Before winter becomes too intense and the temperature is below freezing every day, go outside and take in all the colors of the leaves and the sunset. Sometimes we don’t appreciate the wonders of nature enough and autumn is the perfect time to enjoy it. Challenge yourself to visit some of Waterford’s big attractions like Harkness Park, Waterford Beach, Pleasure Beach, or Connecticut College Arboretum this month. Try to get to at least one of these places in your free time.

Harkness Park is a great place to go, especially as a Connecticut resident because there is no fee. As long as someone goes in a Connecticut registered car,  the car will not be charged. Harkness is also a dog-friendly place. People bring their dogs there often to run and play. The park opens at sunrise and closes at sunset. It is open every day of the week. Harkness Park is at 275 Great Neck Road, Waterford CT.

Connecticut College Arboretum is a unique destination to enjoy the outdoors. It is open daily from sunrise to sunset. Dogs are allowed, but they must be on a leash at all times. No one is allowed to disturb any plants at the Arboretum in any way. To find out more information while you are there, you can go to the Arboretum office that is located in the F.W. Olin Science Center. Office hours are Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Brochures may be found on the sign board inside the main entrance to the Native Plant Collection on Williams Street, and the Caroline Black Garden on Mohegan Avenue/Rt. 32.

While at one of these locations, notice the trees and the colors of the leaves. Examine the shapes of the clouds, as well as the color surrounding them. Observe the vibrant shades in the sky during sunset and sunrise . Watch the birds and listen to the sounds they make, and the sounds off in the distance.

Another place to go before winter is the beach. When you are there, observe the waves rolling onto the sand and see what the horizon has to offer, and again, look at the clouds. Watch the boats go back and forth across the ocean. Listen to the waves once more before you lock yourself in your house for the winter. Since you can see for miles, this is another good place to look at the colors in the sky and on the horizon.

When you look at the sky and the clouds, remember that it is changing every second and it never stops. It will never look the same again so try to get a picture not only with your camera but in your mind because sometimes the camera doesn’t do the picture justice.

If you can’t go anywhere then try going outside your house and breathe in the fresh air. If it is windy, listen to the wind. You’ll be happy to go somewhere where you can enjoy nature and the sights and sounds it brings before winter comes.