You’ll be energized after hiking Mattatuck Trail near Thomaston. With 36 miles, this wooded trail is perfect for hikers looking for a challenge (you don’t have to traverse the whole thing at once, though!) Your canine friends are welcome, too, but they must be leashed.
With 3,000 acres of woodland trails, there are hikes for every ability at MDC Reservoir #6. In addition to the hiking trails, there are 30 miles of paved and gravel roads. The area is known for some of the best woodlands views in the state. Try out the 3.6-mile red loop. Check their map online to figure out where you’re headed!
Hiking Hurd State Park finds you passing by the Connecticut River, as well as through heavily-wooded areas. Those looking for a route even more energizing will love the paths that ascend to much higher ground. They afford brilliant views of the river valley.
Hike on rock ridges, past a ravine that was created by glaciers, and more at this preserve. Oswegatchie Hills is a stunning spot replete with wildlife. Birders love it here. There are roughly seven miles of trails in the area to explore! Do it during the fall, and experience some of the most incredible natural beauty you’ve ever seen.
This trail, located near Meriden, Connecticut, is rated as moderate and one of the most scenic hikes in the state. On this two-mile hike, explorers will be able to soak in views of the immaculate Crescent Lake dam. The area features trees such as elm, maple, black birch, flowering dogwood, and more. It will take you roughly 2-3 hours to traverse and the area is dog-friendly, too!
]]>This idyllic man-made lake is the largest in Connecticut at 8.4 square-miles. Due to its massive size, Candlewood Lake is a scenic spot ideal for practicing numerous watersports. Boating and jet skiing are allowed with maximum speeds of 45 mph during the day and 25 mph at night. For rentals, check out Brookfield’s Echo Bay Marina.
At Boardwalk Marina, visitors seeking a fun day on the water can rent a new Yamaha jet ski and launch directly from the marina. Traveling through the waters of the Long Island Sound will certainly prove to be a day out to remember. Do note that renters must have a valid Connecticut personal watercraft license, be 21 or over, and have a valid driver’s license.
Lakes provide a smooth surface to tear through the water on a jet ski, but for a bumpy and adrenaline-pumping ride, Long Island Sound is the spot. Check out the Connecticut DEEP website for a map of the local boat launches to find the right spot to get your day started. Be sure to check out local regulations, as well. On a good day, you can catch some serious air on Long Island Sound—truly a thrill seeker's dream!
Entering near the Derby Dam, the Lower Housatonic River allows jet skiing and is a great place to explore due to the beautiful small islands and great spots to stop for lunch—either bring along a picnic or stop at a waterside restaurant. From here, you could even venture into the Long Island Sound.
Head to Coventry for the lake’s boat launch and set off on a jet skiing adventure! Be sure to check the DEEP website for official rules about maximum speeds and when/where you can utilize your jet ski. For both a thrilling and scenic jet skiing journey, do not miss out on Coventry Lake.
]]>
Macricostas Preserve is your best bet for a long hike since it has trails as long as four miles spread over its 368 acres. The habitats here consist of meadow, farmland, a wooded ridge, wetlands, and a mountain. The mountain, a pinnacle overlook, is the highlight of Macricostas and it provides stunning views over Connecticut and Lake Waramaug. For families and nature lovers, the yellow blazed tail provides educational signs describing habitats and organisms found in different areas.
With about three different trails, including a historic carriage trail to an old family home, Jones Mountain Preserve is a pristine location for a hike. With a maximum loop of 2.5 miles, this scenic hike passes up the peak of a mountain (Jones Mountain), through an ancient stone bridge, and past native Connecticut flora. Listen carefully to see if you can identify any unusual bird species!
Salem Land Trust is a scenic, mostly flat parcel of land that is well cared for by volunteers. The hiking at Salem Land Trust is really lovely, with meadows, marshlands, and ponds. Visiting in each season brings different experiences, and visitors can expect to encounter numerous species of flora as well as some charismatic wildlife such as bunnies, foxes, birds, and turtles. Come in the summer to see milkweed blooming and monarchs, or in the winter to see cardinals and beaver dams.
