Summer has officially faded, and New England is showing its fall colors of rich golds, brilliant crimsons, and warm ambers. The cool air means the crowds are gone, but the beaches are still beautiful, and the Fall sunsets are stunning. It’s a beautiful time to visit our little area.
At our New England Bed & Breakfast, we’ve welcomed countless guests seeking the peace, beauty, and soul-warming comfort that only fall in New England can offer. If you’ve been considering a New England fall getaway, now is the time! To help you plan your visit, here are 10 of our favorite things to do in and around Westerly, RI this season:
1. Scenic Drives Through Fall Foliage
New England during fall is synonymous with leaf-peeping, and Rhode Island offers stunning routes without the traffic jams of more northern states. The best time to catch peak foliage in Rhode Island is typically mid-October through early November, though southern coastal areas like Westerly often hold their colors a bit longer.
Route 1A toward Watch Hill winds thru picturesque neighborhoods lined with Beech and Elms and glimpses of autumn colored salt marshes and birds heading south. The tree-lined roads through Arcadia Management Area offer canopies of amber and rust, while the coastal routes through Stonington frame ocean vistas with brilliant foliage, a stunning contrast of blue water and burning leaves.
2. Biking and Walking Trails Surrounded by Falling Leaves
There’s something deeply satisfying about the crunch of leaves underfoot as you explore New England’s trails. Fall in Rhode Island brings comfortable temperatures perfect for outdoor adventures.
Just minutes away is the beautiful Napatree Point Conservation Area, a spit of land that was covered with summer cottages until the 1938 hurricane washed them all away. Today it is a mile-long beach with views of Montauk, Long Island, Stonington, CT, Fisher’s Island, NY and Watch Hill Light House. It’s truly one of the prettiest walks in New England. Also, close to Westerly on the way to Stonington is Barn Island which has wonderful walking trails thru salt marshes and incredible birding.
About 30 minutes outside of Westerly, the William C. O’Neill Bike Path in Narragansett (also known as the South County Bike Path) offers eight miles of paved trail through woodlands exploding with autumn color, perfect if you prefer a smooth, accessible walk. A little bit closer, the Vin Gormley Trail System in Charlestown provides quieter, more intimate walking paths through diverse habitats.
3. Visit the Best Pumpkin Patches
Autumn wouldn’t be autumn without a visit to a pumpkin patch! The Westerly area is home to several wonderful farms where you can select the perfect pumpkin for your porch or harvest table. These seasonal destinations capture the essence of fall in Rhode Island, where families gather, traditions are honored, and the simple pleasure of choosing a pumpkin becomes a cherished memory.
The best places to pick pumpkins in and around Westerly, like Manfredi Farms, are typically open from mid-October through early November, when selections are most abundant. Pick the perfect pumpkin, grab some apple cider donuts, and relish the smell of fall.
4. Experience the Beaches in a Whole New Way
Think beaches are only for summer? Think again.
Watch Hill Beach, East Beach, and Misquamicut Beach take on a completely different character in autumn, perfect for long walks, meditation, and spectacular sunsets without the summer crowds. The light is softer and more golden, the air is crisp and refreshing, and you might share the sand with only a few other soul-searchers and shorebirds. Bring a thermos of hot coffee, a cozy blanket, and watch the waves roll in.
5. Sip Fresh Cider at Clydes Cider Mill
If there’s one taste that defines fall in New England, it’s apple cider. B.F. Clyde’s Cider Mill is a local tradition in the Fall. You can watch apples being pressed in their old-fashion presses or shop for local treats …don’t miss their famous cider donuts! It’s the kind of authentic New England experience that captures everything we love about this season.
In Westerly, Tapped Apple Cidery celebrates the season with artisanal hard ciders made from locally sourced Rhode Island apples. Their welcoming tasting room offers flights, glasses, and carafes of carefully crafted limited-release and tried-and-true ciders. Pair your drinks with their à la carte charcuterie board menu or bring your own picnic. If you’re feeling adventurous, try one of their specialty cocktails, like “A Bite of Pie”, a blend of their Apple Pie wine and First Bite cider. It’s like Thanksgiving dessert in a glass, and the perfect way to toast to the change of the season.
Whether you prefer fresh-pressed cider or artisanal hard cider, a visit to a New England cidery captures the essence of autumn in a glass: crisp, warm, and utterly satisfying.
6. Explore Wilcox Park’s Arboretum
While Wilcox Park is beautiful year-round, fall transforms this 18-acre Victorian park in downtown Westerly into something extraordinary. With an arboretum featuring over 100 species of trees and shrubs, the park becomes a living gallery of autumn colors. The mature oaks, maples, and exotic specimens create a stunning canopy of reds, oranges, and golds. Meander along the paths past the stone fountain and through carefully landscaped gardens. Pack a book, find a bench, and spend an afternoon surrounded by the quiet beauty of fall in New England.
Fun fact: Warren Manning, the landscape architect who designed the park also designed the Margin Street Inn’s property, utilizing many of the same specimen trees!
7. World-Class Birding Opportunities
Fall in Rhode Island brings spectacular bird migrations, making it a prime destination for birding enthusiasts. Coastal Westerly sits along the Atlantic Flyway, one of North America’s major migration routes.
Visit Napatree Point, Ninigret National Wildlife Refuge, or the Trustom Pond National Wildlife Refuge to spot migrating raptors, shorebirds, and waterfowl. September through November brings hawks, eagles, and falcons heading south, along with thousands of songbirds. Even casual observers will be amazed by the variety and numbers.
8. Strolling Downtown Westerly’s Charming Streets
Without summer crowds, you’ll feel like one of the locals as you explore downtown Westerly. Stroll the quiet, tree-lined streets and discover unique boutiques, antique shops, and art galleries perfect for getting a jumpstart on holiday shopping.
High Street and Railroad Street form the heart of downtown, where historic architecture meets independent retailers. Browse vintage treasures and mid-century furniture at antique emporiums, discover handcrafted jewelry and artisan goods at local boutiques, and explore galleries showcasing regional artists.
9. Savor Local Fall Flavors
Fall in New England means comfort food, and Westerly’s culinary scene embraces autumn with special dishes and cozy atmospheres.
If you’re staying with us, start your morning in our breakfast room, where our European-style breakfast features seasonal fruit, fresh-baked goods, homemade granola, and our beloved frittatas. For your pumpkin spice fix (and beyond), head to Junk & Java Coffee Shop for seasonal drinks like Pumpkin Java and the local favorite: The Cardamom Cardigan: a white mocha with espresso, cardamom, brown sugar, and cinnamon cold foam.
When dinner calls, Guytanno’s offers a Fall Value Menu filled with hearty, seasonal dishes that warm you from the inside out. With so many wonderful Westerly Restaurants, you can’t go wrong.
10. Cozy Getaways at Margin Street Inn
After a day of leaf-peeping, beach walking, and cider sipping, continue your cozy getaway at Margin Street Inn. Our beautifully appointed rooms offer the perfect base for experiencing fall in New England, with fireplaces, luxury bedding, and peaceful surroundings just steps from downtown Westerly.
We’ve designed our inn to be a sanctuary during the cooler months. Curl up with a book, enjoy a glass of local wine, and let the stresses of everyday life melt away.
Experience Fall in New England from Margin Street Inn
There’s still time to plan your autumn escape to Westerly and discover why so many travelers consider fall the finest season in New England. Book your New England fall getaway and experience the coastal charm, vibrant foliage, and warm hospitality that make Westerly unforgettable.
We can’t wait to welcome you.