GOING OUT ON A LIMB IN CONNECTICUT

“We’ve had a very moderate summer in Connecticut so this creates great growing conditions for leaves,” said Don Smith, Connecticut’s State Forester. “If this weather keeps up, visitors to Connecticut can expect a beautiful foliage scene this fall.”

Here are five ways to hop on a train, jump in a car, pull out your walking boots and more and head to Connecticut to experience fall foliage in all its splendor:

1. LEAF PEEPIN’ IN THE LITCHFIELD HILLS

Take a drive through the rolling hills of Litchfield with a Fall Foliage Driving Loop, one of the country’s most scenic driving destinations and located just two hours from New York. Breathe in the fresh, autumn air while traveling along 100 miles of scenic roadway, beginning in Torrington and into Winsted, with rolling hills and quaint farms along the way. Cross the 19^th century historic West Cornwall Covered Bridge which has been in continuous service since 1864. Visitors can still drive across the bridge, which spans the Housatonic River for a distance of 242 feet. Stop by one of several exceptional craft shops including Cornwall Bridge Pottery Store with handcrafted pottery. For a side trip, take Rte. 128 to Rte. 7 South to Clarke Outdoors for canoeing and kayaking while enjoying scenic views of Lake Waramaug. There, view 18^th century mansions that are still kept as residential homes.  

2. HARVEST FESTIVAL FUN

Nothing says autumn at its finest like a fresh, cinnamon-sugar donut, a cup of hot apple cider and a pumpkin picking outing surrounded by the beauty of fall foliage. For an active adventure, stop by the Preston Farms in Preston through October for its Fourth Annual Cornfield Maze. Last year’s maze consisted of more than three miles of intricate, winding trails along with live music as the background. Stop by Stonington Vineyards for its annual Harvest Wine & Food Festival September 29-30 from 11 am-5 pm for a weekend filled with live music, wine tastings and wine cellar tours. Local restaurants and gourmet vendors will be serving up favorite lunch dishes. Visit the Mystic Seaport and indulge in a New England tradition with Chowderfest October 6-8. Enjoy specialty foods provided by local restaurants - and don’t forget the chowder. Lyman Orchards’ Pumpkin Festival in Middlefield is the perfect time to pick apples, peaches and pumpkins. The festival takes place on October 27, with pumpkin painting, pumpkin carving, games, prizes and hayrides.

3. “INN”DULGE IN AN OVERNIGHT STAY WITH A VIEW

Check into The Copper Beach Inn in Ivoryton for some of the most scenic views of the Connecticut River and Long Island Sound shoreline. The inn also boasts award-winning French-country cuisine, led by Executive Chef Francois De Melogue. In the heart of New Haven lies the Omni Hotel at Yale University. Many of the hotel’s rooms offer breathtaking views of one of the nation’s oldest university campuses, Yale, as well as panoramic views of Long Island Sound from its rooftop restaurant, John Davenport’s. Sweeping views of the Farmington River await guests at The Old Riverton Inn, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It overlooks the tumbling west branch of the river, a popular spot for tubing, kayaking and white water rafting, from its grindstone terrace to its Hobby Horse bar.

4. CRUISE, WALK AND CLIMB THROUGH FALL

Take a cruise to check out some of the most breathtaking views of fall. Norwalk’s Maritime Aquarium offers Fall Foliage Cruises on the Long Island Sound giving leaf peepers a chance to experience fall in all its dazzling glory. Or, take a ride on The Essex Steam Train and Riverboat in Essex for a journey upriver and then board the Chester/Hadlyme Ferry along the Connecticut River to the Gillette Castle. Cruise aboard the steamboat Sabino at Mystic Seaport, a tour of the Th
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