Fall in Washington

Fall is the one of the most beautiful times of the year to enjoy New England – and Washington is at the epicenter of this magnificent season. With our rolling hills and gorgeous vistas, Washington is one of the best towns in Connecticut for viewing the fall foliage, enjoying the season’s bounty, and relishing the crisp air before winter sneaks up. We hope you can visit town this season and enjoy some of our favorite things to do and fall activities!

Fall foliage splendor

The five villages of Washington are crisscrossed with scenic roads and breathtaking vistas from which to view New England’s unsurpassed fall foliage. Whether you’re exploring by car, by bicycle, or on foot – Washington is a leaf-peepers dream during the autumn season. We invite you to explore our many hiking trails and parks that provide ideal fall foliage vantage points, enjoy an afternoon exploring our local farms, and enjoying a beautiful fall drive during golden hour.

Harvest time

There is nothing like picking apples to signal that fall is upon us. Washington offers many classic harvest traditions like apple and pumpkin picking and fresh cider donuts at our local family-owned farms, including historic Averill Farm (open daily) or Waldingfield Farm (open Fridays through Sundays until Thanksgiving weekend). The Washington Farmers Market is also a great place to stop by for fresh produce and seasonal goods from our many local farms right through the end of November.

A beloved annual town event is the Washington’s Harvest Festival which is a wonderful celebration of fall! The festival takes place every year in mid-October and features scarecrow contest, corn maze, local vendors, amazing food, live music, fire truck tours, family-friendly fun, and much more.

The great outdoors

Hiking during the fall season is delightful with comfortable weather, crisp air, and the striking views of nature in full glory. Steep Rock Association is the steward of many beautiful hiking trails in Washington’s protected preserves, or local parks in and around Washington that offer a pristine setting for outdoor activities. You can also explore scenic Lake Waramaug which is breathtaking during the fall foliage season, or pedal through the five charming villages of Washington and experience some of the most scenic bike rides in Connecticut.

Shopping extraordinaire

Ready to feather your nest in time for a cozy fall season? In our opinion, Washington is the best place to do so. With world-class home décor and antique shops in New Preston and Washington Depot, shopping is a museum-like experience. Stroll our charming streets and explore our one-of-a-kind shops for the latest in fashion and accessories, home goods, decor items, and much more. You are bound to discover that special find that you just must have!

At The Vineyards

Not to be missed during your fall adventure are Washington’s award-winning vineyards! Over at Hopkins Vineyard, you’ll find a selection of 11 varieties of grapes in a spectacular setting overlooking Lake Waramaug. Enjoy wine flights, small bites, live music, and beautiful views. View upcoming events at Hopkins Vineyard

And head over to Spring Hill Vineyards, a historic farm dating to the 18th century located along the banks of the Shepaug River and nestled among rolling hills and hay fields. Their unique setting features the immersive Bee Brook Grotto nested at the top of the repurposed Spring Hill Silo, as well as wines by the bottle and wine tastings on Saturdays and Sundays from 12pm-5pm!

Fall Happenings & Festive Events

The fall season in Washington is full of things to do including arts and culture happenings, fun festivals, traditional fall activities, and much more. Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere in Washington by viewing exhibits at the local galleries in town, enjoying live music and wine tastings at our local vineyards, taking part in fall programs with our local organizations, and much more.

Visit our Events Calendar for all upcoming events happening this fall!

We wish you a magnificent fall in Washington!

For more fall fun, explore our autumn guides and articles.