Category: Connecticut Travel

Discover the Best Apple Cider Donuts in Connecticut

Fall is in full swing—crisp air, cozy vibes, and, of course, the irresistible aroma of apple and spice everywhere you go. If you’re in Connecticut, you know it simply isn’t autumn until you’ve indulged in a warm, cinnamon-sugar-dusted apple cider donut. These seasonal delights are more than just a tasty treat; they’re a cherished local tradition, found at orchards and farms across the state.

Connecticut boasts some of the best spots for cider donuts, each offering their own special twist on this classic recipe. From the oldest steam-powered cider mill in the country to charming, family-run orchards, there’s a perfect donut waiting for every fall enthusiast. Not sure where to start your donut quest? Here are a few can’t-miss destinations:

Beardsley Cider Mill and Orchard, Shelton beardsleyscidermill.com

Rogers Orchard, Southington rogersorchards.com

Averill Farm, New Preston averillfarm.com

Lyman Orchards, Middlefield lymanorchards.com

Blue Jay Orchards, Bethel bluejayorchardsct.com

Hogans Cider Mill, Burlington hoganscidermill.com

March Farms, Bethlehem, marchfarm.com

Whether you’re a lifelong local or just passing through, treat yourself to this quintessential fall experience—because in Connecticut, autumn isn’t truly complete without a cider cinnamon-sugar donut in hand!

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Join Tina’s Baskets and Woven Art @ Spooktacular Weekend at Whiting Mills, an award winning Artists Enclave

Mark your calendars for a hauntingly delightful experience on Saturday, October 18, and Sunday, October 19, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Whiting Mills, at 100 Whiting Street, will magically transform into a Halloween wonderland brimming with ghosts, goblins, witches, and wickedly creative fun!

Step inside over 30 vibrant artists’ studios, each open and ready to enchant you with frightful delights, curious oddities, and whimsically spooky creations. Whether you’re searching for handmade treats, unique Halloween décor, or simply want to soak in the festive spirit, there’s something spooktacular for everyone.

Looking for a hauntingly delightful stop this Halloween season? Don’t miss Tina’s Baskets and Woven Arts, Studio #305, where internationally acclaimed artist Tina Puckett transforms her studio into a celebration of spooky splendor! Step inside a world of creativity, with baskets, sculptures, and wall hangings all dressed up for frightful fun. As you wander through her festively decorated studio, don’t forget to enter the drawing for a chance to win a stunning Halloween basket—expertly handwoven, adorned with bittersweet vines, and filled to the brim with delicious Halloween treats!

Can’t make it during the ghostly gathering weekend? No worries! Tina’s ghoulishly gorgeous studio will remain Halloween-ready every Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. throughout the month of October. And if her magical creations inspire you, you can learn more, sign up for her popular classes, or browse her breathtaking woven artworks that include wall hangings, baskets, bowls, and sculptures at www.tinasbaskets.com



Meet the Artist
Tina Puckett isn’t just any artist—she’s a true visionary who has been weaving her magic since 1981, using hand-dyed reeds, bittersweet vines, and natural found materials like beads and seagrass. Her awe-inspiring creations have graced galleries around the world, but you can experience them up close right in her Winsted, Connecticut studio at Whiting Mills, Studio #305. Catch Tina in action on weekends from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., or schedule a private visit by texting 860-309-6934. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this hauntingly beautiful celebration of art!

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Goundbreaking Ceremony Announced for Rochambeau Memorial in Middlebury

The Middlebury Historical Society is proud to announce a groundbreaking ceremony for the Rochambeau Memorial, scheduled for Tuesday, October 7, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. in Meadowview Park, Middlebury. This significant event marks the official commencement of construction on a bronze monument dedicated to General Rochambeau and the French soldiers whose historic march through Middlebury played a pivotal role during the American War of Independence. The public is warmly invited to attend this milestone occasion, which will proceed rain or shine.

