Five Bridge Inn
The ride is via country roads bordered by lush New England greenery in summer and bare trees dusted with snow in the winter. Finding the entrance for this inn requires good observation skills as the sign is set a little back from the road and can be hard to see with the vegetation in the summer.
From the main road entering onto the property, you will cross five small bridges. As you emerge from the woods, the first building you will see is a carriage house. A few feet later and the Georgian colonial house comes into view. Although they built this inn in the mid-eighties, it has a feeling that it has been there for a very long time.
Looking out over the lawn your eye is drawn to a grouping of chairs and tables close to a double hammock under the shade of magnificent old trees. Behind this, is a large, enclosed gazebo which has a small refrigerator, chairs, a couch and a table. For those who love to read, this would be the perfect spot to spend a few hours.
Entering the house, a spectacular winding staircase leads to the second floor. Straight back from the front door are the dining room and kitchen. Two parlors complete the area of the downstairs.
Off the kitchen, through sliding glass doors, is a multilevel deck with tables, chairs, and lounging chairs. Also, there is a lap pool for your enjoyment. Behind the pool are the tennis courts. There are 80 acres that encompasses this property available for those who enjoy hiking or walking.
Upstairs are the bedrooms. They have decorated each room differently, which gives the impression of belonging to a time long ago. Four bedrooms are on the second floor. One room has a private bathroom attached. The other three bedrooms share two bathrooms in the hall. On the third floor is a family suite with its own private bathroom.
This inn is also a wedding destination. The inn provides a list of vendors whom they normally deal with, although you are welcome to choose your own vendors. From experience, I can say their vendors were truly wonderful and accommodating.
On the lawn to the left of the house they have displayed a tent. Inside there is a stamped concrete floor and a dance floor. This tent holds over 200 people. The beauty of a tent is that it has flaps that can raised if it is very hot summer night, or If it is cold, they bring in heaters to keep the guests comfortable.
The columns holding up the tent are wooden. On top of them are small branches decorated with white lights. At night when these are lit, it adds ambiance, while candles on the tables help to make the tent romantic. The inn employees set up the tables and chairs that Five Bridge has for events.
Outside, just down from the tent is a small open gazebo for those who want to get married outside. Chairs are set up for the guests.
This inn gives one the feeling that they are far away from civilization. There are no automobile sounds, sirens, or any type of noise heard.
They have different wedding plans but plenty of room for the bride, groom and wedding party to stay for the weekend if they so wish.
Providence, RI is a short distance away, providing night activities, shopping and some truly wonderful restaurants.
A family member was recently married at Five Bridge. It was lovely, and I would certainly recommend this Inn for a wedding. Both the owners are easy to work with. I would suggest booking a year to a year and a half in advance.
Visit their website for further information at www.fivebridgeinn.com.
