As the summer hustle and bustle begin to fade and the trees turn fiery shades of red, orange and yellow, fall has officially begun in New England. It’s time for sweater weather, pumpkin spice and apple orchards.
Being from Rhode Island myself, I know many people think the Ocean State is most exceptional in the summer, with iconic western beach days and summer days. tours of country houses in Nieuwpoort. Still, in my opinion, fall is the perfect time to plan a peaceful escape.
One of mine favorite lesser known placesMiddletown is home to local farms, quiet beaches, and a beautiful vineyard, making for a peaceful, fun fall day.
I always start a fall day with a pumpkin spice latte and a farm trip
Sweet Berry Farm is my favorite apple picking spot. Morgan Rizzo
Nothing says falling more than a layer of ice pumpkin spice latte. One of my favorite local coffee spots is Custom House Coffee, which always has delicious seasonal drinks.
When you walk in, you can smell the beans being roasted on site and even pick up a fresh bag. If I feel like having something sweet, I also have a Danish cheese for the road.
Then it’s time to go to the farm. Picking apples and pumpkins at a local spot is one of my favorite seasonal activities, and Sweet Berry Farm is my favorite activity.
Since the apple picking season ends in mid-October and the pumpkin season begins in September, I find late September or early October to be the best time to visit. I love walking through the neat rows of trees looking for the ripest and juiciest apples to add to my bucket.
From summer gold to honeycrisp, Fuji and McIntosh (my personal favorite), there’s a wide variety of apples available – plus a pumpkin patch where you can find the perfect one for your porch.
Autumn is the best time of year for a quiet walk on the beach
Fall is the best time of year to grab a cozy crewneck and stroll along Second or Third Beach.
These beaches are always busy in the summer with hordes of tourists lying blanket to blanket, but now they are quiet and perfect for enjoying the beauty of the ocean or walking hand in hand with your loved one.
Second Beach is within walking distance of the Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge, a great place for a fall hike. The main loop is about 2.2 miles long, or you can opt for the Ocean View Loop of about 1.6 miles.
As you walk around, you might even spot migratory birds or other wildlife.
The Newport Vineyards are perfect for wine and a snack
I love to end the day with a trip to Newport Vineyards. Morgan Rizzo
Although this place is called the Newport Vineyards, don’t be fooled: it’s actually in Middletown.
After a walk on the beach, a glass of their famous Great White usually starts calling my name. Fruity and light, the wine suits them well cheese boards.
I often choose a funky blue cheese, a sharp cheddar, and a soft goat cheese from their offerings, many of which come from New England farms and dairy producers.
Fall is the peak harvest season, when visitors can tour the property. You might even be lucky enough to attend the annual Harvest Festival in October, where you can watch guests crush grapes with their feet in an exciting competition.
In the vineyard you can often hear live music, and if you are cold you can find a place to sit by a fire pit. I think this is the best place to warm up with friends after a long day of fall adventures.
