Features Fall Treats Pumpkin Season Fall Specials Homepage 40+ CT Spots Featuring Fall Flavors & Specials: It's Pumpkin Time! April Guilbault September 30, 2023 Oh, Great Pumpkin, where are you??! Welp, right here. All over Connecticut, in fact, along with its great seasonal compatriots, crisp apples and cider donuts. We’ve waited 266 days to officially and gloriously welcome in, quite possibly, the best time of the year. I’m pretty convinced there is in existence a 13th zodiac symbol-The Pumpkin-for those of you who embrace autumn the way sweatah-weathah embraces you. So, get your fall favorites on and savor it all! This list should put you in good stead for the next thirty days or so. Pumpkin spice hugs coming your way!Elmwood Pastry Shop-West Hartford www.facebook.com/ElmwoodPastryShopVoted 2023 Best Bakery in West Hartford! Family-owned since 1948, the oldest bakery in West Hartford, CT, and the oldest Polish bakery in Connecticut, Elmwood Pastry Shop uses only quality ingredients, no preservatives or fillers, and makes everything from scratch using recipes dating back to 1948. They offer a wide variety of European pastries and breads. Some of their fall favorites are pumpkin pie, Pumpkin Yogurt Cake, pumpkin muffins, Pumpkin Cream Cheese cupcakes, Pumpkin Cream Cheese Caramel Squares, pumpkin donuts, pumpkin scones, and pumpkin spice coffee! Two Roads Brewing-Stratford www.tworoadsbrewing.com/eventsWe can’t talk about fall in Connecticut without talking about the highly sought out pumpkin ale, Two Roads Roadsmary's Baby. This gourd–eous beer is aged in rum barrels with vanilla beans for added complexity and depth of flavor. The result is a SCARY GOOD and smooth drinking brew with notes of pumpkin pie spices, vanilla, oak, and a touch of rum. Roadsmary’s Baby pairs well with carving pumpkins, scary movies, and the dark arts. But don’t stop at just the beer! Two Roads hosts their annual Pumpkin Fest Weekend from October 20th - October 22nd in Stratford on their 10-acre campus. This three-day event includes Friday’s Roadsmary’s Baby Horror Film Competition Screening, Saturday’s Pumpkin Fest with music and vendors, and Sunday’s Family Fall Festival with costume contests for families and dogs, face painting, and crafts. ’Tis the season for craft beer, so find Two Roads Roadsmary’s Baby at a store near you!Sundial Cocktails (check website for retailors) www.sundialcocktails.comAs the vibrant leaves blanket the New England landscape, Sundial Cocktails unveils their seasonal masterpieces, perfectly crafted to embrace the spirit of fall. Nestled in the heart of New England, this family-owned business brings forth the essence of Autumn in every sip. Their Fall Fusion boasts an impressive 8% ABV, blending the rich flavors of the season into a harmonious elixir. This cocktail embodies the crispness of apple orchards, the warmth of cinnamon, and a touch of seasonal magic. For those seeking a more robust experience, the Spiced Rum and Ginger concoction offers a symphony of comforting spices that dance on the palate. Proudly distributed by F&F Distributors, Sundial Cocktails brings these delightful libations to the communities of Connecticut, ensuring that the essence of fall is savored by all. Locate a store near you here.Union Kitchen-West Hartford www.unionkitchenct.comUnion Kitchen’s focus has centered around seasonality ever since Chef Tim East took over the reins last fall. Familiar apple and pumpkin flavors feature in unlikely avatars on this year’s fall menu. The risotto course on the tasting menu features roasted Honeycrisp apples and aged cheddar cheese. Partnered with a late harvest Chenin Blanc from legendary producer Francois Chidaine, the savory course reminds you why sweet and salty pairings are one of life’s great pleasures. Speaking of life’s great pleasures, the tasting menu features made to order pumpkin donuts finished with candied bacon and sage. Paired with a late