Maintained by the Weantinoge Heritage Land Trust, Cobble Brook Vista is a preserved area of 158 acres featuring a roundtrip trail of 2.5 miles. Along the trail, hikers will see Cobble Brook Valley and surrounding hilly lands. The soil here is mostly composed of sand, so the flora is different here compared to the other natural preserves mentioned. That means you’ll see junipers, lichen, mountain laurel, and grasses. When hiking at Cobble Brook, be sure to bring along a copy of the trail map with you since trails do run along private property.
To protect Connecticut’s waterways, East Haddam Land Trust has protected several acres of land surrounding rivers and streams. It even features a beautiful walking bridge over Eightmile River within the Chapal Farm Open Space area, providing an overlook onto the river below, and is a great place to spot wildlife. In addition, hiking and kayaking events are schedule frequently and they are also seeking volunteers to help measure large trees within the associated preserves.
]]>This coastal reserve offers a delightful combination of hiking and biking trails, wildlife viewing, and easy access from Long Island Sound. It is perfect for a leisurely stroll with your pup by your side.
As part of Shelton’s efforts to create more open spaces for visitors to enjoy, this destination has become a go to spot for dog owners. Let your pup run wild in the expansive fields.
If your pup loves to explore the great outdoors, Bear Mountain Reservation will be a perfect choice. This 140-acre green space provides plenty of opportunities to explore wooded areas and access to Candlewood Lake.
Step into this peaceful and tranquil park and you will be greeted with life-like sculptures of wolves and bears. Explore open fields and dense woodlands with your pup and revel in this space around you.
On this 400-to-700-foot trap rock ridge your pooch will be able to get a spectacular view of Long Island Sound and the Vermont border. Plus, there are plenty of opportunities to explore wooded areas.
Spanning 389 acres of wooded areas, Mianus River Park offers the perfect space for rugged mountain biking and hiking. The park also includes tranquil fishing spots and lots of areas for your pup to get out and explore.
Bigelow Hollow State Park and Nipmuck State Forest welcome you and your pup to their 9,000 acres of recreation opportunities. Here, you can take a hike on one of their many trails, or cool off in Bigelow Pond or Mashapaug Pond.
Take your pup for a hike up the Castle Craig Tower, which offers some of the best views of the Meriden area. This stone observation tower was a gift from Walter Hubbard and remains one of the city's great philanthropic contributions.
This wild and picturesque park provides an opportunity for horseback riding and hiking, covering 242 acres of undeveloped public space. Your pup will have a blast on the Larkin State Park Trail, though note that they must be leashed at all times.
Explore this 389-acre preserve in Roxbury. Let your pup run free as you explore the 19th century iron mine, the restored stone and brick complex and the other historical markers in this stunning open space.
]]>White Memorial Conservation Center is a 4,000-acre property with trails, events, and an educational center. Though there are many other trails at the White Memorial Conservation Center, the Little Pond Boardwalk is recommended for those pushing a stroller as this boardwalk can be reached by car and is wide enough to permit a stroller. Other trails are appropriate for toddlers through teens and lead to interesting sights such as an avian enclosure and pollinator garden. Little learners will be able to study their environment along the Interpretive Nature Trail, or families can check the events calendar online for weeks offering free museum admission or educational walks guided by a scientist.
This excellent education center has 10 miles of hiking trails, some easy and some more difficult. Near the nature center, visitors will find some boardwalk trails leading to a duck pond. There is also an easy-to-reach butterfly garden. The Forest Loop is great for jogging with a stroller, and curious kids will pass through fields, woodland, marshes, ponds, and streams. Older children will enjoy the Ledge Trail, which features rock overlooks and wooded wetlands. Do remember to watch out for poison ivy (and/or wash with a bar of laundry soap after) and check for ticks after returning home.
