<p dir="ltr">Remember in years past when everyone feared missing out on summer - that mythical, shimmering, relaxed yet activity-packed, summery summer? That era is over; summer has lost its FOMO-inducing glow. Fall has taken over.</p> <p dir="ltr">Now, I love fall. (Except for the part where I turn a year older and the other part where I have to rake my lawn.) But lately, fall - or rather, the hype surrounding it - has gotten out of hand. These days, we can't just appreciate the foliage and buy a new sweater, we have to hoard sickly-sweet orange candles, expertly style a nursery full of mums on our front steps, sprinkle everything with pumpkin spice (which, come on people, is nutmeg and cinnamon, doesn't that sound a thousand times more appetizing anyway?), and go apple-picking in leather boots even though it's still 75 degrees out. And that's before we even get to Halloween, and the whole thing really goes into full faux-spider-web-covered overdrive. (It is interesting that Thanksgiving doesn't factor into the autumnal craziness too much; could it be because the holiday has mostly resisted commercialization?) The Fall Industrial Complex is real, and the pressure is intense.</p> <p dir="ltr">And in Connecticut, the seasonal mania is especially strong, because while summer weather lasts for three months or more in a good year, fall weather - that perfect, crisp-but-not-cold, sunny, leaf-saturated, booties and scarf weather - lasts about two weeks. (Unless we get one bad storm in September or early October and skip straight from summer to snow.) Fall is limited edition, and limited edition products always come with especially frenzied promotion.</p> <p dir="ltr">This year, the fall craziness began weeks ago, weather and the calendar date be damned, but now it's picking up the pace as a few signs of actual autumn have appeared. It's getting cooler overnight, pumpkins have started popping up at farm stands, and last week, in Litchfield County, I saw not only some orange-tinged branches but an entire grove of bright red trees.</p> <p dir="ltr">So I thought I'd write a list. These fall suggestions, all of which I have done recently or hope to do soon, are ways to take advantage of the season without losing your mind over it. In other words, you could put on a $150 flannel shirt and Instagram these activities while jumping in a leaf pile, but you don't have to.</p> <p dir="ltr">Eat all the apples.</p> <p dir="ltr">I'm probably not going to be picking apples this year (and I'm definitely not going to be doing it while dressed like a fashion blogger) but I will certainly stop by some farm stores and grab some local apples and cider. (In fact, I already have the apples, from <a href="http://www.scottsyankeefarmer.net/">Scott's Yankee Farmer</a> in East Lyme. The Connecticut Department of Agriculture has a listing of <a href="http://ct.gov/doag/cwp/view.asp?a=3260&amp;q=418062">farm stores and stands by county</a>.</p> <h2 dir="ltr">Check a farm winery off the list.</h2> <p dir="ltr">I love visiting Connecticut wineries, both because they tend to be gorgeous and because, well, they have wine. And ever since first I stopped at the adorable farm market at <a href="http://holmbergorchards.com/">Holmberg Orchards </a>in Gales Ferry, I've wanted to try their wines. Unlike most local wineries, Holmberg produces mostly fruit wines and ciders. I've never gotten into these - I've always been strictly a red wine person - but if I'm ever going to like them, it will be on a pretty Connecticut farm in the fall. They're open for tastings Saturdays and Sundays from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. through October.</p> <h2 dir="ltr">Hike amongst the leaves.