If you're interested in Revolutionary War history, Connecticut actually has a lot to offer! Putnam Memorial State Park in nearby Redding was the site of the Continental Army's 1779 winter encampment. Check out the visitor's center, museum, or just explore the grounds.
If you're looking for a decent hike with great views, this is for you! It's a bit far from Danbury/Pawling, but it is the highest peak in Connecticut! (we know, that doesn't mean much) If the drive is a bit much for you but you still want to get outdoors, All Trails has plenty of closer by recommendations - the Appalachian Trail passes pretty close by and there are several nature preserves in the area (Caroline used to go to Devil's Den in Weston, CT).
A National Park Service site dedicated to American Impressionist art - come for the culture, a walk on the trails, or just to get your NPS Park Passport stamped :)
Enjoy the outdoor biergarten!
This brewery in nearby Newtown is a favorite of our caterer, Marshall!
If you're into sour beers and have some time, Two Road's Area 2 in Stratford, CT, is not exactly just down the road but is pretty cool and unique (Caroline enjoys the Synopsis Black Current). The main brewery is also quite nice, and you can get pizza delivered from around the corner.
Enjoy this public golf course in scenic Ridgefield, CT; this is also the location of our welcome drinks, and the restaurant on site is run by O'Deens, our reception caterer.
A bit of a drive, but Storm King is a 500-acre outdoor sculpture park / museum located in New York's Hudson Valley. It contains one of the largest collections of contemporary outdoor sculptures in the United States. If you've visited the Glenstone Museum outside of DC and enjoyed it, this is definitely a spot for you!
It's so much more than a grocery store, it's a way of life. If you think Wegmans is great, Stews will blow your mind. Stop by for some to-go soft serve/froyo or stay for the cheesy bagels, hot lunch bar, excellent ground hazelnut coffee, petting zoo, and the singing animatronics. We are not kidding on the last one at all. If you prefer to stop on your drive up or back, there's also a location in Norwalk, CT, off exit 16 on I-95!!
Maybe you want to lean in to New England fall while you're visiting! You can pick-your-own apples in September and October, enjoy a hayride to the pumpkin patch (weekends only) and sample fresh cider, home baked fruit pies, the Orchard's own apple sauce, and apple butter. They also sell gift baskets and local honey. Check their website before heading over for current apple status / conditions.
New York City is nearby and accessible via train - take some time to shop, see a show, eat some great food, or just explore! See Travel & Lodging tab for exact details on how to get to and/or from the city via Metro North train - if you don't want to deal with the whole trip from Danbury/Pawling via train, you can also drive down and park at the Stamford Station in Stamford, CT.