many little parks and passage ways throughout the city and snuggle a bit closer each time.

See what is playing at Trinity Repertory and witness the talent of many remarkable people, both young and old alike performing in a selection of the different and unique plays at the Rep. A favorite of mine is “A Christmas Carol” which is playing now. I am always amazed that these talented individuals can perform this wonderful Dickens tale every year, each time making it unique to that performance. Trinity offers “theater in the round” which enables the viewers to be more of participants then viewers. Little too open for stealing some smooches, but not for handholding.

Even in the brisk cool winter season, there is still time for romance. On New Year's Eve, look for Bright Night Providence, with plenty of entertainment (and lots more opportunities of romance). Remember that Providence is practically in your back yard. Well, Providence is only a stone's throw away from Cranston. And that’s only a stones throw from Warwick. And that’s only... well, you get my point.

Visit Providence and just enjoy good old fashion romance that comes with the mystique of this great city. You wont be sorry that you did!

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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