2020 has been a crazy year and we all need an outlet every once in a while, but streaming services and video games alone won’t get us through this. We need to get out, away from the screens, and enjoy the outdoors. Luckily, Rhode Island provides us with plenty of great activities, and we are here to remind you of them. There are still opportunities to go out and have fun while staying safe.
Geocaching
If you need a more concrete reason to explore, try geocaching. Geocaching is a great way to see brand new areas of the state while having an exact goal. For those that don’t know, geocaching is an outdoor activity that uses GPS to mark specific locations on a map. These locations usually have small containers that hold treasures. They could be gift certificates, a painted rock, or a token from another location. Many times you can even sign a ledger to let future geocachers know you were there. All you need to do is download an app and look in the areas you want to explore for those mysterious “caches”.
Apple or Pumpkin Picking
A classic New England fall activity is picking the seasonal favorites, apples, and pumpkins. This is a great way to spread out and enjoy a fresh seasonal treat outdoors. Then you can take your bounty home and create even more seasonal favorites, like Jack O’lanterns, Pumpkin pie, apple cider, or apple crisp. There are so many great orchards in the area for you to visit. Head to their websites for hours of operation and find out what else these local farms offer:
Barden Family Orchard
56 Elmdale Road, North Scituate, RI, 02857
BardenFamilyOrchard.com
Jaswell’s Farm
50 Swan Road, Smithfield, RI, 02917
JaswellsFarm.com
Sweet Berry Farm
915 Mitchell’s Lane, Middletown, RI, 02842
SweetBerryFarmRI.com
Corn Mazes
Corn mazes are a great excuse to get out. There are multiple corn mazes in the area, each offering you the opportunity to safely get lost and solve a puzzle. So get out there and traverse these mazes!:
Confreda’s Greenhouses and Farm
2150 Scituate Avenue, Hope, RI, 02831
ConfredasFallFest.com
Escobar Farm
255 Middle Road, Portsmouth, RI, 02871
EscobarFarm.com
Salisbury Farm
11 Peck Hill Road, Johnston, RI, 02919
SalisburyFarm.com
Ghost Tours
Ghost Tours perfectly show off both sides of history in Newport and Providence, two of the state’s and country’s oldest and most historic places. Guides will walk you through the streets showing off distinguished homes with some shady pasts. In Providence, you can even enjoy a guided boat tour that will take you down the river as your host regales you with tales.
Ghost Tours of Newport
Newport Mariott 25 America’s Cup Avenue, Newport, RI 02840
GhostsofNewport.com
Providence Ghost Tour
Congdon Street, Providence, RI 02906
ProvidenceGhostTour.com
Jack O’Lantern Spectacular
It’s a must to mention this annual event held at Roger Williams Park. Even in these difficult times, Roger Williams Park has kept the tradition going by modifying the tour to be a drive-through experience. Grab your ticket and some treats, then pack everyone in your bubble into the car and be on your way. Check out all of the amazing illuminated artistry from the safety of your car.
Roger Williams Park Zoo
1000 Elmwood Avenue, Providence, RI 02907
RWPZoo.org/JOLS
Rustic Tri-View Drive-in
While theaters are mostly closed, some movies are still being released. Thankfully, the Rustic Drive-in remains open, offering weekend showings of new and old favorites. Another excuse for you to take that car out of the driveway finally. Grab your tickets and head on over to catch a double-feature from the safety of your own vehicle.
Rustic Tri-View Drive-in Theatre
1195 Eddie Dowling Highway, Route 146 South, North Smithfield, RI 02896
Facebook.com/RusticDriveIn
Even during this pandemic, our great state still provides us with so many opportunities to go out and enjoy ourselves. So grab your masks and hand sanitizer and continue to support local businesses as you make the most of the fall season. Rhode Island does Autumn right, no matter what is going on in the world. Please have fun, and as always, make sure to stay safe by following all recommended health protocols.
