It’s days like these that get me excited for fall—the kind where I wake up buried beneath five blankets and look out the window to see leaves beginning to fall. It’s the perfect day for a run, with slightly chillier temperatures and a breeze. It is also the start of fun, outdoorsy fall activities. Here, I have provided several ideas to make the most of fall days.
The Big E
The Big E is located in West Springfield, MA, only about 25 miles from Hartford, CT. Admission prices are affordable, at $15 for an adult and $10 for children between the ages of 6 and 12. Better yet, those 5 and under get in for free. There is also the option of getting the value pass, which is a pass that allows holders admission for all 17 days that the fair runs. At $40 per adult ticket and $20 for children, it’s a deal if you plan to take multiple trips.
The fair has many attractions to make for a fun-filled day (or days!). One such attraction is the Avenue of the States, which highlights the food and important aspects of each of the six states of New England. Of course, it wouldn’t be right to visit the fair without seeing some animals or riding the rides, such as the Giant Wheel and the Spinout, and indulging in fair food. This year, the fair runs from September 16 to October 2, so make plans to get there while there’s still time!
Durham Fair
The Durham Fair has been running in Durham, CT ever since 1916. The fair is about a half an hour drive from Hartford. This year the fair runs from September 22-September 25. Tickets on Thursday are $10 for adults and free for those under 11. Then, from Friday to Sunday adults pay $15 for admission.
This year, the bands KC and the Sunshine Band, Blues Traveler, and Steel Magnolia are all making an appearance. There are many animals to see, including cows, goats and sheep. There are also contests occurring all day, every day, including the Donut Eating Contest, Bubble Gum Blowing Contest, Animal Sounds Competition, and Pie Eating Contest.
Apple picking and hayrides
One of my favorite parts of fall is the apple picking and the apple products available, including fresh apple cider and, of course, apple cider donuts. The Connecticut Orchards Directory is helpful in locating orchards near your hometown. Just enter your zip code and click on the apple on the map to view the names and brief descriptions of the nearby orchards. Certain orchards provide more information than others, but at the very least you can view phone numbers for the orchards in order to call and inquire about hours and any other information desired. Hayrides are also something associated with fall weather. More than a few of the orchards listed in the Connecticut Orchards Directory offer hayrides, as seen in their descriptions.
Lake Compounce Haunted Graveyard
The Haunted Graveyard at Lake Compounce in Bristol, CT (again, a little less than 30 minutes from Hartford) is truly a screaming good time. Make sure you bring someone you can hold onto/hide behind/use to guide you as you close your eyes the whole time…not that I’m speaking from experience or anything. The graveyard is open October 1-31 from Friday through Sunday, with hours from sundown to midnight on Friday and Saturday and until 10 on Sunday nights. You can also consider taking advantage of the rides while you are there. For both the rides and the haunted graveyard, the price for an adult is $30.00 and for children (11 and under) is $20.00. For only the graveyard, the price decreases by $8 for adults and $5 for children.
The graveyard features a cemetery, where dressed up characters jump out unexpectedly and follow you, wordlessly, with chainsaws and axes. There is also The Vortex, one of my favorite parts, potentially because it wasn’t that scary. In this section of the graveyard, the object is to walk—stumble—forward and out as the vortex spins around you. I suggest this adventure for teens and up, as it can be a scary and jumpy experience, though it depends on your fright tolerance.
Whatever your choice of activity is, get out and enjoy the sights, sounds, and tastes of fall with family and friends!
Kristen Fackler - I'm Kristen, a 2011 Elon University graduate with a double major in English and Spanish. I have always loved writing and have been doing ...
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