Foliage Season: What's Happening in Connecticut This Fall

fall foliage
Photo by Freeimages.com/Jack Sanders

According to Connecticut state foresters, peak foliage season will run from October 3 through November 14 this year. For an up-to-date look at regional breakouts throughout the season, visitors can also plan ahead by checking out The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection's (DEEP's) Foliage Report Map.

The state is also hosting a set of new activities and attractions this season:

Travelers can savor some of the best signature cocktails this fall, courtesy of the new Connecticut Signature Cocktail Trail that incorporates recommendations from visitors and locals.

America's oldest public art museum, The Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art in Hartford, has been undergoing a major renovation since 2010. Aimed to improve the visitor's experience, the project has renewed the museum's historic structures and added 17 new galleries. September 19, 2015, will be the grand finale of the museum's renewal project—the public unveiling and centennial celebration.

Grace Farms in New Canaan will celebrate the grand opening of its new SANNA River project on October 9. It will include a 700-seat amphitheater, a library, dining and living room.

Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park in Thompson will celebrate its 75th Anniversary with a 2015 Championship Awards Banquet at Mohegan Sun in Uncasville on Saturday, December 5. As part of the Awards Banquet cars will be brought into the hall on Saturday morning, and will be on display throughout the awards ceremony.

Additionally, the Connecticut Office of Tourism has also highlighted some returning favorites travelers may wish to check out this season:

Now in its second year, the Connecticut Office of Tourism and Flagship Producing Theatres have teamed up to host Play! in CT Fall Theatre Festival during all of October. With a full slate of comedies, dramas, and musicals to choose from, there is something for every theatergoer. Visit the dedicated website (www.playinct.org) to book discounted tickets, check out nearby hotels and review a curated list of some of the state's finest restaurants.

Gillette Castle State Park in East Haddam features wooded hiking trails and broad vistas over the woods to see all the colors of the autumn season. The patio at the castle offers a view of the lower Connecticut River Valley.

Throughout the state, popular agricultural fairs showcase the significance of local farming while bringing the community together for family-fun events, activities, entertainment, live music, handmade crafts, delicious fair food and more.

Along The Merritt Parkway (Route 15), the foliage makes great viewing for a fall drive. 

The Essex Steam Train and Riverboat offers a 2 1/2 hour old-fashioned steam train and riverboat ride through the Connecticut River Valley.

Berkshire Balloons in Plainville offers hot air balloon rides daily year round, but they're particularly popular during foliage season. Travelers can even schedule a romantic private couple's flight.

Tree Climb Connecticut in Manchester and Coventry offers two kinds of tree climbing classes for those aged 7 to 70. During the class, students will learn to safely tree-climb, sit on branches to get the best views of the fall landscape and then climb down.

Dinosaur State Park in Rocky Hill offers gorgeous views, wooded hiking trails and Jurassic-period dinosaur tracks.

Lyman Orchards in Middlefield offers a chance for apple-picking, as well as country corn mazes, hay rides and pumpkin picking.