During October, Rhode Island foliage spreads its carpet of vibrant reds, fiery oranges, and golden-yellow hues, making the state a wonderful destination for a Columbus Day getaway. Vacation rentals during the autumn season are numerous, and you can have your choice of a rustic cabin in the woods or spacious accommodations in historic neighborhoods. Book a stay at one of many incredible Rhode Island vacation rentals for your upcoming trip. During Columbus Day weekend, Oktoberfest celebrations, scenic drives and fresh fruit, hayrides and corn mazes dot the state.
1. Pawtucket
Pawtucket is at the center of the Blackstone Valley, known as the birthplace of the American Revolution. The Pawtucket Red Sox, a triple-A affiliate of the famed Boston team, play at McCoy Stadium. Kids love the post-game fireworks, giveaways, and grownups love the friendly, casual and easy-on-the-wallet entertainment. You can play disc golf, hike the Ten Mile River preservation trail or take your bikes along the greenway for some spectacular foliage viewing.
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2. Woonsocket
The annual Columbus Day festival, AutumnFest, is in its 41st year, and it’s a true celebration of the season with authentic midway rides, arts and crafts, food courts, entertainment and fireworks. Stop by the Salisbury Farm and take a hayride and wander through the corn maze, then pick up some fresh sweet corn, pumpkins and harvest decorations to enjoy later. You won’t return to your vacation rental hungry when you eat a hearty, northeastern-style dinner at the Patriot’s Diner.
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3. Johnston
Johnston is near Providence, home of Brown University. This small town boasts one of the most beautiful parks for leaf-peeping, Roger Williams Park. You can walk leisurely around the entire park, a quiet place to commune with nature. Before you go, pick up a picnic lunch at Wicked Fresh then picnic, walk the trails, take the kids to the playground, or ride the carousel. Hill Orchards has horse-drawn hayrides and you can buy fresh apple cider for the trip home.
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4. Cranston
Cranston is a lovely town that ranks high as one of the best places to live.. and visit. You can take a beautiful bike trip along the 14.5-mile East Bay bike path, a paved rail trail with thrilling views of the fall foliage along the shore. The botanical center at the Roger Williams Park offers thousands of square feet of indoor gardens, and if you love Italian fare, eat at the Chapel Grille, situated in a historic stone church.
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5. Coventry
Coventry reflects its history with villages and homesteads from the 1700s, including those of Revolutionary War general Nathanael Greene and Paine House, a restored home and inn. Hike along miles of trails in the George B. Parker Woodland or bike or walk paved trails at Coventry Greenway. Pick up fresh blueberries at Macomber’s farm or stop by the Old Sawmill Farm for fresh sweet corn, tomatoes and other fall vegetable favorites.
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6. Providence
Experience the sights and sounds downtown Providence during a Red Food Tour where you can sample sweet and savory fare from local restaurants. Do not miss the spectacular WaterFire sculpture show created by local artist Barnaby Evans. For some indoor fun, take the kids to the children’s museum for aquatic fun and hands-on activities. For a different twist on Italian fare, try a grilled pizza at Al Forno’s or dine on great seafood and other tapas at the Red Fin.
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7. Bristol
Kick off your Columbus Day getaway viewing the parade at Bristol’s Oktoberfest at Ridlefsen’s. The annual celebration rocks to live entertainment, dancing, and scrumptious German food. Bristol is made for car-free exploration, and it’s situated on the 14.5-mile East Bay bike path, so you can pedal all the way to Providence while taking in the breathtaking coastal scenery. Before you leave on your ride, pick up a picnic from Beehive to enjoy along the way.
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8. Exeter
Head out from your cozy vacation rental and hightail it to Schartner Farms for delicious autumn food and fun. Stock up on pumpkins and sweet corn, wander through the corn maze, then top the day off on the Pumpkin Express hayride. Sample some of the local beers at the Tilted Barn Brewery and eat some homemade, right-from-the-bush blueberry pancakes, or enjoy a salad made from fresh tuna at the Middle of Nowhere restaurant.
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9. Warwick
View spectacular scenery from Warwick’s 39 miles of coastline along Narragansett Bay. Engage in some interactive family fun at the Bring Your Own Improv show at the Warwick Museum of Art. You can yell suggestions from the audience or jump on stage to get involved. Pick fresh blueberries at Rocky Point Farms, then stop by Morris Farm for pumpkins, gourds and fresh apple cider.
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10. Cumberland
For a true New England taste, be sure to stock up on maple syrup at Phantom Farm as well as baked goods, peaches, peppers, and squash. Stop by J’s Deli for sandwiches to take on your scenic tour via the Blackstone River Bikeway, a beautiful journey on well-maintained paths and a photographers dream for capturing the area’s fall foliage. Take a picnic lunch to the Diamond Hill Vineyards, grab a bottle of wine and relax at the picnic tables in the gardens under the warm autumn sun.
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11. Newport
Bright carpets of crumbling leaves are scattered on the cobblestone streets in Newport. International Oktoberfest is held on the waterfront with savory German food and music floating from the beer gardens. The Harvest Fair at the Norman Bird Sanctuary has a carnival atmosphere with pony rides, midway games and arts and crafts for the entire family. In the evening, don’t miss the Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular at the Roger Williams Park Zoo where 5,000 intricately carved pumpkins light up the trails.
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