It’s officially fall in New England, which means relatively nothing because the weather will continue to reflect all four seasons in the span of one week. (That’s New England for you.) But I digress, you should take advantage of ~spooky season~ and do all the classic fall activities you can! To help with that, we’ve put together a list of all your pumpkin spice, apple picking, and haunted house needs, and for those 21+ all the boos on Aquidneck island and more. Keep reading Mosaic to see how you can score prizes for any of these fall festivities!
Escobar’s Highland Farm
Where: 255 (maze) and 133 (farm) Middle Road, Portsmouth, RI
Hours: Saturday 10am to dusk, Sunday 11am to dusk
Take a relaxing hay ride, pick a pumpkin to carve, or make your way through the 8-acre corn maze! $8 for ages 12+. (Cash only!!) Check out their website for a complete calendar of this season’s events. Closes for the season Nov. 4th
TIP: Go on the website for coupons!
Rocky Brook Orchard
https://www.rockybrookorchard.com/
Where: 997 Wappling Road, Middletown, RI weekends 10am-4:30
Hours: Sat.-Sun. 10am-4:30pm
The island’s original pick your own orchard. There’s no wonder it’s one of the best in New England with over 80 types of apples and pears. Go on their website for a surprisingly large list of apples, when they ripen, and the best ways to eat them!
Sweet Berry Farm
http://www.sweetberryfarmri.com/
Where: 915 Mitchell’s Lane, Middletown, RI
When: Daily 8am-6pm
Although you can pick pumpkins, apples, and flowers here, there’s more to be seen on the inside. It’s basically a mini indoor farmer’s market that has fresh produce, lunch options, ice cream, and of course a killer bakery.
Newport Vineyards/Taproot Brewing 21+
Where: 909 E Main Road, Middletown, RI
When: Visit website for tasting hours and tours at https://www.newportvineyards.com/tasting-room-tours
Got $15? Then you’ve got a fall afternoon learning about wine, drinking wine, and a souvenir glass so you can drink more wine. Plus, Wine Wednesday will never be the same, since they offer generous flights of beer and wine for just $10.
BONUS 3rd Annual Harvest Festival October 27th-28th. $25 gets you in for wine/beer tasting, pie eating contests, live music, gourmet food, and yes, grape stomping contests!
Newport Ghost Tours
http://www.ghostsofnewport.com/
Where: Departs from the Mainsail Restaurant on the 2nd floor of the Newport Marriott
When: Every night in October @ 8pm, Saturdays in November @ 5pm
Better bring a friend for this one. A tour guide will bring you around Newport for a lantern-led stroll through the historic parts of our city, telling the chillingly true stories of Newport’s haunted past. $20 per person. The tour lasts 1 hour 30 minutes and covers less than a mile.
Rail Explorers
https://www.railexplorers.net/tours/rhode-island
Where: 1 Alexander Road Portsmouth, RI Rail Explorers USA, Portsmouth Grove
When: See website for dates and pricing, tours though October
Enjoy a variety of pedal-tours through scenic Rhode Island including a special Full Moon tour, Northern and Southern Circuits, Sunday Brunch, and Fireside Fridays with smores and cider. Tickets go fast!
Spiffy Entertainment Halloween on the Docks
Where: Dockside 1 Waites Wharf Newport, RI
When: Saturday October 27th doors open at 9:30pm
This year Halloween is on a Wednesday (booo) but Spiffy never disappoints, so bring your best costumes to Dockside for Halloweekend! Cover starts at $10
TIP: follow @newport_nightlife on Instagram to win prizes and admission
Fort Adams Fortress of Nightmares
https://fortressofnightmares.com/
Where: Fort Adams
When: October 26th and 27th
The historic fort turns into a Halloween nightmare in October. General Admission tickets get you access to the Tunnels of Terror, Mayhem 3D, and Sprits Rising attractions. You can also add the new Paranormal360 ticket for the ultimate scare experience.
Fridays and Saturdays starting Oct. 12 $15
Trinity Church Pumpkin Patch
Where: Queen Anne Square
This insta-worthy pumpkin patch in the heart of downtown Newport offers pumpkins, flowers, gourds, fresh popcorn and apple cider. On the weekends live music and vendors fill the square.
Haunted Tales of Rose Island
https://www.roseisland.org/copy-of-family-programs-summer-fun
Where: Rose Island
When: Sunday October 28th 3-6pm
A calming boat ride turns into a night of tall tales as you board the Rum Runner II from Bannister’s Wharf. $50 for adults $25 for children. Refreshments included.
Audrain Auto Museum Trunk or Treat
http://audrainautomuseum.org/events-page-new/
Where: Fort Adams
When: Sunday October 28th 4-7pm
Dressing up for Halloween doesn’t have to be just for kids. Bring your costume to the Fort to get some much needed sweets from the coolest cars in Newport! They are also collecting canned goods for the MLK Center.
They also have regularly scheduled exhibitions at the Museum on Bellevue, which are listed on the website.
Newport Mansions
https://www.newportmansions.org/
Did you know that as a Salve Student you qualify as a Newport resident and can tour any of the historical society’s buildings for free? Just walk in with your ID and take in some of the most extravagant buildings in the country. Can you really say you went to Salve if you DON’T tour a mansion?? It’s going to be cold out anyway, so you might as well do something free indoors!
(If you want a spooky vibe, try the Beneath the Breakers tour right here on campus!)
Brenton Point State Park
This one might be obvious, but there’s nothing like cruising down Ocean Drive to catch a sunset on any given day! Plus, it’s free of charge.
