Fall

DAY 1 : FALL FESTIVITIES The Blackstone Valley region in Northern Rhode Island is beautiful in the fall season , with winding roads covered by colorful foliage . It ’ s a small escape from the bustling city and waterfront and home to outdoor activities such as hiking , biking , camping and more .

Kick off your day with breakfast at Coffee & Cream in North Smithfield , a traditional mom- and-pop spot operating for thirty years , before heading out for apple picking in Smithfield . The area earned the nickname “ Apple Valley ” as orchards began popping up across the land beginning in the 1860s . There are plenty of orchards from which to choose : Jaswell ’ s Farm in Smithfield , stocked with apple cider and doughnuts ; or Steere Orchard in Greenville , offering a dozen varieties to pick . After loading up your car with bags full of sweet , delicious apples , make sure to save a few to feed the horses when you go horseback riding at Sunset Stables in Lincoln .

If you ’ re in the far northern end of the state , you ’ ve got to try a “ dynamite ” from New York Lunch in Woonsocket . It ’ s essentially a sloppy joe on a “ hoagie ” ( split-top bun ): hamburg with bell peppers , onions , tomato sauce and garlic . You can enjoy one at Autumnfest on Columbus Day Weekend , where you can check out carnival rides , live entertainment , vendors and more .

For more wicked fun , try the corn maze and hayrides at Salisbury Farm in Johnston and pick the perfect pumpkin for carving or pie-making . Hungry yet ? Grab a hot wiener at Jesse ’ s New York System just down the road and see why this local favorite — ordered all the way with onions , mustard , meat sauce , celery salt and a steamed bun — are a tasty and filling meal . Make sure to wash it down with a glass

Apple picking at Steere Orchard in Greenville .

of coffee milk , made with Autocrat coffee syrup and milk . Not quite a milkshake , but sure as sweet as one . DDFor a spooky time , drive ten minutes south to the city and take a Providence Ghost Walking Tour to learn what walks the streets in the shadows . Learn about the native fantasy author H . P . Lovecraft ( The Call of Cthulhu ) and his contributions to literature . For weird , horror and science fiction and all things curious visit the namesake store , Lovecraft Arts & Sciences , in Providence at the Arcade , the first enclosed shopping mall in the country .

DAY 2 : JAM-PACKED OUTDOOR FUN Start the day with a breakfast sando and coffee to go at Coffee Connection in Smithfield to fuel up before hitting the trails . If you ’ ve got little ones in tow , the coffee bun French toast or banana , Nutella and strawberry crepes from Shanna ’ s Country Kitchen may entice them to sit down for a full breakfast . This mom-and-pop spot has been serving breakfast and lunch for more than thirty years .

Take a quick hike on the many trails our state has to offer , ranging from beginner trails to steep inclines ( see page 5 ). A fan favorite is the Wolf Hill Forest Preserve in Smithfield , especially for the dogs ( on leash , of course !). If uphill isn ’ t your stride , get in some cardio in a fun way and hit the Blackstone Valley Bikeway ( see page 6 ) for a beautifully paved scenic route with local businesses along the way . Need gear ? Blackstone Bicycles in Cumberland offers bike and helmet rentals for $ 30 for the day .

Depending on which trail you choose , it may carry you into the early afternoon , so grab customizable apps , loaded handhelds and build-your-own burgers at Blackie ' s in Smithfield .

Brush up on your history at the Old Slater Mill , the first water-powered textile mill in America , and stroll through downtown Pawtucket . Maybe grab a beer on tap at The Guild while you figure out dinner plans . This is just one of three locations of this cooperative brewery that brings the community together through beer halls and gardens . Vegans and vegetarians , rejoice ! Garden Grille in Pawtucket offers delicious plant-based dishes that won ’ t make you miss meat . However , if you ’ ve got a hankering for a good

burger , grab a classic smash burger any way you like it at Stanley ’ s Famous Hamburgers in Central Falls , which has been serving hungry customers since 1932 .

Catch a double feature at the Rustic Tri-View Drive-In in North Smithfield , in operation since 1951 , with three giant screens lining the lot and an old-time concession stand . Its season runs from late April until early fall and it may be chilly , so load up the car with blankets and pillows . DDThe end of September marks the beginning of Roger Williams Park Zoo ’ s Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular . Stroll through a trail lined with thousands of artfully carved pumpkins varying in themes . It ’ s a great spot to visit year-round with a variety of animals from African elephants to alpacas at the farmyard . Don ’ t forget the swan boat rides or Soaring Eagle zip line to end the night .

DAY 3 : FAMILY FUN AND FALL TOURS Grab breakfast at Miss Lorraine Diner in Pawtucket and dine in the old cable car for the best waffles and pancakes ; their Benedicts are definitely something to brag about .

Head to R1 Indoor Karting in Lincoln for family fun for everyone : racetracks , dart-throwing , ax-throwing , arcade games and more . When you ’ re ready to fuel up , there are dining options on-site .

For a scenic drive , head out to the woods via wagon on the Autumn in New England tour with Experience Rhode Island and make your way through picturesque woodlands , grabbing apple cider doughnuts , stopping by the Swamp Meadow Covered Bridge in Foster and exploring farms and villages surrounded by beautiful fall foliage .

WHERE TO STAY Home2 Suites by Hilton in Smithfield offers studio suites to make it feel like a home away from home , complete with partial kitchens and living areas . For those who want to disconnect and recharge , Grace Note Farm in Pascoag is great for farm-to-table dinners and access to outdoor activities such as horseback riding , mountain biking , hiking and cross-country skiing . A private suite is available for families including three bedrooms with varying bed sizes . The Courtyard by Marriott in Lincoln is a great way to unwind with the indoor pool and king- and queen-sized beds .

PHOTOGRAPHY : ( THIS PAGE , TOP TO BOTTOM ) COURTESY OF PROVIDENCE GHOST TOURS ; JAMIE COELHO ; COURTESY OF STEERE ORCHARD ; ( NEXT PAGE , TOP TO BOTTOM ) COURTESY OF THE AVENUE CONCEPT ; COURTESY OF YAWGOO VALLEY ; COURTESY OF PWCVB .