Colleen & Chris
Things to Do
The Dock Restaurant
The Dock Restaurant is a nice little place on the water in Niantic Bay. Come here for some fresh seafood which includes a raw bar/fish market, beer and wine. The upper level is your typical fried seafood place with views over the Niantic river on the upper deck. Personally, we would only go here for the view, beers, raw bar, and shrimp cocktail. Typically I don't get the fried food, but you certainly can if your in the mood!
Hole in the Wall Beach and Boardwalk
This is a great walk along the water that overlooks Niantic Bay. There's a park that connects to the boardwalk and occasionally you can catch live music. Colleen is a frequent visitor to blow off steam during stressful school times. Enjoy!
café SoL
This is a nice little cafe to visit if your into bougie, organic breakfasts and enjoy sipping coffee amongst a beautiful garden. Located in the heart of downtown Niantic. Colleen's favorite- the "mexicali" Chris's favorite- the "works"
Rustic Café
This Place is tiny but packs a punch!! The menu is always changing, the food is great and there's usually live music and karaoke on the weekends. Chris is friends with the owner and will let her know family and friends might be stopping in..... Also, if you mention you've never had a pickleback before they will give you a free shot!!
Giuliano's Bake Shop
If you want a quick breakfast and eat A LOT, you better stop in for the prime rib breakfast sandwich or "the monsta." They're both loaded. Located in the heart of downtown Niantic.
The Yolk Cafe
Now if you want a crazy morning experience check this place out, the lady who runs the place is pretty eccentric but a lot of fun! The corn beef hash is amazing (which if you ask she will cook some up for you to try before ordering or anything else for that matter if your unsure), not to mention several unusual breakfast items to choose from. Be prepared for pranks and things flying through the air! Colleen's go to-the huevos ranchers Chris's go to - the corn beef hash
Coffees Country Market
This is a local breakfast and lunch place with traditional Italian cooking that is very good. I would call in ahead and order breakfast to avoid lines in the morning.
Chapman Falls
This is a nice little area you can hike, it reminds me of some of the hiking in VT and NH. Chapman falls is nice view and one of the only waterfalls in the area that I could think off
Smokey O'Grady's
This is a sports bar very close to the hotels where you can play pool, darts, eat bar food. There is a decent amount of space as well.
Fox Hopyard Golf Club
If your looking to play a little golf, here is a course close to Devils Hopyard and Chapman falls. This is a little farther from where everyone is staying but its certainly an option
Black Hall Outfitters
This is a local kayak rental spot that offers guided tours with several different options. I used to work for the location prior to becoming a Kayak rental location and know the owner very well. Sometimes in the summer there is live music at the marina, its best to call prior an see what's happening.
The Book Barn
This place is a hidden gem! Take a stroll through their garden, pet a goat and get lost in the hundreds of used books for sale.
Flanders Donut & Bake Shop
Now if you want amazing donuts you have to go here!!! They are closed on Sundays which sucks so make sure you go on Saturday. Early bird gets the worm, they will be sold out of a lot of things if you go later so get there EARLY!!!! We always get their glazed but that's just us.....
The Black Sheep
If your looking for fancier drinks and live music this is a great spot to hang, the music is usually pretty good. Food is good as well, can't go wrong with this venue!
Oswegatchie Hills Nature Preserve
Great hiking area nearby the hotels we used to visit while living in the area
Niantic River Overlook Trail
Please refer to the photo for a diagram. This is a local shorter hiking trail that runs along the upper portion of the Niantic River. You walk to the end and turn around and walk back. You park off to the right side at the end off the road prior to the last driveway. Be safe please and respectful of the people at the end of the road. You will need to hike up into the woods about 60 yards to connect with the old logging road. Please give us a call and I will explain if this is something your interested in :)
Dad's Restaurant of Niantic
Come here for the "double meat" lobster roll! You won't be disappointed.
Rocky Neck State Park
Come here for a stroll along the beach and check out the beautiful old stone building built in the 1930's.