🍁 Walktober, Scarecrows & Ghost Tours in CT This Week

October 07, 2025

Happy Tuesday morning, CT explorers! 🌞

Ready to make the most of your week? From festive fall displays to spooky ghostly adventures and scenic hikes, we’ve rounded up some of the best events around Connecticut for you to check out. Here’s what’s inside today’s newsletter:

🎃 A charming fall tradition in Wethersfield
đŸ‘» Step into Mystic’s dark and mysterious past
đŸš¶ Celebrate Connecticut’s National Heritage Corridor with hikes, bikes & paddles
📗 This Month in CT History: How Danbury Baptists Shaped Religious Freedom
📰 Local headlines you might’ve missed

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Celebrate fall and get inspired by playful, creative displays!

Come to the cultural and historic district of Wethersfield this October and experience something truly spectacular! Scarecrows will pop up along shops, restaurants, museums, and colonial homes, creating a festive atmosphere for all ages. Enjoy a crisp New England day while taking in beautiful foliage, historic architecture, and a playful display of creativity sponsored by the Old Wethersfield Shopkeepers Association.

Admission: Free
Location: Main Street, Wethersfield, CT 06109
Times: Dawn to dusk

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đŸ‘» UNCOVER MYSTIC’S HAUNTED SECRETS ON A GHOST TOUR

Step into Mystic’s eerie past with chilling stories and local legends!

Explore Mystic’s historic downtown with a 1 hour 45 minute walking tour that blends history and mystery. Hear true tales of Revolutionary heroes, industrial revolution hotspots, and paranormal encounters while crossing the iconic Mystic River. From 17th-century colonial strife to turn-of-the-century crimes and ghostly legends, this tour brings the spooky stories of Mystic to life.

Schedule: Daily at 4 PM & Nightly at 8 PM (Mar–Aug); 4 PM & 7 PM (Sept–Nov)
Admission: $30–$35
Location: Liberty Pole Square, East Main & Holmes Street, Mystic, CT 06355

Get outside this fall with hikes, bikes, paddles, and more!

From now through Nov. 9, join the 35th Annual Walktober with over 250 unique hikes, bike rides, paddles, and special events. Perfect for all ages, Walktober highlights the beauty of one of the nation’s oldest National Heritage Corridors. Use the online or printed guides to plan your adventures and explore the vibrant fall scenery of Connecticut.

Admission: Free (some fee-based events noted in guides)
Location: 203B Main St., Danielson, CT 06239

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Sip, savor, and discover the art of craft spirits at Connecticut Distilling in Waterbury.

Step into the newly renovated tasting lounge at Connecticut Distilling for a unique experience that combines history, innovation, and flavor. Guests get to sample six popular spirits and select their favorite cocktail from an exciting menu — all in a welcoming, community-focused setting. With live events and food trucks often on site, there’s always something happening to enhance your visit.

This tasting isn’t just about enjoying drinks; it’s about exploring how local spirits are crafted and learning the stories behind them. Connecticut Distilling emphasizes sustainability and local ingredients, making your visit not only delicious but eco-conscious. Whether you’re a spirits aficionado or just looking for a fun, memorable outing, this tasting experience offers a perfect blend of education, relaxation, and good vibes.

💾 Deal Details:

  • Distillery tasting for two: $42 → $27 (-42%), or $21.87 with code HALLOWEEN

  • No booking required, simply present your Groupon on arrival

  • Limit 1 per visit, up to 3 per person

📍 Location: 2066 Thomaston Avenue, Waterbury, CT

TOP EVENTS TODAY YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS

HAVE YOU BEEN HERE YET?

Gerard Way Concert GIF by My Chemical Romance

There’s no shortage of live music happening all around the state. Check out the upcoming show calendar below:

THIS MONTH IN CONNECTICUT HISTORY

How Danbury Baptists Shaped Religious Freedom

In the early 1800s, Connecticut’s state-supported Congregational Church held a privileged position, leaving religious minorities like the Danbury Baptists feeling vulnerable. Concerned about the lack of explicit protections for religious liberty in the state constitution, the Danbury Baptists reached out to President Thomas Jefferson, asking him to lend his voice in support of their cause.

Jefferson responded with an eloquent affirmation of the principle that religion is a personal matter between an individual and their God, famously describing the need for a “wall of separation between Church and State.” While he did not intervene directly in Connecticut politics, his words became a guiding principle in American political thought and remain a cornerstone of religious freedom to this day.

This exchange highlights how the advocacy of a small Connecticut community helped influence a defining tenet of U.S. governance — a reminder that civic engagement can leave a lasting legacy.

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HEADLINES AROUND THE STATE

🎄 Spirit Christmas Stores Set to Open in Connecticut
Fans of pop-up holiday shops will have two new Spirit Christmas locations to explore next month, in Manchester and Milford. The stores will feature dĂ©cor, gifts, inflatables, apparel, and more, giving shoppers a festive experience similar to Spirit Halloween’s seasonal setup.

đŸŒŠïž Connecticut Launches Climate Risk Mapping Tool
A new statewide tool allows homeowners and businesses to check their property’s risk from floods, fires, extreme heat, and more. The initiative aims to help residents better prepare, insure, and mitigate damage from future severe weather events.

🛒 Adams Hometown Market to Close Shelton Store
The Shelton location of Adams Hometown Market is set to close around October 10. The chain joins a growing list of Connecticut grocery stores shuttering their doors in recent months.

🏃 Little Manchester Road Race Returns for 16th Year
Children ages 12 and under can participate in the Little Manchester Road Race on November 22 at Manchester High School. Entries are limited to the first 1,000 registrants, and the event includes medals, t-shirts, music, and fun activities for kids ahead of the famous Thanksgiving Day race.

Thanks!

Thanks for spending time with us today! We hope this newsletter inspired some fun ways to get out, explore, and enjoy all that Connecticut has to offer this week.

Loved what you read? Forward this email to a friend and help them uncover the best events, activities, and adventures around the state too!

P.S. Looking to partner with Connecticut Lifestyles? Just reply to this email or click here to learn how we can promote your brand to thousands of interested locals!