Blackstone Valley Polar Express Set to Begin 19th Season
GoLocalProv Lifestyle Team
Blackstone Valley Polar Express Set to Begin 19th Season

“The event continues to grow and more trips have been added this year, which will likely bring the number of passengers over 20,000 for the season,” said Blackstone Valley in their press release.
Opening weekend for the ride is November 16 to 18.
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The 3-hour ride is based on the children’s book “The Polar Express” by Rhode Island author Chris Van Allsburg, which was also made into an animated family movie starring Tom Hanks.
The trip includes a 90-minute excursion on a real-life train filled with a reading of the classic children’s story, sing-a-longs, hot chocolate served in a souvenir mug, cookies, games, and a special visit from Santa.
Train cars range from 28 to 88 seats in the individual cars offering this intimate interactive holiday experience between performers and passengers.
After returning from the trip to view the North Pole, families can stay for a photo with Santa on his sleigh.
20 Things to do This Fall in Rhode Island - 2018
International Oktoberfest at Bold Point Park
The festival includes Biergartens featuring dozens of seasonal, craft, imported and local brews, autumnal libations, food trucks offering traditional German favorites and festival fare, as well as, Bavarian/American entertainment.
Oktoberfest is set to take place on October 6.
The festival goes from noon to 8 p.m.
Take a Fall Trip to Block Island
As the fall season rolls on, trips to Block Island are winding down.
But at the moment, there is still great weather ahead and great opportunities to get on the ferry and head over to Block Island for the day, or maybe even multiple days.
A fall trip to Block Island is something you must do.
Last Chance for Al Fresco Dining at Boat House Restaurant
The views of Mount Hope Bay are unparalleled. Enjoy some wine with a snack or three while watching the sunset. The chef is known for a well-balanced menu of seasonal treats that uses locally sourced seafood in creative ways.
Celebrate the fall season and eat outdoors one last time.
Last Golf Rounds of the Year at Harbor Lights
While it may not be summer anymore and you may need an extra shirt or light jacket, there is still time to get some end of season swings in at Harbor Lights.
The fall season presents some of the best golfing weather that we have all year in New England.
Hit them straight.
Celebrate Columbus Day on Federal Hill
The Columbus Day celebration on Federal Hill is one of the best events of the fall season.
Filled with great music and even better food, the Columbus Day Festival is a fall event to look forward to every season.
This year, the celebration will run from October 6 to the 8.
Go Apple Picking at Pippin Apple Orchard
A familiar name around Cranston, look for the original Pippin Orchard, founded in 1964, just north of Scituate Avenue.
They also sell pies, turnovers and candy apples.
Check Out the Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular at Roger Williams Park Zoo
This year, the Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular will run from October 4 to November 4.
What better way to spend a fall evening than strolling through Roger Williams Park Zoo and viewing some cool Jack-O-Lanterns.
The Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular at Roger Williams Park is a Rhode Island and New England Fall staple featuring thousands of illuminated pumpkins
Ride or Run the East Bay Bike Path
Put on a comfy sweater and take a fall run or bike ride down this 14.5 mile long path that stretches from India Point Park in Providence to Independence Park in Bristol.
The path connects many towns while providing waterside views nearly the entire way.
Enjoy a Glass of Wine at Newport Vineyards
Hello grape season!
It may be getting colder, but for wine lovers, this is the best time of year because it's grape season.
There are many great Vineyards around New England but Newport Vineyards is among the best.
Enjoy the wine.
Get Spooked at The Field of Screams
The Field of Screams gives you the option of three attractions for the price of one. The attractions include the Dungeon of Doom, the Dead River Haunted Hayride, and Cirque Du Souls.
Which one of those don't sound scary?
The Field of Screams is open from 7-10 p.m. Thursday through Sunday.
Get a Workout in at Providence Fit Body Boot Camp
Start preparing for next summer by working out over the fall and winter months.
Head to Providence Fit Body Boot Camp and get in a good workout in.
Providence Fit Body Boot Camp writes, "Discover The Providence Fitness Boot Camp That Burns Twice The Fat, Gets You Fit And Challenges Your Body Every Time."
Pumpkin Picking at Jaswell's Farm
The fall season is all about pumpkins. Pumpkin beer, pumpkin pie and most of all pumpkin picking.
Pumpkin picking is a timeless event for families, especially those with young kids who will love to just run around and grab whichever pumpkin looks good to them.
Go Leaf Peeping at Lincoln Woods State Park
One of the coolest parts of the fall season is the color changes of the leaves.
This 627-acre park just outside of Providence includes all of picturesque Olney Pond and plenty of leaf-covered paths to wander through.
H.P. Lovecraft cited Lincoln Park as one of his favorite haunts.
Get Lost at Escobar's Annual Corn Maze
Go and have fun getting lost at Escobar's Annual Corn Maze located at 255 Middle Road in Portsmouth.
The last person is allowed to enter the maze up to one hour before dusk.
Take a Ghost Tour Around Providence
Ever felt like you were being watched? Had the hairs on the back of your neck stand up while heading downstairs to that creepy old basement?
Join the Providence Ghost Tour as they lead you by lantern light through the darkened streets of the historic East Side, sharing stories that will be sure to send a chill down your spine.
Attend Waterfire in Providence
Summer may be nearing the end, but Waterfire continues into the fall.
Waterfire is the premiere event in Providence and if you haven't gotten to one yet during the summer or fall season, now is the time to plan.
Waterfire is a great night out with different vendors, music and other entertainment lining the city streets while the river is lit up by the fire. For a really romantic and fun night, hop on a gondola ride.
Weekend Getaway to Newport's Cliffside Inn
This Bed & Breakfast is located right in the historic district of Newport, Rhode Island.
Each room is unique and complete with amenities like imported linens, spa showers, and fireplaces.
It’s just steps away from the Newport Cliff Walk, providing excellent views of the Atlantic. Don’t miss the seasonal gourmet breakfast!
Eat Ice Cream at Brickleys
It is never too late in the year to eat ice cream during a warm fall day, or really any day.
Brickley’s simply has to be one of the best ice cream shops in the state.
This family-owned Mecca to all things creamy, sweet and delicious is a must-stop before the ride back home from the beach. This is old-fashioned ice cream at its best.
Ice Skating at URI's Boss Arena
It is time to break out the skates and head to URI's Boss Arena for some ice time.
The arena is open year-round and offers tons of events for both kids and adults.
Go Karting at R1 Indoor Karting Entertainment Center
The R1 Indoor Karting Entertainment Center recently opened in Lincoln showcasing fast electric karts with top technology.
The karts can go up to 45MPH but they are “smart” karts, so you work you way up to that speed.
R1 features a “Junior” track for ages 6-15 and an “Adult” track, both with four-speed levels. All karts are electric and powered by green technology.
