Cool summer evenings are arriving, and the scent of autumn is in the air. The aroma from hot apples baking in the oven and brightly colored trees changing into their autumn attire will soon be with us all. Yes, autumn is coming, but we still have a bit of summer left to frolic and play in the sun and do something special with the one we care about.

And, how do we plan on doing that? Well, I found a wonderful way to spend a romantic summer evening with my sweetie by going to Waterfire. I had been before with "the woman" friends, but not with a special someone before. And, better yet, my sweetie had never been, so off we went to enjoy a night out at Providence's Waterfire.

The summer night was cool for Waterfire, with skies as clear as a crystal lake. We parked quite a distance from the event, not wanting to face traffic problems, which we later found out weren’t a problem at all. The origami swan theme ran throughout the river walk, thanks to Fidelity Investments employes's well placed effort.

Our night started with a quick jaunt to Waterplace Park with my sweetie who was amazed at the huge turnout for this event. Couples, both young and old, walked hand in hand along the park. Young families with children in tow were quite exuberant from all the activity ... A restaurant close by was filled to capacity, with the patio section being quite popular. An outside bar never seemed to be lacking for customers. Vendors offered fluorescent bands to wear that both young and old were donning. I chose to pass, not wanting to mess up the do!

The Turk's Head, lighted for dancing (Staff Photo)

The music that night alternated between gothic overtures and Latin swing music. Being interested in the Latin theme, we chose to follow the crowd to the dance event in front of the Turks Head building. Couples swayed to the big band swing while the band pounded out their melodic tunes. I wanted to try my "hand" at swing, but my partner was afraid he would step on my toes. Watching people from all walks of life trying to swing dance was rather quite entertaining.

My taste buds were starting to call me at that point, requesting some delicacy of course, so we headed back to waterfires. Eclairs sounded good to me, or even a chocolate covered strawberry. Hum, how about a cannolli, or maybe even a raspberry macaroon. Ah, so much to chose from, and not being able to make up our minds, we decided to sample a little bit of everything. I was sure we would walk it off later on that night.

Our journey continued down along South Main Street, where there were more vendors, mimes, and my favorite, the gargoyles. True to life they were, perched on their pedistals, enticing people to "join them" in their antics. Some youngins’ were courageous enough to venture on forward, only too soon to run back to the comfort of their parent’s arms. I was challenged to go forward by my sweetie, but declined, not wanting me to "scare" the gargoyles, with my chocolate covered lips and sticky fingers!

We decided after the gargoyles left, that we would sit for a bit, and enjoy the scenery before venturing on homeward. The crowd along this part of the Waterfire walk was less intense, so we had adequate seating.

Small tour boats with jubilant families had passed us by, while we enjoyed the blazing heat and scent of cedar in the cast iron pots nearby. Occasionally, we would catch a glimpse of a small boat, with couples enjoying a glass of wine and the scenery . The "workers in black" with their boats busily attended fires, each time setting off a blaze of hot embers into the air.

It felt like a Kodak moment, with mood lighting, good food, and the comfort of a good companion. And, rather inexpensive if you ask me , (except if you have to sample every piece of sweet temptations like I did). It’s all quite amazing when you think of it, water ON fire, and only you can truly enjoy this vision by going to Waterfire.

There is still time, as there will be another one on the fall.

So grab your sweetie, or your kids or you girlfriend, or whoever is important to you, and take a drive to Water Place Park in Providence and enjoy! [an error occurred while processing this directive] [an error occurred while processing this directive]