Connecticut College’s Fall Break fell perfectly around the best weekend of the whole year. The weather was crisp but not too cold, houses were decorated to the extreme with scary figurines and lovely fall scenes, and the reds, yellows, and oranges perfectly framed the clear blue sky. Outdoor walks were a necessity, pumpkin spice lattes were consistently in my hand, and the adventures were constantly awaiting.
The middle of October is simply unmatched with its beauty, seasonal activities, delicacies, and relaxing vibrations–a dichotomy because it’s also one of the busiest times of year in terms of work and school.
I spent each day of this wonderfully appreciated break crafting my personally perfect fall day. Here is what I discovered, as well as some recommendations for making the most of this wonderful time of year:
Sleep In!
It’s chilly outside, which makes it incredibly difficult to pry the covers off and let your feet touch the ground in the morning. Luckily, especially during school breaks, there isn’t a need to get up so early. Without classes, on-campus jobs, and (hopefully) less homework, it is the perfect time to catch up on some shut-eye. Keep those blankets over your shoulders and get up when it is most comfortable for you! This will ensure that your perfect fall day gets off to a fresh and easy start.
However, don’t let the allure of sleeping in allow you to stay up too late! This has been my folly the past few days.
Breakfast
When you do decide to leave the warmth of bed and throw on your cute fall fit, you’ll probably be a bit hungry. That’s good, because, in my opinion, fall breakfast options are superior.
If you’re an at-home or on-the-go breakfast kind of person, take advantage of the seasonal options available at local grocery stores! I love to grab apple cider donuts any time I see them, especially the ones sold at tri-state area grocery store Stew Leonard’s (which is the perfect fall experience in itself when you visit).
This is also the best time of year to go out for breakfast. Stop by and grab a pumpkin coffee and pumpkin donut from New England’s favorite: Dunkin’ Donuts. Or, visit a local café and check out what they’re offering for the perfect fall treat!
This weekend, my mom and I found ourselves at The Coffee Spot in Simsbury, Connecticut–a cozy little café that has its own take-one-leave-one library and is always perfectly decorated to fit the seasonal mood. I ordered the delicious Caramel Apple Fog drink special and a tasty breakfast sandwich.
Fall Drive
Post-breakfast is the perfect time for a drive, whether it’s to get to your next destination or to simply enjoy the fall scenery.
There are several carefully curated playlists on Spotify built just for this occasion, but none were quite right for my mood this weekend. So, I made my own:
I would also recommend the entirety of Noah Kahan’s new album Stick Season, which provides the perfect background for a fall drive, narrating the experience of growing up in New England and having a soul-bound love for the region.
If you’re looking for something new, try this Northwestern Connecticut Fall Drive detailed by New England travel expert Kim Knox Beckius.
If able, take your time on fall drives! Stop at overlooks, take Instagram-worthy photos, and share special moments with those in your life. This is your perfect day.
Foliage Walk
The best destination after a fall drive, in my opinion, is a fall foliage walk. New England is filled to the brim with hikes, walking trails, and parks that are exceptionally beautiful this time of year. Everyone has their favorites already, but don’t be afraid to branch out and find a new location. Breathe the fresh air, enjoy the colorful scenery, and forget about all of the work and worries for a little while.
This weekend, I explored the trails at the Edward MacDowell Dam in Peterborough, New Hampshire. It is absolutely fascinating to see the different stages of fall foliage as you travel north from Connecticut.
My hometown favorite walking location is along the Farmington River in Collinsville, CT.
Fall Activity
The afternoon is open for a fun, festive, fall activity!
This weekend, I visited my artist friend Avis Cherichetti’s Honey Hill Pottery open studio in Granby, CT. The leaves around her studio painted the perfect backdrop for her beautifully crafted and designed fairy doors and various other works of art.
I also made a quick stop at one of my favorite apple orchards in the area–Clark Farms at Bushy Hill Orchard–to grab an apple cider slushy and a bag of freshly picked Macouns. Their Apple Cinnamon Waffles are to die for.
Whether it’s apple picking, attending a pumpkin festival, or escaping a corn maze, there are a plethora of fall activities to choose from while creating your perfect fall day.
Make sure to think ahead and pack or stop for food!
For more ideas and local recommendations for fall adventures, check out my article from last year: “4 Wicked Fun New England Fall Adventures!”
Reading
The best way to wind down after a long, adventure-filled fall day is to pick up a reading material of your choice!
My seasonal book of choice this year is Cider Mill Coven by Vanessa Abigail Lambert, a local author from Simsbury, CT. The novel follows three cousins as they discover their magical powers with the help of their grandmother, who has run a cider mill in Mystic, CT, for centuries. So far, it has been the perfect story to enjoy as I experience my own New England fall adventures this season.
Looking for a bit of lighter reading? Pick up the latest issue of Yankee Magazine and peruse fascinating New England stories, travel recommendations, and food ideas!
If you’re looking to embrace all aspects of Spooky Season, check out Conn Coll Her Campus VP Maria Sell’s recommendations for the best thrilling books to read this time of year.
Sleep!
The sun sets around 6 P.M. this time of year and after a jam-packed day, I’m exhausted as soon as it dips below the horizon. Nighttime is perfect for cozying up with a blanket, cup of tea, and a good book, TV show, or movie. Take the time to look through the photos and reflect on the joy of your perfect fall day.