The Best

Romance

Best place to tie the knot in a bucolic setting

Not only is it located on 2300 acres of woodland, just oozing with nature and streams and ponds and a 75-acre lake, it adjoins two state forests. You could hike for miles in blissfully romantic dualitude. The URI Alton Jones Campus is home to the National Center for Environmental Education and as such hosts field trips, conferences, and retreats. It's also a frequently overlooked opportunity for holding a wedding in the woods. The knotty pine main building, with its two fieldstone fireplaces, is as inviting as a ski lodge. The dining hall can accommodate 150, and six cabins -- one of which is wheelchair-accessible -- could even house your wedding party in rustic coziness. Bear in mind one limitation: it's bucolic, but not alcoholic. The wedding toast will have to be with sparkling cider.401 Victory Highway, West Greenwich, (401) 397-3304, ext. 6043.

Best romantic drive

The mountain laurel along Ministerial Road in South Kingstown are breathtaking in early June. Several 18th- and 19th-century diaries note their beauty. The taxonomically obsessed call them Kalmia latifolia; some Massachusetts locales call them calico bush and spoon-hunt; but to most drivers, the dense clusters of white or pink blooms are just lovely. (The rhododendrons that follow them ain't too shabby either.) For more than 15 years, the Department of Transportation wanted to tear down expanses of both bushes in the course of "improving" the bumpy, stone-wall-lined, 6.4-mile road. But local opposition has organized successfully -- though not conclusively -- against that. The Ministerial Road Preservation Association campaign also got the stretch on a national list of Ten Most Endangered Scenic Byways. What could be more romantic than a beautiful drive in the country that's a visual reminder of what people can do when they get together?

Best chance to pretend you're Adam and Eve

If you've ever wondered why Eve was so tempted by that apple, you probably haven't tasted one plucked fresh from the tree. Chances are neither has the apple of your eye. So, take each other in hand and head to Smithfield, where you can choose from three pick-your-own orchards (Jaswell Farm, Matteo's Farm, and Henry Steere Orchards), and another with arguably the sweetest cider in New England, Appleland Orchard. At the more than 20 orchards around the state, you can pick apples, peaches, and pears (and, at some, berries and pumpkins). The 20 varieties of apples grown in Rhode Island range from the local (Rhode Island Greenings) to the exotic (Fujis and Mutsus). Some apple names are poetically descriptive (Winesaps, Golden Delicious, Crispin), and others downright celebratory (Liberty, Empire, Gala). Whichever you bite into, do it with a Tom Jones flair and you'll fully understand Eve's (and Adam's) dilemma. Appleland Orchard, Smithfield Avenue, (401) 949-3690; Jaswell Farm, 50 Swan Road, (401) 231-9043; Matteo's, 90 Swan Road, (401) 231-4393; Henry Steere Orchards, 150 Austin Avenue, (401) 949-1456.

Best frolic in 4/4 time

You've seen them at the Call. You've seen them at Squirrel Nut Zippers' shows. You've even seen them in the Federal Hill Columbus Day parade. They're local swing dancers, and your secret heart (and probably that of your sweetheart) wants to do it! So sign up for one of the Hepcats' four-week dance series ($32), taught by Sarah Sloane, who also teaches salsa, Lindy (the harder version of swing), cha-cha, and beginning tango. For the salsa and swing series, students can repeat the beginning classes for free. Sloane, who has been teaching for the past six years, reassures prospective students that swing is not that hard to learn and, unlike some of the ballroom studios, she's geared toward social dancing, not competition: "I want people to put their own personality into it." So, whether you're a couple or a single, come bop to Basie and rumble to Roomful, with the Hepcats. Call (401) 727-3385, or go to www.havetodance.com/hepcats.

Best place to clink mimosas

At the White Horse Tavern, you have your choice of complimentary champagne with or without that splash of orange juice at the 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday brunch. It's not a buffet, so there's no danger of your sweetie having a high school cafeteria flashback. No, this is a classy date, steeped in colonial heritage, in a room with an open-beam ceiling and a huge hearth, although jackets are not required for gentlemen at brunch as they are for dinner. There's a wide choice of a la carte breakfast items, ranging in price from $13 for the thick-sliced cinnamon raisin French toast, drowning in maple syrup, to $19 for the signature eggs benedict, with lobster instead of Canadian bacon. Come for lunch and they can grill you a paillard of chicken ($15) or even a fillet mignon ($25). Marlborough and Farewell streets, Newport, (401) 849-3600, www.whitehorsetavern.com.

