Things To Do
Chatfield Hollow State Park
Head over to the nearby Chatfield Hollow State Park for stunning views and fresh air! There is a wide variety of activities and adventures to be had -- hiking trails, a swimming beach, trout fishing, mountain biking, rock climbing, and picnicking areas.
Chaffinch Island Park
Lovely town park suitable for passive recreational use with picnic facilities. Site offers views of the mouth of the West River, Long Island Sound and Faulkner's Island.
Hammonasset Beach State Park
Christian's favorite spot to go birding, Hammonasset State Park boasts miles of pristine shoreline, offering visitors sandy beaches, salt marshes, and nature trails to explore amidst the beauty of the Connecticut coast. Don't forget to stop at Meigs Point Nature Center!
Lavender Pond Farm
Enjoy the delightful scenery and smells of Lavender Pond Farm. There are over 10,000 lavender plants on the sprawling 25-acre property. It is a relaxing and inviting oasis for the body and the mind. Don't forget to stop by the boutique filled with lavender goodies!
The Sea Mist Thimble Islands Cruise
Thimble Island Cruise in Branford, CT, invites you on a boat tour to explore the scenic clusters of islands. Forty five and ninety minute tours are available, each offering a mini adventure with picturesque views and the opportunity to encounter some wildlife along the way. This is likely to be a popular activity over the holiday weekend! If you are looking to do this activity, booking early is advised.
Yale University
Check out the campus tour! Learn about Yale’s rich 300-year history and aspects of student life at several of Yale’s fourteen residential colleges. The tour also includes the Gothic Sterling Memorial Library, and the Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library, home to one of the world’s preeminent collections of rare materials, including the Gutenberg Bible. If you want to spend more time on campus, check out the Yale Peabody Museum and the Yale University Art Gallery.
Guilford Green
Guilford Town Green in Guilford, CT, is a charming historic square surrounded by shops and eateries, perfect for leisurely strolls and community events. Framed by picturesque colonial buildings and shaded by old trees, it's a quintessential New England gathering spot with a vibrant atmosphere.
Wineries/Breweries
Chamard Vineyard https://www.chamard.com/ Rose Vineyard https://rosevineyards.com/ Bishop's Orchards Winery https://bishopsorchards.com/winery/about/ Gouveia Vineyards https://www.gouveiavineyards.com/ Stony Creek Brewery https://www.stonycreekbeer.com/ Thimble Island Brewing Company https://www.thimbleislandbrewery.com/ The Little Red Barn(n) (Not a brewery but a fun spot to grab a snack/drink at Bishop's Orchard) https://bishopsorchards.com/newsevents/whats-happening/barn/
Food and Treats
New Haven Pizza: These are thought to be the best of the New Haven area’s legendary pizza restaurants. Note that the New Haven locations are the original and the closest sites for each of these. Rachel & Christian’s favorite is Modern - try the eggplant pizza! Sally’s Apizza https://sallysapizza.com/locations/new-haven/ Frank Pepe Pizzeria https://pepespizzeria.com/ Modern Apizza https://modernapizza.com/ Bar Pizza (try the mashed potato pizza) https://www.barnightclub.com/eat Ashley’s Ice Cream: Madison and Guilford locations are nearest. Rachel’s favorite flavor is cookie dough or black raspberry…or oreo, and Christian’s is anything with chocolate! Bishop’s Farm Orchard, Farm Market, and Winery https://bishopsorchards.com/ Delightful array of freshly picked fruits, homemade jams, and artisanal goods, providing a charming countryside shopping experience. RJ Julia Bookstore and Coffee Shop https://www.rjjulia.com Well respected independent bookstore and cafe in downtown Madison
BarrelHouse
Go here for small-batch wine, craft beer, and killer cocktails. They offered a unique selection of food options like flatbread, nachos, and other classic pub food with their BarrelHouse flare!
Goodspeed Opera House
A scenic pre-Broadway musical theater house located in East Haddam, CT. It is a historic landmark and boasts exquisite architecture with performances ranging from classical operas to contemporary productions.