40 Things to do in Connecticut this November

1. Watch the champs. Connecticut is the Basketball Capital of America and you can see the two-time defending champions UConn play in person.  Buy tickets now for UConn Men's and Women's basketball games !

2. Get into hockey. See our teams fly across the ice when you attend the high-energy action of a Hartford Wolfpack or Bridgeport Islanders game.

3. Go tailgating. Everyone loves football season. Grab a beer and your UConn gear when you head to Rentschler Field to attend a UConn Huskies Division I football game — and prepare to cheer on the Huskies.

4. 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 peaceful hikes.

5. 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.

6. 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. Or follow this guide for the ultimate foliage road trip.

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. Take your best (sling) shot. Try your hand at slingshot target practice at Fork + Band Slingshot. Be wowed by this indoor Slingshot Shooting Gallery featuring 8 themed play stations, each accommodating two alternating players!

10. 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.

11. 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. Or plan an entire book-themed getaway with this literature lovers' guide.

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

13. 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.

14. Make Thanksgiving traditions. Making the Thanksgiving meal for two or twenty?  Start with local ingredients from one of these great Connecticut farms for holiday treats.

15. Go on a coffee tour. When the fall menus are out, there's no better time to hit the coffee shops. Grab a pumpkin spice latte or maple cappuccino and cozy up at these top coffee destinations across the state.

16. 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, and Bishop's Orchards Farm Market & Winery in Guilford.

17. 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.

18. 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.

19. Seek out speakeasies. Try these Prohibition-era inspired bars for unique, underground vibes and great cocktails.

20. 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.

21. 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.

22. 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. 

23. 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.

24. Get creative. Let the kiddos unleash their artsy side with these creative kids' activities from music classes to pottery painting and more.

25. 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.

26. 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.

27. 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.

28. 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!

29. 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.

30. 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!

31. Treat yourself. The Spa at Norwich Inn offers a variety of spa packages to relieve tension and help ease you into the holiday season. Find even more spas here.

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

33. 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.

34. 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!

35. 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.

36. Go luxe for fall dates. Amp up your romance game with lavish experiential dates including a chauffeured fall foliage drive in a vintage car with a gourmet picnic, yacht excursions, and immersive farm and chocolate experiences.

37. 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.   

38. 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!

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

40. 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.