Pumpkin Spice & Plaid Are Optional: The Best Places To Ring In Fall In RI

It’s been a great summer in Rhode Island, full of almost-perfect days just meant for exploring all there is to do, see, eat, and experience here. Though summer may be ending, that doesn’t mean day trips and staycations have to stop! Fall, in fact, is the perfect time — and my favorite season — to play tourist in your own state: the crowds are smaller, the reservations are easier to make, and there are still plenty of picture-perfect days ahead. 

In “100 Things to Do in Providence Before You Die", I’ve outlined several excursions you can enjoy during fall — an Ivy league football game at Brown University, the Providence Ghost Tour, the Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular at Roger Williams Park Zoo, and several others. You may even be surprised that fall is actually the best time for exploring parts of our state. Block Island, for instance, is best visited in September and early October. Several restaurants are still open for business and you won’t encounter masses of tourists descending upon this beautiful oasis. Even if it isn’t warm enough for swimming, the island can be explored by bicycle or you could enjoy a wonderful hike around its much undeveloped land. 

For theater lovers, fall is an especially exciting time. The Gamm, Trinity Rep and PPAC are all beginning their new seasons and shows at each of these venues never disappoint. It’s a great date night activity, too, best enjoyed with a delicious meal pre- or post-show. Try Gracie’s or discuss the show over a craft cocktail at The Eddy. 

When you take part in any #100ThingsPVD fall activity, share your photos on Instagram to let others know how great Rhode Island is this season, and follow my experiences on 100ThingsPVD.com! 

About The Author

Rebecca Keister is an author and freelance writer based in Rhode Island. 

Photo Credits: PPAC photo courtesy of Ashley Farney. Additional pics of exteriors and restaurants are courtesy of PattyJ.com. All others provided by Rebecca Keister.