5 Romantic Things For Couples To Do In Rhode Island

1. Catch a sunset on the beach

There are many beach towns in Rhode Island, but my two favorite to enjoy a walk on the beach are in Watch Hill and Narragansett.

As the summer home of pop star Taylor Swift, Watch Hill has recently grown in popularity. Be sure to munch on some ice cream or salt water taffy - a New England specialty. You could also watch the historic Flying Horse Carousel that was made in 1876, which is located on Bay Street. The carousel is open seasonally but only children can ride on it. At sunset, walk along the long stretch of sand called Napatree Point and enjoy the gorgeous beach views. During the summer, the parking in Watch Hill is limited, so it is best to arrive early in the morning or later in the evening.

2. Date night at Crazy Burger

Narragansett is a laid back beach town that is a great place to spend a day or visit as a weekend getaway. The long boardwalk that heads down Ocean Road makes for a perfect stroll at any time of day. If you are looking to soak up the sun, head to one of the four town beaches - they are some of the nicest white-sand beaches in the state.

If you get hungry, try Crazy Burger for dinner and you’ll enjoy one of the best burgers around. Crazy Burger is BYOB (bring your own alcohol), so if you are interested in having a cold glass of beer with your burger, be sure to bring it yourself. Crazy Burger also has vegetarian and vegan options if you prefer not to eat meat. Be sure to try their gluten free mocha cookies that come with the Big Chain Chai drink. They are the most delicious cookies ever!

3. Daydream about weddings in East Greenwich

For shopping, cafes, and restaurants, visit East Greenwich and pretend you live in this perfect town. Celebrate your romance with delicious cupcakes and a bottle of champagne or prosecco at Silver Spoon Bakery. Enjoy your cupcake out on one of the sidewalk tables to people watch. Silver Spoon Bakery also bakes for weddings and other special occasions. If you happen to be planning (or fantasizing about) a wedding, there are several other shops that focus on everything you need for your special day. The public library is also beautiful, so be sure to explore off of Main Street to enjoy more beautiful architecture. As East Greenwich is a small town, you could spend an afternoon to one day enjoying the area. This town is a great gateway to other parts of Rhode Island.

4. Discover mansions, a colorful town, and bluffs

Newport is well known for its mansions, many of which you can tour. Take a tour of the famous Breakers, Elms, or Marble House to see how the rich and famous live. After your tour, walk through the quaint downtown Newport to enjoy the colorful houses and seaside views. If you have a sweet tooth, I’d suggest a stop into Cupcake Charlie’s, which supposedly has New England’s best cupcakes.

In the winter and early spring, you can go for seal tours or enjoy a winter festival, but the summer is when Newport really comes alive. If your feet get tired from all of the walking, hop on the Viking Trolley to get acquainted with Newport. Make sure not to skip a visit to the Cliff Walk, which is a 3.5 mile (5.6 km) walk along bluffs with crashing waves. On your visit to the Cliff Walk, avoid wearing a skirt or dress as the winds are always strong and you’ll likely spend the whole time trying not to flash everyone (I know this from experience!). You could easily spend a weekend in Newport as there is so much to enjoy.

5. Spark your romance at FireWater

During your romantic tour of Rhode Island, be sure to add the capital, Providence, to your bucket list. If you are visiting Providence, try to have your visit coincide with FireWater, which has many events throughout the year with shows beginning at sunset. Check their website soon for the 2016 schedule.

FireWater is a thrilling event where large basins in the river are set ablaze with fire and performers float by you in boats. It really is such a special event to see! FireWater began as an art installation in 1994 by the artist, Barnaby Evans, and due to its popularity, it has continued.

FireWater is free to attend, but it is driven by donations, so the organizers’d ask that you donate if you can. Plan to arrive early to the thrilling FireWater event so that you can enjoy the street festival that takes place along the river walkways. The event is typically very crowded, so arriving early will allow you to secure a spot. Feel free to bring a blanket to sit on and a picnic or purchase food at the festival to enjoy during the show.