It’s time to take back Fall, y'all!
While we are all about a Connecticut Summer, there is something truly special about Fall in New England. As the crisp autumn air begins to make the leaves dance, New Englanders gravitate towards the countryside for a much-needed change of scenery.
Connecticut shows some of it's best colors in the autumn months and if there’s one thing we know for sure…. It’s important to get out there and experience it!
Visit CT farms for seasonal produce, scout out the best local apple cider and cider donut spots in the state, take a long drive along the Connecticut back roads to find hidden gems and explore new areas— to us, this is what Fall in Connecticut is all about.
To help you take advantage of this incredible season in Connecticut, while supporting small businesses along the way-- We’ve compiled a list of some of our favorite Fall activities for you to enjoy this Fall. Of course, there are endless businesses to support this season in Connecticut and it would be impossible for us to name them all. This is meant to help get you started… and our way of saying thank you for supporting our business! #DoYourThingCT
As you head out to tackle some of the items on this list, we want to thank you for knowing the importance of shopping small and supporting local businesses— especially at times like these, when they need our support the most. How cool is it that we live in a community where people genuinely love and support the small businesses who make our community such a unique and vibrant place to live.
This month we are totally #FallingForThe203… and we think you are too!
As you explore Connecticut this Fall, use the hashtag #FallingForThe203 to loop us in on your autumn traditions, so that we can join in on the fun!! #DoYourThingCT
Visit A Fall Farm:
There are SO many fantastic local farms to visit in CT this season! These are a FEW of our fave Connecticut Fall Farms... to get you started (because we have a sneaking idea that some of you miiiight be looking for a good pumpkin patch (or 2) over the next few weeks). Later in the season, look out for our blog dedicated to all things Fall Farms, we will be taking a deep dive into everything you need to know about CT’s Fall Farms.
We grew up on Silverman’s cider… annnd we STILL can’t drive by this iconic Fall spot without stopping to snag an apple cider sippy cup (if you know, you KNOW)! Let’s just say, it’s not Fall until we’ve made a trip to Silverman’s!
With twenty different varieties of pick your own apples (good luck making a decision), endless varieties of pumpkins to choose from, a fun petting farm, hayrides, and a full-blown farm stand that also offers fruits and veggies in the spring and summer… This family-owned farm is your one-stop shop for all things Fall. During the fall season, the farm is packed with all kinds of festive activities and is guaranteed to fulfill your nostalgic fall needs (at any age!). Each weekend the farm is overflowing with fun entertainment, food vendors, face painting, and of course pumpkin picking!!
Pro Tip-- One tradition we still get excited about at Silverman’s is trying to WIN a free pumpkin... yep you heard that right. Before checkout, if you guess the weight of your pumpkin correctly, you get your pumpkin for FREE!
One of the most picturesque farms we’ve ever visited. Castle Hill Farm offers hayrides, a farm stand with fresh Connecticut-grown produce from local vendors in the community, an EPIC corn maze, special events, and so much more!
Castle Hill Farm is known for its legendary Corn Maze. This maze is a long-standing Connecticut fall tradition that you won't want to skip out on. The maze spans SEVEN acres and each year they create a completely new maze. We are so excited to see what design they are doing this year!! On Top of the epic maze the farm also offers over 40 different varieties of pick your own pumpkins— making Castle Hill Farm an ideal stop for all things Fall! ** They were just voted one of the TOP 35 pumpkin patches in the US according to Yelp!!**
Pro tip: If you get the chance to explore the Corn Maze, halfway through is a wagon observation deck where you can get a glance of the whole farm!
Corn mazes, hayrides, and hay-barrel tunnels OH MY! Benedict's Home and Garden is the perfect place for fall festivities and goodies. Tucked away on a side street in Monroe, benedicts may look like just a garden store from the outside, but you will quickly learn that it is so much more!
This community-driven garden center is a fall oasis, offering a vast variety of pumpkins, gords, hay-barrel, corn stalks, and everything you need for your fall decorating needs. We love that they are all about supporting the local community and that they host local vendors all season long. Stop by Benedicts for mouthwatering pies made by Oronoque Farms, scrumptious apple cider donuts made by Chaves Bakery and flavorsome apple cider and apples from Norton Brothers Fruit Farm! Rumor has it-- Ferris Acres Creamery will be popping up here on the weekends, and that’s always a WIN in our book!
Pro Tip: Don't miss their Cow Path Nature Trails. You’ll get to experience cute cows up close and personal while they graze on their afternoon grass-- Ten out of TEN, would recommend this activity.
Jones Family Farm: This family-run farm is a “one-stop shop” for all things FALL. Let the kids get lost in the corn maze, or pick the perfect pumpkin, while you sip wine from their vineyard. They also offer a fun hay ride around the farm. This farm checks all of the boxes, and is great for families! (PLUS we love the view)
Visit a Cider Mill...
Did you know that Connecticut is HOME to some of the oldest operating Cider Mill‘s in the country?! Many of these CT Cider Mills are family-run businesses that have been operating for generations and generations. If you want the 'real deal' as far as apple cider experiences go--- look no further. Trust us, these spots are brewing up homemade apple cider (& cider donuts) that will make your taste buds go wild! Our top spots for CT Cider mills?
