With the weather getting warmer and more color coming in the trees around us, I am eager for all the fun festivities and trips that are in store. The seasonal variety of living in New England is one of its perks! In the fall, we are home to gorgeous fall foliage, apple cider, and hiking. During the winter, we have skiing and snow tubing. In the spring and summer, we can look all around for hiking and flower gardens before heading to the shore for coastal charm. Here are a few things I can’t wait to do in Connecticut and the surrounding states this upcoming season!
Wicked Tulips Flower Farm – preston, CT
This one has been on my list for a while now, but this year, I am finally going to make it happen! The tulip season is often very short, only spanning a few weeks from late April to early June. Wicked Tulips Flower Farm is a huge tulip field by Norwich in Southeastern CT, hosting 1.5 million tulips, which is the largest pick-your-own in New England. During the week, you can pick 10 tulips for $24.95 a person, and on the weekend, it is $29.95. On weekends especially, tickets tend to sell out as the farm tries to keep visitors low so everyone can have an intimate experience. The farm also hosts food trucks, and I’ve heard of a great restaurant nearby.
Berry picking – multiple locations
Spring and summer fruit is my absolute favorite to pick (sorry, apples!). The satisfaction of plucking raspberries off their stems cannot be beat! However, just like the tulip season, strawberry, blueberry, and raspberry picking in Connecticut is extremely short. Raspberries often come in two waves, and strawberries only last a few weeks. It is my goal this year, between tulips and berries, to create intentional time to get these activities in. Life can be so monotonous without fun things to look forward to! My favorite spots for pick-your-own berries are Lyman Orchards in Middlefield, CT and Bishop’s Orchards in Guilford, CT. There is nothing better than fresh fruit to have on its own or baked into sweet treats! I love to use fresh blueberries to make blueberry muffins with a streusel topping. If you’re looking to get to these orchards during prime picking time, my advice would be to follow their social media pages closely or call for picking updates. Lyman Orchards is extremely organized during the summer through the fall, offering daily picking updates with their hours, locations, and offerings.
Hiking – multiple locations
While my favorite hike is probably the Jessie Gerard Trail in Barkhamsted, CT, I am determined to trek my oldies as well as find some new spots. A goal I have is to make sure I am moving more and enjoying my summer to the fullest, and I used to hike a lot more in previous summers than I do now. This coming year, I want to get to Kent Falls State Park to see those waterfalls, and Macedonia Brook State Park to see views of the Catskills.
portland, maine
I have heard so many great things about Portland as a great, cozy weekend getaway. It is great for foodies with fresh seafood off the coast of Maine. It also has picturesque views of classic New England with the lighthouses and beaches. Nearby, Cape Elizabeth looks like it has opportunities for adventures with hiking. Old Port has tons of boutiques in its historic district as well, and who doesn’t love a quaint downtown? While I don’t have much of a plan for Portland yet, I definitely want to visit this summer.
Tackle my tbr shelf
Because I feel like there isn’t exactly an “it” book of the summer being anticipated, I am going to shop in my at-home library. While it is not nearly as fun, I do have tons of books to get through that have been waiting for my attention. I also might reread a few of my classic beach reads, such as Every Summer After by Carley Fortune, in anticipation for the TV show coming in June, and Beach Read by Emily Henry. A Court of Thorns and Roses has also been on my TBR for a very long time, so maybe this will finally be the year I get over my fantasy ick.
A Long time coming
The stretch from winter to spring always feels so long, but it is finally here! Welcome the warmer and longer days with goals and plans to make the most of them. It always brings me so much joy to plan for the break we have coming up, since there is more free time to relax, unwind, and adventure in a season where we feel much more motivated to do so. Make your bucket lists with me, and let’s hit the road!