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Hopeless Romantic

Play hooky for a blissful day together. Marcello the Gondolier shows you how it’s done.

GondolierYou can’t spend nearly a decade rowing lovers up and down the Providence River and not learn a thing or two about romance. Marcello the Gondolier has steered the course of countless first dates, anniversaries and honeymoon evenings in his Venetian boat. Not surprisingly, the gracious guide had many encouraging words for couples wishing to fan the flames of summer love. There will be hand-holding and dancing involved. But mostly, there will be you expressing affection in your own endearing (we’re sure) way.

“Seasonal events and festivals are a great opportunity to walk around, hand in hand, and enjoy each other’s company,” says Marcello. A quaint village like Chepachet is made for a morning of wandering among antiques shops. “If something catches her eye, make a note to surprise her with it at the next gift-giving occasion. This carries the romance beyond a single event,” says Marcello. It doesn’t have to be something expensive—at Brown & Hopkins Country Store (1179 Putnam Pike, brownandhopkins.com), the selection of penny candy is sweetly nostalgic.

“Pack a picnic and get out into nature! Spread a blanket and take turns serving each other a meal you prepared together,” says Marcello. If time is an issue, restaurant or supermarket take-out can be a nice upgrade from the usual deli sandwich. Since you’re already in Chepachet, nearby 4,000-acre George Washington Park is ideal for a post-lunch nap in the grass or late afternoon swim. (2185 Putnam Pike, riparks.com)

“I have always loved dancing as a medium for spending time together,” says Marcello. You’ll find dance lessons everywhere, from community colleges to local dance schools. On Marcello’s own romantic to-do list, Narrangansett Towers  hosts a summer series of Thursday night lessons and dances in every genre from rockabilly to gypsy swing. “I’ve always wanted to go,” he says. (35 Ocean Road, 782-2597, thetowersri. com)

“I’d be lying if I said there was anything more romantic than a gondola trip,” says Marcello. “What better way to experience the city than while sipping wine, huddled together on a loveseat, enjoy-ing the sights and sounds? The experience is unforgettable.” Score extra points by making it a surprise—Marcello can
help you make advance arrangements for your favorite bottle of champagne or whatever else you fancy. Your biggest decision will be deciding between drifting along the river during the violet hours of dusk or the late moonlit night. (421-8877, gondolari.com)

His final piece of advice? “Pay attention!” says Marcello. Whether you go out to a fancy dinner or just a walk around the neighborhood, letting someone know you notice what they say and do goes the longest way toward romance. “If there’s one thing that gets us in the dog house more often than not, it’s not paying attention.”
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- July, 2008

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