Soon, Summer will move into Fall so now is the perfect time to begin planning your Autumn getaway in Rhode Island’s Blackstone Valley! Book your trip now at TourBlackstone.com   According to New England Today’s fall foliage report, peak season for us here in Rhode Island will be in mid-October! Our region has lots to do leading up to that and beyond… so here’s a little preview for you of what’s in store for you during your stay.   We highly recommend witnessing the transition of the season along the Blackstone River Bikeway and by exploring our many hiking trails. Look for the brightly hued late summer blooms of goldenrod and jewelweed, while daisies and daffodils give way to brown-eyed susans, marigolds and sunflowers! Feel the change in the air!    The western Blackstone Valley towns of  Glocester and Burrillville are popular all year long, but definitely become a bigger hot spot in the Fall due to their many wooded trails, villages to shop, and award-winning dining. Antiquing is extremely popular here. With fantastic shops such as Brown & Hopkins or The Village Barn you’ll definitely see why!   If you prefer taking the scenic route on your road trip - Route 102 through these towns where you’ll want to go! You may also want to visit Lincoln to see The Great Road Historic District  where you can see “300 years of history in 3 miles” with a stop at Lincoln Woods or Chase Farm for a great Fall hike and breathtaking sunset views.  Imported Image

Harvests of the Season

Visit our local farm stands and farmers markets along your travels. Even with the severe drought conditions, many of our farms have an abundance of tomatoes, zucchini and other vegetables they would love for you to enjoy. Some of the farm stands are self service and offer fresh eggs, berries and peaches as well.  Here are just a few to check out:    Butterfly Farm, Lincoln - In addition to fresh fruits and vegetables at their self-service farmstand.   Jaswell’s Farm, Smithfield - The place to get your Rhode Island yellow peaches, tomatoes and freshly picked corn and other vegetables with sunflowers coming soon! Their market also carries other local products including milk from Wright’s Dairy Farm, eggs from Stamp Farm and local RI honey. Jaswell’s also offers pick-your-own apples starting soon! Imported Image The Farm, Glocester - Come for local produce and fresh cut flowers from their farm as well as local baked good and products such as maple syrup from Chepachet Farms, spices from Ocean State Pepper Co. and fruit from Steere Orchard! You might even be able to take a yoga class! Check their event calendar!   Adams Farm, Cumberland - For a family-friendly farm adventure, a visit to Adams Farm is a must as they reopen with hay rides, corn mazes and other fun activities for the family including corn mazes and pumpkin picking. Opening September 10.    Many of our farm stands are listed in the 2022 Rhode Island Farm Scavenger Hunt. This is a great way to get out and explore our region’s farms and orchards while on a fun-filled drive through the valley.  

Foliage Tours by Boat

  There is still time to get out on the river on a tour aboard The Explorer or rent a kayak with Blackstone River Expeditions to take in a unique perspective of the foliage as it paints its way across the riverside. Foliage along rivers tend to turn quicker than other parts of the state so plan for that.  Book online at rivertourblackstone.com. Plus, this Fall a “swashbuckling adventure” for the whole family awaits as Pirates On The Blackstone sets sail beginning September 16th! Imported Image

Spice Up Your Diet

Don’t forget to stop by our local coffee shops and bakeries that are full of Fall flavors this time of year!!!   One of our favorites is the Pumpkin Oat Milk Spiced Latte with Sweet Cream Cold Foam topped with Cinnamon at Brewology in Smithfield. It is on the way to Jaswell’s Farm if you’re heading that way… and it is sooooo gooood! Imported Image How about some Pumpkin Spice Ale?! If you're visiting Labor Day weekend, check out the Pumpkin Fest at Lops Brewing in Woonsocket, on September 3rd, for the release of their Pumpkin Spice Ale and other pumpkin infused beers with delicious food provided by Krakow Deli.    Also, on this weekend you can also check out the Labor Day Open House at the Museum of Work and Culture in Woonsocket!   With so many Fall festivals and events coming up make sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram, and visit TourBlackstone.com/events to see all the fun & excitement Fall has to offer here in the Blackstone Valley!