Peak foliage for Fairfield County is from October 24 through October 30. Ready to take a ride?

According to the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection prime foliage for those of us who live in northern Fairfield County is from Wednesday, October 24 through Tuesday, October 30. With the help of DEEP, I've put together a driving tour you will absolutely love. Check out the interactive map:

FOLIAGE TOUR DIRECTIONS

  1. Begin your tour on Route 7 in Brookfield and then make a right onto Route 25 at the four corners....
  2. Take Route 25 for 1.7 miles and then turn left onto Route 133N towards Bridgewater....
  3. Drive Route 133N for 8 miles until you get to Bridgewater....
  4. Make a right and go south on Route 67 for 3.7 miles into Roxbury...
  5. Pick up Route 317 and travel 6.4 miles into Woodbury....
  6. From Woodbury, take Route 6 south to Southbury and I-84....
  7. Hop on I-84 going west to Exit 11....
  8. Jump onto Route 34 to Route 25 in Newtown....
  9. From Route 25, turn onto Rt. 302 in Newtown to Route 58 heading south....
  10. Pick up Route 136 into Westport and do some shopping....
  11. Jump onto Route 57 out of Westport heading north through Weston and Redding and into Bethel (Don't forget to stop for ice cream at Dr. Mike's).

If you're thinking of making an entire day of it, I've listed some of the best attractions on your driving route.

  1. DeGrazia Vineyards - Located off Route 133 in Brookfield before you cross the Lake Lillinonah bridge heading towards Bridgewater.
  2. Bridgewater Village Store - Unique treats, a quick bite, and Bridgewater Chocolates, and the Bridgewater Bistro located at 27 Main St. South.
  3. Mamie's - An adorable place to stop for breakfast or lunch in Roxbury and the food is exceptional! Located at 162 Baker Rd.
  4. Dottie's Diner - Located at 787 Main St. South - Ask anyone in Woodbury and they'll tell you that Dottie's serves up the most incredible chicken pot pie in all the land. Their homemade doughnuts are also award winning.
  5. Downtown Westport - The affluent town of Westport is a shopping mecca for the wealthy with shops like the Pottery Barn, West Elm, Bluemercury 2, and Ann Taylor. If you're a deli fan like myself, Gold's Deli is a must.
  6. Dr. Mike's Ice Cream Shop - If you're in a 'MUST HAVE ICE CREAM' state of mind, Dr. Mike's is the perfect sweet end to your foliage tour located in the center of Bethel at 158 Greenwood Ave.

More From WRKI and WINE