The lovely Haley Farm State Park has both short and long trails, several of which are appropriate for strollers. A very short .8-mile bike trail is great for toddlers and a grassy open space is also great for kids who need to spend some energy running. The grassy area is also perfect for blowing bubbles, playing catch, or making daisy chains. Little naturalists will be able to keep a look out for wild birds, pond critters, and colorful wildflowers.
Can your kids spot the sleeping giant? Create a fun activity by seeing which angle is best to spot Connecticut’s very own giant. Perfect for beginners and little legs, a 1.5-mile-long trail stretches up the sleeping giant—Mt. Carmel—to an observation tower, providing views of surrounding Connecticut scenery and Long Island Sound. Sleeping Giant State Park is also picnic-friendly and offers picnic tables, picnic shelters, and bathroom facilities. Families will also be happy to hear that it is free to visit Sleeping Giant State Park (as well as all the other parks on this list)!
Devil’s Hopyard State Park is a really fun option for kids who are into geology and/or legends. Kids will note the round holes in the rocks by the falls, which were thought to have been created by the devil burning holes in the stone with his hooves because his tail got wet in the falls. Despite the interesting myth, the potholes are now known to be created due to currents creating depressions in the rocks. Following a sufficient exploration of the waterfall, families will be able to enjoy several relatively easy hiking trails leading to scenic views. A picnic area, pavilion, toilet facilities, and other amenities are also available at Devil’s Hopyard. Do keep in mind that hunting is allowed in designated areas in season, so it is best to dress yourself and your family in brightly colored clothing.
]]>The Thomaston Dam is public land that is maintained for dirt motorbikes. Conditions here are well-maintained, although some areas are prone to flooding, limiting access during certain seasons. Nonetheless, Thomaston Dam is a top pick for dirt motor biking in Connecticut. Because the land is also open to hunting, riders might consider wearing bright colors for safety.
Though riding dirt motorbikes in state forests is limited in Connecticut, Pachaug State Forest is an excellent, free option for miles and miles of well-maintained trails. Trails cross town lines, head up and down hills, and track through dense forests. Many are wide enough to allow for motorcyclists riding in pairs, so if you are riding with a family member or friend, the trails at Pachaug State Forest might be your best bet.
Shenipsit State Forest is open to dirt biking opportunities for races and other events a few times a year. Amenities here include drinking water, pit toilets, and picnic benches for any necessary pit stops. This massive 7,000-acre state forest also has great hiking trails leading up Soapstone Mountain for those looking for views of Connecticut’s forests after an exhilarating trail ride.
]]>Spanning across 3,000 acres, the West Hartford Reservoirs offer some of the most beautiful woodland hikes in the state of Connecticut. There are several loop trails in the area, extending anywhere from two to 3.5 miles. This is a perfect picturesque trek for any trail runner.
Featuring a 2.6-mile looped trail recommended for experienced runners used to moderate-to-strenuous runs, Devil’s Hopyard State Park provides gorgeous scenery as well. Runners will pass a stunning waterfall. The trail is open year-round.
The trail at Ragged Mountain Memorial Preserve is rated for moderate to advanced runners. There is lots of uneven, rocky footing. The views are spectacular along this run, however, featuring vertical cliff faces close at hand and the Central Connecticut region in the distance.
Talcott Mountain State Park affords a great view of the Farmington River. As runners ascend the mountain, they will view New Hampshire’s Mount Monadnock in the distance. Intermediate runners will love the full run. Beginners typically engage in the first 1.25 mile-run to the Heublein Tower.
An old rail trail that once transported passengers from New York to Boston, Airline State Park Trail is now a favorite among trail runners. The views are part of what draws people there, and the trail is popular among beginner trail runners. Check the website for where to park in the different towns and cities that have access to the trail.
]]>One of the top birding sites in Connecticut, Sherwood Island State Park affords outdoor enthusiasts the best of both worlds. In addition to close to 300 species of birds in the park, there are also hiking trails that traverse some of the 234 acres. Great horned owls are spotted here regularly.
