Photo by Natalya Zaritskaya on Unsplash
I’m already seeing Halloween decorations! For the record, summer continues through Wednesday, September 21. So, let’s all relax, drop the pumpkin spice lattes, put down the apples, and continue hanging 10 during these perfectly good remaining summer days.
Take a look at all these summer activities in the area.
Vacation on Block Island
Photo by Tower Electric Bikes on Unsplash
When: Anytime in September
Most of the tri-state-area tourists to Block Island have gone home by this point, but the weather is still great and it's actually the warmest the ocean gets all year. So why not cap off the summer with some island hopping? The September through October ferry schedule is up now, so whether your bliss is surfing, birding, biking, boating, fishing, or moped-ing, you can get maximum summer vibes with thinner crowds.
Kayaking in Barrington
Photo by KAL VISUALS on Unsplash
When: Anytime now through October
Walker Farm Kayak Rentals at 509 County Road in Barrington is open daily from dusk till dawn offering kayaks, canoes, and paddle boards with rates starting at $30. Explore the state’s charming 100 Acre Cove while getting in a good workout. FYI, it’s cash only and reservations are required – contact Bernie at 401.369.4832 or Marcus at 401.451.8292.
15th Annual Garlic Festival in Mystic
Photo by Tony Liao on Unsplash
When: September 17 to September 18
Good times, good friends, bad breath – that's what summer means to me. Stopping just short of bobbing for garlic, the Garlic Festival at Olde Mistick Village is the event for a garlic fan (and bound to make you yearn for social distancing). Farmers from around the region will present an amazing variety of delicious garlicy foods. Merchants, artisans, and artists will also line the pathways of the fest displaying their foods, crafts, gifts, and talents. Enjoy a walk in the pungently fresh air through ye Olde Mistick Village, and don’t forget ye olde Binaca.
Flower bouquet making at Slater Park in Pawtucket
When: Saturday, September 17, 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
What says summer like colorful flowers perfuming the air (especially after that garlic fest)? As part of the robust program of events during this year’s Pawtucket Arts Festival, this flower bouquet making event at the Garden at Daggett Farm lets you make your own floral bag arrangement using cut flowers, greens, and herbs. You can also make your own aromatherapy sachets, ask gardening questions at the URI Master Gardener Kiosk, and bring a home soil sample for testing. Literally put a bow on your summer with this bouquet making lesson.
All-you-can-eat pig roast at Ragged Island Brewing in Portsmouth
Photo: raggedislandbrewing.com/event-rentals-at-ragged-island-brewing-company/
When: Sunday, September 11, 4 to 7 p.m.
Alfresco dining season is not over by any stretch, so in the go big or go home tradition, consider attending this annual pig roast. Entry fees begin at $45 to access this traditional roast as well as complimentary Ragged Island beer and delicious sides of cornbread, coleslaw, and baked beans. Plus, enjoy being outdoors on Ragged Island Brewing Company’s 37-acre farm. This event is limited, so get your tickets soon!
Yoga on the beach in Newport
Photo by kike vega on Unsplash
When: Saturdays 8:30 to 9:30 a.m.
Innerlight Yoga invites you to a sunlit session of breath and movement at First Beach (Easton’s Beach) in Newport with Shannon. Yoga on the beach is the ideal way to bring peace and wellbeing to the end of the summer season. For $18, you can meet up at the pavilion for a blissful, all-levels, mini retreat! Parking is free in Lot 2 (near the bath houses).
Classic cars, live music, & food trucks in Woonsocket
Photo by Nathalia Segato on Unsplash
When: Monday, September 12 at 5 p.m.
Market Square in Woonsocket is the place to be on September 12 for a lively mix of food trucks, classic cars, and live music in the municipal lot. This popular summer event is free and family oriented. Limited seating is available at the picnic tables, so bring a chair. For more information call Liz Kerrigan, Parks and Recreation Superintendent, at 401.767.9287.
Outdoor movie – “The Goonies” in Westerly
Photo: Adobe Stock
When: Saturday, September 10, 8 p.m. to 10 p.m.
The Misquamicut Drive-in will present “The Goonies” (1985), a family classic with pirates, treasure, and stars Sean Astin, Josh Brolin, Corey Feldman, and Martha Plimpton. One $25 ticket gets your car in the lot no matter how many people are in your vehicle. Main lot gates open at 6:30 p.m., previews are at 7, and the movie begins at 8.
Extreme Obstacle Course in Westport
Photo by Jaco Pretorius on Unsplash
When: Sunday, September 18, 8 a.m. / start time 9:30 a.m.
Known for its sandy, rolling dunes, Horseneck Beach is the sparkling venue for the Beach Warrior Obstacle Course, consisting of 17 unique obstacles with teams competing against the clock for the best time. Running on the beach is tough, dirty work, so you better be up for this physical and mental test of endurance. This event will be capped at 200 participants (40 teams of 5 members), so if your idea of summer is a fun-filled competition, check it out. If you prefer more of a dreamy idyll, then maybe our final outing is more your speed.
Walk the Norman Bird Sanctuary in Middletown
Photo:normanbirdsanctuary.org/trails
When: Wednesday, September 21, 3:30 to 4:15 p.m.
Walk through the transition into fall in nature. Taking place on the last full day of summer, this free, guided walk at the Norman Bird Sanctuary will let you stretch your legs, get some fresh air, and end the season in splendor. Learn to spot native species, identify plants, and see what you find along the way. No registration required! Meet in the Norman Bird Sanctuary parking lot ten minutes prior to the walk.
As they say in baseball, that pastoral, leisurely summer pastime, it ain’t over till it’s over. Enjoy every moment of this sun-filled season.
