The colors are beginning to turn here on the CT shoreline and the surrounding countryside, and this coming weekend and the week to follow, the last two weekends in October, into the first weekend of November, in my opinion, are going to be the peak dates for maximum enjoyment. So take a few days, midweek or weekend, and come take in all that this wonderful season has to offer. Eye candy and more!
Creative Leaf-Peeping: Not your ordinary Sunday Drive ...
There are so many out-of-the-ordinary ways to enjoy the Autumn colors here along the heart of the CT shoreline. As I started to think about it the list just grew and grew. Here's an Autumn Baker's Dozen to lure you out of your home and office and into the great out doors. Add a little romance and adventure to your leaf-peeping this year.
1. Kayaking inland waterways:
Kayak the Hammonasset River in Madison, the East River in Guilford and the Indian River in Clinton. This time of year it's upstream/inland you'll want to paddle to see the colors. Bring your own vessel or rent from the Boat Center in Madison to launch in the Hammonasset River, Harmuth Marine in Madison, by the East River, and Indian River Marina in Clinton, to enjoy the views along the Indian River.
The Boat Center, Madison. 203-245-7242
Harmuth Marine, Madison/Guilford. 203-318-8657
Indian River Marina, Clinton. 860-664-3704
2. Zipline and Tree Climbing Adventures:
Not just for team-building and leadership training, "Empower" in Middletown offers canopy zipline and tree-climbing adventures. Don't just see the colors. Be a part of them! Great to do with family and friends or just the two of you. If you've seen any of the recent seasons of The Bachelor or The Bachelorette you'll know what a great bonding experience this can be.
Empower, Middletown CT. 860-622-8726
3. Hot Air Balloon Rides:
Just imagine gliding slowly over the treetops as the morning sun's rays spotlight the Autumn colors. You'll have the bird's eye view, up close and personal, and there are no words to describe the peace that you'll feel while you're up up and away. You'll feel no motion as you glide with the breezes and not against them. You may even be joined by a passing flock of migrating birds. Tradition calls for a champagne toast to celebrate the completion of each flight. There are at least a half-dozen hot air balloon pilots to choose from nearby. It's likely they'll be nearly booked for weekends, but midweek rides may be easier to come by. Don't forget to bring your camera.
Adventures Balloon 860-584-1300
Berkshire Balloons 203-250-8441
CT Balooning 860-209-0351
Castleview Balloons 203-272-6116
Connecticut Hot Air Balloons 800-260-2028
Eastern CT Balloon 860-376-5807
4. Sea Cruises and Sails:
View the colors of the land from the sea. Take a sunset sail and glide along the water with the wind. Joyride Charters' Hado departs from Brewer's Pilot's Point Marina in Westbrook. Contact Captain Joy Sherman to take a sunset sail or enjoy an afternoon at sea. Enjoy stories of characters and quirky history and points of interest on a Thimble Islands Cruise aboard the Sea Mist or the Volsugna IV. Cruises are available weekends through October on a limited schedule. Arrange a personal fall foliage charter with Captain Jim Marshall, "Doctors orders Charter Service" sailing his 33' "Pursuit" out of Clinton Marina. He'll customize a trip to fit your needs, and you may even include lunch or dinner in the port of your choice along Long Island Sound.
Joyride Charters, Captain Joy Sherman 203-530-5037
Thimble Islands Cruise aboard the Sea Mist 203-488-8905
Thimble Islands Cruise aboard the Volsugna IV 203-481-3345
Doctors Orders Charter Service, to email Captain Jim Marshall 203-809-9475
5. Bicycles:
Bring your own or rent from Action Sports in Old Saybrook. Cycle the beach roads, the back roads, and the designated scenic routes. A great web site for planning your routes before you come is Connecticut Bike Routes.org. Here you can enter your point of departure, such as Madison CT, and choose terrain, distance and more features to get a list of cyclist-created tried and true bike routes, including detail directions and distances, bathroom facilities and places to rest or buy food along the way. Don't forget to ask your innkeeper, too, to find out all the area's scenic drives.
ConnecticutBikeRoutes.org Search for South Central CT and enter Madison as your starting point. We can then direct you from the inn to any point that they begin with in Madison.
Action Sports, Old Saybrook 860-388-1291
6. Fall Migration Birding:
Join Jerry Connolly of the Audubon Shop in Madison on Saturday mornings for most informative and interesting guided bird walks during this fall migration time. The Centershore of CT, and especially here in Madison, is on the North-South Atlantic migration path, so there are many feathered friends to see as they pass on their journey to their winter homes. Also check "The Source" local newspaper for announcements of other locally guided birding walks in Bauer Park, Hammonasset State Park, and more.
