There is a little island in Newport Harbor called Rose Island. It has a historic lighthouse that has been lovingly restored by some very dedicated group of local residents and supporters involved with the Rose Island Lighthouse Foundation. Can you imagine my delight when I found out you can stay in the lighthouse?! Rumor has it that they can host small wedding receptions (!), so we set out to do a very serious investigation.
We approached the island in a shroud of fog, which made the experience of discovering this little gem even more special. It felt like our island...even though two other couples were staying overnight also. I guess that's better, because it might be a bit too scary to be all alone for this first night!
You can only get to Rose Island by boat. This time of year - off season - the Starfish, a lobster boat reclaimed by the Foundation, brings overnight guests in the morning.
At every turn I was overwhelmed with what I was seeing, hearing, smelling...seeing sights that made me feel thoughtful and calm, hearing water lapping at the rocks, faint foghorn, a little bell on a nearby buoy, smelling foggy sea air, wet rocks and sand. We stayed in the brick building on the left, called the Foghorn Room. I highly recommend it - very secluded with stunning views right out to the rocks and water. The main Light Keeper's Building (on the left) is restored to circa 1912, and looked amazing, but didn't seem as private.
The Foghorn Room on Rose Island Lighthouse was a dream. Even though we had to keep our provisions in a cooler (no electricity) and get our water from a water cooler (no running water) , it didn't bother us because we were keen on getting away and unplugging from the city. Sounds a little like camping, and it was a bit, but if you know what to expect and prepare, it's a unique experience. There were very nice "out houses" and an outdoor shower using collected rainwater. It's a green, eco-friendly destination for sure!
I fell in love with the island a little bit, and craved to go back when we left. It would be a dynamite place to go with a few couples or group of friends and have a great weekend away. And a wedding? With a little imagination and a lot of planning - perhaps!
