Some of my favorite childhood memories are of the autumn season. It is my absolute favorite time of the year. I love the cool, crisp air, the smell of hot apple cider, the bright leaves, maple syrup, and apple pie. Two of my favorite activities, hiking and cycling, are unparalleled for two weeks in October. I grew up in the Midwest, and I knew that although Fall was beautiful there, it was not nearly living up to its full potential. It could never compare to the unrivaled beauty of New England’s fall foliage.
So, when I first came to New England, I was determined to experience a truly authentic Fall. I started explaining to people that I was from Indiana, that I have heard my whole life about the amazing fall foliage in New England, and that I needed to know the best place in New England to view the foliage. This conversation led to an interesting series of strange, but surprisingly predictable, questions — Do the leaves change color in Indiana? (of course, they’re leaves) Do you have trees in Indiana? (really?) Have you ever seen snow? (do you know where Indiana is on a map?) — but never really to much of an answer. Much to my disappointment, New Englanders seemed relatively unimpressed with their world-famous hues of orange and yellow. To them, fall foliage just seemed an ominous reminder of the impending approach of New England’s oppressive winters. (Having now had the pleasure of experiencing more than my fair share of those, I can’t say I blame them for their lack of autumn enthusiasm).
But I was still on a quest to experience all the autumn season in New England had to offer, so I was left to find the leaves, the orchards, the hikes, and the covered bridges on my own.
One of my favorite places to experience fall in New England is at Lyman Orchard’s in Middlefield, Connecticut. I was first drawn to them when I learned they were voted Connecticut’s Best Apple Pie. Sold. That’s all I needed to know. But a visit to Lyman Orchards offers so much more than just apple pie …
Visitors can start by parking at the Apple Barrell — a market selling fresh produce grown at the Orchard, jellies, marinades, Lyman Orchards’ Apple Cider, spiced donuts, and, of course, their famous high-top apple pie! The store can be quite crowded on weekends in the Fall, but is open year-round as well.
Families can enjoy lunch or dinner together on the patio outside of the Apple Barrell. The dessert options are endless, including some irresistible apple cobbler!
Enjoy an adventure with the whole family in the corn maze, where the route is changed every year.
Visit the orchards and pick your own fruit, or take a hay ride around the farm together and pick your own pumpkin!
Lyman’s also plans to open a golf course sometime next year. Lyman Orchards has something for everyone, every age. They’re also the 12th-oldest family-owned business in America!
If you find yourself in New England in October, an afternoon at Lyman Orchards is well worth the drive. The sprawling orchards and farmland, surrounded by colorful leaves, are the perfect setting for an authentic New England Fall experience.
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