Go apple picking, enjoy concerts and be with the family this weekend in Newport County
The first official fall weekend is here, and there's plenty to do as a family to enjoy the change in seasons.
From music to history, family-focused events to apple picking, staying busy will be simple now that beach days are coming to an end and the pools are closing down.
Here's a look at five options right here in Newport County to keep you and the family busy this weekend:
Middletown Family Day
The 13th annual Family Day is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 24 with a rain date the following day. Hosted by the Middletown Prevention Coalition, the event takes place from 4 to 8 p.m. at Second Beach.
Past events have included live music, fire pits, sandcastle contests, games, food trucks and more.
Walking the Battlefield
On Saturday, Sept. 24, the Battle of Rhode Island Association is partnering with the Portsmouth Conservation Commission to present “Walking the Battlefield” at Heritage Park, located at Hedley Street and Highpoint Avenue. Visitors will be guided through the action of The Battle of Rhode Island that took place Aug. 29, 1778.
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Called Turkey Hill in 1778 and occupied by both Patriot and British forces, the park will be laid out with stations representing key skirmishes of the Battle, the largest action in Rhode Island during the War for Independence. Guides and speakers will take visitors through the events of the day to provide a clear understanding of a complex series of individual fights.
The event is free to the public. The first tour starts at 11 a.m., the second tour at 11:45 a.m. For more information visit portsmouthhistorynotes.com
One to One: Micro Concerts for All
In keeping with its commitment to make inspiring musical experiences accessible for all in Newport, the Newport String Project is opening its 10th anniversary season with the return of One to One: Micro Concerts for All.
These personalized concerts pair one musician with an individual or small group audience for an engaging performance experience. One to One features musicians from the Newport String Quartet, NSP’s resident ensemble, as well as guest artists from throughout New England.
Audiences will enjoy 15-minute concerts in an array of unique settings provided by community partners including The Newport Art Museum, The Newport Historical Society, The Newport Performing Arts Center, and Downtown Designs.
Performances will be held throughout the day on Saturday, Sept. 24. Reservations are required, and can be made by visiting newportstringproject.org. There is no charge for reservations, but donations are gratefully accepted.
Choral Evensong
Choral Evensong & Solemn Benediction for the Feast of St. Michael and All Angels, known as Michaelmas, will be held on Sunday, Sept. 25, at 4 p.m., at The Zabriskie Memorial Church of Saint John the Evangelist, 61 Washington St.
This contemplative service of music features the Professional Choristers of The Choir School of Newport County and the St. John’s Adult Choir, with organ music. Included are Mendelssohn’s “For he shall give his angels charge over thee” from Elijah, specific to this observance of the feast celebrating angels; and both Preces and Reponses, and Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis written by Joanna Forbes L’Estrange.
Also included is a short Introit by the choirs’ director, Peter Stoltzfus Berton, setting a text by Cardinal John Henry Newman, “O Lord, support us all the day long.”
There is admission fee; a free-will offering will be received. Free parking is available in the church lot opposite 25 Willow St.
Go apple picking
There are plenty of fantastic spots to pick apples across Newport County. Here are some to check out and help keep the doctor away.
Rocky Brook Orchard, 997 Wapping Road, Middletown
Pick on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Open weekdays for groups by appointment. There are over 80 varieties of apples, and you can also pick pears and quince.
Visitors can bring picnics and enjoy the scenery, too. Check the orchard’s Facebook page or website to see what’s ripe before you visit. Call 401-851-7989 for more information.
Sweet Berry Farm, 915 Mitchell’s Lane, Middletown
The farm offers several varieties of apples to pick. Check out the Apple Guide on the farm’s website for a full list. Pick seven days a week, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Call 401-847-3912 for more information.
Young Family Farm, 260 West Main Road, Little Compton
The five-acre orchard boasts 10 different varieties of apples. Call 401-635-0110, visit youngfamilyfarm.com or the farm’s Facebook page for more information.
Old Stone Orchard, 33 Colebrook Road, Little Compton
The farm also offers pear and pumpkin picking. Pluck Thursdays through Sundays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Call 401-635-2663 or visit the farm’s Facebook page for more information.
This article originally appeared on Newport Daily News: Where to go apple picking in Newport County, 4 more weekend events
