As summer wanes, autumn ushers in new activities and adventures to delight both young and old. I have prepared a list of autumnal pleasures that I anticipate will provide several ideas for fun getaways:

APPLE PICKING
September is the beginning of apple picking season. There are several venues throughout New England to enjoy a day gathering these delicious treats. I have gathered a list of online resources for picking your own apples in New England:

• Connecticut’s Apple Orchards (pdf)
• Maine Apple Orchard List
• Massachusetts Pick-Your-Own Apple Orchards
• New Hampshire Fruit Growers (pdf)
• Rhode Island Apple Orchards (pdf)
• Vermont Apple Orchards

PUMPKIN PATCHES
Pumpkin patches, hayrides, and corn maizes provide more great getaways to launch the change of seasons. Frerichs Farm and Greenhouses located at 43 Kinnicutt Ave, Warren, RI hosts the Southern New England Giant Pumpkin Grower’s Annual Weigh-off. They also provide children with a variety of activities such as the Pumpkin Palozza where children can play in the hay and enjoy the magic pumpkin coach. For those who are ready to decorate their yards Frerichs offers  a wide assortment of mums as seen on THE rhode SHOW.

Escobar’s Highland Farm located at 133 Middle Road, Porstmouth, RI provides guests with an 8 acre corn maze, hayrides, and a pumpkin patch. Again this seems like a very kid friendly adventure.

These are just two suggestions when searching for the Great Pumpkin. I have also provided a link to pumpkin patches in Massachusetts.

WINERIES:
After gathering the apples and picking the perfect pumpkin, it is time for  a glass of wine. What better place to imbibe than a visit to a local vineyard.

I have provided links for wineries located throughout New England:

• Connecticut Wineries
• Maine Wineries
• Massachusetts Wine and Cheese Trails (pdf)
• Rhode Island Vineyards and Wineries
• New Hampshire Wine and Cheese Trails (pdf)
• Vermont Wineries

OKTOBERFESTS:
If wine is not your cup of tea, then take advantage of Newport as it hosts the annual International Oktoberfest from October 9 – October 11 at the Newport Yachting Center. Tickets for this event are available online at Newport Waterfront Events.

BIKE PATHS:
As a result of filling up on pumpkin pies, home made apple tarts, and enjoying a glass or two of beer and wine, the next logical step is to take out the bicycle and shed those newly acquired pounds before the holiday season really kicks into gear. Here are links to bicycle paths in Massachusetts and Rhode Island:

• Rhode Island Bike Paths
• Massachusetts Bike Paths

Visit Foxwoods Resort and Casino online to check on deals and entertainment.  I recently stayed for two nights at the MGM Grand at Foxwoods and took advantage of the  Craftsteak Package. This package offers a stay in a deluxe room or suite and dinner at Craftsteak from a Prix Fixe menu.  The package rates apply to stays Monday – Thursday; a great deal if you have the opportunity to getaway during the week.

Craftsteak is an upscale restaurant founded by celebrity chef Tom Colicchio. There are a variety of steaks and other entrees to choose from, but we stayed with the Prix Fixe menu and enjoyed a very palatable filet from that menu. Dinner came with salad, the entree with side dishes,  and of course a preselected desert.

After dinner there are plenty of casinos available at both MGM and Foxwoods, if one should wish to try their luck. In addition to the casinos, there are plenty of shops to browse. Both hotels also provide spas for patrons wishing to spend time pampering themselves.

The MGM boasts a beautiful outdoor swimming pool with food and beverage service available for guests. My husband and I attempted to indulge ourselves in this amenity only to find the pool overcrowded with both adults and children. I really did not expect to find as many young children poolside at a venue such as a casino. My purpose for this getaway was simply a couple days of R&R. Considering the extreme heat the region was having, I guess such a situation was unavoidable. Maybe the hotel should consider installing another pool to accommodate young families.

My swimming pool angst was alleviated when I indulged in a coffee ice cream soda from Junior’s. Their ice cream sodas are exceptionally delicious. Junior’s, a deli originating in New York City, offers patrons delicious deli sandwiches along with fabulous desserts including their renowned cheesecakes.

Entertainment venues at the resort offer visitors a variety of shows from concerts to sporting events. My husband and I bought two tickets to Legends  in Concert — a celebrity tribute show which was appearing at the Fox Theater at the Foxwoods Resort Casino. Our tribute performance included impersonations of Bobby Darin, Shakira, Tim McGraw, Prince, and Elvis. All the performers were wonderful and provided an evening of great entertainment.

This particular getaway highlights dinner at Flemings Prime Steak House and Wine Bar complemented by a show at the Providence Performing Arts Center. Flemings was initially chosen because of its proximity to the theater; however, I would definitely dine there again. Along with the food, the service was impeccable.

