I’ve spent my whole life exploring Connecticut’s small towns. There’s just one gem I make sure to visit every fall.

• I grew up in Connecticut, and I think Easton is the best place to visit for fall adventures.
• There’s nothing like getting food at Greiser’s Coffee & Market or apple picking at Silverman’s Farm.
• I also love leaf-peeping at Crow Hill Preserve and visiting the goats at Blue Button Farm.

Though many travelers head to Vermont or New Hampshire for a fall escape, I say there’s nothing quite like autumn in Connecticut.

Growing up in the state allowed me to explore the quaintest towns most tourists miss, and one of my favorites is Easton. In my opinion, it’s the most magical when its streets are lined with crimson and gold leaves, and endless fall adventures await.

Located in Fairfield County, the small town is home to fewer than 10,000 residents and is only about an hour-and-a-half-long drive from New York City.

Here are a few of my favorite things to do and places to visit in Easton every fall.

Greiser’s Coffee & Market is where locals gather for pumpkin-spice lattes and pastries.

Located in a 250-year-old building, Greiser’s has spent the past century serving as Easton’s post office, a gas station, a general store, and more.

Today, it’s a great spot for grabbing breakfast, lunch, craft coffee, local goods, and charming antiquities. Greiser’s is also the place to be if you want to attend a poetry night, concert, or cookout.

The market is so popular with locals that it even has an entire cupboard dedicated to handmade mugs for regular customers.

Whenever I visit, I order my favorites — a pumpkin-spice latte and brie and fig panini — and curl up with a good read. I also make sure I grab a box of Greiser’s Parmesan-leek pastries and a seasonal bouquet to go.

Picking apples and riding tractors at Silverman’s Farm never gets old.

September kicks off apple season at Silverman’s Farm, where the fresh-pressed cider is always perfectly chilled.

My best childhood memories include running through the orchards, going on tractor rides, and picking apples at Silverman’s — and then baking a mile-high apple pie with my mom later that night. The tradition still goes strong years later.

On most fall weekends, the farm has live music to enjoy; pumpkins and apples to pick; scarecrows and ornamental corn to buy; and alpacas, emus, and llamas to feed.

Silverman’s is also the place to go for fall treats, like cider doughnuts, pecan pie, candy apples, and pumpkin-spice cheesecake popcorn.

Shaggy Coos Farm and Creamery is all about the honor system.

Whenever I’m in Easton, I head down a tree-lined lane to the sweet little farm store Shaggy Coos Farm and Creamery.

Adding to the quaint, old-school experience is the fact that Shaggy Coos runs on the honor system. There’s no cashier here, just a sign that reads, “Serve yourself.”

Here, you can shop for local gems, such as decadent creamline strawberry or chocolate milk, hand-collected eggs, and fresh cuts of pork and beef.

I recommend picking up a tub of Shaggy Coos’ deliciously creamy gelato in flavors like toasted coconut, chocolate raspberry, and tiramisu.

Blue Button Farm hosts nature walks with baby goats.

If you love baby goats, visit Blue Button Farm. There, you can book a time with owners Holly and Dennis to take a nature trail walk with their resident goats.

The farm also hosts tons of other activities, from craft sessions to chess nights. Depending on the season, you can core your own fresh apples for a pie-baking session or try out maple sugaring for a true New England experience.

While there, be sure to say hi to Button, the farm’s namesake and mini horse!

Crow Hill Preserve has miles of leaf-peeping trails to explore.

There’s something invigorating about exploring a new trail while immersed in quintessential New England foliage, with autumn leaves crunching beneath your feet.

So, I suggest leaf-peeping at Crow Hill Preserve, which has nearly 4 miles of trails.

Be sure to pack your binoculars, too. It’s part of the Trout Brook Valley Conservation Area, which is home to over 200 recorded bird species, including finches, sparrows, and warblers.

And if you’re in town as fall ends, experience some Christmas spirit at Maple Row Farm.

Many parts of Easton start preparing for Christmas in November, long before fall officially comes to an end.

If you’re looking for a taste of the winter holidays, head to Maple Row Farm to enjoy hot chocolate by a fire pit before cutting down a beautiful balsam fir.

You definitely won’t want to miss Maple Row’s hot mulled cider.

Read the original article on Business Insider

The post I’ve spent my whole life exploring Connecticut’s small towns. There’s just one gem I make sure to visit every fall. appeared first on Business Insider.