While it’s hard to believe that fall has started here in Connecticut with the weather being still so warm, the fall equinox just passed this past Sunday, September 22. If you’re another CT native like me, or looking for a day trip, you’re in luck! I don’t think we give this state enough credit – Connecticut is one of the most picturesque places to experience and romanticize the fall season. With the beautiful foliage, charming small towns, and no shortage of farms, if you take time to be strategic with your calendar and planning, you can embrace the season to have the coziest and most enjoyable fall. In this post, we’ll be going through CT Fall activities you should plan with friends, family, or a solo trip to make the most of your time and romanticize your life to the max.
Do a Corn Maze!
When I think of the ideal fall as a child, I think of being at farms surrounded by red, orange, and yellow tinted trees, feeding animals, and picking apples or pumpkins. While I don’t remember doing many corn mazes personally as a child, as an adult, a corn maze sounds like a fun way to gather up my family and do something together to celebrate the season. Near me, in Fairfield County, I think the Lyman Orchard Corn Maze is my best bet. It’s about 4 acres big and takes 30-40 minutes to complete. They also have tons of other fall festivities you can take part in like apple picking, their farm market, or getting in some last minute golf before the snow comes! A corn maze is one of the best group CT fall activities you can plan at Lyman Orchard, or at a farm near you!
Go Apple Picking
There is nothing that feels more fall-like to me than apples! There’s something about apple cider and apple cider donuts, that to me is picture perfect fall. Of course, if you live alone or in a household that doesn’t eat many apples, it might not be ideal to pay to pick two dozen apples. But, if you enjoy baking or making a dish with apples, this can be an activity that gets you right into the fall spirit. Where I would usually go apple picking is Silverman’s Farm in Easton, but there are tons of farm options all around CT! I personally could eat an apple myself a day and want to make some kind of apple dessert this year, which is why it is on top of my CT fall activities list.
If you are an apple connoisseur, or at least have a favorite variety, make sure to see when your favorite version is ripe! This website shows what apples, and fruits in general, you can pick when. Just make sure whatever farm you’re going to has the type you want!
Visit a Vineyard or Winery
If you are of age, a great way to enjoy the fall season with friends as well as a drink in your hand, is to take a trip to a winery near you. What better way can you enjoy the foliage than with a glass of wine and good company! I’ve been to Aquila’s Nest in the summer and had a fantastic time, though I can imagine going in the fall being an even better experience. Lots of orchards that you might look at for a corn maze or apple picking might have a wine tasting as an option additionally. Why not plan a day where you relax at a winery with friends then try to find your way through a corn maze after! Combine activities to create the perfect fall day for you!
Go on a Hike
Before winter comes and it becomes more difficult to enjoy the great outdoors, fall is a great time to do a final few outdoorsy things. If going on hikes or nature walks are your thing, now is the time to do it! I’m looking forward to going hiking in Kent Falls State Park, where you can enjoy both the foliage and waterfalls! I think the combination of the warm colors, the crunch of the leaves under your feet, and the soothing sound of flowing water is a great way to be present and connect with the world around you. Especially if you don’t enjoy winter outdoor sports, find time to enjoy the outdoors now before it’s too late!
Go on a Lighthouse Cruise
While it’s still warm early into fall, it’s the best time to go on a lighthouse cruise! Connecticut is home to 14 beautiful and historical active lighthouses that you can view all during one tour. With either Sheffield Island Lighthouse Cruises out of Norwalk, or the Cross Sound Lighthouse Cruises out of New London, you can relax onboard while enjoying the ocean and lighthouse views! My mother loves lighthouses, so this is on our fall bucket list to do before it gets too cold. If you have a family member, friend, or you yourself feel the same way, enjoy the fall New England charm on a lighthouse cruise!
Go to an Outdoor Bookstore
As it starts to get colder and kids start going back to school, I get the urge to curl up under a blanket with a good book. Recently, I found out that Connecticut is home to this super cool bookstore chain called the Book Barn! While there are a few locations, I visited the one in Niantic and was amazed. There are many little buildings and shelves filled to the brim with books! All books are second hand, so the prices aren’t super expensive, but they still have relatively new releases to purchase. If you enjoy reading, or want to get more into reading, you should check out one of the Book Barn locations closest to you as one of the coolest CT fall activities to do this year!
CT Fall Activities Conclusion
Connecticut is chock full full of hidden gems when it comes to romanticizing the fall. With tons of farms and adorable small towns, there is always someplace new to explore or something new to do just a drive away! If you’re looking for more ideas to plan the perfect fall, check out this guide to romanticizing fall 2024! One of my biggest goals for 2023 was doing more things alone. If this aligns with you, take a look at this post too. Make the most of your fall this year!