A 40-mile trail marks the Farmington Canal Heritage Greenway, and within that span is a treasure trove of birdwatching opportunities. Part gravel, part asphalt, and part crushed stone, the trail is used by hikers and mountain bikers. Wear good hiking shoes, as the wear and tear on feet from the varied terrain can be tough. A vast number of bird species are spotted here with great frequency. Watch for woodpeckers, yellow warblers, and cardinals.
Forty miles of trails grace the White Memorial Conservation Center. Several bird species’ nest in the woods, by the lake, and near the marsh here. This spot is noted especially for the 15 species of nesting warblers, wild turkey, pileated woodpeckers, scarlet tanagers, and rose-breasted grosbeaks. In total, approximately 240 species call this conservation center home.
The trails that lead into the woods at Hammonasset Beach State Park make for good hiking, but they also take birders to spots where more than 250 bird species have been spotted. A nature center is located just over a mile and a half into the woods. From there, they extend further into the woods as well as to two raised platforms that allow views over the wetlands. Marsh wrens, saltmarsh sparrows, clapper rails, and American bitterns have all been spotted here.
Hike over sand dunes, along the beach and on the boardwalk at Coastal Center at Milford Point for a look at some beautiful birds. The sanctuary sits on the shores of the Housatonic River, where countless species have been viewed. Sand pipers, egrets, herons, and nesting osprey have all been spotted here. Climb the viewing tower and see a panoramic view of the center from a vantage point. Three hundred different species were spotted at this sanctuary in recent years. The 8.4 acres make for a nice hike, as well as increase the likelihood of capturing some great glimpses of beautiful birds—and maybe even some pictures, too.
]]>
Great for swimming, picnicking, hiking, and relaxing, Nehantic State Forest also offers calm waters and a boat launch for beginner kayakers. With boat launches in both Norwich Pond and Uncas Lake, visitors will be able to explore the flora and fauna of these two bodies of water with ease. Be sure to bring your own kayak to Nehantic State Forest as rental facilities are not available on-site.
Set along the Farmington River, Collinsville Canoe & Kayak provides rentals and an educational facility for those seeking an unforgettable experience. Kayak, boat, and stand-up paddleboard rentals can be used right behind the store in the Farmington River. If you’ve never kayaked before, you can join their paddling school designed for all ages.
Whether you bring along your own kayak or rent one from the on-site facilities, Squantz Pond State Park is a great place for kids or beginners to try out kayaking. This large pond features a sandy beach surrounded by beautiful, wooded hills, providing plenty of scenery to admire while paddling. A boat launch is available for easier access into the water.
Enjoy 9,000 acres of outdoor space and an 18-acre pond at Bigelow Hollow State Park. With boat launches in both Bigelow Pond and Mashapaug Lake, novice kayakers will be able to enter the water with ease. Do note that Bigelow Hollow State Park does not have rental services, so kayakers will need to bring their own equipment or rent from another location.
If you need to rent a kayak for your first venture out onto the water, Scoot & Paddle provides a wide selection and is conveniently located right by the Milford beach. Scoot & Paddle carries sit-on-top as well as tandem kayaks, which are easy to use with minimal instruction. Pets and children are welcome to join in on the fun excursion. Paddle out to Charles Island for an off-the coast challenge to discover a part of Connecticut that is often unexplored.
]]>Whether you’re headed to the Connecticut River or Long Island Sound, Fishin’ Factory 3 will ready you for your adventure. Check out reels and more by Quantum, lures by Rapala and kayaks by Pelican. The Fishin’ Factory 3 has everything you’ll need for live bait, too.
You’ll find several brands of the fishing equipment you know best at Hillyer’s Tackle Shop. Plus, they’re an official factory authorized warranty shop for Penn. Buy St. Croix rods, Abu Garcia combos and Shimano rods, reels, accessories and clothing.
In addition to tons (literally!) of live bait, Frank’s Live Bait and Tackle sells a variety of options that will enhance your day on the ocean, lake, pond or stream. Check out lures and artificial bait by Yo-Zuri, jigs by Diamond and hooks by Addya.
