The Big E

The Big E Fair (Eastern States Exposition) is probably the most incredibly fall fair you can attend in the Northeast.  Over 1.5 Million people attended the fair in 2018 over the three weekends the fair was open.  The fair hosts all the normal fair novelties, but also boasts an incredible food and beer scene (and no, not just fair foods), and several stages with live performances.  The main attraction of the Big E is walking through all of the individual state houses (CT, MA, ME, NH, RI, VT).  Each state house offers a variety of local foods and craft vendors proudly displaying state made items or local dishes.  Several of the state houses also bring local craft beer vendors in.

The Big E is a team event for us.  We usually head up with a large group of friends for a full day trip and will buy and share as many foods as possible.  This is our strategy for not getting too full too fast (a serious risk when combining the likes of lobster rolls, turducken sandwiches, Cabot cheese, and more beers than should be consumed in a day).  No matter how you do the Big E, you will always come out a winner, just skip the scale the morning after.

Food: Our pro tip is to always share, grab an extra fork, split as much as possible.  In all seriousness, only the brave can go it alone and try everything that will inevitable make your mouth water.  The big E offers a little bit of everything.  Some of our personal favorites: lobster rolls, overstuffed CT baked potatoes, smoked salmon on a stick, cheesesteak spring rolls, grilled mac and cheese, turducken sandwiches, chocolate covered bacon, loaded tater tots, and so much more.  This place has something for absolutely everybody

 Beer:  I'll be honest, the beer scene at the Big E is surprisingly good.  If you like craft beer, stick to the state houses, as they bring local craft vendors with them.  VT boasts a long trail tap and CT bring a variety of local craft kegs to distribute at a couple different tables.  They also offer Shipyard Pumpkinhead throughout the fair, and everybody has to get the cinnamon sugar rim.  The beer prices are fairly reasonable, the lines are short, and it's offered everywhere  There are also several vendors doing wine samplings throughout the houses.  This year we purchased some vintage steins from the Budweiser tent and drank from them all day long.

Other Highlights:  Huge Agricultural Halls,, Livestock Exhibits, Pig Races, Better Living Vendor Exhibits, and personal favorite; Budweiser Clydesdales.

2019's Fair will be held September 13th - 29th

Picking our Way Through Fall

2018 Annual Pilgrimage to Lyman Orchards

Having spent the adult years of my life in CT, it's easy to see why fall is one of the most revered times of the year.  Leaf peeping, crisp weather, and plenty of orchards and farms to excite your inner child.  Fall would not be complete for us without donning our best Paul Bunyan and Han Solo Outfits and heading to Lyman Orchards in Middlefield, CT.

There is so much to do at Lyman Orchards; Pick Your Own (apples, pumpkins, strawberries, raspberries, peaches, and pears) depending upon the season, Corn Maze, the Apple Barrel Store, and two 18 hole golf courses. 

You Pick:  

This time of year is basically restricted to apples and pumpkins, but if your inner baker is craving a pie, you probably know its Granny Smith season.  Lyman Orchards is one of the better you pick experiences I've been too, but it does get crowded.  The good news with Lyman is there is a lot of room to spread out.  They also open several picking fields at one time.  This gives you the ability to drive past the first field, or at least walk deeper into the orchard to find plenty of open space to explore and pick some great fruit.  The apples are picked in three different size bags (1/2 bushel, bushel, etc) and start around $10.  You can stuff the bag with as many apples as possible and don't get scolded for having a snack or two along the way.  Your you pick bag is only good at the field you purchased it from, and is marked on your way out.

Apple Barrel Store:

No matter what adventure you choose to find at Lyman, the trip is not complete without a stop at the Apple Barrel Store.  This place is has something for everybody.  There are all kinds of locally sourced fruits and vegetables, premade meals, baked goods, and snacks.  Everything we have ever had here has been fantastic.  You can also get a wide assortment of food: sandwiches, burgers, barbecue, soups, salads, and even more pastries than can be listed.  Our personal favorites are the Apple Cider donuts and the pies.  If you are looking to try a variety of baked goods, don't be afraid to wait in line at the counter to try one of everything.  I know the line is long, but trust me it moves quickly and it's totally worth it.  The apple cider here is hands down the best I've ever had, its significantly less sweet than anything you might find at the grocery store.  They even started serving homemade hard cider; as if we needed another excuse to stop by.

Golf:

Seriously, a round of golf this time of year here is Instagram worthy.  The Player Course wraps it's way through the orchard, and you can stop and grab an apple (limit 1 per the sign lol).  It's a moderately difficult course, with several blind shots, which can make your first round a little tricky.  The Jones Course is definitely a little more open, but with water features and some moderate elevation changes to keep the round interesting.  The grub at the clubhouse is pretty darn good for a Golf Course, and reasonably priced.  Don't forget to swing by the Apple Barrel to bring some snacks out on your round, or to accompany you on your ride home.

Mansfield Drive-in Movie Theater

If you've never been to a Drive-in Movie Theater in your life, please do yourself a favor and go before it's too late!  There are just under 350 drive-in theaters left in the entire US, and that number seemingly decreases every year.   Growing up as a kid, there were several drive-ins near our house, and half of those are now gone.  I believe there are only three left in CT, and my personal favorite is the Mansfield Drive-in.  Yes, depending on where you live, it is a fairly far trip (especially if you are located in the southern part of CT) but it is totally worth it.  Mansfield has three screens and show pairings of movies each night.  Admission is a super value deal; $11 per person for ages 12+ and $8 per person for ages 11 and under.  That price is for 2 movies!!  Generally the timing works that you can move in between movie pairings without too much hassle if you want to split the showings.

They have a large concession stand in between the screens serving all of your classic cinema favorites at reasonable prices.  There is a liquor store right outside of the entrance in case you wanted to stock up on anything, and I highly recommend stopping at the Bidwell Tavern Cafe.  You can either bring take out with you or dine there if you go early enough.  We split a burger and wings (both were fantastic) before gorging ourselves on popcorn and candy from the concession stand.

Pro Tips:

1) Check the weather for the night you are going; stay away from rain, and make sure to pack blankets as it will get chilly

2) We take a pickup and sit in the bed, but lots of people bring camping chairs if you don't want to stay in your car (also bring a battery operated radio if you are outside your car)

3) Bring Bug Spray

4) It will be late by the time show #2 ends; bring your own coffee (it's literally the only negative I have, but I have high standards)

5) The gates do not open until 7pm; you will sit there waiting to get in if you earlier