You won't need a ton of time - maybe around an hour - to wander along the Ryan Park Loop Trail, an easy trail that tallies 2.1 miles.

One of the first things you'll likely notice as you meander along this picturesque path, if you're hiking during the warmer months, is the wildflowers that add a pop of color to the landscape.

Take some time to stop and smell the flowers (leave them where you've found them though), and maybe even snap a few photos.

Since it's so popular, the trail can get quite busy, so be prepared to run into other hikers as well as bikers.

The trail promises some fairy tale moments as you travel over footbridges and...

Cross paths with local wildlife.

While the trail scores an easy rating, take a few precautions. It can get incredibly buggy, so wear and bring bug spray. Be prepared for muddy conditions after it rains.

The wildflowers are a highlight of the trail. However, it's just as pretty after it snows, so plan to return during the winter.

After you've finished your hike, explore more of Ryan Park. The sprawling park features a full menu of amenities, including basketball hoops, picnic tables, portable toilets, and boating/kayaking/canoeing.

When you're craving old-fashioned comfort food that will have your stomach crying for seconds - and thirds - stop by Johnny's Chalet for what promises to be the first of many visits.

Before you settle into your seat, take a peek at the day's specials, near the display case that is typically brimming with delicious baked goodies.

For an old-school dining experience, request a seat at the counter, an ideal spot for striking up a conversation with other diners.

Or settle in at one of the tables at this cozy restaurant that consistently scores rave reviews from diners for its food, service, and welcoming ambiance.

Some diners have even crowned Johnny's Chalet as having the best breakfast in Rhode Island. Dig into an omelet, waffles, or eggs Benedict to judge for yourself.

If you're in the area midday, stop by for a tasty lunch. The soup of the day, a crisp salad, or an appetizer is a delicious way to start your meal.

A quick perusal of the menu reveals such favorites as burgers, hot dogs, and sandwiches.

Add a scrumptious side - French fries, onion rings, sweet fries, or cole slaw.

Still hungry? Even if you're not, grab a slice of pie - or an entire one - or another dessert to go.

If fall means spending time outdoors, marveling at the colorful trees, and savoring the sound of the leaves crunching beneath your feet, you’ll quickly discover Middletown is the place to be.

Slip on a sweater and a pair of comfy shoes because Middletown is brimming with delightful outdoor destinations that take on a magical aura when painted in fall’s colors. Start your visit at Norman Bird Sanctuary.

An idyllic spot for leaf peeping, the sanctuary offers seven miles of hiking trails, including wheelchair-accessible paths. Admire the fall foliage and get a glimpse of local wildlife.

Plan a visit to the nature reserve during its annual Harvest Fair, a fall favorite Norman Bird Sanctuary has hosted for nearly five decades. The two-day festival features family-friendly activities, food, and competitions.

For more outdoor fun, spend some time exploring Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge. Follow one of the three trails that promises plenty of scenic beauty all year long.

Add a stop at Sweet Berry Farm, too, where you can pick pumpkins from late September through October. Grab a bite at the on-site café, or stock up on fresh produce at the market.

Middletown is also known for its eclectic selection of shops and restaurants. Whether you’re craving classic seafood dishes or old-fashioned comfort food, you’ll find a restaurant that fits the bill in Middletown.

A stroll down Warren Avenue in East Providence inevitably leads to O Dinis, a quaint Portuguese restaurant that's known for its authentic dishes and warm ambiance.

One thing on which most diners tend to agree is the warm, welcoming atmosphere makes them feel right at home. This top-rated restaurant has scored some pretty impressive compliments for its cuisine, too.

For a one-of-a-kind culinary experience, stop by on Monday evenings, when the restaurant hosts Music Mondays with live Portuguese music.

Sit back, relax, and decide how to start your meal. O Dinis serves a variety of appetizers, including grilled Portuguese sausage, littlenecks in tomato and onion sauce, and sauteed shrimp.

Satisfy your inner carnivore with one of the meaty dishes. Pan-seared sirloin steak and grilled marinated pork are a few tasty choices.

Feeling like fish or chicken? O Dinis has got you covered with such favorites as grilled boneless chicken and grilled jumbo shrimp. Both come in a decadent sauce.

Reservations are welcomed for parties of eight or more. Otherwise, the restaurant doesn't accept reservations.

An unrelenting and unsatisfied sweets craving can leave us pretty darn cranky, so next time you've got the slightest inkling for a melt-in-your-mouth donut, make a beeline for the tiny but mighty Dough Bros in Cranston.

Guests heap praise on this Rhode Island donut shop, with some even going as far as calling the donuts some of the best they've ever had. Will you agree? Taste and see.

While you can dine in or take out, you'll probably want to grab a seat and have at least one donut before heading out with a to-go order. Browse the menu, or...

Just peruse the display case brimming with fresh-baked donuts. How about a classic glazed donut? Vanilla and chocolate glazed might hit the spot, too.

You can never go wrong with an old-fashioned plain donut. But if you're craving something super-sweet and super-delicious, try the...

Raspberry-filled, birthday cake, or maple donut.

Love peanut butter? The peanut butter delight is sure to send your sweet tooth into a tizzy. A chocolate donut topped with fudge, peanut butter sauce, and peanuts, it's a peanut butter lover's dream come true.

Grab a drink to pair with your donuts. The donut shop pours a variety of coffee, tea, and hot chocolate.

