Great Escape: Rose Island Lighthouse

The top of the Newport Bridge never ceases to amaze. From the summer influx of cruise ships and mega-yachts to the serene winter views of the snow covered shorelines, the one constant is the Rose Island Lighthouse.

Restored in 1993 by the Rose Island Lighthouse Foundation and maintained by volunteers and vacations alike, the lighthouse offers overnight, weekend and week-long "Kepper-Vacations."

Each bedroom accommodates up to two people in one extra-long double bed. Washbowls and pitchers are provided for bathing. There is a shared indoor toilet in the WC/pantry off the kitchen where you pump the water by hand, but most of the year you’ll go outside to use the low-flow toilets and the solar showers that also water the gardens.

Cook and heat water on a single propane gas burner in the kitchen or on an outdoor propane gas BBQ grill.

The wind produces enough pollution-free electricity for the compact fluorescent bulbs. A radiant oil-fired heating system in the floor keeps the lighthouse warm.

If you only have a morning or an afternoon, tours of the island and museum are available year round from 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. and, during the summers months, easily accessible on the Jamestown Ferry.

So, if you have ever had the romantic dreams of being a lighthouse keeper, or are looking for a rewarding volunteer vacation, whether you have a day or a week, the Rose Island Lighthouse may be the place you are looking for to satisfy that unique "Great Escape" experience.

More information can be found on their Web site: Rose Island Lighthouse.