Newport, RI, Makes Fantastic Fall Getaway As the summer slides away, there is still plenty to do in Newport this fall Newport, RI-From the fresh, crisp air billowing through the sailboats on Newport Harbor to the fiery orange and red leaves dropping along the tree lined boulevards and in the city's picturesque parks, Newport, Rhode Island has much to offer in September and October with unique attractions, entertaining special events, and getaway packages to make the trip both fun and affordable. Just because the weather may require a light jacket rather than a swimsuit, doesn't mean it is time to head indoors! Fall is an ideal time to enjoy the outdoors with a day of vineyard touring and wine tasting at Newport County's three vineyards-Newport Vineyards, Greenvale Vineyards, and Sakonnet Vineyards. The refreshing breezes off the ocean are also ideal for enjoying a late season harbor cruise or an invigorating stroll along the Cliff Walk, the 3.5 mile path that winds along the coast between the sprawling lawns of the Newport mansions and the pounding surf of the Atlantic Ocean. As the summer crowds start to dwindle, fall is also a great time to visit some of Newport's indoor attractions. Daily tours through the opulent Newport mansions that were once home to socialite families with names like Astor and Vanderbilt, as well as a variety of unique museums such as the International Tennis Hall of Fame, the Museum of Yachting, and the Museum of Newport History offer visitors plenty of options for an entertaining Newport getaway! Early fall brings an exciting array of special events to Newport, offering something to do for every traveler! On September 1, the Museum of Yachting will host the 27th Annual Classic Regatta & Parade. Best viewing is available from Fort Adams State Park for this remarkable event featuring more than 100 classic wooden yachts built between the late 1800's to 1955 competing on Narragansett Bay, this is a uniquely Newport event. Visitors should follow the tappity-tap of Irish step-dancers to Newport for the Newport Waterfront Irish Festival, September 2-4. Featuring five stages of live music and dancing, special exhibits about travel to Ireland, a marketplace of handcrafted Irish items, authentic Irish foods, a children's area and more, the Newport Waterfront Irish Festival is fun for the whole family!  The city-by-the-sea's nautical passion will really shine on September 14-17 with the return of the Newport International Boat Show, featuring new sailboats and powerboats, as well as thousands of products and services from both domestic and international exhibitors at the largest in-water boat show in the Northeast. On September 23-24, visitors can savor the flavors of the Ocean State at the Aquafina Taste of Rhode Island.  Overlooking scenic Newport Harbor, the event features 40 of Rhode Island's best restaurants and caterers selling appetizer-sized portions of their finest cuisine for a total culinary experience. Three stages of continuous entertainment, a marketplace tent and a children's area create a fun-for-the-whole-family waterfront festival! The food festivities will continue on September 28-30 at this fall's newest event, Newport Mansions Wine and Food Festival. The stunning Newport Mansions, Rosecliff and Marble House, will host more than 100 of America's finest vintners for a remarkable three-day food and wine experience, including auctions, a Grand Tasting, restaurant wine dinners and a gala celebration. Come October, Newport really digs deep into the spirit of the season with Haunted Newport Week, October 21-31. This Halloween extravaganza features graveyard walking tours, a psychic fair, the Horror Film Festival, Jack O' Lantern carvings and creepy lectures on the strange and uncanny. Top that off with interactive Murder Mysteries at the Astors' Beechwood Mansion and spooky tours during Fright Nights at the Haunted Fort Adams and Newport will certainly be an interesting destination for all ages to celebrate Halloween this fall! The long Columbus Day weekend is a great time to escape to Newport for authentic ethnic celebrations at the NBC-10 International Oktoberfest, October 7-9 and the Festa Italiana, October 7. The German Oktoberfest celebration will feature lively Bavarian music from throughout New England, delicious German food as well as American cuisine, both a biergarten and weingarten, and a children's area to create a fun-for-the-whole family event. Mouth-watering cuisine will certainly be a highlight of the Festa Italiana, celebrating Italian heritage throughout Newport County. The city-by-the-sea will continue tempting the taste buds the following weekend with the Bowen's Wharf Seafood Festival, October 14-15. For those looking just to escape, unwind, and enjoy it is easy to spend an afternoon wandering through Newport's quaint wharves and cobblestone streets, a mix of shops and galleries selling everything from boutique clothing and accessories to fine arts and handmade decorations. Offering a variety of palate-pleasing options that include French, Indian, Asian, Italian, Irish, and of course, some of the freshest seafood and tastiest chowders on the East Coast, a getaway to Newport leaves every visitor feeling refreshed and satisfied. In addition, Newport, Rhode Island's lodging properties have joined with local attractions and restaurants to develop a variety of specialized getaway packages. Whether they want to learn the ropes in a sailing capitol of the world, relax with a luxurious spa package, or are simply seeking the convenience of a tour package featuring Newport's famous mansions and scenic harbor cruises, vacationers can choose from tons of fun and affordable Getaway Packages that will appeal to everyone's individual travel style for a customized getaway! All getaway packages are listed on the "Getaway Packages" page of www.GoNewport.com! . Reservations for packages should be made directly through the participating lodging properties.   For more information about getaway packages, special events, and all the happenings in Newport, visit www.GoNewport.com!

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