harvest ‘sherry’ from Sierra Morena, the course is meant to inspire dessert over open fire in the countryside. When asked why the tasting menu that includes wine parings is only $75, general manager Vish Badami quotes Pete Wells “too many good ideas are being locked up in little rooms where too few people can experience them.” On the a la carte menu, a very popular pumpkin coconut soup spiced with Vadouvan curry makes its return to the dining room (as should you).Bantam Breads-Bantamwww.bantambread.comRustic breads and desserts artfully made with the best ingredients. For the upcoming season, enjoy their Apple Lattice Tart, Sunflower Flax Sourdough Boule, Apple Crostadas, Dirt Bombs (nutmeg-scented muffin dipped in butter and rolled in cinnamon sugar), Cranberry, Orange and Apple scones.BE Chocolat-Fairfieldwww.bechocolat.comAutumn flavors have arrived at BE Chocolat-Pumpkin Praline, Cranberries Praline, Caramel Apple Praline, bars with candied pumpkin seeds, and their Pumpkin Chocolate Bonbonnier that holds nine pralines. Also don’t miss their coffee or Hot Chocolate with pumpkin spices.B.J. Ryan’s-Norwalkwww.bjryans.comTheir featured Fall cocktail is a twist on the classic Pumpkin Spiced Latte; the creamy, dreamy Pumpkin Spiced Espresso Dessert Martini. Get it while it lasts.Blazing Fresh Donuts-Guilfordwww.blazingfreshdonuts.comVoted Best Donuts on the Shoreline every year since 2019, you’ll love their fall menu which just dropped: a freshly made donut with Pumpkin Pie frosting, apple pie filling, and crumbled Biscoff cookies! And the #1 fall donut from last year returns: Apple Crumble, a donut rolled in cinnamon sugar, stuffed with warm cooked apples, and topped with cinnamon streusel and salted caramel drizzle.Buttonwood Farms-Griswoldwww.buttonwoodfarmicecream.comCool weather be damned, we are going for ice cream anyway! In addition to their regularly offered pumpkin and maple walnut ice creams, check out the limited edition flavors of Pumpkin Oatmeal Crumble and Apple Cinnamon Cheesecake.Castle Hill Chocolate-Sandy Hookwww.castlehillchocolate.comThey have re-interpreted pumpkins in chocolate! Handpainted Cinnamon Gold Chocolate Pumpkin filled with Pumpkin Spiced Caramel, “Insane” Belgian Peanut Butter (they’re huge and topped with a sweet pumpkin!), White Chocolate Pumpkin Spice Roasted Almonds and more. Nut Free chocolate pumpkins and pumpkin Oreos, too!Chip City Cookies-Darien, Fairfieldwww.chipcitycookies.comOpening in Fairfield this week and Darien before long, you’ll soon have all the BIG cookies your lil’ heart desires, including their fall favorite, the Pumpkin Spice Latte cookie with all that spiced, gooey pumpkin on the inside.Claire’s Corner Copia-New Havenwww.clairescornercopia.comA New Haven staple of healthy eating since 1975! Their baked-goods counter is a hot spot for scrumptious treats that cater to a variety of dietary needs and are, happily, clearly labeled, so everyone can enjoy something. On deck for autumn: by-the-slice Pumpkin, Vegan Pecan, Vegan Organic Apple pies, dairy-free Pumpkin pie, and Persian Cardamon Cake with homemade Chai frosting. Dom’s Coffee and Creamery-Avonwww.domscoffee.comToggle between Dom’s Coffee and their Creamery and you can get your fill of seasonal spice; they are serving Pumpkin Spice Lattes and Pumpkin Twists (a sumptuous pastry) at the coffee shop and freshly made Pumpkin Pie ice cream at the creamery!Elm Street Diner-Stamfordwww.elmstreetdiner.comA behemoth (would you expect any less?) of a Pumpkin extravagance masquerading as a breakfast: Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake Pancakes topped with, of course, Pumpkin Pie ice cream. Brings new meaning to the phrase “Breakfast All Day”.Ferris Acres-Newtownwww.ferrisacrescreamery.comCooler days don’t deter Ferris Acres from churning out the velvety ice cream they are known for: flavors such as Pumpkin Pie, Bonfire ice cream (chocolate ice cream with fudge