The Staycation Spot At The Top Of So Many Bucket Lists
Because this past week in RI has felt like Spring, here's a flashback to the highlights (and lows) from our staycation on Rose Island (No doubt you've caught a glimpse of it while driving over the Newport Bridge.) last April. So, if you've ever wondered the least little bit what it's really like sleeping in (or running away to) a lighthouse, here's the inside story.
The Wow's
The Lantern Room (aka, the actual light and deck at the very top) - An outstanding view of The Bridge, Fort Adams, and the entire Rose Island from this vantage point. Fabulous photo opps at sunrise and sunset. Note: You will have to climb a steep ladder to get there. Be careful!
The Fog Horn Room - Located one flight of stairs down from the tower. It's not attached to the main house, but it sure does look like something out of a Ralph Lauren ad. (Photo below.) With the exposed brick, rustic furniture and bedding, and water views, it would be perfect for a romantic night or weekend with your SO (significant other). Just make sure it's during the summer - and fingers crossed that you get 'good weather' - because there's no heat or a/c to speak of. PS - Need to use the bathroom or take a shower? Then it's back up the stairs and stroll over to the two toilets and the outdoor shower situated next to The Barracks.
The Barracks - Ok, soldiers resided there during both World Wars and some were actually quarantined in the barracks during a Cholera epidemic. I hear ghost hunters still travel to the Island on occasion, searching for the ghosts of the soldiers who may have died in that epidemic. Now, it's booked out for things like corporate lunches or overnight stays. We say that the white brick, high ceilings, and great acoustics make it perfect for recording an album during the summer months. There's also lots of privacy because you're far, far away from the paparazzi and screaming fans. Just throwing it out there. #winks (Photos below.)
Prep, Pack & Plan
It was more like glamping than anything else. Also, not gonna lie, by around 6 or 7pm that night, we were desperately wishing that someone we knew would take a water taxi over and deliver some coffee, hot soup, and maybe a parka or two. Again, it was FREEZING. So, dress warm and bring an extra blanket or three. (Maybe we should have waited for the heart of Summer, but that time frame books up way, WAY in advance. And April is usually mild in the Ocean State, righttt?) We were infinitely grateful that there was cell service. (You can use your I-Phone as a hot spot if you plan on bringing your lap top to blog or whatever.) There was electricity, but bringing along a portable battery for your phone can't hurt.
It would be fantastic for an intimate getaway or private party (Why not rent out the whole Island?) once the temps go above the 40's and 50's. There are picnic tables, grills, and kayaks. We also found pics on Instagram of some peeps who threw a party there a few summers ago and went to town, even setting up Slip N' Slides, so what we're proposing is not an original idea, but definitely one worth co-opting.
*Based on original posts that appeared on this blog in April of 2016. All photos courtesy of PattyJ.com.