Extended Weekend Getaways From scenic drives through rolling hills and outdoor adventures by land or sea, to culinary delights on the farm and overnight getaways, Connecticut provides a convenient extended weekend getaway destination filled with both beloved and brand-new experiences and events emphasizing safety at every turn. Enjoy a number of safe and festive activities happening throughout the winter season. There are new experiences and modified old favorites to provide safer ways to celebrate this year.
Outdoor Experiences:
Downhill All the Way
Connecticut’s position in southern New England assures its place in the snow belt, which means all winter long there is snow – man-made and natural – on our slopes for all sorts of downhill thrills. Get out to:
Soak in the Shore
The Connecticut shoreline can seem a world away during the course of a winter weekend. The beaches are all yours for walking or just watching the sun go down, luxurious resorts like Saybrook Point Resort & Marina will pamper you with spa services, breathtaking views and some of the finest cuisine around.
Indoor Experiences:
- Maritime Aquarium: At South Norwalk’s Maritime Aquarium, you can come nose-to-nose with sharks, seals, river otters, jellies, sea turtles and other marine animals from Long Island Sound.
- Mystic Aquarium: Meanwhile, up the coast at Mystic Aquarium, you can get up close and personal with seals, African penguins and Beluga whales.
Relax on your Getaway: Whichever you prefer, a visit to spas like The Spa at Litchfield Hills in Litchfield, The Spa at Norwich Inn in Norwich, Delamar Spa in West Hartford, or Mandara Spa in Uncasville will help ease your way into the new season. Try holistic healing and relieve stress in salt caves such as Salt Cave of Darien, Newtown Salt Spa, or Soulshine Salt Cavern in Durham.- Learn about something new at less typical history museums such as the Greater Middletown Military Museum, Mystic Seaport Museum, Vintage Hi Fi Museum in West Hartford, New England Motorcycle Museum in Vernon, the New England Carousel Museum in Bristol, or the Institute for American Indian Studies in Washington.
Dining Choices
- Eat a la carte. Enjoy the spring air and sample foods of all kinds. Take a walking tour of nearly 30 food trucks offering tasty treats at Food Truck Paradise by Long Wharf in New Haven, savor flavors under string lights at GastroPark in West Hartford or Parkville Market in Hartford, or try over-the-counter meals at Essex Public Market and Food Hall – from Mexican fare to a noodle bar, to gelato.
Take a pizza tour. Did you know that New Haven is home to not one, not two, but four of the nation’s top pizza places (including America’s #1)? Explore the city and sample a slice of history. Discover even more spots along the Connecticut Pizza Trail.- Add some extra happiness to your morning pick-up of delicious (and sometimes even photo-worthy) donuts from Blazing Fresh Donuts in Guilford, Donut Crazy in multiple locations across the state, Young Buns Doughnuts in Mystic, or the newly opened Neil’s Donuts in Wallingford.
- Try new brews. Grab a beer and a bite at spots such as Phantom Brewing Company in Hartford, Dockside Brewery in Milford, Half Full Brewery in Stamford, Clocktown Brewing Company in Thomaston, or NewSylum Brewing Company in Newtown.
Family Fun
Escape reality. Want to shoot zombies, travel the world, golf, box, play silly games, and more? Now you can – with virtual reality fun at The Vault in Seymour. Kids will love gaming and parents can enjoy the newly introduced VR wellness for relaxation, meditation, and mindfulness.- Do a family photoshoot. Whether you’re planning a maternity shoot or simply desire shots of the whole family, Connecticut features many scenic backdrops for capturing special moments. Discover these photo-worthy family photo locations – the results will be stunning.
Whatever you do or wherever you go, make it an extended weekend getaway full of pleasant memories to cherish for a very long time!