</h2> <p dir="ltr">I have a long list of Connecticut attractions I intend to get to someday, and not a few of them are hikes. Two in particular have been on the list for years and, more to the point, seem like particularly good bets for capturing fall foliage. (Because as much as I hate the whole leaf-peeping thing, I can't stop myself from trying to get some good leaf pics each year.) They are <a href="http://www.ct.gov/deep/cwp/view.asp?A=2716&amp;Q=325244">Mount Tom State Park</a> in Litchfield, and <a href="http://www.ct.gov/deep/cwp/view.asp?a=2716&amp;q=325060&amp;deepNav_GID=1650">Mohawk Mountain State Park</a> in Cornwall and Goshen. Both involve towers. Hopefully I'll get to one; maybe I'll manage to get to both. But even if I have to stick to parks closer to me, I'm sure I'll spend at least a little time this fall in the colorful outdoors.</p> <h2 dir="ltr">Go to a country fair or festival.</h2> <p dir="ltr">Growing up in Westport, fall was synonymous with the Apple Festival, which brought decadent food, crafts, student dance recitals, and campaigning politicians together in our local high school. The Apple Fest, as we called it, is no more, but other fall fairs and festivals live on elsewhere throughout the state. If you've never been to a traditional agricultural fair, the kind with animal barns, rides, tractor pulls, and fried dough, this is a must. Most of Connecticut's fairs end in late summer, but three take place in the fall: the <a href="http://harwintonfair.com/">Harwinton Fair</a>, October 5, 6 &amp; 7 and the <a href="http://www.portlandfair.com/">Portland Fair</a>, also October 6, 7, and 8. There are also festivals all over Connecticut, with themes ranging from apples to pumpkins to oysters to foliage to...well, just search for one near you, or by date, on <a href="http://www.ctvisit.com/search/site/fall%2520festivals">ctvisit.com</a>.</p> <h2 dir="ltr">Browse in a garden store.</h2> <p dir="ltr">I plan to go to to one or two of Connecticut's awesome garden stores (garden centers? nurseries? you know, the ones that aren't just a place to buy mulch and bulbs, but an experience) to take in the atmosphere and gaze at all the seasonal plants and gifts. I'm fond of <a href="http://www.smithsacres.com/">Smith's Acres</a>, but one of my other favorites, Salem Herbfarm, closed two years ago, so maybe this year I'll find a new favorite. (Any suggestions? Comment below!)</p> <h2 dir="ltr">Get the beach to yourself.</h2> <p dir="ltr">Though summer is my favorite season, summer's favorite activity is my favorite activity to do in the fall. I avoid beaches as much as possible between Memorial Day and Labor Day, but as soon as they're FREE, nearly deserted, and neither too sticky nor too cold, I'm back. This fall, I'm sure I'll hit some favorites close to home, like <a href="http://www.ct.gov/deep/cwp/view.asp?a=2716&amp;q=325256&amp;deepNav_GID=1650">Rocky Neck State Park</a> in East Lyme, <a href="http://www.ct.gov/deep/cwp/view.asp?a=2716&amp;q=325210">Hammonasset Beach State Park</a> in Madison, <a href="http://www.thesizeofconnecticut.com/2016/04/ocean-beach-park.html">Ocean Beach Park</a> in New London, and <a href="http://www.thesizeofconnecticut.com/2016/04/a-secret-beach.html">Waterford Beach Park</a>. But I'd also like to go back to <a href="http://www.thesizeofconnecticut.com/2016/11/cove-island-park.html">Cove Island Park</a> if I'm in the Stamford area, and maybe discover some new beaches, if there are any I haven't found yet.</p> <h2 dir="ltr">Sneak in some day or weekend trips.</h2> <p dir="ltr">I know, I know, this isn't a something to do in Connecticut. But if you live here, this is the season to take advantage of living in a wonderful place that's also very close to many other wonderful places which happen to be crowded in summer and freezing (or nearly shut down) in winter. Among the places I'd like to return to are Long Island's east end, just a ferry ride away from New London; some Hudson Valley towns like Saugerties and Catskill; Providence; and Block Island. Some I haven't been to yet that I hope I can squeeze in are Boston's Harbor Islands; City Island, NY; and perhaps some new-to-me small towns in New Hampshire or Maine.</p> <h2 dir="ltr">Stroll around some downtowns.