Sample Experiences by Season
Winter
Wintertime in Connecticut conjures up images of snuggling under warm blankets with hot apple cider and taking off on a sleigh ride across the fields and down country lanes at farms such as Allegra Farms and Loon Meadow Farm.
One of the best things to do during the holiday season is visiting one of Connecticut’s quaint towns for their special holiday lights, caroling and overall holiday cheer. One of the most special holiday festivals happens in Bethlehem, where you’ll be able to enjoy hayrides, strolling carolers, delicious food and more than 70 arts and crafts exhibitors.
In the spirit of the season, Foxwoods offers their outdoor skating rink and winter patio featuring themed igloos.
Go skiing, tubing and/or snowboarding at one of Connecticut’s featured ski areas like Mohawk Mountain, Ski Sundown, Mount Southington and the new Powder Ridge Mountain Park, which is home to the only full-size half pipe in the state.
If you’ve never tried winter hiking or ice fishing before, this year is the year. The stillness of the woods during this season makes for an unforgettable hiking experience. The weather’s also perfect for ice fishing – Lake Waramaug in New Preston is one great option.
Looking for a little Valentine’s romance? Escape to these romantic winter retreats featuring cozy inns and fireside dining. Then treat your sweet tooth – and find great Valentine’s Day gifts – along the Connecticut Chocolate Trail.
Spring
Embark on a special excursion to see Connecticut’s seasonal ocean animals at the Maritime Aquarium in Norwalk. The Aquarium’s research vessel, R/V Spirit of the Sound™, offers a variety of seal spotting and bald eagle watching cruises along the Connecticut River.
Spring means that it’s maple sugar harvesting time! Watch maple sugar being made right before your eyes at a live sap-tapping demonstration, take a behind-the-scenes tour of a maple sugar factory, and find homemade maple treats throughout the state.
St. Patrick’s Day is the perfect time to explore the Connecticut Beer Trail and make a stop at some of the best breweries in the country or try these Irish pubs.
As the weather gets warmer, Connecticut erupts with color as buds become blossoms. These spring flowers are the season’s best
With May being National Bike Month, explore the new Connecticut Bed & Breakfast/Bicycle Trail, which features eight bicycling routes and offers cyclists the perfect balance of active and relaxing, filled with hidden gems, historic stops and beautiful scenery across Connecticut. Then try these bike trails for every speed.
Re-opening for the season in May, head to Lake Compounce in Bristol or Quassy Amusement & Waterpark in Middlefield, both offering a fantastic selection of thrill rides, games, and waterpark attractions.
Starting in late May, experience one of Connecticut’s great summer pleasures – floating down the Farmington River on an inner tube with Farmington River Tubing in New Hartford. The 2.5-mile course downriver is pretty relaxed and zips through three sets of rapids.
Summer
Summer is the perfect time to take a road trip down the Connecticut coast, then chill out at some of Connecticut’s best beaches! While you’re at it, try seafood shacks and classic summer drive-ins for a tasty bite – and don’t forget to try a lobster roll!
At this time of year, Connecticut’s vineyards and wineries come to life and make a great spot to lounge with a picnic. You may even try tying scenic gardens into the itinerary.
Connecticut’s Blue-Blazed Hiking Trail System is an excellent guide for outdoor recreation. Featuring more than 825 miles of hiking trails in 84 Connecticut towns, the Blue-Blazed Hiking Trails offer great fun for hikers of all levels. Find more hiking destinations here.
For more outdoor adventure, explore the state’s stunning waterfalls. There are always plenty of ways to get out on the water including kayaking, rafting, sailing, and more – you may even rent a boat to see the best of Connecticut.
Fall
Fall in Connecticut means pick-your-own apples and pumpkins! An apple picking favorite is Lyman Orchards, Middlefield, featuring the Apple Barrel farm store, but there are many ways to enjoy apple season – from cider mills to orchards. When it comes to pumpkin picking, there are many places to choose from, and some are quite photo-worthy!
Go leaf peeping in Kent, voted The Top 25 Foliage Towns in New England by Yankee Magazine, travel the state’s top foliage drives, or view foliage in unique places – from kayaks to vineyards and even your hotel room.
Get active up in the trees when you try extreme ziplining, or find new heights hiking to Gillette Castle, a unique fieldstone castle that was home to legendary stage actor, William Gillette, famous for his stage portrayal of Sherlock Holmes. The 184-acre park is situated on a hill overlooking the Connecticut River and reveals beautiful fall foliage from the terrace.
At Halloween, find tricks and treats in these Connecticut towns – from scarecrow festivals to haunted graveyards.
And don’t forget to try Connecticut’s breweries and cideries. Find more fall ideas here.