Best strolling hand-in-hand

Sometimes secluded stretches of rolling grass are appealing; sometimes you want every other tree to sport its Latin name, to keep conversation going. ("Did that say arctostaphylos or arctostaphylus?") The 18-acre Wilcox Park in the center of Westerly offers more edification than you can shake a pedant at. Its value as an arboretum has earned it a place on the National Register of Historic Places, and some 35 varieties of trees are only the start. (A Tree Walk Guide is available at the adjacent public library.) In 1898 it was designed as a Victorian "walking park" by a former colleague of Frederick Law Olmsted and soon expanded to include a pond. There are several memorial statues of bronze and local granite, as well as outdoor sculptures of a less lofty but more entertaining sort, such as Kenneth Speiser's colorful cattail competition in that lily pond, "Captails." Main Street, Westerly, (401) 596-8590, www.southcountyri.com/tdHome.html.

Best place to get all buffed up and hunky-looking

Face it. Draping a towel over that damn full-length mirror is not a long-term solution. Well, it may not have the allure of your own personal trainer at Gold's Gym, but the YMCA Personal Fitness Program doesn't have the expense, either (beyond basic membership). Actually, you do get a trainer to pump you up psychologically at the beginning, middle, and end of the 12-week regimen with cardiovascular and Nautilus exercise machines. And a coach is always passing by to answer questions. The basic idea of the program is to let beginners have their own private room to gain some confidence and maintain motivation before being let loose in the main weight and exercise machine room. You know, it works. There are programs at five Ys in the area. 70 West Street, Barrington, (401) 254-2444; 1225 Park Avenue, Cranston, (401) 943-0444; 900 Centerville Road, Warwick, (401) 828-0130; 165 Broad Rock Road, Peace Dale, (401) 783-3900; 472 Taunton Avenue, Seekonk, Massachusetts, (508) 336-7103.

Best romantic adventure 1000 feet up

Turn a psychedelic song into reality with a ride in a beautiful hot air balloon. Pilot Larry Fortin, of Kingston Balloon Co., takes you up, up, and away for a one-hour experience that will either confirm a sense of togetherness -- shared knee-knocking can do that -- or make you wonder what idiot made you do this. Fortin has been flying since '84, and though he used to play the sea breeze out over the water, he now prefers sunrise flights that use the land breezes. The three-person crew which helps him prepare the balloon for lift-off follow the balloon's flight in a chase vehicle. "You never know where you're going to land, but that's part of the fun of it," says Fortin. He photographed one balloon wedding, flying alongside another balloon, and he's had many proposals while he's along for the ride: "I tell the girl, `Say yes or get out, it's as simple as that!' " Rides are $225 to $250 per person; gift certificates are available. 31 Fortin Road, Kingston, (401) 783-9386.

Best place to meet artsy types

Art galleries have been off limits since Woody Allen tried to pick up a black-enshrouded beatnik chick in front of some Rorschach-blot painting -- in Annie Hall, no? -- and she slouched off to commit suicide. Much better is the opportunity for a line something like "What do you think? The Princeton `One-Stroke' synthetic sable or the round?" Browsing the RISD Store sure beats buying a puppy to strike up conversations. And as a bookstore, incidentally, it's hard to beat on the subjects you'd expect. Tomes by Rhode Island School of Design authors alone fill four shelves. And those voluminous magazine racks are impressive; if the art, fashion, or design title you're looking for isn't here, you probably don't need it. Which provides another opportunity. Want to make a quick personality assessment? Try, "Paris Vogue or Flaunt? What do you think?" 30 North Main Street, Providence, (401) 454-6460.