swirls, graham cracker pieces and mini marshmallows), Campfire, if you like a vanilla base, Cinnamon, Caramel Apple Pie, Oh Snap (pumpkin with gingersnaps), Pumpkin Cheesecake, Pumpkin Cookies and Cream and…Apple Cider floats.Flander’s Donut and Bake Shop-East Lymewww.flandersbakery.comOver 50 years of churning out the donuts-they’ve got this down to a delicious science! Henceforth and ergo, go snag one of their Pumpkin donuts, some pumpkin muffins and a pumpkin coffee to sip in the sunshine!Green and Tonic-Cos Cob, Darien, Fairfield, Westport www.greenandtonic.com Fall-lovers rejoice! The Pumpkin Coffee Cake is back! No refined sugar! Green and Tonic's feel-good healthy PSLs are back along with customer favorite Pumpkin Coffee Cake. You might might also want to try their Pumpkin Parfait and pumpkin cookie, both gluten-free and delicious!The Hidden Kitchen-North Branfordwww.hiddenkitchenrt80.comLoad the little goblins into the car and head to the Hidden Kitchen because Pumpkin Pancakes are back! Get the kids fed and get into the fall spirit all in one fell swoop.Hogan’s Cider Mill-Burlingtonwww.hoganscidermill.comAdorable whipped-cream topped Pumpkin Spice Latte shots in wee mugs are to be had at this must-see cider mill which has been proudly been making cider since 1912. Make this stop on your Gilmore Girl fall adventure day.House of Knipschildt-order on Goldbellywww.goldbelly.comSix (or 12) little Pumpkin Spice Ghosts all in a row, bespeckled Spiced Pumpkin Latte white chocolate Bonbons, a Pumpkin Bonbon Trio collection or Pumpkin Maple Syrup & Bourbon Bonbons….best. trick. or. treating. ever.J Bagels and Cafe-Trumbullwww.jbagelstrumbull.comPair your Spooky Season bagels (read: orange and black swirl), an Apple Cinnamon Muffin or Apple Turnover with one of their fall-inspired drinks such as the Toasted Apple Cinnamon coffee with Caramel Whipped Cream or Hot Apple Cider.Kloter’s Ice Cream Barn-Ellingtonwww.klotersicecreambarn.comDon’t miss the limited appearance of their Pumpkin ice cream, along with fall faves of Caramel Apple Crumb and Maple Praline.Lewis Farms-Southingtonwww.lewisfarmsct.comThree words: Pumpkin glazed donuts. But there’s more: Apple Filled donuts, Pumpkin Nut muffins, Pumpkin Whoopee pies, pumpkin squares, pumpkin coffee syrup…Lis Bake Shop-MysticFB @ Lis Bake Shop LLCCool weather has arrived and that means Pumpkin Squares, Pumpkin WHOOPEE pies and Apple Cider donuts. Hello, fall, we love you.Lyman Orchards-Middlefieldwww.lymanorchards.comPies of Hi-Top Appie, Apple Crumb, Apple Walnut and Caramel Apple Walnut, Apple Cider donuts and donut holes, Apple Cider muffins, Caramel Apple tea bread, and Apple dumplings. Well, Doc said “an apple a day”….Marketplace Tavern-Litchfieldwww.mptavern.com/litchfieldSweater Weather Martini (tequila ginger, lemon), Spiced Cider Margaritas, Cranberry & Orange Mule or a Milk & Cookies sipping delight made with Jo Jo Chocolate Chip Whiskey, Galliano, espresso, finished with a chocolate rim with cinnamon sugar graham crackers and a dollop of Fluff-infused Vodka cold foam…ah, autumn is here…in a glass, in your hand. Drink up, Witches!Michele’s Pies-Norwalkwww.michelespies.comYou want pie? They’ve got pie and then some-eight types of apple pies and two kinds of pumpkin (including Maple Pumpkin with Pecan Streusel), and pumpkin bread. And special for October weekends, their Trick-or-Treat pie filled with Oreos, brownies, snickers, Reese’s, marshmallows, m&m’s, candy corn, chocolate cream and whipped cream. No need for a costume.Mix at Sift-Mysticwww.siftbakeshopmystic.comUpstairs from the fabulous Sift Bake Shop in Mystic is Mix, their rooftop bar which affords diners a divine view of the Mystic River. Enjoy a fall afternoon with a Pumpkin Spice Martini and decadent bonbons in flavors of Apple Crisp, Spice Cake, Candied Sweet Potato, Pumpkin Sage, Bourbon Pecan Pie, Blueberry Matcha and Cranberry Whiskey