Castle Inn The Clouds

When we were just itty bitty travel writers, we often dreamed of being swept away by our prince charming to a magical castle in the clouds. Well, while the first part is still but a dream, we've truly found our dream castle - in Newport, Rhode Island.

Castle Hill Inn and Resort features all of the more grand elements that you'd expect in genteel Rhode Island, including the largest building on the property, the Agassiz Mansion (once the summer residence of Harvard marine biologist Alexander Agassiz) which has four dining rooms, nine guestrooms, and the kitchen. But it was the beach cottages that really set our pulses racing. Sure we loved the modern amenities like the TV/DVD combos, but it was the traditional elements we loved most. The Inn, which has been around for over a century, takes its cue from 19th century seaside life- from the soothing color combos of misty greens, light blues and clear white to the fireplaces and spectacular views and oh the fireplaces. For a real treat, the Turret Suite (referred to by frequent visitor Thornton Wilder in Theophilus North) offers views of nearby Block Island, and if you look really carefully (or refer to the handy nautical chart) you can spot one of 12 lighthouses in surrounding waters.

We don't tend to go all girly and gushy when discussing destination weddings, but if you're planning a beach wedding, you might seriously want to consider the Castle Inn.

Castle Hill Inn and Resort is at 590 Ocean Drive, Newport, RI, 888.466.1355

So what are you waiting for? Go There Girl!