</h2> <p dir="ltr">This is as simple as it gets, but Connecticut is packed with extremely pretty towns and historic cities that really come to life when you take the time to explore them on foot. And there's something special about walking around a town green or along an old-fashioned Main Street when it's cool enough to order a warm drink, but not too cold to consume it outside. I hope I have time to add some more <a href="http://www.thesizeofconnecticut.com/search/label/City%20Walks">City Walks</a> and <a href="http://www.thesizeofconnecticut.com/search/label/Town%20Center%20Strolls">Town Center Strolls</a> to the blog this season. I'd like to get back to Pawcatuck, New Milford, and Hartford, among many others.</p> <h2 dir="ltr">Wander through a historic cemetery.</h2> <p dir="ltr">For some reason, I usually find myself in old cemeteries in summer, sweating and fighting off mosquitoes, or in winter, unable to read headstones covered in snow. (See: my trips to the <a href="http://www.thesizeofconnecticut.com/2017/07/old-norwichtown-cemetery.html">Old Norwichtown Cemetery</a> in Norwich and <a href="http://www.thesizeofconnecticut.com/2014/03/cedar-hill.html">Cedar Hill Cemetery</a> in Hartford.) But autumn is a far superior time to lose yourself in the details of the dead. It's a way to get that Halloween-y vibe without having to make a costume or go to a party with dry ice in the punch. Plus, weather-wise, fall is a much more comfortable time to go searching for notable graves in venerable little burial grounds or exploring some of the larger, park-like cemeteries built as serene public spaces for the living as well as final resting places for the deceased. Some particularly haunting options (among many) are Griswold's <a href="http://www.thesizeofconnecticut.com/2013/02/back-to-glasgo.html">Kinne Cemetery</a>, Bridgeport's <a href="http://www.thesizeofconnecticut.com/2012/10/mountain-grove.html">Mountain Grove Cemetery</a>, and Hartford's <a href="http://www.thesizeofconnecticut.com/2013/11/ancient-burying-ground-hartford.html">Ancient Burying Ground</a>, but often, in New England especially, the best cemetery is the one you discover unintentionally by the side of the road.</p> <h2 dir="ltr">Stretch out your summer.</h2> <p dir="ltr">Labor Day, the start of the school year, and the crickets chirping might make you feel like summer is over and gone. But many seasonal businesses stay open well into October - and sometimes beyond - and lots of stereotypically "summer" activities are just as enjoyable in the fall. Many of <a href="http://www.thesizeofconnecticut.com/2017/06/5-of-connecticuts-best-rural-ice-cream.html">Connecticut's ice cream stands</a>, for instance, keep serving frozen treats past whatever date you might imagine is your last chance to indulge. Lobster shacks, too, usually stay open, if with limited hours, into the fall. <a href="https://www.captscottsnl.com/">Captain Scott's Lobster Deck</a> and <a href="http://www.freds-shanty.com/">Fred's Shanty</a> in New London and <a href="http://abbottslobster.com/">Abbott's</a> and <a href="http://www.fordslobster.com/">Ford's</a> in Noank stay open into October. Farmers' Markets get the most attention when their tables are overflowing with summer berries, but in addition to the larger markets that are open (usually indoors) year-round, regular smaller markets often extend their season into the fall. The Department of Agriculture provides a <a href="https://www.ct.gov/doag/lib/doag/marketing_files/2018/2018_Farmers_Market_List_for_Website_as_of_6_27_2018.pdf">list of markets</a> with dates, and there's almost certainly one open in September or October near wherever you may be going. Recently I got into a conversation about picnics, and realized they're also a summer staple that doesn't have to end in August. For a classy picnic option, grab some food at the <a href="http://www.themarketplaceatgfc.com/">Marketplace at Guilford Food Center</a> in Guilford and eat on a bench on the town green. For an old-fashioned, rustic experience, get lunch at <a href="http://www.thesizeofconnecticut.com/2016/06/heirloom-market-at-comstock-ferre.html">Heirloom