My husband, friends and I arrived very early for our 5:00 pm dinner reservation. In spite of our early arrival, we were warmly received by the hostess and offered seating in the restaurant or at the bar. I believe we were actually the first patrons at the restaurant, and our early arrival compelled us to sit at the bar for a drink before dinner. The bartender was very gracious and engaged in delightful conversation with us. He later informed the hostess when we were ready for dinner, and she promptly escorted us to our table in the main dining area. The ambiance in the dining area, which included an open-kitchen in the rear, provided a relaxing atmosphere. Our waitress and the other wait staff were quite attentive to our every need.

While the dinner menu offered a variety of foods, the carnivore in all of us impelled my group to feast on steak. While our beef selections varied, the end results were the same–satisfaction. Personally, I selected the prime rib-eye cooked at a medium temperature with a baked potato on the side; my friend and I also ordered the sauteed corn as an additional side. My entire dinner was cooked to perfection, and I also managed to share the walnut turtle pie for dessert–delicious.

After dinner, we took a short stroll to the Providence Performing Arts Center where we had tickets to see the Jersey Boys. The performance was getting rave reviews, but unfortunately this (June 5th and 6th) was the last weekend for the Providence production. However, I highly recommend if anyone has the opportunity to see this musical at another venue, then jump at the chance. The original production opened on Broadway in the fall of 2005 and won the 2006 Tony Award for best musical. The show, which tells the story of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, continues to play at the August Wilson Theatre on Broadway as well as on other stages nationally.

The Providence Performing Arts Center, which was recently renovated, offers a variety of entertainment for all ages. Check out their online site for information on upcoming performances, in particular the Radio City Christmas Spectacular.

My husband and I chose to stay overnight for this getaway. While there are many options for lodging in Newport, I chose to stay at the Newport Marriott. I made the reservation online and requested an upper floor; I was pleased to find that upon check-in my floor request was honored. The room, comfortable and clean, had all the amenities one would expect from a larger hotel chain. The hotel also offers several vacation packages. We chose a package which included breakfast, so time wouldn’t be wasted in the morning searching for an outside restaurant. The breakfast that comes with the package is the buffet. I personally am not a fan of buffets; I must say, however, the buffet selections were similar to eating off the menu, and the food was fresh and satisfying.

Upon our arrival at the Marriott, we opted for valet service to park the car. This was a wise choice, since everything we chose to do that evening was within walking distance of the hotel. It was also a beautiful evening for a stroll along Newport Harbor. Our stroll led to Bowen’s Wharf where we decided to dine. I highly recommend 22 Bowen’s Wine Bar & Grille for an exceptionally delightful dinner. We shared the fried calamari for an appetizer, and this dish was cooked to perfection. Our entrees were just as delectable. I enjoyed the delmonico steak which I ordered medium, and to my satisfaction that is precisely the way it was served. Finally, someone knows the meaning of cooking a steak medium. My husband ordered the salmon, and he was just as satisfied. The restaurant also offers an extensive wine menu. Our waiter offered a wine suggestion at my request. I must say, he was absolutely right in his recommendation. After dinner, we were too full for dessert. Even though the carrot cake sounded delicious, we decided that a walk would be a better choice.  Thinking back, I wish I had sampled the carrot cake…next time.

After a good nights sleep and a full tummy, we set off to enjoy the day. This is the part of the getaway, which as I said, would rejuvenate the child in you. We drove to the stretch of land commonly known as 10 mile drive and parked the car at Brenton Point State Park, which is right across from the ocean. After parking the car, we removed a couple of chairs from the trunk and pulled out a kite that I had  bought from Bikes & Kites on an earlier excursion. I hadn’t flown a kite since our children were small; I though what great fun it would be to spend a relaxing afternoon flying a kite while sitting by the water. The adventure was indeed great fun except for one small issue: wind.  Who would have thought that the wind velocity would have been virtually non-existent by the ocean? Try as we might, the kite was never in the air for more than a few seconds.  Nonetheless, we enjoyed the afternoon and amused ourselves in our desperate attempts to keep the kite aloft. Alas, we will return again but not before checking the forecast for wind speed.

Brenton Point State Park is also the ideal place for packing a picnic, and there are even grills should someone choose to barbecue. The picnic sounds great, but personally, I really don’t think I  would grill there, for me that would not be GetawayFun.

The bakery provides a warm  cozy atmosphere for patrons to satisfy their appetites. Jim recently added an enclosed sunroom that was much needed to service the lunchtime crowd. The sunroom is open year round and offers a lovely view of the garden and the quaint outdoor lawn decorations, which are tastefully scattered about the yard. In addition to the yard decor, Jim always decorates for the holidays but definitely outdoes himself at Christmas. His decorations belong on the cover of House Beautiful. Once again, a setting that provides a warm snuggly feeling for those who feast on any of his tantalizing delights.