The Audubon Shop 203-245-9056
The Source
7. Steam Train, Trolley Rides and Riverboat Sails:
Enjoy the colors along the CT river and valley with a steam train ride and riverboat cruise. Departing from Essex the Essex Steam Train will take you along the shore of the CT river to Deep River Landing where you'll board the Becky Thatcher riverboat (yes, a real riverboat) to cruise up river past Gilette Castle and the Goodspeed Opera house before returning to board the train for the round-trip back to Essex Station. Make note of these sights for you'll want to take time after your ride to visit them for an up close and personal look.
Ride turn-of-the-last-century antique trolleys through scenic seaside wildlife waterways and the Stony Creek Trolley Trail at The Shore Line Trolley Museum in East Haven.
For a tall-masted sail up and down the CT River enjoy an afternoon cruise or a sunset sail aboard the schooner Mary E, departing from the Connecticut River Museum dock in Essex. Your ticket will include admission to the museum - make time for a visit before you wander away to explore the rest of the charm of Essex.
Essex Steam Train 860-767-0103
Schooner Mary E 2011 Foliage Cruises
Connecticut River Museum 860-767-8269
The Shore Line Trolley Museum 203-467-6927
8. Hiking and Walking Trails:
Whether you're inclined to take a short and leisurely stroll, a power walk, or a serious up and down hill hike, any walk that will lead you off the roads and beaten paths into quiet trails will bring you closer to nature and will reward you with vistas and vignettes of Autumn color. Delight in the singularly Autumn sound of the crunch crunch crunch of fallen leaves underfoot as you stroll or walk or hike and enjoy. Wherever a link is available it is embedded in the paragraph headings that follow. Click on the links to access detailed information, and, when available, trail maps.
Madison town beaches and beach roads:
Everyone's first choice for early morning or evening walks - less than a mile from our inn, enjoy walks along the beach at East Wharf beach. Follow the beach roads to West Wharf and Surf Club beaches. Be charmed by the Autumn colors in the gardens and golf course that you pass.
Tuxis Pond
Start between the CVS lot and the Gulf station or go behind CVS in the center of Madison and access the Tuxis Pond walkway for a short but scenic walk around the pond.
Bauer Park
At the intersection of Copse Road and Hunter's Trail is Bauer park. Frequent nature and bird walks are sponsored here. There are 2 main trails at the park: The Woodland Trail is a 1 mile long loop. It plies through grassy meadows, wooded wetlands and past hillside cliffs and stone fences. The Pond Wetland trail is also a loop, passing by two ponds, the covered bridge, near bluebird boxes and the forested wetland boardwalk. Picnic anyone?
Hammonasset State Park
Just one mile down the road from our inn is Hammonasset State Park, with 2 miles of beach and boardwalk for your walking pleasure. Bring along a picnic and make it an extra special day. Visit the Meigs Point Nature Center for information about the nature trails in the park.
Rockland Preserve
Westwoods Trails
The WestWoods trail system is the largest recreational area for hiking in nearby Guilford. Westwoods contains 39 miles of trails on 1,200 acres. It will take many visits and picnics to enjoy all of this.
Bluff Head Preserve
In North Guilford, on Rte 77, as part of the Mattabesset Trail system, is the Bluff Head Ridge trail system between Guilford and Durham. There are three trail options, all relatively short but of varied terrain, and the views from the bluff are spectacular - both Hartford and Long Island Sound.
Chatfield Hollow State Park
On Rte 80, in nearby Killingworth, hike the trails in search of Indian caves, explore the jagged rocky ledges and recesses or relax by the cooling waters, or picnic in the soft pine woods at Chatfield Hollow State Park.
Gillette Castle State Park
Stony Creek Nature Trail and Trolley Walk
The Stony Creek Trolley Trail between Pine Orchard and the Stony Creek section of Branford is a charming and pleasantly easy trail that is a paradise for bird watchers. It will also reward you with great views of the Thimble Islands. It is part of the Branford Land Trust's Jennie Vedder Preserve.
Trail Etiquette
Trails are shared by many: walkers, hikers, mountain bikers, dog walkers, adults, children, horseback riders, hunters, runners, skaters, snowshoers, bird watchers and nature lovers, for a start. Share the trail. Whether on foot, on horse, or on wheels, always stay to the right so that others can pass on the left. Clean up after yourself and your pet or horse. Be aware of hunting season by checking with the State of CT, and wear bright fluorescent orange to be easily seen and not mistaken for game. For more information contact the Connecticut Horse Council, Inc. and ask for their brochure "Tips for Trail Etiquette."
