Have you ever set out on a Saturday morning for one thing, and the next time you look at the clock it’s well after two in the afternoon? That’s the thing about living on the Connecticut Shoreline - there’s always something to do. You set out that morning to do one thing: grab some fresh produce from your local farmers market, but then you decide to stop at the local cafe downtown and you just can’t help but stroll through the shops. And honestly, we’re not complaining. There’s always something to do on the Shoreline, and since we’re big fans of making a day of it here at Hallocks, we put together a few of our favorite stops to add to your list.
Farmers’ Markets
Madison
The Madison CT Farmers’ Market has been a staple in town since 2007. Every Friday from May to Thanksgiving, they open on the historic town green. This market features everything from Connecticut-grown fruits and vegetables to meat, dairy, baked goods, prepared foods, honey and more! If you’re looking for something specific be sure to check their vendor listing, but trust me, even if you’re looking for just one thing, you’ll be leaving with more than you wanted to.
If you get home and realize that your refrigerator is just not big enough to store all your goodies, we know a place right in downtown Clinton. Make a day of it, and before heading down to the farmers market, take a stop in our showroom to price out garage-ready refrigerators so you never run out of refrigeration space for your Farmers’ Market hauls!
Old Saybrook
Did you know that everything at the Old Saybrook Farmers’ Market is guaranteed Connecticut grown or made? This Summer was the start of their 29th year, and they have grown from the two vendors they had in 1996 to twenty! The produce is as fresh as you can get; the corn is picked in the morning, bread is baked fresh every Wednesday and Saturday before the market opens, and the eggs are pulled from the coop just hours before.
And while you’re already in Old Saybrook, stop by our showroom and look at our chest freezer options. If you like stocking up on seasonal produce, buying meat in bulk, or simply having extra freezer space, a chest freezer can come in handy!
Niantic
My favorite thing about the Niantic Farmers’ Market is the fact that it runs through the summer and winter; just because it’s cold doesn’t mean I don’t want to shop! Local vendors set up on beautiful Main Street and sell fresh produce, baked goods, jams, coffees, and so much more! While there, make sure you take a look at their fresh vegetables and herbs. If you’re feeling inspired to grill up some of those fresh veggies after browsing, make sure you stop by the Groton showroom to check out all the state-of-the-art Weber Grills. A good grill can turn your farmers’ market purchases into a great dinner pretty quick!
Stonington Village
Every Saturday from Memorial Day Weekend to mid-October, the Stonington Farmers’ Market is set up in the back parking lot of the Velvet Mill. It began in 1997 and attracts residents who come to buy fresh, healthy, local food. Items sold at the market include locally grown vegetables and fruits, jams, a variety of breads, pies and baked goods, cheese, eggs, poultry, meat, seafood, Italian ices, maple syrup, honey, and flowers. Thanks to greenhouses, the farmers are able to offer a selection of fresh-produce throughout the winter when the market moves inside the Velvet Mill in the back room closest to Meadow Avenue.
Once you’ve filled your market bag, make your way toward Westerly for a stroll along the river and a bit more exploring. While you’re there, stop into our Westerly showroom, and check out the latest Telescope Furniture Collection.
Local Entertainment
If Farmers’ Markets aren’t for you, don’t worry! There’s plenty of ways to spend a day on the Connecticut shoreline. There are lots of places to catch a show, take a ride, or sip something local. Even the beautiful downtowns are worth taking a stroll through.
The Kate - Old Saybrook
The Kate (or, Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center) brings a wide range of performances to downtown Old Saybrook including music, comedy, film and other performing arts. It’s also the home to the Katharine Hepburn Museum. Make a night of it! Stop by and have a late lunch at one of the many locally-owned restaurants downtown, stroll through the museum to learn a bit about her history through letters, photos, home movies, and then go and enjoy your show.
Garde Arts Center - New London
Head to New London for a performance at the Garde Arts Center, a historic theater and arts venue that hosts concerts, films, comedy, theater, and other live events throughout the year. This theater is a great reminder that you don’t have to drive into a major city to catch a good show!
Essex Steam Train & Riverboat
If you’re looking for something that feels a little more old-school, climb aboard the Essex Steam Train & Riverboat. The excursion combines a historic train ride through the Connecticut River Valley with the option to continue your adventure by riverboat. The riverboat is one of those shoreline activities that works whether you’re bringing the family, entertaining visitors, or just looking for something different to do on a weekend.
Stonington Vineyards
Stonington Vineyards is one of my favorite places to visit on the shoreline, especially in the fall. Between the vineyard views, wine tasting, food, and seasonal events, it’s an easy way to spend the afternoon. The vineyard also hosts fall pop-ups with local food vendors, music, and other activities throughout the season, so there’s usually something extra going on when you visit.
Olde Mystick Village
You can’t talk about the Connecticut shoreline without mentioning Olde Mistick Village. With shops, restaurants, and seasonal events, it’s an easy place to spend a few hours wandering around. Fall brings even more reason to stop by, with events like Scarecrows in the Village and the return of Apple Fest in October. Keep in mind, the Mystic Aquarium is right across the parking lot!
Upcoming Events
The Connecticut shoreline is always putting on fall activities for you and your family.
At Lyman Orchards, September and October bring classic fall activities like the petting farm, horse-drawn wagon rides, and trackless train rides. Don’t forget to do some apple picking while you’re there!
The weekend of October 10th, you can stop by the Guilford Green for Fall Artisan Market and Guilford Flavors & Finds Event. Make sure you show up hungry, curious, and get ready to Taste Your Way Through Guilford!
And at Stonington Vineyards, fall pop-ups continue throughout September and October with food vendors, music, and seasonal activities.
Hallock’s Tent Sale
We couldn’t write a Shoreline Fall Events Guide without mentioning one of the biggest events on our calendar: The Hallock’s Tent Sale!
If you’ve been waiting for the right time to replace that refrigerator that has been making a noise you’re choosing to ignore (me, currently), upgrade your range, finally get that second freezer for the garage, or just see what kind of deals you can find, this is the time to keep an eye out. Our Tent Sale is one of our biggest sales of the year, with savings of up to 70% on select scratch & dent, discontinued, and overstock appliances. You’ll find major appliance brands, plenty of inventory, and some seriously good opportunities to save. And because our Tent Sale happens around the same time as all of these great fall activities, you can make an entire day out of it.
Farmers’ market? Check.
Apple Picking? Check.
Fall Festival? Check.
New kitchen and laundry appliances? Also check!
Grab your calendar, make a weekend plan, and get out there! Whether you’re filling a market basket in Madison, catching a show in Old Saybrook, sipping wine in Stonington, exploring mystic, or hunting for a great appliance deal at Hallocks, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy the Connecticut Shoreline this fall.
Don’t worry, if you get home with more apples, vegetables, wine or leftovers than your refrigerator can handle...well, you know where to find us!