Esteemed guests at the ceremony will include Tony Falcone, the sculptor entrusted with creating the memorial, and Larry Janesky, the benefactor whose generous leadership support has been instrumental to the project’s realization. They will be joined by officers of the Middlebury Historical Society and local public officials.

As Robert L. Rafford, President of the Middlebury Historical Society, notes, “This is the moment where vision becomes reality. The Rochambeau Memorial will honor the alliance that helped secure America’s independence and remind us of the sacrifices made on our own soil.”

The groundbreaking also launches a comprehensive fundraising campaign, inviting individuals, families, and businesses to contribute to the creation of this lasting legacy. Donors will be recognized both at the memorial site and in all campaign materials as the project progresses.

About the Rochambeau Memorial Project
An initiative of the Middlebury Historical Society, the Rochambeau Memorial Project seeks to commemorate the crucial French contribution to American independence, with emphasis on General Rochambeau’s army encampment in Middlebury. The bronze statue, crafted by Tony Falcone, will be prominently located in a new plaza at Meadowview Park.

About the Middlebury Historical Society
Celebrating its Golden Anniversary in 2025, the Middlebury Historical Society is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to preserving and sharing the rich history of Middlebury, Connecticut. The Society maintains archives, offers educational programs, and spearheads community initiatives to foster a deeper appreciation for local heritage.

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Get Ready for an Out-of-This-World Halloween Adventure!

This October, the aliens have landed—and they’ve picked East Haven, CT as one of their first targets! This October, Earth is under attack—and the invasion starts right here in Connecticut! THE HAUNTED TROLLEY is back at the Shore Line Trolley Museum in East Haven for its fourth unforgettable year, and this time, the aliens have landed. Experience “ALIEN INVASION: CONNECTICUT,” an all-new, interactive Halloween adventure that blends theater, comedy, and just the right amount of UFO mystery aboard a historic trolley.

Forget everything you know about traditional haunted attractions—there are no zombies, no clowns, no chainsaws, and definitely no waiting in long lines! Instead, you’ll become part of a hilarious, immersive storyline where you and your fellow passengers help decide the fate of the world (or at least, East Haven). Each ride is limited to just 40 guests, so every ticket holder gets to be part of the action. Plus, it all kicks off with a special audio-visual orientation to get you ready for the alien antics ahead.

The fun runs for select nights in October (3, 4, 10, 11, 17, 18,19,24,25, 26, 31 and November 1) with showtimes at 6 pm, 7 pm, 8 pm, and 9 pm, each evening—including family-friendly options for younger space explorers. Tickets are just $29 in advance (with limited $49 VIP upgrades for first boarding and a free souvenir shirt!), and all ages are welcome—just be sure anyone under 16 brings an adult along for the ride.

Produced by Charles F. Rosenay!!! and directed by Broadway’s Kristin Huffman, this Halloween event
is not to be missed. So, gather your crew, secure your seats, and prepare for a Halloween experience that’s
truly out of this world!

Ready to save Connecticut from alien invaders? Book your seat now at www.ticketleap.events/tickets/alien-invasion/Halloween before these adventures sell out. For more details, visit www.TheHauntedTrolley.com or call (203) 795-4737. Let the extraterrestrial fun begin! 👽

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The Norwalk Seaport Association Launches First-Ever Oktoberfest Celebration in Norwalk!

Munich might be famous as the birthplace of Oktoberfest, and Frankenmuth may hold the title of “America’s Little Bavaria,” but this fall, Norwalk is joining the celebration! The Norwalk Seaport Association is delighted to hold its inaugural “Oktoberfest Celebration” on Sunday, October 5, 2025, from 3 PM to 6 PM at the lively 314 Beer Garden in Norwalk. Get ready for an afternoon filled with festive cheer, delicious brews, and all the fun traditions that make Oktoberfest a favorite around the world. For tickets click here.