9. Vineyards and Wineries:
At least 10 of the vineyards and wineries along the CT Wine Trail are within easy reach of Madison and the Centershore area of the CT shoreline. Take along a picnic and enjoy the countryside and colors. Each location has its own character and beauty, so be sure to visit a few. Take time to taste some wine along the way. It is, after all, the product of this season of harvest.
Connecticut Wine Trail
Chamard Vineyards and Winery, Clinton CT
Bishops Orchards Winery and Farm Market, Guilford CT
Gouveia Vineyards, Wallingford CT
Paradise Hills Vineyard, Wallingford CT
Holmberg Orchards and Winery, Gales Ferry CT
Priam Vineyards, Colchester CT
Johnathan Edwards Winery, North Stonington CT
Stonington Vineyards, Stonington CT
Saltwater Farm Vineyard, Stonington CT
10. Horse and Carriage Rides:
What could be more romantic, and fun too, than a horse and carriage ride through the Autumn countryside? Two nearby farms will glady oblige, complete with antique carriages and graceful draw horses. Be sure to call ahead to reserve.
Allegra Farm, East Haddam CT 860-680-5149, 860-537-8861
Foxglove Farm, Old Lyme CT 860-434-7302
11. Farm Stands, Farm Stores and "Pick Your Own" Fruit:
Bring home the harvest bounty to enjoy and share. Pick your own apples, pears, pumpkins, and such at Bishops Orchards, Lyman Orchards and Rose Orchards. Or just visit the wonderful farm stores where the bountiful harvest is ready and waiting for you to take home. Great home made pies and other baked goods, jams, preserves and more are all there for you to choose. Think holiday hostess gifts and Christmas shopping too. While there take time to enjoy the fun of a corn or hay maze.
Let's not forget those roadside farm stands too. Our favorite is the Maple Syrup stand in a roadside shack in North Guilford (Rte 77) - just look for the Maple Syrup sign and pull in. It's all self-serve and honor system so be sure to bring cash.
Bishops Orchards and Farm Store, Guilford CT 203-453-2338
Rose Orchards Farm Market, North Branford CT 203-488-7996
Lyman Orchards and Apple Barrel Farm Store, Middlefield CT 860-349-1793
12. Autumn Golf:
Golf among the scenic Autumn Colors. Enjoy golfing at one the several public courses along the shoreline. The landscaping is always beautiful at any of the golf courses, and the Autumn show is, I think, best at the courses carved out of the hillsides at Lyman Orchards. Great golfing packages there too, and don't forget to stop at the Apple Barrel farm Store for lunch and goodies to take home. For seaside golf among the Autumn colors, with two lighthouses in immediate view, go to the public Fenwick golf course in Old Saybrook. Be sure to bring your own clubs. Guilford Lakes Golf Course, Guilford and Twin Lakes Golf Course, North Branford are also good choices for Autumn golfing.
Fenwick Golf Course, Old Saybrook 860-388-3499
Guilford Lakes Golf Course, Guilford 203-453-8214
Lyman Orchards Golf, Middlefield CT 888-995-9626
Twin Lakes Golf Course, North Branford 203-481-3776
13. Segway Your Way Around Town
Hop onto a Segway tour to toodle around historic Guilford or Hammonasset State Park with Shoreline Segway Tours. That's one unique way to move around for sure!
14. Make Lasting Memories - Picture Perfect Photo Spots:
Colorful Autumn Leaves together with any other New England iconic subject equals a Perfect Picture Spot. Bring along your favorite camera, or your multi-talented smart phone and capture some lasting memories. Here are a few of our favorite spots to get you started:
First Congregational Church, on the green, Madison
Covered Bridge at the Eli Whitney Museum, Hamden
Five Mile Point Lighthouse, Lighthouse Point Park, New Haven
Saybrook Point, Old Saybrook (Rte 156) - CT River Shoreline
Goodspeed Opera House, East Haddam
Gilette Castle, East Haddam
CT River Museum Dock, Essex
Vece Gazebo, at Pierson School, Rte 1, Clinton
Strawberry Hollow Farm, Rte 1, Guilford
So, get out here and enjoy the Autumn colors, and be sure to allow time to appreciate the serendipities that you'll encounter along the way: the pumpkin ice cream, pumpkin carving contests, church fairs, farm stands, and more.
Oh, and did I mention the pumpkin ice cream at the Old Lyme Ice Cream Shop?
Happy Exploring!
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