Market at Comstock Ferre</a> and eat at Wethersfield Cove. And for cheesy fun and a huge variety of food choices, shop at <a href="http://www.stewleonards.com/">Stew Leonard's</a> in Norwalk, Danbury, or Newington. Outdoor eating options for those towns include two spots that have been on my Connecticut to-do list for years, <a href="http://www.norwalkct.org/facilities/Facility/Details/3">Calf Pasture Beach</a> in Norwalk, and <a href="http://tarrywile.com/">Tarrywile Park</a> in Danbury. As for Newington, any excuse to go to the park with <a href="http://www.thesizeofconnecticut.com/2013/06/chasing-waterfalls.html">America's smallest natural waterfall</a>, right?</p> <p dir="ltr">Johnna Kaplan is a freelance writer and editor living in New London. You can find her on Twitter @johnnamaurie, on Instagram @johnnakaplan, and on her website, <a href="http://www.johnnakaplan.com/">johnnakaplan.com</a>. This post was originally published at <a href="http://www.thesizeofconnecticut.com/">The Size of Connecticut.</a></p> <p dir="ltr">Photo by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/johnnakaplan/">Johnna Kaplan</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p>

<p></p> <p>Who knew that Croton has it's very own weather station. Tucked in between thw river and the utility building at Black Rock Park is a fully functioning data collection station&nbsp; that measures wind speed, direction, precipitation, barometric pressure and temperature. The station is part of The River Estuary Observatory Netwok, and is run by The Beacon Institute in cooperation with Clarkson University. If you are interested in accessing it's findings, you may do so at www.rths.us</p>

<p></p> <p>Barbara Notarious, the fiercely independent owner of Croton's Alexander Hamilton House B&amp;B has passed away. Additional information will be posted when available.</p> <p>Ken Sargeant Photo</p>

<p></p> <p>Connecticut based author Dr Leonaura Rhodes is teaming up with Barnes and Noble, Mohegan Lake for an in store book signing and discussion on <strong>Thursday November 06, at 6:00 PM.</strong></p> <p>&nbsp;Leonaura will be signing copies of her new book <em>Beyond Soccer Mom: strategies for a fabulous balanced life,</em> a book to help moms and their families thrive.&nbsp; Leonaura will be talking about the need for women to nurture themselves, to decide what they really want from life and to consciously create a better life, for themselves and their family. The event is open to the public. Click <a href="http://store-locator.barnesandnoble.com/event/4760759" target="_blank">here</a> to learn more.&nbsp;<em>&nbsp;</em></p> <p>Rhodes’s book “<em>Beyond Soccer Mom”</em> is a strategic “how-to” guide for moms to improve their lives, so their whole family will thrive. Dr Rhodes believes that children suffer when their mom is neglecting her own needs; when mom is stressed, bored, resentful, depressed, unfulfilled and unhealthy. The book helps moms take an active role in creating a fabulous, balanced life, for the whole family. The book is available at Barnes and Noble stores, online and in ebook format. They author’s website <a href="http://www.beyondsoccermom.com">www.beyondsoccermom.com</a>. Purchase of the physical book gives the reader access to a free ebook version and downloadable workbook.&nbsp;</p> <p>Barnes and Noble, Mohegan Lake is located at <a href="http://store-locator.barnesandnoble.com/store/2897">Mohegan Lake</a>, Cortlandt Town Center, 3089 E Main Street, Mohegan Lake, NY 10547 and hosts regular author events and children’s story-time sessions.&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>ABOUT THE AUTHOR</strong></p> <p>Dr Leonaura Rhodes is a Health and Happiness Coach, physician, neuroscience expert, speaker, and a busy soccer mom. She is also host of a video blog show “The Busy Mom Show” where she interviews top experts on matters relating to moms and families, and she is an expert health blogger for Hearst Media.&nbsp;</p>