In addition to boating in and out of their marina, AW Marina & Bait stocks lots of fishing merchandise. Pick up some lures and tackle by Tidal Tails and bait that teases whatever kind of fish you’re hoping to catch.
A visit to Fisherman’s World puts you where the fish are jumping—all season long. Peruse their large selection of rods by Shimano and Okuma, Penn, and St. Croix. They have a nice assortment of reels—including those from Quantum as well.
JT’s Fly Shop prides itself in offering customers some amazing hand-tied flies. In addition, they sell equipment—including that made by Umpqua to help you create your own.
If you’re seeking more than bait at Tidewater Bait and Tackle, rest assured they have everything you might need. They stock a nice array of reels by Seigler and Penn as well as knives and tools by Bubba Blade.
Located near Connecticut’s Candlewood Lake, the Valley Angler keeps fisherman in good shape with all the accoutrements they supply. Check out their Quantum reels, as well as their huge selection of bait. In addition, they provide full and half day fishing trips and they buy, sell and trade used fishing equipment.
Black Hall Outfitters won’t sell you bait, rods or reels, but if you’re a fisherman (or woman!) in the market for a fishing kayak, they have exactly what you need. Check out fishing kayaks by Old Town Canoe and Kayak and Ocean Kayak. They also have used kayaks on hand for rentals if you’re not sure which works best for you.
In addition to selling you some great fishing gear for fishing, UpCountry Sportfishing offers its customers lots of advice, too, like where to stay nearby and what’s running where for fresh fish. Check out their line of fly rods by Sage and Thomas and Thomas.
]]>
Featuring over 9,000 acres of forests, wetlands, and abandoned farmland, Tunxis State Forest makes for a beautiful backpacking destination. Beware of bears, however. This is one of the eastern U.S. spots where they’re seen early—and abundantly—each year. Backpackers can enjoy the Nepaug campsite, Hurricane Brook lean-to, and Roaring Brook campsite.
Mohawk State Forest stretches all the way from Massachusetts to the Cornwall, Connecticut area. There are shelters available for backpack campers, but reservations are required. Check the website’s map to see where the three lean-tos are located.
Located in the largest state forest in all of Connecticut, Pachaug sprawls across 26,477 magnificent acres. Here, explorers will find four designated backpack camping areas. Choose from the Dawley Pond, Dry Reservoir, Legend Wood, and Peg Mill lean-tos.
This gorgeous land is situated right in the junction of the Bigelow River and Still River, forming the Natchaug River. Here you will find horse trails, extraordinary trout fishing spots, a picnicking area, and many all-terrain trails. If you check out the website, you will find maps with several lean-to locations for backpackers to camp overnight.
The Nipmuck State Forest Trail campsites can be found along Breakneck Pond, and there you will enjoy a truly primitive-style camping expedition. The strenuous hike to get to this campsite will be overshadowed by the beauty of this verdant woodland forest.
]]>Stocked with trout by the Connecticut DEEP, the beautiful Candlewood Lake is a nice option for catching sizeable trout of at least 12 inches long. Stocking rates are high, making Candlewood Lake a good option for first time fishers or kids learning to fish, since they will feel proud of their first catch!
Squantz Pond is a beautiful spot for swimming, kayaking, scuba diving, and fishing. The pond is well stocked with trout by the DEEP, making it a great option to catch your dinner. The convenient boat launch allows fishers to set out away from swimming areas to catch fish living in deeper waters.
Lake Wononscopomuc is beautiful year-round, with fishing, swimming, canoeing, and activities for all seasons. Located in the foothills of the Berkshire Mountains, Wononscopomuc provides a picturesque background to any fishing activities, whether by boat or from land. Lake Wonoscopomuc is maintained by a counsel that ensures water quality and removal of invasive plant species. The DEEP stocks this lake with trout, making it great for fishing in season.
Bantam Lake is the largest naturally occurring lake in Connecticut and features many family-friendly activities in its waters and on its shores. Bantam Lake is home to large and small mouth bass, calico bass, white and yellow perch, and other species, allowing for a wide variety of catches. In addition, the DEEP monitors and stocks pikes allowing for more abundant fishing. Fishing can be enjoyed on shore, by wading, or from a boat.