Mule.Mr. Frosty-Norwalkwww.mrfrostysicecream.comApple Pie Ice Cream has arrived! No need to slog through the orchard, braving the crows and the bees. Grab a cuppa this instead!Munson’s Chocolates-various locationswww.munsonschocolates.comSpiced Pumpkin Truffle, anyone? Or how about pumpkin fudge, Halloween Milk Chocolate foiled balls and Dark Chocolate foiled leaves..ah, fall. If we are talking autumn trees, don’t forget their 10 flavors of chocolate “bark”.The Norwalk Art Space Cafe-Norwalkwww.thenorwalkartspace.orgTheir Apple Fritter cake and Apple Cider Donut cake-artfully presented (of course) and creating a masterpiece of a coffee break. Honestly, who wouldn’t an Apple Cider donut as a cake? Autumn just got better.Ore Hill & Swyft-Kentwww.orehillandswyft.comThe Autumn cocktail list has dropped and it’s like golden hour in a glass: Back for S’more (marshmallow-infused Mezcal, bourbon, vanilla bean, cacao), The Scratchy Throat, with ginger liqueurs and calendula to fight off anything you’ve got goin’ on, The Apple of My Pie, with allspice liquor and vanilla-bean-infused tequila and more. Panificio Navona-Newtownwww.panificionavona.comCottage baking at its best and at this time of the year, this cottage baker is churning out Mummy and Halloween sugar cookies with almond glaze or vanilla buttercream along with fluffy and sugary, cream-dolloped Apple doughnuts.Peanut’s Place-Thomastonwww.peanutsplace.comThis bistro and cafe has unleashed their Fall drink menu and it’s a beaut: Brown Butter Pumpkin Cold Foam, Pumpkin Chai Latte, PSLs (eh hem, Pumpkin Spice Latte…do we really need to spell it out?), and more drinks that beg for a big sweater and a chill in the air. Bring the whole gang!Place 2 Be-Hartford, New Haven, West Hartfordwww.theplace2be.comCaramel Apple Pancakes the likes of which you have never seen, Pumpkin Pancakes just as decadent and gooey, Apple Pie milkshakes, Apple Cider Mimosas with a buttery caramel and sugar drip, Pumpkin Spice and Maple Walnut Lattes-everything done big and piled high.Plasko’s Farm-Trumbullwww.plaskofarm.comFall Pumpkin ice cream…while it lasts! But wait, don’t miss their Apple Cider Donut Sundae cup or Apple Cider Donut Swirl, Dutch Apple Crumb pie, Loaded Maple Walnut ice creams. Isn’t autumn just the best…even for ice cream!Queen’s Delight Cafe-Bridgeportwww.queensdelightcafe.comLet’s tip our crown to this cafe, which serves up “feasts and treats”, as they usher in the fall season with their Pumpkin Pie French Toast; fluffy and golden pillows of French Toast, layered with cream, scattered with powdered sugar and pecans, and topped with a…yep, piece of Pumpkin Pie. You can have your toast and eat it too.RJ Cafe & Bistro-Madisonwww.rjcafebistro.comAt the back of the infamous bookstore is the RJ Cafe and Bistro and these days, they are serving up Maple Lattes, made with pure maple syrup and Shearwater coffee, Pumpkin Pie lattes, Pumpkin Spiced Shaken Espressos, and Boo Brews. So which book goes with these?Raw Bowls and Juice-New Havenwww.eastrockmarket.comFall in love with Raw's pumpkin specials, including dairy-free Pumpkin Spice Lattes, gluten-free Pumpkin Muffins, Pumpkin Pie Smoothies made with real pumpkin, Cold Pressed Charcoal Cider, vegan and gluten-free Banana Walnut Bread, and the best chili around! Weekly specials coming!Rebel Daughter Cookies-Norwalkwww.rebeldaughtercookies.com Love your pumpkin but in a rebellious way with their twist on a favorite seasonal flavor: Pumpkin Spice, with milk and dark chocolate chunks and stuffed with tangy cream cream cheese icing and finished off with the crunch of a spicy, toasted pumpkin seed brittle. Rich Farm-Bristol, Brookfield, Oxfordwww.richfarmicecream.comAll hail Rich Farm’s seasonal specials! Pumpkin, Pumpkin Oreo and Caramel Apple ice cream, Pumpkin ice cream sandwiches with ginger snap cookies, and Donut Sundaes, which have an apple cider donut, a scoop of ice cream, whipped cream and a cherry.Rush