After the hot summer, I think we’re all looking forward to the cooler months. One thing that gets people excited (more than their pumpkin-flavored lattes) is the changing of the leaves around this time. Photographers young and old, professional and novice, whip out their cameras to capture the picturesque foliage. These people are called Leaf Peepers (LPs). If you're an LP, you know it. As soon as the weather hits 65 degrees, you swap your shorts and flip flops for jeans and cozy sweaters.
In Rhode Island, the fall foliage is projected to start to peak in mid-October. Here is a map of New England showing the foliage predictions for that week. Click on the map to play with the dates.
Map: NewEngland.com
You can start your tour in Providence, strolling through the hills around Brown University and the Rhode Island School of Design. But let's not forget the purpose of your jaunt. Prospect Terrace, a quaint park perched on a hill overlooking the city, is a perfect place to snap some photos and take a rest from walking. There are plenty of places to stop and get a bite around Thayer Street and Wayland Square.
From there, head down the hill to Waterplace Park, a scenic four-acre park where the Woonasquatucket and Moshassuck rivers come together. The trees along the downtown RiverWalk uniquely juxtapose modern buildings with historical architecture, amid the bustling din of a capital city. Shopping and dining are never far away in Providence, so you'll have plenty to do if you get tired of looking at the trees. (Yeah right!)
From downtown, hop in your car and head south on I-95 to Roger Williams Park. This city park encompasses 435 acres and has more than eight miles of winding roads. It also includes Roger Williams Park Zoo, 10 small lakes, a Japanese garden and a botanical garden. While you're there, visit this year's drive-through Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular, an artistic and mysterious display of hundreds of carved pumpkins, running Oct. 1–Nov. 1. Be sure to order tickets online ahead of time.
Next, head south to Warwick and Goddard Memorial Park. This 472-acre park is home to more than 60 different species of trees, which make for some wonderful colors. Find a spot to rest and take in the view at one of their more than 300 picnic tables, or stroll through the woods on their walking paths. The park also includes a nine-hole golf course.
Another great location for you avid LPs is Blithewold Mansion, Gardens & Arboretum. This manor sits on 33 acres of beautifully manicured flowers, shrubs and trees. Some of the trees planted in this area date back to the 1870s! After strolling through and looking at the more than 2,000 species of vegetation, sprawl out on the "Great Lawn" overlooking Narragansett Bay and have a picnic.
These are just a few of the many areas in Rhode Island for LPs to check out. You can also head up to Blackstone Valley, full of small-town charm, or drive down to Newport to see the grand mansions set among the trees.
Wherever you decide to peep this fall, be sure to share your pictures with us on Facebook or Instagram!
