Morgan C.
Yelp
We are so lucky to have a wonderful wildlife preserve like Norman Bird Sanctuary right here on the island for locals and visitors alike to enjoy! While the trails are wonderful for hiking and they offer an extensive amount of conservation and outdoor education programs for all ages, we would never miss the annual Harvest Fair, which occurs every year in October, just when the temperatures chill and the autumn leaves fall.
The Fair is a fun and inexpensive weekend festival that includes everything from rustic carnival games and pony rides for kids to a giant tent chock full of vendors and artisans from Rhode Island and beyond. Be sure to carve out some time if you plan to go shopping - it can be easy to get overwhelmed by the sheer amount of gorgeous handmade things for sale! They have everything - art prints, jewelry, housewares, even knitted cozies that fit an ice cream pint. I mean.. truly awesome. Pro tip: if you visit on the second day of the festival, most of the vendors will happily haggle for prices with you. I got an awesome handmade pewter bat barrette, and the owner let me have it for almost half the price! Don't be afraid to negotiate!
The foodies won't be disappointed, either! I've been going to the Harvest Fair for years, and this season's had the most food vendors I've seen in recent times. Come hungry! There's vegan burgers and both vegetarian and meaty pulled pork sandwiches, homemade mini donuts, pizza, tacos, and even a small truck that sells cupcakes out of it! Wow! I was impressed. We got the donuts from Sweet B's, which has been popping up all over RI. I'm a huge fan. The powdered sugar donuts were to die for.
While the Norman Bird Sanctuary is awesome to visit any time of year, if you find yourself in Rhode Island in the fall, you have to check out the Harvest Fair! It's the best way to kick off Spooky Season in RI!