Bowls-Hartford, Glastonbury, Simsburywww.rushbowls.com“Gourd Vibes Only”, starting September 1st with their Pumpkin Spice Bowl, which layers pumpkin, banana, froyo, graham crackers, cinnamon and your choice of milk.Sift-Mysticwww.siftbakeshopmystic.comAutumn has arrived in Mystic! Sift if on a roll with their fall Carrot Cake Roulade (available for pre-order), Pumpkin Pie croissants (hello!), Pumpkin White Chocolate cheesecake, Pumpkin Swirl sourdough, Pumpkin Chai brioche and coffee to go along with all that deliciousness!Sorrento Importing-Fairfieldwww.sorrentoimporting.comKnown for their Italian pastas and imported goods, at autumn they get on the bandwagon and stock delicious Pumpkin Ravioli! Have your Sunday dinner with a fabulous autumn twist.Stew Leonard’s-Danbury, Newington, Norwalkwww.stewleonards.comFrom the store that’s got it all, they’ve now got Pumpkin Frozen Yogurt, Pumpkin Raisin cookies, Pumpkin Pie, Pumpkin Lattes, Apple Cider Walnut bread, Apple Cider Donut Sundae (Newington location only), Candy or Caramel apples, Autumn Spiced Apple Sausage, and even Apple Cider Donut candles. Sweet Brioche Artisan Pastries-Trumbullsweet-brioche-artisan-pastries.square.siteThe time has come: Pumpkin Latte Cinnamon Rolls are arriving! These buns are made to order, preservative/dye/artificial ingredient-free, as well as tree nut/peanut free. With a base of buttery brioche, these buns are like none other and perfect for sweatah-weathah!Terrain Cafe-Westportwww.shopterrain.comCalling all Autumn latte lovers! From the store that brings you uber-beauty and creativity, comes their Cardamon Turmeric, Pumpkin White Mocha, Bee Sting and Caramel Apple Pie Latte. Mittens optional.Thimble Islands Brewery-Branfordwww.thimbleislandbrewery.comThrowing a Halloween bash? Fill a caldron with their Ghost Island Double IPA, Thimble Island Sea Mist, their Dark Pumpkin Porter, a Triple Ghost IPA, and an Oktoberfest Marien-style Lager. Trick or treat, adult-style.Thorncrest Farm LLC & Milk House Chocolates-Litchfieldwww.milkhousechocolates.netWhite, milk or dark hollow chocolate pumpkins! Perfect as holiday table decor, a small gift or hell, put an engagement ring in one for the the ultimate TREAT (no trick). Pumpkin Pie dark or milk truffles, Hazelnut, Honey Cinnamon Creams, milk or dark Trail Mix Bark, too.TJ’s Burritos-East Granbywww.tjsburritos.comWhet your whistle with a seasonal Margarita flight-Spicy Apple, Spiced Chai, Pumpkin or “Fall” margaritas. Sweaters on, bottoms up!Villarina’s Pasta Shop-Newtownwww.villarinas.comDuring Fall, Villarina's Pasta Shop of Newtown carries Pumpkin Ravioli, Pumpkin Cream Sauce and Pumpkin-shaped pasta, as well as special Fall flavors of Ferris Acres ice cream, including Oh Snap, Pumpkin Cookies & Cream, Pumpkin Pie and their exclusive flavor, Cinnamon Apple Pie.Wells Hollow Creamery-Sheltonwww.wellshollowcreamery.comAmble (or get lost?) in their “Flower Power” Corn Maze and enjoy a cone of their seasonally flavored ice-creams: NEW Apple Crisp, Campfire S’mores, Maple Walnut, Pumpkin or Pumpkin Praline (pumpkin with brown sugar and cinnamon ribbons and praline pecans) or Fat-free Country Apple.Wood-n-Tap-Enfield, Farmington, Hamden, Hartford, Newington, Rocky Hill, Southington, Vernon, Wallingfordwww.woodntap.comIt’s that pumpkin time of year and Wood-n-Tap restaurants have it covered: featured as part of its fall menu is an old favorite, the Famous Pumpkin Cheesecake, along with Fall Corn Chowder full of local-grown corn, a crisp and fruity Harvest Pear Sangria and Taproots Old Fashioneds with house barrel-aged rye and local honey from Bumble Bees Apiary in Farmington. Young Buns Doughnuts-Mystic www.youngbunsdoughnuts.com On a Fall day, who doesn’t love a hot coffee and a doughnut? However, you will swoon over these delights from the Young Buns team: Spiced Maple or Pumpkin White Chocolate coffee and Apple Cider, Pumpkin Creme Brûlée, and Fall Sprinkles doughnuts.
