36 Things to do in Connecticut this November Last Updated: November 2022

Active & Outdoor Adventures

1. Get your steps in. Head to Mattabesett Trail or Bigelow Hollow State Park in Union and take a hike this fall. Peak foliage in the southern half of the state is expected through mid-November. Or check out any of these social distance-friendly hikes!

2. Zip through the trees. Weave your way through the different trails of the “aerial forest park” at The Adventure Park at the Discovery Museum in Bridgeport, or at The Adventure Park at Storrs before they close for the season.

3. Embark on a drive. Take in stunning foliage at its peak when you go on a scenic drive through the state in all of its fall glory.

4. Paddle around. On-the-water adventure isn't just for summer! Grab a rental at Collinsville Canoe & Kayak or Black Hall Outfitters in Old Lyme and Westbrook for a day of active exploration.

5. Bike at any speed. Whether you're mountain biking with an edge or simply going for a leisurely spin, try these trails for an autumn biking trip.

6. Hit the bullseye. Ever try axe throwing? Give it a shot at Pine & Iron in Hartford and New Haven, Blue Ox Axe Throwing in Wallingford, Montana Nights in Newington, or Odin's Keep Axe House in Enfield.

Arts & Culture

7. Appreciate the arts. Spend some time inside admiring art. Attend any of the fall art exhibits happening in November. Or, explore outdoor art exhibits like the Lincoln Financial Sculpture Walk at Riverfront in Hartford or Studio 80+ Sculpture Grounds in Old Lyme.

8. Celebrate Literature. Did you know Connecticut is home to literary landmarks? Visit the Mark Twain House & Museum in Hartford, the Noah Webster House in West Hartford, or follow the Wallace Stevens Walk.

9. Snap mural photos. Go on the hunt for your next Instagram post with these very photo-worthy outdoor murals found all over the state!

10. Explore historic towns. Connecticut is filled with a rich history — and much of it you can explore for yourself! Step back in time with a trip to these historic towns.

Food & Drink Adventures

11. Experience a foodie tour. Follow the pizza or chocolate trails.

12. Enjoy seasonal hard cider. Fall's the season for fresh-pressed cider, so plan a visit to one of Connecticut’s hard cider destinations like Hogan's Cider Mill in Burlington, Yankee Cider Barn at Staehly Farms in East Haddam, Spoke + Spy Ciderworks in Middletown,  and Bishop's Orchards Farm Market & Winery in Guilford.

13. Devour comfort foods. Nothing pairs better with chilly fall weather than indulgent comfort foods! Enjoy all your favorites from mac 'n cheese, chicken wings, shepherd's pie, and even diner-style pancakes.

14. Chow down on chowder. As the weather gets colder, it's a great time for a hot cup of savory soup! Sample Connecticut's best at these chowder houses.

15. Sip new brews. Try some seasonal brews at Urban Lodge in Manchester, Housatonic River Brewing in New Milford, Two Roads in Stratford, Beer'd Brewing in Stonington or any of these great breweries.

16. Put your pinkies up at tea. Rid yourself of the late fall cold with a hot cup of tea at Alice in the Village in Mystic.

17. Take a plant-based foodie tour. From vegan mac 'n cheese and burgers to delicious desserts and more, check out all the fantastic plant-based restaurants in Connecticut.

Family Fun

18. Visit a nature center. Check out animal exhibits, environmental programs, dioramas and more at Northwest Park & Nature Center in Windsor, Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center in Mystic and New Canaan Nature Center. 

19. Take a walk on the wild side. Come face-to-face with sloths, ocelots, tigers and more at Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo in Bridgeport. If you want to meet some barnyard animals, visit the lovable sheep, pigs, goats, horses and more at Flamig Farm in West Simsbury.

20. Keep it corny. Ellsworth Farm Corn Maze stays open until late November, so you can keep having fall fun with the family!

21. Make it a day at the museum. Take a tour of kid-friendly museums like EverWonder Children's Museum in Newtown, The Shoreline Trolley Museum in East Haven, KidsPlay Children's Museum in Torrington, PEZ Visitor Center in Orange, or the Connecticut Science Center in Hartford.

22. Stay indoors. Challenge yourself at the IT Adventure Ropes Course in New Haven, or test your problem-solving skills while channeling your possible ancestors at the Institute for American Indian Studies Wigwam Escape in Washington. And for those nonstop kids, try these high-energy indoor activities.

23. Prolong the haunts. If you didn’t get the chance to celebrate Halloween, fear not! Seaside Shadows Haunted History Tours in Mystic give visitors the thrills they seek.

24. Celebrate Thanksgiving with local treats. Plan this year's feast Connecticut style! Round up the family and visit farms like Ekonk Hill Turkey Farm in Sterling, Clark Farms at Bushy Hill Orchard in Granby, Silverman's Farm in Easton, and Maple Bank Farm in Roxbury. Take home local produce, baked goods, and even turkeys (be sure to order ahead) for your Thanksgiving dinner!

25. Plan a family day. Round up the kiddos and get in a day of fall fun before the holiday season begins! Visit these towns for adventure the family will love.

26. Pick your own tree — then see lights. Put on your layers and head to Fairview Tree Farm in Shelton, Miller Tree Farm in Durham, Allen Hill Farm in Brooklyn, Charlie Brown’s Christmas Tree Farm in East Hampton, Jones Family Farm in Shelton, or Angevine Farm in Warren, to chop or choose this year’s perfect tree. Afterwards, check out Hartford's latest immersive holiday lights experience, Glow Gardens!

Rest & Relaxation

27. Treat yourself. The Spa at Norwich Inn offers a variety of spa packages to relieve tension and help ease you into the holiday season.

28. Discover small-town charm. Find autumn appeal when you stroll, shop, dine and stay in any of these picturesque towns.

29. Find some zen. When holiday stress rolls in, realign your mind, body and spirit at Salt of the Earth Therapeutic Spa in Woodbury. Or seek bliss through solo self-care travel across Connecticut.

30. Go holiday shopping. Find the perfect gifts for family and friends in Connecticut's favorite shopping towns. You can even make a day of it!

Romantic Escapes

31. Take a romantic retreat. Between the changing leaves, crisp air and roaring fireplaces—fall is the perfect time for a weekend away to unplug and reconnect with your significant other. Essex, Madison and Wethersfield are just a few of Connecticut’s historic and charming towns that offer a perfect fall getaway for you and that special someone.

32. Find a new date spot. Whether you’re going on a first date or celebrating a special occasion, some of the best date spots in Connecticut are right around the corner.   

33. Look for lights. When the holiday season arrives, thousands of beautiful lights are displayed in towns across the state. Follow them to find some early holiday cheer!

34. Cozy up by the fire. Indulge in a fireside meal and the warm atmospheres of Connecticut’s many restaurants with fireside dining. 

Veterans Day

35. Honor military veterans. This Veterans Day, honor the men and women who have served our country by visiting the West Haven Veteran's Museum and Learning Center or the Greater Middletown Military Museum. Attend the ceremony on November 13 at the Mashantucket Pequot Museum for the Honoring the Veterans Powwow.