Cozy season has begun and there are so many ways to make the most of it in Ridgefield! From food and seasonal treats to activities and events, you’ll have no trouble planning a festive and cozy October in town. Read on for ten of our favorite ways to experience the fall feels.
Ridgefield’s Main Street is anything but mundane with its historic buildings and picturesque scenery – especially as the leaves begin to turn! But leaves aren’t the only thing to peep…take a stroll downtown and enjoy the over-the-top seasonal décor and window decorations, and choose your favorite in the annual Scarecrow Contest. Complete the experience with a hot PSL from Tazza Café or Queen B Coffee, in the heart of town.
There is something about leaf-peeping that calms the soul as we bask in the beauty of nature’s fireworks. Enjoy this peaceful pastime from your car as you travel Ridgefield’s country roads – you’ll feel like you’ve escaped and you’ll be only a few minutes from home. There is no wrong way to go, but be sure to pass through Ridgebury Road, Old Stagecoach Road, Lounsbury Road, and Silver Spring Road on your adventure; don’t forget tree-lined historic Main Street for iconic Ridgefield sights, especially as homes get dressed up for Halloween. View the Best Ways to Experience Fall Foliage Season in Ridgefield
Picnic blankets aren’t only for summer! Autumn’s days are some of the best of the year, especially when you can enjoy a meal under the warm sun accompanied by a cool breeze. Stop by the Chez Lenard cart a block from the park for a memorable hot dog and a simple, fast lunch. Or plan for a slower meal, a variety of nibbles, or a park bench bite with take-away from À Table or Ross Bread.
Head into the woods for the ultimate fall immersion. Between the brilliant fall foliage above and the crunching leaves below, you’ll be immersed in that cozy fall feeling from beginning to end. There are so many trails to discover that will wow your senses including Jones Trail and the trail loops at Weir Farm and Bennett’s Pond. Pick up a Walk Book at Town Hall and get the full scoop on Ridgefield’s vast outdoor space and trail network.
Head out of town and for the local countryside at one of Ridgefield’s farms. Head up to Henny Penny Farm to meet the sheep and visit the Farm Store and Fiber Studio or stop by The Hickories, where you’ll find fresh fruit, vegetables, meat, eggs, preserves, and flowers at their Farm Store. Visit the Jesse Lee Pumpkin Patch through Halloween to pick out your perfect pumpkin for your porch, and the Farmers Market through October 21st for the season’s bounty.
There is nothing like a crisp fall morning to inspire sweater weather! Browse our boutiques for fall fashion for all ages. Head to Miss Confident for your teen or tween fashionista, or the Ridgefield Thrift Shop for a fabulous find. You can knit your own piece of cozy or pick up a unique sweater or scarf at nancy O, or peruse J. McLaughlin for their new seasonal staples. And always support local with great women’s pieces from Whim, Chou Chou, and Bella Home.
Chilly nights and rainy days call for curling up with a movie, and the Prospector Theater is ready to entertain you! Popcorn is a movie must, but Prospector Popcorn’s homemade Pumpkin Spice popcorn is next level. If you haven’t tried this gourmet delight yet, you must! Devour a bag in the theater and you’ll find it’s so good you’ll want to bring a few home. And feel no guilt – it supports a wonderful cause!
It’s the perfect time of year to take a class and explore your creative and intellectual sides. Take an art class with the Ridgefield Guild of Artists where you can dabble in drawing and sketching or various painting mediums including watercolor and oil. The kids will love their cartooning and sculpting classes, too! Check out the new fall lineup at RPAC Art Center and Academy for an award-winning curriculum of art classes and workshops. Also, take a look at the extensive calendar at the Ridgefield Library and discover a workshop or lecture. You’ll find art and language workshops, plus book, nature, and poetry talks to suit every mood and interest.
Enjoy a cozy fall harvest lunch and watch the leaves fall as you relax on a crisp afternoon. Keep hunger at bay for your fall adventures with light bites and sweet treats at our quaint bakeries and cafés, or pick up something to bring with you. Or savor a longer and hearty meal celebrating autumn’s bounty. Take a look at our French bistros or one of the great purveyors of American classics – you’ll be fit to continue your day’s explorations (or have found the perfect way to wind down for a cozy nap!).
Ridgefield’s fall festivals and events are a town tradition and we’re lucky they don’t overlap so you can attend them all! Admire art plein air at Weir Farm’s Art in the Park, and celebrate the season at the annual Fall in Love with Ridgefield downtown. Get in the spooky spirit with Ghosts of Ridgefield at the Keeler Tavern and the haunting Paranormal Park. The annual Halloween Walk is always a hit with everyone from adults to kids dressed in their spooky best, as is the popular Trunk-or-Treat – and you’ll want to enjoy some of the other festive Halloween events as well. View all the fabulous Halloween events happening this year
Wishing you an October full of cozy adventures!
Thank you to our partner, the Ridgefield Chamber of Commerce, for supporting the Ridgefield community! To learn more about the Chamber, their Restaurant Association, and the benefits of membership, visit their website.
