25 Fall Weekend Activities

Visit a Winery

Autumn is the best grape-growing season.

Visit one of New England's top wineries.

GoLocal's Food Editors Ann & Michael Martini recommend the Newport Mansions Wine and Food Festival, Newport Vineyards, Greenvale Vineyards, Langworthy Farm Winery, and Carolyn's Sakonnet Vineyards.

Or wind your way through Southern New England on the Coastal Wine Trail .

Beach Stroll

Avoid the crowds of the summer and instead head up to the beach in early autumn.

Taking a relaxing stroll along the water is the perfect opportunity to get away from the hustle and bustle of the school year and the upcoming holidays.

Autumn Shopping

Fall fashionistas it's time to make your entrance!

Show off those cardigans and splurge on those new pair of boots you have been eyeing.

Visit Walden Pond

Go on a day trip to Walden Pond.

People come from all over to hike, canoe, and fish.

Or just relax, meditate, and drink in the majestic beauty of fall.

Pick Apples

Mid-September is the best time of year for apple picking.

Close your eyes and think of the possibilities: a bag of juicy apples, freshly pressed apple cider, the aroma of warm apple pie, tasty candy apples, and scrumptious strudel!

Plant for Next Spring

Start planning your spring garden!

For the best results, plant your bulbs now and have your garden be the the envy of all your neighbors by spring.

Fall Foliage Drive

There is no better way to spend a Sunday afternoon than to take a ride along winding country roads and see the best nature has to offer.

Experience the splashes of color against the bright blue sky.

See a Meteor Shower

On October 20 to the 21 is the next meteor shower.

Named Orionids for the constellation Orion, this shower can produce up to 5-20 meteors per hour.

For a special treat, head north to Acadia National Park for the Acadia Night Sky Festival.

Attend astronomy workshops and take a nighttime boat cruise.

Spread out the blanket and set up the telescope to spy a few shooting stars.

Make Apple Cider

Make your own homemade apple cider.

There is no need to waste money on the store-bought brand.

Whip up your own concoction and don't forget to bottle your sparkling creation for later.

Big E

September 12-28

Known as the cream of the crop of New England fall festivals, The Big E is the largest agricultural event on the east coast and the sixth-largest fair in the nation.

Not only does The Big E have the usual: food, entertainment, and amusement park rides, but it also boasts the Avenue of States.

The fair has a replica of each statehouse in New England. Inside each replica, experience what makes the state unique. Stop by the Lego exhibit in Connecticut and taste the maple syrup in Vermont.

Top off the day with a visit to the circus.

Jump in Leaves

Be a kid again!

Instead of raking leaves and placing them in a bag like a boring adult, make a big pile and jump in them!

Bonus points if you encourage your children to participate as well!

Visit a Pumpkin Patch

Visit your favorite pumpkin patch.

Once you find the the perfect pumpkin, go home and start carving.

Will you Jack-O-Lantern be scary of funny? Hold a contest to see which family member makes the best one.

Buy a few extra pumpkins and bake pumpkin pie.

Take a Hay Ride

Explore an old field or orchard on a hayride.

Grab friends, warm clothes, and a hot cocoa.

Pumpkin Bandwagon

In autumn, everyone goes crazy for pumpkin-inspired treats.

Jump on the pumpkin bandwagon with a delicious pumpkin cupcake and latte.

International Oktoberfest

Spend Columbus Day Weekend on Newport’s downtown waterfront sampling both seasonal and international beer varieties.

Don't schuplattle on an empty stomach by eating plenty of Austro-German cuisine from Schnitzels & Giggles, fresh baked pretzels, spiral potatoes and more.

Photo credit: Rick Farrell of Mojo Photography

Build a Scarecrow

Building a scarecrow is an activity the whole family can enjoy.

Adding a pumpkin for the head is an extra Halloween touch.

Pumpkinpalooza

The Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular at Roger Williams Zoo is a sight to behold!

Don't forget to check out Pumpkins in the Park in Pawtucket as well!

Corn Maze

Get lost in a corn maze!

See who will be the first of your friends and family to find their way out!

Biking

Explore one of New England's many bike paths this fall.

This legacy project will eventually cover 48 miles and connect Providence and Worcester.

There are few better ways to enjoy the crisp, autumn air than on two wheels with family and friends.

Tailgating

Football season will soon be here.

Grab your cooler and all the ribs, chicken wings, and sausage you can eat.

Head to the nearest stadium and join the party.

If you don't want to drive too far, host a tailgating party in your driveway!

Ghost Tours

Muster up your courage and take a ghost tour.

Explore a graveyard, an historical cobblestone street, and an old mill.

Discover the spooky secrets of New England.

Halloween Costumes

Be creative and make your own Halloween costumes this year!

It's an activity for the whole family to enjoy!

Go to a consignment shop or fabric store and whip a costume in under an hour.

Compete in a local costume contest and take home first prize!

Nature Walk

There is nothing better than going on a nature walk with the family and exploring the nooks and crannies of New England.

Try a mountain trail, a river, or a local nature preserve.

Breathe deeply and enjoy the crisp, fall air.

Haunted House

Be careful not to trip over a severed hand!

The Halloween season is not complete without a visit to a haunted house.

Bonfire

Gather your friends around a bonfire to tell spooky, ghost stories.

Find the nearest fire pit to make a late night snack of s'mores in all its glorious gooey goodness.