<p></p> <p>It may only be Monday, but to beer enthusiasts across the nation, today is a big deal, because it's <strong>National American Beer Day</strong>! And, although I won't be participating (far too early in the week) I have to admit that I am rather partial to a glass of Samuel Adams, Blue Point or Brooklyn Toasted Lager amongst others.</p> <p><a href="http://www.cherrysteast.com/index.php" target="_blank">Cherry Street East</a> are currently honoring the beer inspired <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/CherryStreet-East-Restaurant/118368081515477" target="_blank">Octoberfest,</a> by offering $4 Samuel Adams on tap - every Thursday! Your last chance to grab a pint of amber nectar is Thursday, 30th Oct.</p> <p>If you have an International group of friends or simply want to impress a crowd, then you can toast them in different languages:</p> <h3><strong>English</strong></h3> <p>Spelling: Cheers / Phonetic Pronunciation: Chairs (if they are posh)</p> <h3><strong>Chinese</strong></h3> <p>Spelling: 乾杯&nbsp;&nbsp; / Phonetic Pronunciation: Gan-bay (means "dry the glass)</p> <h3><strong>Czech</strong></h3> <p>Spelling: Na zdravi / Phonetic Pronunciation: Naz-drah-vi&nbsp;</p> <h3><strong>Dutch</strong></h3> <p>Spelling: Proost / Phonetic Pronunciation: Prohst&nbsp;</p> <h3><strong>French</strong></h3> <p>Spelling: Santé / Phonetic Pronunciation:&nbsp;Sahn-tay</p> <h3><strong>German</strong></h3> <p>Spelling: Prost / Phonetic Pronunciation: Prohst</p> <h3><strong>Greek</strong></h3> <p>Spelling:&nbsp;ΥΓΕΙΑ / Phonetic Pronunciation: Yamass</p> <h3><strong>Hebrew:</strong></h3> <p>Spelling: L'Chaim / Phonetic Pronounciation: La-hi-em&nbsp;</p> <h3><strong>Irish Gaelic</strong></h3> <p>Spelling:&nbsp;Sláinte / Phonetic Pronunciation: Slawn-cha</p> <h3><strong>Italian</strong></h3> <p>Spelling: Salute or Cin Cin&nbsp; / Phonetic Pronunciation: Saw-lutay or chin chin</p> <h3><strong>Norwegian</strong></h3> <p>Spelling: Skål / Phonetic Pronunciation: Skawl&nbsp;</p> <h3><strong>Portuguese</strong></h3> <p>Spelling: Saude / Phonetic Pronunciation: Saw-OO-de&nbsp;</p> <h3><strong>Romanian</strong></h3> <p>Spelling: Noroc / Phonetic Pronunciation: No-Rock</p> <h3><strong>Russian</strong></h3> <p>Spelling: Na Zdorovie / Phonetic Pronunciation: Naz-dro-veh</p> <h3><strong>Scottish</strong></h3> <p>Spelling: Sláinte / Phonetic Pronunciation: Slan-jah</p> <h3><strong>Spanish</strong></h3> <p>Spelling: Salud / Phonetic Pronunciation: Sah-lood&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <h3><strong>Thai</strong></h3> <p>Spelling: Chok dee / Phonetic Pronunciation: Chock dee&nbsp;</p> <h3><strong>Yiddish</strong></h3> <p>Spelling: Sei gesund / Phonetic Pronunciation: Say geh-sund</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>National Day Calendar Beer Info</h2> <p>There are more than 2,100 breweries that manufacture beer in the United States which range in size from industry giants to brew pubs and microbreweries.</p> <ul> <li>The U.S. produced 196 million barrels of beer in 2009.</li> <li>The U.S. consumes roughly 20 US gallons of beer per capita annually.</li> <li>in 2008, the United States was ranked sixteenth in the world in per capita consumption, while total consumption was second only to China.</li> <li>Prohibition in the early twentieth century caused nearly all American breweries to close.</li> <li>After prohibition was repealed, the industry had consolidated into a small number of large-scale breweries.</li> <li>The majority of the new breweries in the U.S. are small breweries and brewpubs, who as members of the Brewers Association are termed”craft breweries” to differentiate them from the larger and older breweries.</li> <li>The most common style of beer produced by the big breweries is American lager.</li> <li>Most of the smaller breweries, which were founded in the 1980′s, produce a range of styles.</li> <li>Beer styles originating in the United States include:<br> American pale ale, Pennsylvania porter, American IPA, steam beer, amber ale, cream ale and Cascadian dark ale.</li> </ul> <p><strong>To celebrate National American Beer Day, enjoy your favorite American Beer and drink responsibly.</strong><br> <strong>Happy American Beer Day!</strong></p>

