Destination: One of a kind lodgings

Excerpts from "Weird and wonderful"
(First featured: Feb. 6, 2002 )

Ever dream of sleeping under the sea? Or reliving your childhood up in a tree? How about spending a week as a lighthouse keeper? These unusual lodging establishments offer something special for travelers in search of a little whimsy:

By BRENDA D. FARRELL --AP

Rose Island Lighthouse Museum, Newport, R.I.: Many find the incomparable view of Narragansett Bay and the romance of lighthouse keeping well worth the "no frills" aspects of this unique getaway.

There's no running water -- guests use a pump to fill a washbasin with rainwater. Guests are required to change their beds and restore their quarters to ship-shape by 10 a.m., when tour groups arrive.

Seekers of light adventure might enjoy the "Keeper for a Week" program.

A good program for families with older children and teens, this program requires guests to perform a couple of hours of chores and light duties each day, including raising the flag, recording the weather, polishing brass, making small repairs and performing housework and yard work.

Contact 1-401-847-4242 or visit www.roseislandlighthouse.org