'Second Summer' is about to begin in Rhode Island. How to make the most of it

Hike or bike through nature, Soak up the last beach days, Shop at a farmers' market, Have fun at a festival, Go whale watching

September may be starting and kids may be going back to school, but for locals on the water in Rhode Island, summer is far from over.

As visitors make their way out of the region after Labor Day weekend, second summer begins, ushering in a secondary season of warm weather and plenty of fun activities – but this time, without the crowds.

Looking for things to fill September in the Ocean State now that the crowds are gone? Here are five activities to make the most of second summer in Rhode Island this year.

Hike or bike through nature

Hike or bike through nature, Soak up the last beach days, Shop at a farmers' market, Have fun at a festival, Go whale watching

A bridge just below a dam where water spills into the Annaquatucket River is a favorite of dog walkers, trail runners, hikers, and anglers.

As the intense heat of summer begins to fade, nature lovers can enjoy the beautiful September weather on a walk, run or bike ride through one of Rhode Island's various scenic trails.

Soak up the last beach days

Hike or bike through nature, Soak up the last beach days, Shop at a farmers' market, Have fun at a festival, Go whale watching

The beach at Napatree Point in the Watch Hill neighborhood of Westerly.

It may be an obvious choice, but this time of year is perfect for a beach day. With the weather beginning to cool down and the crowds dwindling as tourists head out for the fall, the last Rhode Island beach days of the season are not to be missed. Additionally, the water temperature at Rhode Island beaches is currently as warm as it will get, according to the National Weather Service (NWS), making it the perfect time to enjoy a day of swimming.

Rhode Island's eight state beaches closed for the season after Labor Day on Monday, Sept. 1, but the gates and parking lots will still be open.

Shop at a farmers' market

Savor the last of the local summer crops like peaches, plums, tomatoes, zucchini, corn and more at a farmers' market. From Providence to Narragansett, Rhode Island is brimming with markets full of fresh produce and homemade goods, a full list of which can be found on the Farm Fresh RI website.

Have fun at a festival

Hike or bike through nature, Soak up the last beach days, Shop at a farmers' market, Have fun at a festival, Go whale watching

Vendor trucks line South Water Street at the 2023 PVDFest.

Those looking for a day of fun can head to one of Rhode Island's many September festivals, including the Rhode Island Seafood Festival, Misquamicut FallFest and the Newport Mansions Wine & Food Festival.

PVDFest, a festival of music, art and culture, will celebrate the end of summer with an extravaganza of performances and art installations throughout downtown Providence, accompanied by food trucks, craft vendors and a parade ending in a city-wide Electric Slide. The festival will take place on Friday, Sept. 5 and Saturday, Sept. 6 throughout Providence.

Go whale watching

Whale watching season in New England lasts through October, making these cooler months the perfect time to get out on the water and spot the creatures.

The Frances Fleet offers whale watching cruises on one of their four boats out of Port Galilee in Narragansett, offering a chance to see animals like sharks, turtles and dolphins in addition to whales. Tickets cost $65 for adults, $60 for seniors or $55 for children age 12 and under.

Over in Newport, Newport Landing runs whale watching excursions seven days a week all year long, with giant blue whales and finback whales visible through November. Prices for a basic whale and dolphin watching cruise start at $38 for adults or $30 for seniors and children ages 3-12.

This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: 'Second Summer' is about to begin in Rhode Island. How to make the most of it

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