Beardsley Cider Mill, Shelton CT
Hogans Cider Mill, Burlington CT
Clyde’s Cider Mill, Mystic CT
Unique Experience- Virtual Reality
Xperiment Virtual Reality At Xperiment VR they are all about providing the most epic yet realistic virtual reality experience for anyone and everyone! With 50+ experience options, you can head to Xperiment VR to do just about anything in the virtual reality world. They offer multiplayer games, educational experiences, kid-friendly virtual reality, art and design, sports, travel and adventure, and even virtual reality that burns calories! There's something for everyone! They also host Birthdays, Team Building Events, Corporate Events & Educational Field Trips For Schools.
If you have ever wanted to hang glide or race a formula 1 car but haven't had the opportunity, go to Xperiment VR for their simulations! We can't wait to head to Xperiment VR for their truly one-of-a-kind experience.
Xperiment VR is also hosting special Halloween activities! They have scary escape rooms, multiplayer zombie apocalypse shooters, and Haunted Roller Coasters.
**PS-- Xperiment VR is coming in clutch this season! Use the code THE203 for 20% off when you visit!
Go on a Weekend Getaway
It’s no secret that we love ourselves a good weekend road trip! Whether we are heading out for a day trip or an overnight-- we love taking time to explore different areas of our beautiful state! Of course, there are endless towns to visit in the Fall Months.. These are just a few to get you started!
Essix, CT: The picturesque town of Essix has an idyllic charm that you can practically feel in the Autumn months. Nestled along the Connecticut River, and surrounded by water on 3 sides, this historic village will give you all of the Fall Feels and leave you wanting more. The adorable downtown has charming shops, great restaurants, and tons of activities! We love driving up to Essix when the leaves begin to change and heading to the Griswold Inn for lunch. (**PRO TIP-- Sit in the Tap-room. Check their schedule for live music.) The Essix Steam Train is a must and one of the most fun ways to enjoy an afternoon of leaf-peeping!
Madison, CT: Homestead bed and breakfast
Nestled along the coastline of Southern Connecticut in the picturesque town of Madison, The Homestead B&B is just minutes from everything you could need-- beaches, a quaint downtown, and endless restaurants! This vibey spot is perfectly located just off the beaten path, and its extensive grounds are complete with sprawling gardens and two firepits (happy hour anyone?).
We couldn't think of a more perfect place to spend the weekend relaxing and watch the leaves change! We love that each room has a unique personality and comes complete with a vintage-style record player along with your own rubber duck to take home to remember your stay!
Danbury, CT: Hotel Zero Degrees
This season, you don't need to travel far to enjoy a relaxing overnight or weekend getaway. We love the picturesque town of Danbury, especially in the Fall months. Downtown Danbury is home to a bustling food scene, fun music venues, endless shops, and several Cultural Centers!
Whether you’re heading to Danbury to hit up a concert, do some leaf-peeping, or to simply explore the adorable downtown… make it an overnight by staying at Hotel Zero Degrees! This boutique hotel is nestled in a woodland reserve. When you stay here, there are ample opportunities to take advantage of breathtaking views and enjoy strolls through the woodsy setting.
Enjoy sophisticated style and supreme comfort in one of their spacious guest rooms-- we love that each room has been thoughtfully designed to accommodate how you live!
PS-- Do we have the hookup for you! Hotel Zero Degrees is hooking our followers up this season! Use the code twoohthree for 10% off this season!
Mystic, CT: While Mystic is overflowing with tourists during the Summer months, our favorite time to visit Mystic is in the Fall. We love heading to Clydes Cider Mill for some hard cider and then getting lost in downtown mystic. Shopping, restaurant hopping and taking in the views.
Visit a CT Vineyard...
Exploring The Connecticut Wine Trail has been on the very top of OUR Fall bucket list for years! Did you know that the CT Wine Trail includes 40 unique vineyards state-wide? Many of them are close together, making it super easy to bop around to several locations in one day!
Looking to explore the CT Wine Trail?! This is the best resource for maps, suggestions and all the deets to help you have the best adventure! CT WINE TRAIL DEETS
Treat Yo Self...
Tucked inside the ‘locally loved’ Delamar Hotel in Southport, the Delamar’s Spa offers a truly invigorating experience like no other. The Delamar spa is the perfect luxury spa experience that you are not going to want to miss this Fall.
With a seemingly endless selection of spa care treatments, the award-winning Delamar Spa Southport offers an extensive spa menu including, facials, massages, and body treatments. Their therapists are leaders in their field and highly trained in the use of our exclusive products and procedures from Valmont and Biologique Recherche.
If you are looking for a private luxury experience, they offer an exclusive spa suite—complete with couples treatment room, steam shower and fireplace-accoutered living room—for your personal use.
You guys know how much we LOVE women-owned and operated businesses… so including The Spa was a no-brainer! This luxury day spa and salon is tucked away in a cozy corner of Litchfield Hills. It is the perfect place to achieve your individual self-care goals for wellness and beauty.
