The best weekend of the year has arrived: crisp New England weather, delicious food, and charming small-town fairs. For a few perfect days, the region remembers what makes autumn so special and settles into the season for the next couple of months.
Past years: 2015 part 1 / 2015 part 2 / 2014 / 2013 / 2012
Friday: Greek Food Festival
The weekend kicked off at the Greek Food Festival, where the air was filled with the scents of grilled meats, fresh herbs, and frying dough. We wandered from booth to booth, sampling spanakopita and savory grilled items before settling on a few classic desserts. There was a ridiculous amount of powdered sugar on the cookie I couldn’t pronounce, and it was totally worth it.
On the drive home, Evan hatched a few Pokemon eggs, which felt like a small, modern reward for a night of festival food. The kids were delighted and full of sugar-fueled energy, and the sky hinted at the changing season with cooler air and softer light.
Saturday: Ledyard Fair & Taste of Italy
Saturday was a full day of fairs and food. We started at the Ledyard Fair, where classic fair attractions—rides, craft stalls, and local vendors—created the perfect family atmosphere. Caroline was in her element, exploring booths and enjoying every treat we let her try. It’s one of those simple joys to watch a little person revel in the sights, sounds, and tastes of a fair.
Later we moved on to the Taste of Italy, where booths offered generous portions of Italian favorites. There were giant meatballs, seafood ravioli in a rich lobster cream sauce, and garlic knots that disappeared faster than we expected. The variety was impressive: classic comfort foods alongside refined dishes, all served in convivial, festive settings.
Beyond the food, there was the usual fair charm—live music, families milling about, and vendors selling homemade goods and seasonal produce. The light was golden, and the air carried that unmistakable hint of fall. You could see it in the trees and feel it in the cooler breezes: autumn was on its way.
Sunday: Mystic Eats
Sunday was devoted to Mystic and its wonderful food scene. We sampled classic coastal fare: Abbott’s lobster roll, Del’s frozen lemonade, and a slice of Mystic Pizza. Every bite felt like a small celebration of New England summer merging into fall. The lobster roll was brimming with sweet, tender meat; the lemonade was refreshing and tart; and the pizza—well, it was exactly what we hoped for.
We also tried a Carolina pulled pork slider with sweet pickles and clam fritters with garlic aioli—savory bites that rounded out the day. For dessert, the Mystic Drawbridge ice cream was the perfect finish, scoops melting in the cooling air as we walked along the water.
By the end of the weekend, our faces and bellies told the story: we had a great time. Finn, who spent most of the weekend either attached to me or asleep in the stroller, didn’t make it into many photos this year, but next year he’ll be old enough to try most of these treats and enjoy the weekend even more. For now, we soak up the memories and look forward to more crisp days, good food, and small-town charm as the season unfolds.
