Sunday, January 31, 2010

Romantic Inn

Looking for accommodations for out-of-town wedding guests, morning-after breakfast or a honeymoon?

When I first read about the Cliffside Inn in Newport, I was excited to learn they serve an afternoon tea – I love afternoon tea. Their tea is named one of the 20 best afternoon teas in America according to the book The Great Tea Rooms of America. However, you have to be a guest to get the tea service. I also love that most rooms have a whirlpool tub and all rooms have a fireplace. This was enough to convince us to book a night. We went last weekend.

Each room has its own unique look with antique furniture and paintings by Beatrice Turner. You can learn more about Beatrice on the website. We stayed in Adele's room. The room features a two-person whirlpool tub, queen size, hand-carved bed and wood burning fireplace.

In addition to a delicious, complimentary afternoon tea and breakfast, morning coffee/tea room service, bottled water, tea, fire logs and DVD library are included! Plus, the staff provided excellent customer service. Needless to say, we will go back again.

Another great aspect of this inn is that the famous Newport Cliff Walk is a block away. We enjoyed a nice early evening walk along the ocean. Downtown Newport and the beaches are just minutes away as well.

I could see this inn being a great place for out-of-town wedding guests with a morning-after breakfast or honeymoon.

Know of any other romantic inns in the area? Please share.

Monday, January 18, 2010

Chocolate!


One of my favorite things to do when I’m in Newport is to buy chocolate! Not just any chocolate but a passion fruit dark chocolate from Laurent Vals Handcrafted Chocolates located at Newport Chocolates. Known as passionata, the website describes it as dark chocolate covertures enhanced with actual gold leaf and filled with a tropical burst of passion fruit infused ganache. It tastes as great as it sounds.

What I love about these chocolates, in addition to the incredible flavor, is their artistic design. They almost look too good to eat. They are elegant and make great wedding favors. Being a supporter of local businesses, I highly recommend locally made chocolates for wedding favors.

I first sampled passionata in May 2009 at a chocolate and wine tasting at Ferns and Flowers in Warwick, RI. I was hooked. I bought a chef’s selection box of chocolates for my mom for Mother’s Day. She loved them too.

If you get a chance to try a passionata or any other chocolates from Laurent Vals, please let me know what you think. Enjoy!
Passionata photo courtesy of Luarent Vals Handcrafted Chocolates.

Sunday, January 10, 2010

2010 Bridal Shows

Happy New Year! So how many of you became engaged in December 2009? December is the most popular month for engagements. Congratulations!

I’m starting a list of upcoming bridal and wedding shows in Newport County and Bristol County. I plan to add any bridal trunk shows as well. Enjoy!

Sunday, January 10
Newport Wedding Showcase
Hotel Viking, 1 Bellevue Avenue, Newport, RI
11 AM to 5 PM

Saturday, February 13
Bride on a Budget
Jacky's Galaxie Restaurant & Wedding Banquet, 383 Metacom Ave., Bristol, RI
11 AM to 4 PM

Saturday, February 20
Newport Bridal Show
Rosecliff and OceanCliff Mansions, Newport, RI
11:30 to 4:30 PM

If you learn of any other local wedding shows, please share.