Top 10 Things To Do In Newport, RI After Labor Day
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It's that time of year again, when we say a tearful goodbye to summer's long days, hot temperatures and lazy days at the beach. But the good news is that the best of Newport is just around the corner. Ask any local and the response is the same: "September is the best month to visit and explore Newport." We've selected our top 10 things for you to do right now when you visit, and some may surprise you!
Newport's Beautiful Beaches Are Still Waiting For You
Sure beach season is drawing to a close, but did you know that ocean temperatures in Newport will stay in the 70's and 60's all the way through mid-October? Don't count out your days in the sun just yet. Most area beaches are free after Labor Day, so you can come and go as you please with no fees for parking. That means you can come early in the morning for a long walk before you start your day, grab a picnic lunch and return at noon, and hit the sand again late in the day to watch a beautiful sunset. What could be better? Learn more about Newport's beaches
Learn About Newport's Celebrated History As the Sailing Capital of the World
It's easy to forget about Newport's rich history when there is so many restaurants, shopping and other attractions in plain view. But a visit to Newport's Sailing Museum offers visitors a one-of-a-kind interactive experience right in the heart of Newport on Thames Street. Inside, learn about Newport's unique harbor, which is protected from the Atlantic Ocean and hundreds of feet deep in spots. This allowed large ships to take refuge here, and played a big role in the city's early development. Sailing is a very important part of that culture today, and the museum offers an exceptional peak into the sport of racing, the America's Cup and how Newport is reviving its heritage as a preeminent sailing destination for visitors from around the world.
Take a Relaxing Sail Around Newport Harbor
Sure, summer seems like the optimum time to take a trip out on the water. But come September, a lot of the visiting boats leave and the harbor really opens up, offering tourists a one-of-a-kind view of downtown Newport, the famous Newport Bridge and parts of Ocean Drive including Oceancliff and Castle Hill. Boats have more room to get around, which means you can get the best views. And if you're afraid it will be too cold, don't be - the harbor stays warm through mid-October and the most you'll need for an afternoon sail in the warm fall sun is a light jacket or sweatshirt. Even the sunsets are better, changing to hues of orange and pink before setting over the island of neighboring Jamestown.
Check Out Newport's Colonial Past With an Historical Ghost Tour
If you've ever been on a ghost tour, you'll find a little bit of history and a lot of scare. In Newport, the history of the buildings and places you'll visit are as much the attraction as the paranormal activity rumored to take place. With buildings going back to the early 1600's, you know that a lot of things have transpired within those walls over almost 450 years.
Stroll the Oceanfront Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge
This little jut of land sticking out between 2nd Beach and 3rd Beach in Middletown is home to Sachuest Point. It is open year-round and features well-manicured oceanfront trails throughout. Walks can be as long as 2.5 miles or as short as a stroll to the first waterfront outlook over 2nd Beach. On your way, you'll see a great variety of shore birds, including ducks, gulls and owls. The sanctuary is also home to foxes, rabbits and other small mammals that you may encounter on the trails. But this time of year, something very special happens - monarch butterflies fill the air as they make a pitstop on their way south to the Mexican border. You'll see dozens (or more!) of these monarchs resting on the golden fall flowers and in the bushes as they rest up for their long journey. They only visit for a few short weeks each September, and they're really a sight to behold.
Visit Newport's Vineyards for Tours and Tastings
Many people don't realize that Newport and its neighboring towns produce some of the finest wine in the northeast. Our island location is surrounded by warm ocean waters in the fall, whose temperate onshore breeze extends our growing season well into October. This time of year, the vineyards really come to life with the harvesting of grapes in the preparation for the many types of varietals soon to be aged to produce wine. Local vineyards include Greenvale Vineyards and Newport Vineyards. Both are a short ride from Newport and offer tours and tastings daily. In addition, they also feature special events including concerts and food truck events that allow visitors to relax amongst the vines and enjoy a warm fall day with family and friends. If you've never visited a vineyard, this is a must do on your visit to Newport.
Explore Rose Island and Its Historic Lighthouse
Even if you've visited Newport dozens of times, there's a good chance you've never ventured out to Rose Island in Newport Harbor. This small island is home to a beautiful historic lighthouse where guests can tour the grounds and even stay in the lighthouse overnight as guest light keepers! Built in 1870, the lighthouse retains most of its original charm including period furnishings. The grounds are a coveted nesting spot for many of New England's shore birds, and they occupy the island in large numbers throughout the summer months. In September, many begin a migration and the island is completely open to hike around and explore its maritime and military history as munitions storage during World War I. Considering it's only a short 5 minute boat ride from Newport's wharves, a visit to the island can be done in just a couple hours. This is great way to experience Newport in a whole new way.
Immerse Yourself in Newport's past at Fort Adams
Besides being famous for hosting the Newport Folk and Jazz Festivals each year, Fort Adams is an amazing place to explore in and of itself. It was created in 1799 to defend Newport Harbor, which at the time was an extremely important port for the colonists and the target of the British Navy. Today, this impressive fort stands as a sentinel to colonial America and its struggles for political freedom. Its unique layers of fortification show how serious its builders were in fending off attacks from ships. Take guided or unguided tours, go into the interior workings of the fort including living quarters and where the soldiers manned huge cannons to protect Newport from invaders. A cool learning experience for everyone in the family.
Take to the Air in a Thrilling Helicopter Tour of Coastal Rhode Island
If you've never taken a helicopter ride, Newport is definitely the place to do it. Imagine soaring above Newport's Ocean Drive, as you pass beautiful coastal beaches, mansions and rocky coastline. You can tour the area's lighthouses from the air, and even get a bird's eye view of the entire city, all on your private helicopter tour. Flights leave out of the Newport airport, just 10 minutes from downtown Newport, and can be combined with other adventures like sailing charters and land tours too. This is a special experience not to be missed, and with the fall leaves changing all around, the fall experience is even better!
Go Fly a Kite at Brenton Point State Park
This may seem like a trivial thing to do on vacation, but when was the last time you took the time to sit down and relax while your kite flies effortlessly overhead. With the ocean as your backdrop, the constant refreshing breezes from Brenton Point Park provide the perfect kite-flying conditions almost year-round. Bring a big blanket and some picnic foods and make an afternoon of it. Best of all you get to soak in the fall sun and take a little quiet time for yourself and your family or friends. Add in that's it's all free, and what could be better. There's even a kite company at Brenton Point to buy the kite right there, so no shopping beforehand necessary!
Whatever your particular interests, September in Newport is a magical time to visit. Great weather in the mid-70's, warm ocean water and all of your favorite restaurants, bars and hotels are still open for everyone to enjoy too. Just set some time aside for these special trips and we promise you won't be disappointed.
