As the summer sun starts to give way to milder coastal breezes, and the tree tops are painted in vivid hues of crimson red, brilliant yellow and burnt orange, Newport and Bristol County enter into what is arguably its most majestic of seasons.
Apple and pumpkin picking at the local farms is a family favorite, and don't forget to fête the fall harvest with a fun-filled hayride and at the many upcoming festivals.
There’s no hayride on the water, but the Newport International Boat Show, one of the largest in-water boat shows in the country, is on right now (September 15 to 18). Savor the most sophisticated wine and food festival on the East Coast at the Newport Mansions Food & Wine Festival (September 23 to 25). Browse through a colorful marketplace of fine and functional art on Newport's scenic waterfront at Newport Arts Festival (September 24 and 25).
On the first two days of October enjoy HarborFest where a waterfront block party welcomes fall with locally grown food, live music, art and fun for all ages. The Norman Bird Sanctuary Harvest Fair is an old-fashioned autumn Fair with crafters, food, games, animals, hay rides, and its legendary mud pit.
The inaugural Oysterfest on October 9 is at historic Fort Adams overlooking Newport Harbor and Narragansett Bay and you can raise your steins and toast the flavors of fall at the 3-day International Oktoberfest (October 8 to 10).
Bowen's Wharf Seafood Festival (October 15 and 16) honors the harvest of the sea with copious amounts of seafood, continuous live music and family fun, all beneath the Wharf's colorful tents.
For a complete line-up of autumn events, travel packages and last minute deals, visit www.GoNewport.com
For more information about top events in Rhode Island take a look at the Top Events USA selection of the annual main festivals and events in Rhode Island.