Ah, the holidays are over. Thanksgiving and Christmas is a thing of the past and when you read this article, so will New Year's. The holidays were hectic, so Who can even think about romance at that time of year? Well, we all should! We still need to appreciate the ones we love all year round, even when times get crazy. And, how do you expect to do that, with so little time left for romance with all that baking, wrapping, shopping and visiting family? Well, you can do what we did. We ran away fo the weekend.

Regardless of how extravagant or frugal you want to be, you don’t have to go that far! The romantic city of Newport will entice romance in anyone, even those that don’t believe in romance.

How can you resist the magnificent seashore under moonlight and eat at some of the most delectable restaurants in the state? My sweetie and I couldn’t resist the allure of Newport during the holiday season, so we decided to rekindle the old feelings. There is just so much to do in Newport; we didn’t know where to start first!

Start your day off with a delicious breakfast at a local diner, or if you aren’t into eating breakfast out, try a picnic, packed with a carafe of your favorite coffee, freshly baked muffins, and sliced fruit. You can eat it while sitting along the picturesque waterfront.

Then, try a brisk walk along cliff walk. Walk hand and hand while exploring the sunlit ocean with the last few brave boats bobbing in the winter waters. Soak in the beautifully decorated homes and mansions along the way. The cliff walk is slippery in some places so be careful and hold on to your sweetie tight.

After your morning jaunt, it’s time for shopping. Newport stores are still open during the winter months. And with crowds at a minimum, it makes shopping a lot less stressful. Enjoy a cup of tea along the waterfront. Remember to hold your sweetie extra tight to keep him/her warm.

Done with shopping already? Well, how about a lunch break at Panera Bread? Or, visit the local pubs and restaurants for many of their lunch specials. Sit on the same side as your sweetie, stealing a kiss here and there.

Then, back for more shopping. Some shops will wrap your gifts so take advantage. That way, you’ll have more time for each other later on.

Check with the helpful people in the visitor's center to see what events are going on that day. Winter in Newport includes ice-skating; ice sculpting contests, tree lighting and historical lectures of all sorts. We had the pleasure of learning about the “drinking habits” of the early residents in Newport. The lecture was held at the White Horse Tavern, one of the oldest taverns in the United States. Sit close to your sweetie and snuggle in front of the fire while listening to the lectures.

Next, visit many of the mansions that are still open to the public during the holidays. The Breakers, Elms, and many more mansions offer you a spectacular Christmas display, complete with music, cookies, and hot chocolate and the sweet aromas of the holidays. Enjoy the romance of the past with your sweetie while wrapping yourself up in the elegance of the mansions.

Getting tired yet? Probably, but there still is so much to see. Plan on making a night of it in Newport by staying at many of the fantastic Bed and Breakfasts in Newport. Or, if you are not on a budget and price is not a barrier, you have to try a stay at The Chanler. It has been recently renovated and the rooms are done in a variety of historical themes. Imagine stepping up into your bed with a canopy, a feather mattress where you and your sweetie can be whisked away into each other’s arms, complete with the warmth of a blazing fireplace. Open your windows at night and smell the sweet scent of the winter ocean while sleeping in splendor.

Before retiring, remember to drive down Belle Vue Avenue and swathe yourself in the elegance of the mansions decorated with the holiday theme. Might as well keep driving along Ocean Drive and find yourself melting in the glow of the moonlight. There are many places to stop and park for a moment and steal another kiss of two.

Head home for the night, but not before stopping for a nightcap in The Spiced Pear, if you happen to be a guest of The Chanler. If not, still stop in and enjoy the beauty of the magnificent lounge, while sipping brandy by the fireside.

Morning comes quickly after a night of romance. If you happen to be staying at many of the bed and breakfasts in Newport, enjoy a home cooked breakfast, which is still a mainstay in the winter season. Remember, check out time is a little more lenient this time of year, so catch a quick “nap” (tee hee) before venturing back into the city.

Check out the skating rink before heading back home. It is located on the main road, close to the waterfront shops. Remember to stop for some hot chocolate at any of the local restaurants and lick the frothy whip cream off of the top together. Your day is now complete and your romantic interlude has been a success. Now you can head back to the hustle and bustle of the holidays.

Christmas and even New Year's is over by the time you read this, but romance is alive and well in Newport all winter long. A little break will do the two of you well this time of year.

Buy this Art Print at AllPosters.com

And remember, romance lives in the hearts of both the young and old all year long! You just have to use your imagination! Enjoy, and we hope you had your own very happy holidays!

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.

Johnson Landscaping

Landscape design Renovation Maintenance

greengiant84.net (401) 862-7202

Let our experts make your yard beautiful again!

Readers Comments About This Page:

Be the first! Add Your Comment!