Experience the spirit of Bavaria at our festive event, where camaraderie and community—what the Germans lovingly call “Geselligkeit”—take center stage. Step into the inviting atmosphere inspired by a traditional beer garden, filled with laughter, lively conversations, and the clinking of mugs. As you celebrate, you’ll also be making a meaningful contribution to Connecticut’s maritime heritage by supporting the preservation of the Sheffield Island Lighthouse and its ongoing educational mission. Join the Norwalk Seaport Association for an unforgettable gathering that brings people together for a great cause!

“We are thrilled to host Oktoberfest and invite the community to eat, drink, and celebrate while championing a cause that’s close to our hearts,” says Rick McQuaid, President of the Norwalk Seaport Association. “Proceeds from this event will help preserve the Sheffield Island Lighthouse and ensure future generations can enjoy its rich history.”

For the cost of the ticket, guests are invited to enjoy an exceptional afternoon featuring unlimited beer, wine, cider, and soft drinks, accompanied by a delicious spread of warm pretzels with beer cheese, bratwurst and sauerkraut, and wood-fired pizza. In addition to these culinary delights, attendees will have the unique opportunity to learn more about the Seaport Association and discover ways to become more involved with an organization dedicated to preserving Norwalk’s seafaring legacy since 1978.



About the Seaport Association
The Seaport Association in Norwalk was founded in 1978 by a group of local citizens who had the vision to revitalize South Norwalk and preserve Norwalk’s maritime heritage. The Seaport Association offers a cultural, environmental, and historical journey to the Norwalk Islands. The Sheffield Island Lighthouse and the Light Keeper’s Cottage provide a unique historical and educational venue that strives to increase awareness, appreciation, and consideration for the environment and how the preservation of historic buildings contributes to our quality of life. The combination of the Lighthouse and the Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge offers an unparalleled opportunity to educate children of all ages and adults about the importance of preserving Long Island Sound, our environment, and our maritime heritage.

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Great Mountain Forest Undertakes Bold Climate-Smart Forestry Initiative

Great Mountain Forest (GMF) is taking a powerful step in the fight against climate change with an innovative approach to forest stewardship that strengthens ecosystem health, boosts biodiversity, and prepares its forest for an uncertain future.

Thanks to the Connecticut Land Conservation Council’s (CLCC) Climate Smart Land Stewardship Grant Program, GMF has launched a forest management project based on a proven silvicultural technique called Pre-Commercial Thinning (PCT), a science-based method that removes competing trees in dense, young stands. In three 20-year-old forest stands, GMF foresters thinned trees, retaining those trees from species resilient to climate change and disease, while also selecting the most diverse cohort possible. These trees will make up GMF’s canopy for years to come.

Before thinning the forest

By reducing competition for sunlight, nutrients, and water, PCT promotes vigorous growth of desirable species, creating conditions where wildlife and diverse plant communities can thrive, and encourages lush herbaceous growth and tree seedlings, thus fostering a healthier, more resilient ecosystem.

This effort goes beyond improving forest health—it serves as a living classroom for the next generation of forest managers, continuing a legacy inspired by GMF Forester Emeritus Jody Bronson’s pioneering work.

After thinning the forest

With climate change driving more frequent severe storms, pest outbreaks, and other disturbances, GMF’s proactive strategy ensures that its forests are poised for rapid recovery and long-term vitality. “As New England faces intensifying climate pressures, resilient and diverse forests are more important than ever,” said Mike Zarfos, GMF’s Executive Director. “This kind of pre-commercial thinning builds diverse, adaptive ecosystems capable of withstanding unpredictable climate disruptions.”

Kate Regan-Loomis, GMF’s Natural Resource Manager, adds: “By investing in young forests now, we’re preparing them for a healthier and more balanced future. Thanks to CLCC’s support, we’re able to demonstrate what climate-smart forestry looks like on the ground.”

This climate-resilient project underscores GMF’s century-long commitment to innovation, sustainability, and science-based land management—ensuring that the forests of today will continue to provide ecological, economic, and recreational benefits for
generations to come.

Funding for this project was provided by the Climate Smart Farming: Agriculture and Forestry Grant awarded and administered by the Connecticut Department of Agriculture and the Connecticut Land Conservation Council.

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