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As a CT native, I’ve spent nearly every Fall of my life in the state, making the most of my favorite season. Now as a parent, I have been doing even more to get out of the house and embrace the cooler temps. This year I decided to make a bucket list of every big time Fall activity I want to do before its too cold out. Our state might be small, but there is no shortage of fun, seasonal activities to do for all ages during Fall in Connecticut!
This list is by no means an exhaustive one, but I tried to touch on all the most popular types of activities in the state.
Food and Drink
I don’t know about you, but come September 1st, its Fall in my book. I don’t care if its still 90° out – give me all the pumpkin and apple flavored everything. Here are my favorite places to eat, drink, and be cozy!
Hogan’s Cider Mill – Burlington, CT: I visited here for the first time just a few weeks ago and boy do I wish I knew about it sooner! They have a great selection of hard their own hard ciders to choose from, as well as non-alcoholic options. They also serve cider slushies and what is their trademark Drunken Donut. Its a blend of sweet cider and hard cider, topped with a cider donut, whipped cream and sprinkles. It’s a must-try! They also have a cute gift shop, bottled ciders to go, and fresh baked goods.
Hawk Ridge Winery – Watertown, CT: Quickly becoming a staple on the Connecticut Wine Trail, Hawk Ridge is a seriously beautiful spot to be. Its nestled into a family farm, with incredible sprawling views from the patio and outdoor seating. They have tons of events and live music on weekends, so its always a fun spot to be.
Terrain – Westport, CT: This place is part restaurant, part retail store/garden center, and all experience. One of only a handful in the country, Terrain is truly a must-see if you’re in the area. It’s owned by Anthropologie, so you know the merchandising is just incredible, and the atmosphere is dreamy. Fall and winter are really special there because they decorate every square inch of the space to reflect the seasons. The restaurant is also amazing with their famous flower pot bread and seasonal menus. I could write a whole post about Terrain! (I probably will…)
Outdoor Entertainment
Fall in Connecticut is the best time of year to get outside. The humidity is finally gone and there are so many things to do outdoors during the season. Here are my top picks!
Silverman’s Farm – Easton, CT: They have apple picking, an amazing farm shop filled to the brim with all kinds of treats, and a petting zoo with tons of animals to interact with.
Jones Farm – Shelton, CT: People from all over the tri-state area flock to Jones this time of year. They have a whole section of the fam called Pumpkin Seed Hill where they have acres of pick your own (and pre-picked) pumpkins and gourds to choose from. They have a corn maze this year as well as hay rides! Once you’re done getting your pumpkins, head over to their winery for a tasting on the patio.
Olde Mistick Village – Mystic, CT: Mystic is such a fun place to visit all year, but seeing the foliage right on the water with the historic village is *chef’s kiss*. There are tons of cute shops and cafes to dip in and out of, plus Mystic Aquarium and Seaport is right there too.
Corn Mazes
Corn mazes are a big thing during the Fall in Connecticut. Seriously, it feels like every major farm has one! These are the heavy hitters I like to visit because they have so much else to offer.
Lyman Orchards – Middlefield, CT: Each year they choose a theme for their corn maze. Last year it was rock and roll, and they have little trivia questions to try and get you down the right path. Once you get through the maze there is a massive farm store with tons of fresh produce, apples straight from their orchard, baked goods and more. Is there anything better than super fresh apple cider and donuts after hoofing through a massive maze?!
Plasko’s Farm and Creamery – Trumbull, CT: their corn maze is one of their biggest attractions each year! They also have an awesome ice cream shop (and coffee shop too!) to enjoy after you complete the maze. Pick some pumpkins from their patch and you’re peak Fall-ing it.
Wells Hollow Farm – Shelton, CT: Clearly I’m operating on a theme here, but this corn maze is also attached to an epic ice cream shop at the farm! They always have the nicest fancy pumpkins and a big greenhouse with all kinds of houseplants… a huge selling point for me 😉
Haunted Trails/ Houses
Phantom Fall Fest at Lake Compounce – Bristol, CT: It’s a whole different park after dark. With four haunted houses, three scare zones, and themed food and drinks, it’s Lake Compounce as you’ve never seen before.
Terror at Quassy – Middlebury, CT: Terror at Quassy delivers TWELVE nights of frights during a Halloween experience never before offered at Quassy Amusement Park. Dare to visit the Zombie Hospital, Haunted Catacombs and Cemetery, plus much more!
Trail of Terror – Wallingford, CT: Arguably the most popular haunted experience in CT… the Trail resides on four appalling acres of forsaken forest. The haunt scenes take up fully half of that area. Unsuspecting patrons must venture through crawl spaces, squeeze walls, across a rope bridge, aboard a boat, under a spinning carousel, and through a vortex tunnel on their march of mayhem.
Happy Fall, Y’all!
I’ve already visited several of these places this season, and plan to hit as many more as possible! Fall in Connecticut is truly special with the foliage and amazing weather. It would be silly to let the season pass by without taking full advantage! Did I miss a major attraction? Let me know in the comments what you love to do most.