The Spa offers a variety of curated treatments using conscious and organic products. In addition to stylishly appointed treatment facilities, they also have a spa boutique featuring the largest selection of clean beauty products in the northwest corner of Connecticut.
We love that whether you are looking for a quick styling or a full day of pampering, their beautiful amenities will transport you to a world of harmony and tranquility.
Pro Tip: If you're looking for the perfect fall-themed treatment, the Autumn Glow Spa Package includes an Osea Organic Spa Facial and Glow Pedicure. Package price: $220
Visit a CT Brewery...
Connecticut is home to hundreds of local breweries... and it's hard to pick our faves! If you are looking for an extensive map of the CT Beer trail, we suggest using the CT Beer Trail APP (CLICK HERE). Below we've rounded up a list of some of our faves to help get you started!
For Two Roads Brewing, they can honestly say that taking the road less traveled has made all the difference for them! With a little fun and a whole lot of creativity, Two Roads is a one-of-a-kind brewery, with a motto that we can totally get behind! Two Roads Brewing has everything you need for an afternoon of fall fun. From a large tasting room to a huge outdoor beer garden… this is one of our go-to spots for an afternoon of Fall fun with our besties (and it doesn’t hurt that BOTH of their Pumpkin Ale’s are FIRE).
Pro Tip-- Two Roads is hosting two EPIC events in their Hop Yard this season, which are guaranteed to give you all the Fall feels-- Roadsmary's Baby Horror Film Screening Party on 10/22 6pm-10pm. Roadsmary's Pumpkin Fest on 10/23
More Connecticut Breweries we LOVE to visit in the Fall...
- Kinsmen Brewing Company: Southington
- Half Full Third Place: Stamford
- Urban Lodge Brewing Company: Manchester
- Thomas Hooker Brewery: Hartford
- CT Valley Brewing Company: South Windsor
Go To A CT Corn Maze...
Castle Hill Farm, Newtown, CT: This corn maze was THE most suggested by our followers— and for GOOD reason! The Castle Hill Corn Maze is a long-standing Connecticut Fall tradition. The maze spans SEVEN miles and each year they create a complexly new maze. Looking for a bigger challenge? They offer a one-night-only “Flashlight Corn Maze” experience (this year on Sat, Nov 2nd) Find out all the details on Castle Hill’s Corn Maze by CLICKING HERE.
Go Camping...
Connecticut is home to 1400 campsites for you and your family to visit this fall. Whether you are looking for camping grounds in woodlands, along coastline, lakes, or even secluded islands the good old Constitution State-Parks have it all! These state parks also include 38 cozy cabins that are available to be reserved for the ultimate camping getaway! You can gather more info here! CT CAMPING INFO
Check out some Fall Foliage (By Car or By Foot)...
Long drives on windy country roads have always been a fall family tradition for us. The colonial houses, historic towns, rambling stone walls, classic old barns, sprawling horse farms, local veggie stands… it's amazing what you can find on a drive!
By Car... Get lost on back roads in Easton. Stop in for brunch at either The Blue Bird Inn or Kings in Monroe. CT Visits has mapped out 7 Fall Foliage drives and we are dying to try them all! Last Fall we absolutely loved “Mystic Country and the Coast” as well as “Connecticut River Color”! THIS Fall we are psyched to try the “Litchfield Hills Ramble”. You can check out all of their Fall drive suggestions by CLICKING HERE.
By Foot (Hikes)
- Devil’s Den - Weston. Is Fairfield County’s largest preserve. With over 1,700 acres and about 10 miles of hiking trails, this is one of our go-to hiking spots!
- Sleeping Giant- Hamden. Great high altitude hike that rewards you with impressive panoramic views! Personal Fave.
- Chapman Falls @ Devil's Hopyard State Park- East Hamden. This 1,000-acre park offers great hiking, fishing, bicycling, picnicking, and camping. But don't miss the .5 mile Chapman Falls Loop!
- Scalzi Park - Stamford: This is a cute little park just north of downtown Stamford. A great easy escape from the city.
- Waveny Park - New Canaan.
- Mianus River Trail - Greenwich / Stamford
Unique Experiences...
Supercharged: Montville, CT: Did you know that Connecticut is home to the LARGEST multi-level karting track IN THE WORLD?! Located just 20 minutes from Mohegan Sun-- this is the perfect spot for a day trip you won't forget. Supercharged is a premier entertainment center located on Rt. 85 in Montville, CT. Their all-electric, zero-emission karts will get your adrenaline pumping as you speed around the World's Largest Indoor Multi-level Karting Track.
Is racing not your speed? They also have six axe throwing lanes with interactive projection targets, a small gaming lounge, and a full-service bar with food. This Winter 2021 they will be adding a brand new attraction: Ninja Wipeout and Trampolines! Check out their website and social for updates on the grand opening.
** Our friends from Supercharged are HOOKING you guys up!! Enjoy 50% off your rides every Friday with the code The203!
Enjoy Apple Cider Donuts..
- Silverman’s Farm, Easton CT
- Bishops Orchards
- Lyman Orchard