Litchfield, Connecticut, with its antique shops, galleries, scenic roads and rolling hills, is an extremely pretty place to visit in the fall. Why not plan a day trip to Litchfield's White Memorial Conservation Center? In addition to 4,000 acres of spectacular foliage, the Center has a nature museum, hiking trails and a Museum Nature Store--a great place to start your holiday shopping.
The Conservation Center is open Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sundays from noon to 5 p.m. For more information, call 860-567-0857.
If your day trip is on a Sunday, you might want to make reservations for an elegant brunch at Adrienne, a much-acclaimed restaurant located on the way to Litchfield in New Milford.
2. Chesterwood
You'll enjoy a lovely drive from New York City to the Berkshires of Western Massachusetts this autumn if you plan a day trip to Chesterwood, the former studio and home of renowned sculptor Daniel Chester French. French was a leading turn-of-the-century sculptor, most famous for crafting the seated Lincoln statue at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C.
Located in Stockbridge, Massachusetts, Chesterwood is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. through mid-October. You'll see nearly 500 models, studies and full-size sculptures created by French on exhibit in the studio, museum, gallery and gardens. For more information, call 413-298-3579.
While you're in Stockbridge, plan to have an elegant lunch or dinner at the Red Lion Inn, or a more casual dining experience at the restaurant's pub. A Stockbridge landmark since 1773, The Red Lion Inn is sure to satisfy your cravings for cozy Yankee hospitality.
3. Grape Stomping Contests
Brotherhood Winery in Washingtonville, in the foothills of New York's Catskill Mountains, invites wine lovers to join in the grape stomping on weekends from September through mid-October.
Whether or not you want to feel the squish of grapes between your toes, Brotherhood Winery is an excellent destination for a day trip, especially when the Catskills are displaying their full autumn splendor. Established in 1839, it's the oldest continually operating winery in America. The winery is open for tours and tastings daily through December. You'll learn all about grape growing and wine making, sample a wide variety of award-winning wines and can spend the day exploring the winery store and other small shops and restaurants on the winery grounds. Call 845-496-3661 for more information. A map is available online.
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