Best lightweight shower gifts

In this era when the happy couple might live on the opposite coast, any gift that fits into their luggage is a welcome one. Sure, there's always the long green, but for something a tad more personal, gift certificates are a good bet, particularly if they are from a place with retail outlets and a catalog business, such as Crate & Barrel. Crate & Barrel is one of a handful of places that has captured the eye (and tastes) of many thirtysomethings: a curving glass vase with hemispheric marbles to hold flower stems; linens in earth tones; hand-blown Mexican tumblers; and C&B's signature wooden line that includes several sizes, shapes, and designs of salad bowls (one with concentric layers of different woods is quite striking), tongs, and cutting boards. Other popular items at Crate & Barrel are the dinnerware, the pots and pans, and a large array of "kitchen gadgets." Melon ballers, anyone? Providence Place Mall, (401) 270-4620, crateandbarrel.com.

Best star-gazing with your sweetie (indoors)

It may be a movie cliché (picture Natalie Wood and James Dean in Rebel Without a Cause), but there's something about lying back in the dark and staring at stars that gets those romantic juices pumping. Rhode Island's very own planetarium is at the Museum of Natural History in Roger Williams Park. The Cormack Planetarium's state-of-the-art computer-controlled star projector combines with great special effects to teach you what you're seeing when you look at the nighttime sky. You not only get another chance to learn the names of constellations other than the Big Dipper, but you will re-discover the alignment of the planets and Earth's own special place in our galaxy. And if the planetarium show doesn't last long enough to get past hand-holding (35 minutes), it's always a good lead-in to watching meteor-showers at the beach at 3 a.m. (particularly in mid-November and mid-August). 1000 Elmwood Avenue, Providence. Open Saturday. and Sunday at 1:30 and 3 p.m. The museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call (401) 785-9457.

Best star-gazing with your sweetie (outdoors)

Magical feats of nature are made more magical by sharing them with a special someone, especially if it's the elusive phenomenon known as phosphorescence, or bioluminescence. Bioluminescence is created when tiny sea creatures (three different kinds off Rhode Island coasts) bump into something, such as the hull of the Night Heron, a glass-bottomed boat that makes nightly tours ($9 adults, $6 children) in the summer months out of Snug Harbor. The large glass "window" has a railing around it, and as you look down at its black surface, thousands of silvery star-like dots of light fly by, looking like warp speed on the Enterprise. When the underwater lights are turned on, you can watch for crabs, lobsters, starfish, and squid. On the ride out to the Harbor of Refuge, the boat's spotlights catch thousands of birds on the breakwater-- egrets, herons, sea gulls, and cormorants. And don't neglect the moon and stars overhead. Snug Harbor Marina, Gooseberry Road, Wakefield, (401) 783-9977.

Best opportunity to make out standing up

Everyone knows it takes two to do it, so grab a partner and tango! As dance teacher and Rhode Island Tango Society founder Glenn Webber says, "It's pure emotional expression. You're actually touching, holding, embracing the woman with great care and tenderness." What better come-on could there be? Webber, who got turned on to this passionate dance five years ago, emphasizes tango's sensuality, but also its abstract nature, with expressive movement more important than set patterns, and freedom more vital than restriction. The tango grew out of gaucho street dances in Buenos Aires at the turn of the century but, condemned by religious leaders, it went underground. Not before it had made the leap to Europe, however, where Parisians polished it and sent it back home to middle class Argentinians. "If you're happy or unhappy, you can express that in the tango," stresses Webber. "If you're in love with somebody, that shows in the tango!" The Rhode Island Tango Society is seeking a new permanent dance space. For information on classes, call (401) 294-0162.

Best place to propose 1

Time was, the porch swing would do. Or the stone wall next to the apple tree. Nowadays it's apt to be a walk through Venice or a hike in Hawaii. But for some, Rhode Island is just as exotic as the latter two, especially if it's Newport. And especially if it's near one of the mansions. The best bet is to set out on the Cliff Walk, which meanders through the backyards of several of those turn-of-the-century cottages built for the Vanderbilts and the Astors. After you pass the Forty Steps, where servants from the mansions congregated for parties, look for the Italianate palace called the Breakers. There, in front of the rose hedge, you can make promises of future riches. Or you can strike up a waltz outside the high white wall around Rosecliff, where The Great Gatsby was filmed. Or, in the dimness of the tunnel beneath the Marble House teahouse, you can pose that crucial question. Easton Beach to Bailey Beach, along the wild Atlantic.