Providence welcomed its newest park, Point Street Park, during the summer of 2023. The pretty park provides visitors with a picturesque spot to relax and explore all year long.

Nestled on the Providence River, Point Street Park offers sweeping views of the city skyline, College Hill, and the Michael S. Van Leesten Bridge. Benches dot the area, so you can grab a seat and soak up the ambiance.

Stroll along the walkway or, if you’re a jogger, explore on the running path. While dogs are allowed in the new Providence park, they must remain leashed.

If you enjoy quiet time fishing, bring along your fishing gear. Fishing is permitted; however, swimming, diving, and alcoholic drinks are prohibited.

A boat dock makes it easy to launch onto the Providence River. While you might want to bring a picnic and a blanket, grilling is not permitted.

Cross over the walking bridge that connects Point Street Park to the other side of the river. Both sides provide easy access to a variety of shops and restaurants.

Point Street Park welcomes visitors daily from 60 minutes before dawn to 60 minutes after dusk, which means you might be able to catch one of Rhode Island’s sensational sunsets.

A piping hot slice of pizza is sometimes just what we need when our stomach is crankily growling, and we can find some of the best at K&S Pizza in Charlestown.

Sat along a tree-lined road in this small town in Rhode Island, K&S Pizza consistently earns top marks for its pizza with customers calling it “the best pizza in the area,” “incredible,” and “delicious.”

As with any restaurant, though, you’ve really got to try it to decide for yourself. A popular pizza joint since 1986, K&S Pizza focuses on fresh ingredients in its food and strives to build long-lasting relationships with customers.

Browsing the menu is sure to turn into a full-blown pizza craving as you consider what to order. Margarita, five cheese, Greek, and Florentine pizza are among your many choices. Or how about just enjoying a classic cheese or pepperoni pie?

K&S may be best known for its pizza, but the menu’s brimming with a slew of Italian favorites. Fancy an appetizer? Order such classics as garlic bread with cheese, hand-cut fries, or mozzarella sticks.

You can never go wrong with a hearty grinder, wings, or fish and chips. Nothing pairs quite as well with a pizza as fresh salad either.

Or how about treating yourself to some classic Rhode Island-style pizza strips, available in both a half and a full sheet? Pizza strips must be ordered at least 24 hours in advance.

Chances are you’ve been to The Farmer’s Daughter in South Kingstown, especially if you’ve got a green thumb, but it is one charming destination that should easily earn a slot on your fall bucket list.

Each weekend through October 29, 2023, The Farmer’s Daughter hosts the family-friendly Fall Harvest Festival from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The beloved annual festival boasts a menu jam-packed with fun activities, including hayrides, a corn maze, an obstacle course, toss games, and a tunnel roll.

Watch the kiddos as they ride on the barrel train, or try your hand at the pumpkin dunk tank.

If you don’t have time to squeeze a visit to South Kingstown in on the weekend, stop by during the week. A smaller version of the festival will take place. Weekdays include such activities as corn and straw bale mazes, a scavenger hunt, an obstacle course, and visits with goats.

Admission to the Harvest Festival costs $15 per child and $10 per adult during the weekend and $5 per person on weekdays. Kiddos two and younger are free.

Don’t forget to stop by the shop, too, where you can find everything you need – from pumpkins to gourds – to decorate for the season.

When adventure's on your mind, you won't find much better than a hike along the Carolina Management Area South Loop Trail in Richmond.

Both dog and kid-friendly, this short but sweet trail winds just 3.3 miles, making it manageable for hikers of all ages and skill levels. It also scores an easy rating.

The predominately flat trail can get a bit buggy, so make sure you have bug spray on hand.

Wander past cornfields, vibrant verdant foliage, and...

Colorful wildflowers. Because it's so popular, the trail tends to get quite busy. You'll likely share the path with other adventurers and their pups.

Plenty of natural surprises await along this pretty path, including unique rock formations and...

A waterfall. Carve out at least an hour to explore the popular Rhode Island trail.

You'll also come across a historic cemetery.

The South Loop Trail beckons adventurers in all seasons with hiking all year round and snowshoeing and cross-country skiing during the winter.

The Farmers’ Almanac describes Rhode Island’s upcoming winter as “frosty, flaky, and slushy,” and the hodge-podge of weather begins as we welcome November.

An unseasonably cool Halloween is expected to usher in an unsettled first few days of November, including some wet snow, in New England. That, however, is the last mention of snow until the middle of the month.

The opening three days of December will bring with them heavy rain, snow, and wind. If you haven’t already had your tires checked, make sure they’re in good shape for the upcoming season.

“Wintry precipitation” is expected in the lead-up (Dec. 20-23) to Santa’s big day. Clear skies are expected on Christmas Day. Unfortunately, there is no snow in the forecast.

It’s a toss-up as to whether we’ll ring in the New Year with rain or snow. January, however, is supposed to include some frigid temperatures and snow in the middle and at the end of the month.

Rain and snow are in the forecast for much of February. However, get your snow shovels ready, because a huge snowstorm is predicted for Feb. 8-11, 2024. Those on the coast could see up to six inches while those inland could experience a foot or more.

As we make our way to the official start of spring, early March will feature a mix of rain, snow, and cold temperatures with frigid temperatures mid-month. Spring will kick off with a rainstorm.

Are you ready for a chilly winter in Rhode Island?