Ok, so I grew up in a city. It was really the suburbs, but it is labeled a city. Houses packed like sardines, neighbors exchanging recipes, kids having slumber parties and everyone knew each others business. I grew up in the big city of "East Providence". Actually a little "burb" on the out skirts -- the village called "Riverside" -- a quaint place with many houses located along the East Bay.

I never actually thought of East Providence as being romantic as a kid, but hidden deep within this city lies many romantic places. Most of the places that I remember as being family sites can now be considered romantic interludes.

How would you spend your time now strolling around East Providence with a special person? Well, lets see....

First, you would start the day off with a local restaurant for a morning delite. A favorite of mine was...RI-DA'S.........located in Riverside on Willette Ave.. Great food, great service and a continuous cup of coffee. Tables are small and intimate and there are some booths if you prefer cheek to cheek meals.

Then, grab your bike gear and head off to the East Bay Bike path for a day of adventure. Start at the Veterans Memorial Park, located on Vetererans Parkway (favorite place for teenage parkers). Cruise along the bike path and enjoy nature at its best. The morning sun is beautiful as it cascasdes over the coast line. The foliage is magnificent with painted yellow, reds and vibrant oraange. Witness egrets nesting in the wetlands or a mother swam swimming buy with her cygnets.

Stop along the way for a picnic lunch. Try a bottle of your favorite wine and mild cheese (gotta watch the "cheese breath"). Sure to be a hit either way!

Next, stop in the center of Riverside for a delictable scoop of ice cream. The ice cream parlor is located in a converted railroad station on Bullocks Point. Sneak a lick or two while you cuddle with your sweetie on the park benches.

Still want some more outdoors? Well, if you stay on Bullocks Point and head south, you will eventually run into Sabins Point, where you could just sit, cuddle and enjoy the scenery. There are plenty of park benches of you still feel like eating a snack leftover from your picnic. Watch sailboats glide across the Narragansett Bay. If your sweetie starts to get cold cuddle even closer (unless you are like me, you always carry a spare blanket and can wrap that around the two of you)

If the Crescent Park Carousel is open you have to ride the horsies! Grab that gold ring if you can and place it on your sweetie's hand (before he/she runs!).

Had enough of the outdoors in East Providence? Not yet. Pack up the lunch, bikes and your date and head off to the Wampanoag Trail. There is a beautiful bird scantuary along the way. Gaze over the gorgeous Barrington River that is known for its spectacular sunrises -- of course you're too late for that, but you can whisper a suggestion or two about enjoying it together.

(I remember "quahoging" there as a kid. Ok, maybe they were steamers, but when you are only 6 or 7, everything looks "big".)

Ok, you've finally spent enough time outdoors and are ready for some peace and quiet and a place where you can stretch your legs. Well, how about a late afternoon matinee at the Showcase, a little off the beaten path in Seekonk. They have the new stadium seating so you can really "stretch your legs." Remember to sit in the back row so you can squeeze each others cheeks all night long.

Getting hungry for some fine cuisine? Since East Providence is rich with many cultures, you must sample some Portugeuse food. Estrella do Mar is located on North Broadway. This is fine dining, so please have your sweetie wear something seductive, I mean gorgeous. (...and men, don't forget to shave). Portugeuse food is very spicy but that shouldn't deter the adventurous type.

And finally, after that scrumptuous dinner you and your sweetie can head on over to the Veterans Memorial Parkway to watch another beautiful sunset. (I am told that the sunsets were spectacular, but never actually "viewed" them myself. Too busy smooching).

So, what do you say? Think that East Providence doesn't have any romance? Well, I beg to differ! Find out for yourself. It's an adventure!

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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