From muffins, turnovers, and cookies to cream filled pastries the baked goods are a delight.  While I enjoy all the desserts, my personal favorite is the German chocolate brownie, which I highly recommend.  In addition, the muffins, especially the apple walnut, serve as special breakfast treats. Jim also bakes cakes, cupcakes, and other delicacies upon request. However, if lunch is what you are craving, the luncheon items are sensational– from salads and  wraps to soups and sandwiches there are a myriad of choices that should satisfy all appetites.

Upon entering the Tea Shop, customers approach the gift shop which is adorned  with everything from individual teas to elegant tea services. There are even tea sets for young children. An unusual gift for a small child who enjoys playing make believe.

While the Tea Shop is often quite busy, there is an unusual calmness as one sips a pot of tea while savoring an item from either the basic menu or maybe enjoying one of the daily specials. Whatever you choose, the luncheon is more than adequate and leaves little room for a mouthwatering pastry. These desserts, like all the other food items, are made fresh on the premises. Even if there is no room for dessert, I definitely recommend taking a treat home for later. These sumptuous pastries are displayed in both dining areas, as well as in the gift shop.

My personal recommendation for lunch is a Cumberland Crumpet Melt accompanied by a pot of Chamomile tea. All luncheons are adorned with a mix of fresh greens and fruits. The salad greens and fresh fruits are a perfect compliment to an already tasty sandwich.

Located in Sandwich, Massachusetts, on historic Cape Cod, the Inn has been a destination for many travelers over the years.  Rich in history, the original Inn was established over 300 years ago. Today, the Daniel Webster Inn is part of the Catania Hospitality Group and affords an escape for those looking for some peace and solitude.

There are several rooms available, from luxurious suites equipped with fireplaces and whirlpools to rooms with two double beds and a shower/bath combo. The rooms are located in either the main Inn or a short stroll to an outside wing or guest house. The Inn provides guests with concierge service 24 hours a day. Dining is also available whether you are a guest of the Inn or simply searching for a relaxing breakfast, lunch or dinner experience. Daniel Webster Inn provides a varied menu in the Tavern or in one of the more sumptuous dining areas; room service is also available to guests during regular restaurant hours.

The Beach Plum Spa, owned and operated by the Catania Group, is nestled in a wing at the Daniel Webster Inn. The spa offers an array of services from manicures and facials right down to a relaxing massage. A treat whether you are an Inn guest looking to be pampered or a visitor making reservations for yourself or someone special.

During my most recent stay, I indulged myself  in a spa treatment. While there are a variety of spa services available, I chose the 30 minute back, neck and shoulder massage which really released some tension.  I could easily have fallen asleep after the massage, but I was meeting some friends for drinks before dinner. Which brings me to dinner…a delectable feast from appetizers to desserts. There were eight of us in my dinner party and the hostess was attentive to each of our requests. We shared several appetizers, but my favorite was the braised short rib pot sticker. I could have nibbled on that savory treat all night. My main course was the filet mignon cooked exactly the way I ordered and unimaginably tender. My dessert, which I really should have skipped, was the topping on the cake. A succulent treat as good as the rest of the dinner. Everyone in my group enjoyed the food and no one left hungry. I would definitely recommend the food as there is something on the menu that should satisfy even the most finicky eater.

I later shared an after dinner drink and spent time chatting with our friends before my husband and I retired to our room.  The room was located in one of the outside wings and was only a short distance from the main building. The room with a luxurious king size bed was very spacious and decorated in a traditional motif.

Although I have never stayed here during the summer months, the Inn does feature beautiful grounds which include  an outdoor swimming pool and hot tub.

Personally, I have stayed at the Inn many times over the years and have always found satisfaction with the service provided and the hospitality offered. While the Inn does not provide the glitz and glamour of a major luxury hotel, the  tranquility afforded by a smaller establishment is an amenity rarely experienced. The Daniel Webster Inn, for me, is comparable to comfort food.

The Commons provides an eclectic array of shops, but I must confess I often do not get past Chico’s and Coldwater Creek. These stores are perfect for the middle-aged woman. Here you can find styles that are age appropriate and very fashionable. For uniqueness, Chico’s is definitely a favorite.  The sales staff is very attentive and always willing to assist in finding a size or color and more than willing to offer an idea or two for pulling together an outfit. If an item is unavailable, they will locate it and arrange for shipment directly to your home.  I highly recommend becoming a Chico’s passport club member. The cost is free, and the rewards are ample.

After spending a morning shopping, the lunch bell rings, and we are forced to eat and replenish what energy we have left.  If convenience is a priority, then there are a few eateries right in the area. Bobbie Burns always provides a satisfying lunch. However, if you really want to savor the day take a fifteen minute drive into Sandwich and have lunch at the Dunbar Tea House.

A get away is always a welcome diversion. Even if the house is empty and provides a quiet solitude, there are never-ending tasks to distract you from enjoying a day or weekend of relaxation and pampering. Put those thoughts of  rearranging closets or cleaning the basement on hold–take time for YOU.

Whether you enjoy the great outdoors or want to splurge with a weekend shopping and dining, the opportunities are right around the corner.