<p></p> <div> <h1>Halloween Health and Safety Tips</h1> <p>Fall celebrations like Halloween and Harvest Day are fun times for children, who can dress up in costumes, enjoy parties, and eat yummy treats. These celebrations also provide a chance to give out healthy snacks, get physical activity, and focus on safety.</p> <p>Check out these tips from the <a href="http://www.cdc.gov/family/halloween/" target="_blank">Center for Disease Control and Prevention</a> to help make the festivities fun and safe for trick-or-treaters and party guests.</p> <h2>Going trick-or-treating? Here are a few tips:</h2> <div> <div> <div> <div> <div> <div> <div> <p>Swords, knives, and other costume accessories should be short, soft, and flexible</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <p class="_mce_tagged_br">Avoid trick-or-treating alone. Walk in groups or with a trusted adult.</p> <p class="_mce_tagged_br">Fasten reflective tape to costumes and bags to help drivers see you.</p> <p>Examine all treats for choking hazards and tampering before eating them. Limit the amount of treats you eat.</p> </div> </div> <p class="_mce_tagged_br">Hold a flashlight while trick-or-treating to help you see and others see you. Always WALK and don't run from house to house.</p> <p>Always test Halloween make-up in a small area first. Remove it before bedtime to prevent possible skin and eye irritation.</p> <p>Look both ways before crossing the street. Use established crosswalks wherever possible.</p> <p>Lower your risk for serious eye injury by not wearing decorative contact lenses<a href="http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/ProductsandMedicalProcedures/HomeHealthandConsumer/ConsumerProducts/ContactLenses/ucm270953.htm">.</a></p> <p>Only walk on sidewalks whenever possible, or on the far edge of the road facing traffic to stay safe.</p> <p>Wear well-fitting masks, costumes, and shoes to avoid blocked vision, trips, and falls.</p> <p>Eat only factory-wrapped treats. Avoid eating homemade treats made by strangers.</p> <p>Enter homes only if you're with a trusted adult. Only visit well-lit houses. Never accept rides from strangers.</p> <p>Never walk near lit candles or luminaries. Be sure to wear flame-resistant costumes.</p> <h2>Expecting trick-or-treaters or party guests?</h2> <p>Follow these tips to help make the festivities fun and safe for everyone:</p> <ul> <li>Provide healthier treats for trick-or-treaters such as low-calorie treats and drinks. For party guests, offer a variety of fruits, vegetables, and cheeses.</li> <li>Use party games and trick-or-treat time as an opportunity for kids to get their daily dose of 60 minutes of physical activity.</li> <li>Be sure walking areas and stairs are well-lit and free of obstacles that could result in falls.</li> <li>Keep candle-lit jack o'lanterns and luminaries away from doorsteps, walkways, landings, and curtains. Place them on sturdy tables, keep them out of the reach of pets and small children, and never leave them unattended.</li> <li>Remind drivers to watch out for trick-or-treaters and to drive safely.</li> </ul> <h2>For more information on Halloween safety</h2> <ul> <li><a href="http://www.fda.gov/Food/ResourcesForYou/Consumers/ucm187021.htm">Halloween Food Safety Tips</a><a href="http://www.cdc.gov/Other/disclaimer.html" target="_blank"></a><br> Help your children have a safe Halloween, from the food they eat to the parties they attend, from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.</li> <li><a href="http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/pubs/100.pdf">Halloween Safety Tips&nbsp;</a><a href="http://www.cdc.gov/Other/disclaimer.html" target="_blank"></a><br> Stay safe this Halloween with safety tips from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.</li> </ul> </div>