There’s always excitement in the air as we approach summer in South County, RI. After all, that’s when the beaches open, boats return to the ocean, and the weather makes it easy to spend your days outdoors.
Before we get to summer, though, we have the spring season. Although spring doesn’t get the same attention as summer, it’s a beautiful time of year in this part of the country and offers a great vacation environment for visitors.
South County has some clear indicators that spring is here, many of which will be readily apparent as soon as you arrive in the area.
Here’s a look at five signs that spring has come in South County and the rest of Rhode Island.
1) Maple Syrup Harvests
One of the first signs of spring in South County occurs when buckets and tubes begin appearing on the sides of the area’s maple trees. You might not think of Rhode Island as maple syrup country, but there’s a decent amount of local production in South County’s inland towns.
It’s worth noting that maple syrup season is relatively short, as it only lasts until nighttime temperatures fail to drop below freezing toward the end of March. Therefore, you’ll want to plan your vacation strategically if maple syrup is on your mind.
The region’s leading maple syrup farms are in Coventry, Richmond, and Ashaway, so get there early in the season before the sap stops running.
2) Spring Peepers Singing
Spring peepers are frogs known for their high-pitched mating calls. These animals are everywhere in South County, particularly in the forests surrounding the area’s ponds, so you’ll likely hear them if you book a vacation rental near the woodlands or head for a springtime hike.
Peepers are known to breed between March and May. As a result, their calls start early and are heard well into spring. They’re also a well-known sign that winter is over, and warmer weather is coming soon throughout the region.
3) Increased Bird Activity
Early spring always brings more bird activity to South County, and you’ll witness this activity the second you arrive at your vacation rental.
Stepping into the backyard allows you to hear the sounds of the sparrows, finches, and blackbirds that frequent the area, and you might even hear or see some robins, cardinals, doves, or house wren.
Spring is also when woodpeckers begin coming out in South County, and you’re likely to hear them as they peck for food or make noise to attract a mate.
Other bird species you could see or hear in the spring include osprey, bald eagles, great blue heron, kingfisher, and white egret.
You’ll know spring is close in South County when you hear birds everywhere you travel throughout the day.
4) The Ice Comes Off the Ponds
A surefire sign spring is here in South County is when the ice melts from the area’s kettle ponds. You’ll see the first fishing boats trolling for trout, perch, and bass shortly after the ice is gone, and local officials will soon stock the ponds in preparation for summer, too.
The ice melting from the ponds also coincides with increased bird and wildlife activity in the woods and marshlands, as animals can begin hunting for fish in these areas.
The ice doesn’t typically melt from the ponds until well into March, but you’re sure to notice the activity in these waterfront areas when it occurs.
5) Tulips in Bloom
Tulips often break ground in South County in mid-March and fully bloom in the latter part of April. Visiting Rhode Island during this period makes it evident that spring is here because you’ll see tulips almost everywhere you turn.
Wicked Tulips Flower Farm in Exeter is a great spot to visit if you love tulips because they plant thousands of them every year, and purchasing a ticket to the venue allows you to pick ten flowers to enjoy at your vacation rental.
The farm is usually open between late April and late May, depending on when the flowers bloom, and provides an unparalleled opportunity to experience one of South County’s most scenic locations.
Visiting South County in the Spring
Taking a spring vacation to Westerly, Charlestown, South Kingstown, Narragansett, or another of South County’s towns makes it easy to get to know this scenic region before it gets overly busy. It also lets you witness these clear signs that warmer weather is upon us and summer is just around the corner.
Booking a vacation rental in South County ensures you have a prime location for experiencing these signs of spring and can make the most of your time in one of the East Coast’s most sought-after locations.