Located in Bigelow Hollow State Park, Mashapaug Lake covers a massive 287 acres. Boating, scuba diving, hiking, hunting, and fishing are all allowed here. Paved boat launches are available for those interested in fishing from a boat. The bass fishing is great at Mashapaug Lake. If you tire of fishing at Mashapaug Lake, the nearby Bigelow Pond also allows fishing, but is much smaller.
]]>
From sweatshirts and winter jackets to gloves and hats, Patagonia never skimps on quality. Take a trip to New Haven and visit their Patagonia store for a high-quality selection of their top gear. Locals and visitors rave about the friendly staff at this location.
Pick up hiking boots by Ariat or a Trek III First Aid Kit by Coghlans at New Headings. This location is the only showroom for the outdoor retailer. All items are available online as well.
This Westport sporting goods store has been “your trusted source” since 1986. Lightweight Patagonia jackets? Check. North Face daypacks? Got it. Garmin activity trackers? You bet. This store will help you hit the trails in style.
This Manchester store is filled to the brim with equipment for any and all outdoor adventures. These experts have been around since 1955 and show no signs of slowing down. The store’s selection includes backpacks, flashlights, survival kits, and more.
This impressive Wilton store is here to make your outdoor experience a whole lot more comfortable. Find cozy Canada Goose jackets, supportive La Sportiva boots, and easy-to-carry backpacks from Thule, among other well-loved products and brands.
For all of your favorite gear at an excellent price, Mickey Finn’s on the Berlin Turnpike is your spot. Find reasonably-priced footwear from Merrell, great backpacks from the North Face, and sunglasses from Oakley for those sunny days. You’ll be ready to hit the trails in no time.
You could seriously get lost in this place. Bob’s Sports Chalet has absolutely everything you’ll need to gear up for your next trek. Find excellent hiking boots from the North Face and socks from Smartwool. If you’re hiking in the winter, don’t forget those hand and feet warmers from Swany.
]]>
Farr’s is an excellent store to get everything you need for an outdoor adventure. According to Farr’s website, they stock everything to “make your trip a complete success.” Find tents, sleeping bags, cast iron ware, stoves, lanterns, cots, coolers, freeze-dried food, propane tanks, and a variety of backpacks.
REI is well-stocked with an intriguing collection of camping gear. If you don’t want to sleep in a tent on the ground, consider investing in a roof-top tent that turns your vehicle into your tent base. REI sells these roof-top tents by Tepui More traditional tents by Big Agnes and Marmot are in ample supply. Pick up a new camp stove by Jetboil and start each day of your camping trip with a hearty breakfast.
Navigate your way through the woods to your camping destination with the help of a good-quality compass. Brunton compasses are professional grade, but available for the average camper at EMS. Be sure to pick up a lantern by Black Diamond in case you arrive a little late, and need illumination to pitch your tent. After all this, you’ll be ready to relax in your Big Agnes or Marmot tent.
Invest in a Yeti cooler—available at Cabela’s—and your food supply will stay fresh for days. If you’ve got kids coming along on your camping trip, consider investing in Disc-O-Bed bunk cots to save on space inside the tent. Cabela’s also offers a wide range of additional camping supplies.
Outdoor Sports Center sells some exceptional pieces of camping equipment you might not realize you need—until you go camping and find out how nice it would have been to have them. One such piece of equipment is made by the North Face—their Homestead Shelter. Not exactly a tent, it’s a canopy for your camp table or picnic table, so you can stay dry while you eat, in the event of inclement weather. If infants or toddlers are coming along, a child carrier is a must have. THULE makes one of the best around.
Featuring tents by Marmot, sleeping bags by the North Face and backpacks by Patagonia, Denali is an excellent place to acquire all the necessities for your camping trip. With three locations in Connecticut, there’s likely to be one within a short drive from your home—or en route to your camping destination.
