Fall is officially here, and the leaves are starting to fall, the weather’s starting to cool and sweatshirt season is finally commencing. The best part of fall is undoubtedly the seasonal outings and memories made with your partners or friends. Whether you’re taken, single, ready to mingle, or spending time with friends, these are the top ten bucket list items you need to check off this season.
- Silverman’s Farm, Easton, CT (Approximately 12 minutes from FFU)
Silverman’s Farm is the hayride, applepicking and petting zoo bonanza. Whether you’re in it for the apple cider, apple cider donuts, cute pics on the hayride or feeding the animals, this is your one stop shop for the epitome of fall. You can enjoy not only apple picking, but also pumpkin picking starting this weekend! Start your season off right at this family friendly, cozy farm that will soon become a staple every year.
- Lake Mohegan, Fairfield, CT (Approximately eight minutes from FFU)
Looking for your next crisp, fall morning hot girl walk? Look no further! Lake views include a foliage lined trail marked with several sightseeing bridges, small waterfalls and a dog friendly beach. Bring your hazelnut latte and take a stroll as the yellow and red leaves guide your trail.
- Lake Compounce Phantom Fall Fest, Bristol, CT (Approximately 50 minutes from FFU)
Who’s in it for the frights this season? I know I am! Lake Compounce is the birthplace of America’s first amusement park featuring the world’s best voted wooden roller coaster four years in a row. They just opened their annual Phantom Fall Fest, including five haunted houses, scare zones, wicked treats and scare actors! Do you think you’ve got the guts to check it out?
- Sunny Daes Ice Cream, Fairfield, CT (Approximately five minutes from FFU)
Calling all pumpkin ice cream lovers! Our beloved local ice cream shop has brought its signature pumpkin flavor back for yet another year. Hop on the Stag Bus and try the best fall flavor. One bite and you will be hooked!
- Black Rock Coffee House & Kitchen, Fairfield, CT (Approximately seven minutes from FFU)
Pumpkin chai latte, pumpkin blondie, pumpkin spiced latte, butterscotch latte, hazelnut latte and smore’s latte. These are just a few of the fantastic seasonal flavors offered at this classy and instagrammable coffee lounge. Grab your girls on a lazy Sunday and sip while working on your homework assignments. This is your new cozy fall coffee spot.
- Castle Hill Farm, Newton, CT (Approximately 35 minutes from FFU)
Castle Hill’s Fall festivities are opening this weekend, Sept. 27! Every weekend through October they will be offering pick your own pumpkins, a hayride, a seven acre corn maze, an animal exhibit and if you like spooks, a nighttime corn maze! This is perfect for a Halloween date or a fall outing with your besties!
- Sleeping Giant State Park, Hamden, CT (Approximately 38 minutes from FFU)
This spot is for all the hikers and nature lovers at Fairfield U. With over 40 miles of trails and different paths to choose from, this adventure takes you to new heights past caves, rivers and cliffs with lookout points to take in the beautiful mountain scenery. The trails even lead you to a sightseeing tower. Grab your friends and get your hike on…. Just beware of bears!
- Fairfield Farmers Market, Fairfield, CT (Approximately 11 minutes from FFU)
Hop on the Stag bus and get off at the stop right in town bringing you to the Fairfield Farmer’s Market! This market held from 10:00-2:00 p.m. every Sunday offers fresh produce and goodies, supporting local farms and food producers and leaving us with the authentic feel of community. The market is open until Oct. 12 so make sure to check it out soon!
- Terrain Cafe, Westport, CT (Approximately 15 minutes from FFU)
This restaurant is the fall dinner spot. Using ethically sourced ingredients and nourishing foods, this restaurant establishes itself as an upscale comfort eatery. The decor is fall coded including plants, greenery evoking a greenhouse feel and golden lighting. They also incorporate witchy and spooky decor towards Halloween! The new seasonal menu includes items such as a burrata salad, artisanal cheese board, chicken pot pie, rigatoni bolognese and spiced carrot cake. Make sure to shop along Westport’s main street before indulging in this delicious fall dinner.
- Downtown Mystic, Mystic, CT (Approximately 1.5 hr from FFU)
Downtown Mystic is a local’s favorite fall day-trip. This trip caters more towards upperclassmen with access to cars, but it’s totally worth the drive. The main street offers shopping and dining along the scenic Mystic river. Don’t miss the cider mill for apples and donuts, and be sure to stop by the iconic Mystic Pizza shop!
Take a break from your work and studies and explore these fun fall activities Connecticut has to offer! Whether you’re into the spooks, adventures, or cozy vibes, each of these outings brings something so special and unique, there’s a little something for everyone! Check them out and they might become your yearly fall tradition!
