CONNECTICUT'S FALL FOLIAGE DRIVING TOURS

Featuring Connecticut Routes 1, 7, 9, 15 and 169

City Meets Country on Route 15

Since 1934, drivers have enjoyed the Merritt Parkway’s (Route 15) lush greenery in the summer and breathtaking colors during the fall. Drive up this historic highway, named a National Scenic Byway, and discover the area’s charming farm towns, rich culture and exciting metropolitan centers.

Begin in Greenwich and take exit 28/Round Hill Road to the Audubon Center. Explore the 295-acre sanctuary with seven miles of trails to enjoy the flora and fauna.

Back on the Merritt, take exit 35/High Ridge Road and turn left onto Route 137 North. Stop by the Stamford Historical Society and Stamford Museum & Nature Center, then visit the Bartlett Arboretum, the perfect spot for fall foliage, featuring 91 acres of trails, award-winning trees, gardens and greenhouses.

Back on the Merritt, take exit 36/Route 106 North heading toward the classic New England town of New Canaan. Veer onto Route 124 by turning right onto Elm Street, then left on Main Street, which bends into Oenoke Road. Explore the New Canaan Historical Society.

Head south on Route 124 to Route 106 North. When Route 106 splits, turn right and stop to view the current exhibit at the Silvermine Guild Arts Center.

Take exit 45 off the Merritt onto Route 58 North to Easton. Take in the picturesque Aspetuck Reservoir en route to Aspetuck Apple Barn for autumnal foods and flowers. Turn back onto Route 58 heading south and take a left onto Center Road. Take a left onto Route 59. Stop at Silverman's Farm, a pick your own orchard with apples and peaches, as well as pumpkins, seasonal foods, flowers, cider and aviary.

For information on additional activities and attractions in Coastal Fairfield, visit www.visitfairfieldcountyct.com.

Seaside Escapes on Route 1

Explore Route 1’s scenic beach villages, featuring lively Main Streets and historic landmarks against a backdrop of the season’s bold reds, oranges and yellows.

Start by exploring downtown Branford’s shops and restaurants, then follow the scenic Route 146 to Stony Creek, winding around the harbor to the Thimble Islands. Climb aboard one of the Thimble Island cruise boats (Islander, Sea Mist, Volsunga IV) for a narrated foliage cruise around these legendary pirate hideouts, now stunning private vacation homes.

Travel east on Route 1 to the historic shoreline town of Guilford. Stop at Bishop’s Orchards, where you can pick your own apples and pumpkins, then sample the on-site winery’s award-winning apple wines and browse the market’s gourmet offerings. lick here to continue reading.