Hi Everyone! Well I spent the rest of the winter patiently waiting planting time and as of yesterday, am mostly finished. I went to a local nursery (Farmer's Daughter in South Kingstown, lovely place) and spoke with the gentleman there who was the expert on roses. For my arbor, I ended up walking away with Zéphirine Drouhin - since it has few thorns, is easy to train, and is relatively disease resistant. For my bed, I ended up with a double Knockout. I thought since I was a newbie it would be best to start easy - plus the color (deep fuchsia almost red) works with the rest of the bed. I know it's not really a rose to some rose gardeners but baby steps. :) So I'm patiently awaiting being able to start training the ZD - she already has lots of new growth so that's a good sign. Anything in particular I should know about this rose? Anyone have experience with it? So thank everyone for their input! I'll still be looking to go to the rose show in Wickford and to the rose gardens in Providence just to gawk and get inspiration.

That proves what I call Rule number 2 for a good marriage....find a hobby you both love to do, or learn a new hobby together. In our case we learned to scuba dive some 17 years ago together in the infancy of our marriage. That hobby has been an ever-lasting source of travel, entertainment, good friendships, and many a story! Good advice Chelone!

Delilah, if you can get a decent deal to Providence/Green airport it's 1000 times easier to navigate than Logan. Magdalena - we have family in Little Compton and you might be able to find a cute place there. It's very charming but might be a bit of a drive on Labor day weekend though.

We love The Mooring! Always reliable for good food and service. Really nice to sit out on the deck if it's warm enough, but the inside is very nice too. I have never been to Bowen's Wharf but I know it's popular. I think we had lunch at Black Pearl several years ago but have also been there for a drink and it's another great location. In fact all of the restaurants you mention are within a few blocks of each other, in the heart of downtown. We also like Midtown Oyster Bar for lunch or dinner, and the Red Parrot for casual lunch. Both are close to the above places, too. Check out the Hammett hotel, which is right near the above restaurants. It is brand new and from peering in the windows, I was thinking it looks like a nice place to have a drink overlooking the water. But I haven't been inside yet. If you have time, take a drive out to Tiverton and Little Compton. Scenic, pretty towns. Tiverton has a tiny downtown with some cute shops and good ice cream. Lots of pretty scenery along the way. If you're up for a nature walk, check out Sachuest Point in Middletown, just outside of Newport. There is a path that goes along the water that's about a 2.5 mile loop. DH goes for the birds. I go for the views.