Best one-stop shopping for the altar-bound

If you've ever planned a wedding or been on the fringes of someone who has, you know that the nitty-gritty details -- from bridesmaid's nails to groomsmen's tails--can have you running from one end of the state (or beyond) to another. Not for nothing is East Greenwich proclaiming itself Rhode Island's "wedding capital." On Main Street alone, you can find: flowers (Botanica, Blossom Florist, Flowers R Us Plus); jewelry (Wood and DuGan); wedding gowns (Cinderella's Bridal Salon); discounted designer samples for the bride, her mother and her wedding party (Bridal Garden and Répété); wedding planners (The Source for Brides); chocolate favors (The Chocolate Delicacy); mother-of-the-bride outfits (The Added Touch); photos (East Greenwich Photo & Studio); music (Kickin' Al's DJ Entertainment); and, oh, yes, those nails (Naturally Nails) and tails (East Greenwich Formals). There's even the Nimble Thimble for alterations and the Scribe (Jane Parillo) for hand-lettered invitations. The East Greenwich Bridal Show 2001 will be held at the Quidnessett Country Club on February 25, 2001 from 12 to 5 p.m.

Best place to photograph your auras

Chemistry is a factor; shared cultural heritage another. But what if your auras conflict? You can find out with a $15 photograph and a reading of your auras by any of the staff at the Grateful Heart. If ever there was a store for people who need to get their act together, this is it. Self-help and New Age books abound. Shelves hold books on relationships, videos on self-healing, and audio cassettes of Native American music. Incense cones and sticks are stacked in one corner, in emerald, diamond, amethyst, ruby, amber, and pine, among many other scents. Buddhas, large and small, look out over the second of the four rooms in this second-story store. Dream-catchers and crystals dominate the first, with necklaces, bracelets, and rings made of semi-precious gems. Two of the silver rings at Grateful Heart are particularly favored by couples: two people embracing form one band; interlocking hands with a heart are carved into another. 17 West Main Street, Wickford, (401) 294-3981.

Best place to propose 2

Speaking from first-hand experience, we highly recommend the Down City Diner as an excellent place to get engaged. It's intimate, the food and service are excellent, and the atmosphere betrays just the sort of positive, upbeat air you'll want for such a momentous occasion. When I whispered my intentions to our waitperson (the redoubtable Doug), you could sense his barely suppressed joy. Shortly, Anthony, one of the owners, appeared with linen napkin in tow, understanding that there are some things best done on one's knees. The lovely bottle of champagne sent over by one of the other customers (thank you, Mr. Melucci) was also a surprise treat. Hey, maybe I'm just imagining it, but it seemed perfect to me. 151 Weybosset Street, Providence, (401) 331-9217.

Best death-defying date

Forget about Scream sequels and even roller coasters. Nothing says hug me more sincerely than a near-death experience, especially when the object of your sudden devotion is paddling furiously three feet in front of you. All right, all right -- kayaking isn't really that dangerous. It just feels that way after you've trained to cope with finding yourself underwater upside-down and wedged in. Narrow River Kayaks is a good place to rent, because if you wuss out and decide not to go out into the nearby open ocean, you can paddle down Narrow River to the even more serene Pettaquamscutt Cove. Actually, if you're not crazy enough to be squeezed into a sea kayak, you can take out an ocean kayak, on which you sit, and you won't have to worry about more than remembering to bring a life-jacket. 95 Middlebridge Road, Narragansett, (401) 789-0334, www.warmwinds.com/narrow_river.htm.

Best view of the moon over Newport Bridge

Atmosphere can be everything when you're out for a special date. You might choose a view of ocean pounding on rocks, or a dining room overlooking a well-tended garden. But one of the most dramatic vistas is to watch the rising of the harvest moon over the Newport Bridge from the deck or loft of Gabriela's. This natural event in autumn and early winter is so dramatic that the waitstaff come around and announce it, if you don't happen to be at a window table, so that each couple can take a turn gazing before returning to some pretty darned romantic food (and wine). Heartily recommended are: the hefty puttanesca sauce with plenty of capers; a treat-yourself "By the Bay Seafood Medley," with bountiful scallops, shrimp and lobster; the Santa Fe calamari (with roasted corn salsa); or the stuffed portobellos (with shrimp and cracker crumbs). Who says oysters are the seafood for lovers? 945 Boston Neck Road, Narragansett, (401) 789-1135.

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