]]>
Sunset Meadow Vineyards in Goshen is the perfect place to go for a glass of wine after a day on the slopes. The winery is open until 5 p.m. Monday, Thursday, and Sunday, and until 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday, which could be the perfect way to cap an action-packed day! They have some of the finest wines in the area, including a Cayuga White, a Bourbon Barrel Aged St. Croix, and a Shades de Blanc. Two dessert wine options are available to purchase by the bottle, and you can even take home a signature glass.
View this post on Instagram
The Village Restaurant in Litchfield has happy hour Monday through Friday from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., which is ideal for when you’re finished skiing for the day at Mohawk. Their extensive wine list includes red and white wines. Their collection comes from various vineyards in California, Italy, Argentina, Spain, France, Chile, and the Finger Lakes Region of Upstate New York. Pair your wine with something off their menu; you won’t regret trying their delicious appetizers!
View this post on Instagram
The Pine Lodge Restaurant on Mohawk Mountain used to serve as the mountain’s original lodge—a cozy, rustic vacation spot for skiers in 1953 to sip tea, eat, and sleep. Now, in 2018, it still serves as the mountain’s go-to place for food and drink. It’s located part-way up the Pine Trail and is referred to as a ski-in, ski-out restaurant. Stop in on your way down the slopes for a break, some fare, and a warm beverage!
State parks are beautiful when they’re covered in snow. In addition to soaking in the snow-covered trees and hilltop views while cruising down the mountain on your skis, go for a hike in the beautiful winter wonderland. Replace your ski boots with hiking boots and grab some of your ski buddies before venturing out to this renowned plot of land. You’ll trek past plenty of scenic overlooks, streams, ponds, and other gorgeous sites. It’s the perfect group activity to keep your feet moving!
Why not trade your ski poles for fishing poles and head to Crescent Lake for some ice fishing? This 56-acre lake is a popular spot among Connecticut fishers, and once the cold rolls in and the lake freezes, it is a hot spot for ice-fishers. Make sure you’re aware of Connecticut’s fishing rules and regulations and have proper permits. If the ice is thick enough to permit it: grab some friends, plot a spot on the lake with some seats, dig your hole, and cast your line!
Veterans Memorial Park is 20.5 acres and is open from daily from dawn till dusk. There’s an ice-skating pond on the premises to use in the winter months, and it’s the perfect outdoorsy event to follow up skiing! Restrooms are available for public use. If you aren’t up for skating, there’s always the option to take a nice winter stroll through the park!
The well-known historic cider mill (from 1737) in Plantsville has been transformed into the New Mill Restaurant. They have menu specialties like Angus steaks, fresh seafood dishes, homemade pastas, and raw bar selections. New Mill has a full menu of appetizers, salads, and entrees with dishes like jumbo shrimp, pork dumplings, grilled chicken caprese, and lobster crusted cod.
View this post on Instagram
If you’re seeking a different kind of adventure after shredding Mount Southington, head down to Plainville where you’ll find Forbidden Escape. This exciting spot is home to two brain-busting escape rooms. This place being favorite among locals and visitors alike, you’ll be in for a treat when you get to unravel the mysteries and secrets that the rooms hold. To make sure that you aren’t too light-hearted to fully enjoy the experience, read the descriptions of each room, or call Forbidden Escape to have your questions answered!
The Groggy Frogg is a hot spot to unwind after a day on the slopes. They have some of the best pub food in town, including award-winning chicken wings, homemade soups, and 10-ounce burgers. But their real treat is the list of bottled beers and their rotating draft line. Come on in and try one of their 16 brews on tap, including Smithwicks, Leinenkugel Seasonal, and Long Trail.
Cap off your day of fun in the snow with a sleigh ride at Wood Acres Farm. Whether you want something romantic to do or just to celebrate the season with your friends, the horses take you through 25 acres of wooded trails. The ride lasts between 40 and 45 minutes as you journey over the hills and through the woods, soaking in the wintery landscape around you.
]]>View this post on Instagram