10 Fall Experiences You Just Can’t Have in the City

There is just no better way to view the autumn foliage than by escaping to Connecticut.  And you can see it here from land, sea, and air.  Hike Hidden Valley Preserve in Washington.  Fly high over the trees at Berkshire Balloons in New Hartford.  Glide along the Connecticut River and watch the leaves change from the deck of the RiverQuest in Essex.  Or if you have a desire for the extreme, enjoy an aerial fall foliage vista at Skydive Danielson in Danielson. 

Looking to discover a new craft beer with a view? Connecticut breweries are home to innovative tasting rooms and facilities open to tours. From Thomas Hooker in Bloomfield to Black Hog in Oxford, there is no shortage of Connecticut breweries. Located in a historic tavern, These Guys Brewing in Norwich pairs their brews with an ever-evolving seasonal menu for a true experience. Two Roads Brewing in Stratford offers beer to go and tours of their brewery and a tasting room. Down on the shoreline, head to Thimble Island Brewing in Branford. You can find more open breweries here.

Nothing says fall in Connecticut like picking your own apples.  Apple harvesting season runs from September through late October so don't miss the chance to get your apple fix !  Bishop's Orchards located in Guilford offers pick-your-own seasonal fruit along with a creamery, bakery and market, and a winery with tastings.  With an adjacent farm market featuring fresh pies, apple cider, donuts, fresh picked apples, peaches, pears, and other native produce, Rogers Orchards in Southington is the perfect family-friendly destination, while Glastonbury’s Belltown Hill Orchards have a farm market and bakery right on site.

Challenge yourself in a labyrinth of corn at Lyman Orchards Peanuts-themed maze in Middlefield or The Farm in Woodbury.

Breathe in fresh air while taking a hike in the hills of Connecticut. Try Talcott Mountain State Park in Simsbury for a view of the Farmington Valley, or perhaps Giuffrida Park in Meriden for glimpse of Crescent Lake. For a peaceful walk head to Haley Farm State Park in Groton or to add a scenic attraction, Campbell Falls State Park in Norfolk is great for views by a waterfall.

Autumn in Connecticut isn’t complete without great apple cider. Produced by the last steam-powered cider mill in America, cider at B.F. Clyde’s Cider Mill in Mystic is a classic. Warm up with hot mulled cider at Hogan's Cider Mill in Burlington and take home a few treats. For adults only, hit  New England Cider Company in Wallingford for a crisp hard cider.  Also, in East Haddam, delight your tastebuds at Yankee Cider Barn.

Broaden your enjoyment of the fall foliage and savor the colors while zipping through the treetops at Adventure Park at the Discovery Museum in Bridgeport or HighFlyer Zipline at Foxwoods.  For a more personalized experience head to Chester Charter in Chester for a private plane sightseeing tour.

One of the most iconic symbols of fall is a nice orange pumpkin. Whether you intend to carve a face or leave as is, nothing beats going out to the field and picking your own. Plan an outing to Lyman Orchards in Middlefield, Silverman's Farm in Easton, or The Pickin Patch at Woodford Farm in Avon. If you're looking to snap a great photo while picking, try these Instagrammable pumpkin patches!

There's no doubt that it's easier to explore with fido outside of the city. Go leaf-peeping with your pup on these hiking trails or explore these pet-friendly spots in Fairfield county. For photo-lovers, get your next Instagram post with these adorable, photo-worthy fall activities to do with your dog.

Whether you have young explorers in your crew or a passion for dinosaurs, Connecticut in the fall is the ultimate dinosaur destination. Visiting Dinosaur State Park in Rocky Hill allows you to go back in time to when dinos ruled the Earth. For a dinosaur-filled adventure, make your way to The Dinosaur Place in Montville or the Connecticut Science Center in Hartford for an in-depth look at what Earth was like 66 million years ago.