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Writer's pictureArion Polozani

Hikes, Hauntings, and Harvests

Although fall can look like just a pretty view with orange, red, and yellow leaves on the trees, for many fall is also an eventful season on par with summer or winter. The typical fall enjoyer might only consider Halloween and Thanksgiving, but after a deeper dive fall is filled full with activities. Just the weeks leading up to Halloween can be packed without needing to spend a large amount of money.

For those with a stronger stomach, a haunted house could do well to put one in the mood for Halloween. The most popular in western Connecticut would be Legends of Fear in Shelton, with Fright Haven in Stratford following up in popularity. These venues typically are open past 6:00 on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Legends of Fear also has a hayride, and the venues have ticket prices ranging from $25 for Fright Haven and $32 for basic tickets at Legends of Fear but a maximum price of $89 for the full VIP experience.

“It's a little expensive compared to a lot of other fall things, but it's usually worth it at most places, especially at Legends of Fear,” NHS Senior Matthew Tomaj said.

Keeping with Halloween, for those who do not live on a popular street or are unavailable on Halloween, bringing younger children to a Trunk or Treat event can provide a safer environment, while also being available on days other than Halloween.

If you're interested in more lighthearted festivities, the Jones Farm in Shelton provides a corn maze and pumpkin picking to bring friends or family. A closer pumpkin picking event is on Castle Hill Farm, and there are also options such as Silverman's farm in Easton. For those who enjoy the pumpkin taste instead of leaving them on the doorstep, baking is always an option.

“I always get a pumpkin for pumpkin carving for the family, but I also buy an extra one closer to Halloween to make pumpkin pies and cookies,” NHS Senior Roman Verna said.

Pumpkin pies, cakes, pudding, donuts, or pumpkin spice cookies are all delicious pumpkin flavored foods for the fall. Different shops such as Starbucks or Dunkin Donuts also have plenty of pumpkin flavored items. Castle Hill farm also has cornmazes available, as well as a hay ride. It also helps that the location is much closer to the majority of Newtown residents. Unfortunately, spring frosts have not allowed for apple picking this fall for many farms near Newtown. As a replacement, venues such as Blue Jay Orchards do offer many other options. There is a large farmers market with fresh ingredients, and the nearby Beardsley's Cider Mill offers fresh apple cider.

One of the biggest appeals for the fall season is the foliage and ambience that can only be seen for a few short weeks before the trees lose their leaves. Although it's fun to walk through the center of town and drive across town to see the beauty of fall, there are other options, such as a hike. A more popular hike is at Fairfield Hills, which is nice for those with children and those who want an easier hike without losing the view. The Rocky Glen State Park Scenic Reserve is immensely popular with people without children who are ready for a more challenging hike, and the waterfall in the area is a draw for many. Other options that are outside of Newtown are the Upper Paugussett State Forest, and the Brook Trail at Kettletown State Park in Southbury.

“I honestly think hikes are great any time of the year, but they’re best in the fall just from how nice all the trees look and the cooler weather,” NHS Senior Max McCarthy said.

All of these provide a nice, inexpensive and refreshing way to take in the fall ambience.

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