May 31, 2008
Connecticut's Quiet Corner travel plan: Family Weekend Itinerary
The Quiet Corner - Family Weekend Itinerary
Remember the previous Connecticut travel plan? Well here is number 2:
Accommodations: Nathan Hale Inn & Conference Center at UCONN, Storrs (www.nathanhaleinn.com). Indoor pool.
Nathan Fuller House B&B, Scotland (www.nathanfullerhouse.com) – B&B experience for the family. 1820 colonial on 5 beautiful acres offers “return to life’s simpler pleasures.”
Inn at Tonmar, Pomfret Center (tel. 860-974-1583) - Scenic hilltop inn welcomes families. Stonewalls, gardens, 18th century barn. Two rooms only.
Camping Options: Nickerson Park Family Campground, Chaplin (www.nickersonpark.com) – On the Natchaug River next to 12,000 acre Natchaug State Forest and offering trout fishing, tube floats down the river, hiking and mountain biking.
Charlie Brown Campground, Eastford (www.ctcampground.com) – On the Natchaug River, 30+ acres adjacent to the Natchaug State Forest. Miles of nature trails for horseback riding, biking, hiking and some of the best fishing in CT.
First Day: Depending on where you stay, Bakerwoods, Ashford (wwwv.visitbakerwoodsfarm.com) -- For smaller children, farm animals, themed Enchanted Forest, Gnome/ISpy walks in woods.
Lucky Strike Mining and Gemstone Panning Sluice, Moosup River, Oneco/Sterling (www.riverbendcampground.com) – Prospect your own gems, then rent canoes kayaks, paddle boats or aquacycles. One of the best canoeing rivers in Connecticut. This is also a campground
Learn, hike and explore on pristine wooded trails at Audubon Properties at Bafflin Sanctuary and Trail Wood, Pomfret (www.ctaudubon.org).
Lunch: Picnic on the banks of the Moosup River, or visit Scotland General Store, Scotland (tel. 860-450-1422)– Old-fashioned General Store offering lunch. Another option, Johnny’s Restaurant & Pizza, Moosup (tel. 860.564-3679) – Area favorite for 25 years.
Burgis Brook Alpacas, Canterbury (www.burgisbrookalpacas.com) – Delightful alpacas for the kids, accessories and yarn for mom.
Blue Slope Country Farm and Museum, Franklin (tel. 860-642-6413) – Museum of 18th to 20th century rural life. Dairy farm offers butter making, wagon rides, square dancing and over 200 years of historical farm equipment.
Dinner & a Movie Bidwell Tavern, Coventry (tel. 860-742-6978) – Step back into colonial times with hearty fare; chicken wings a specialty with a dozen flavors.
Mansfield Drive-In, Mansfield (www.mansfielddrivein.com) – Catch a double feature at one of the last drive-in theatres in the U.S. This site is also home to Eastern Connecticut’s largest flea market. Fun to explore, days. Check times.
Second Day
Breakfast Olympic Family Restaurant, Willimantic (tel. 860-450-0555) – Featuring 16 omelet choices and a great kids menu.
Bicycle sales at The Silver Bike Company, Putnam (www.thesilverbikeco.com) - they offer route suggestions to anyone) or take an organized trip through Cycle New England (www.cyclenewengland.com). Ride through relatively flat farmlands and small villages for most cycle-alone ages. Check availability of bikes with seats for smaller children.
Airline State Park Trail, Windham/Willimantic (South) - Abandoned NY-Boston railroad turned bike path with panoramic views. Go as far as Colchester and back. This is an auto free route.
Lunch: Cozy Corner Restaurant, Brooklyn (tel. 860-774-2629) – A favorite with locals. Homestyle cooking.
Creamery Brook Bison (tel. 860-779.0837) – Watch buffalo stampede from a wagon tour of the property. Butter and ice cream making.
Brighter Skies Balloon Co., Woodstock (www.brighterskies.com) – A ride they’ll never forget. This company can also offer packages with inns close by.
Dinner: Vanilla Bean Café, Pomfret (www.thevanillabeancafe.com) – Many Best’s By Connecticut Magazine including Best Outdoor Dining, Best Sandwiches and Best Vegetarian. Vanilla Bean cafe is home to the Vanilla Coke.
Third Day: Gertrude Chandler Warner Museum in Putnam (www.aspinockhs-putnam.org/warnermuseum.html) – Museum celebrating the author of the popular Boxcar Children Series. Located in a real boxcar.
Mashamoquet Brook State Park, Pomfret (www.ct.gov/dep/cwp/view.asp?a=2716&q=325238) – Hike nature trails that include famous geological features General Israel Putnam’s Wolfden, Table Rock and Indian Chair.
Lunch: Stogey Hollow General Store & Restaurant, Eastford/Union (860-974-2889). Other option: Still River Café, Eastford (www.stillrivercafe.com) – 150 year-old barn on 27 acre farm. Acclaimed for using only local products on their menu, including ingredients they farm themselves. Tour the vegetable and herb gardens afterwards. Possibly better for older children.
Buell Farm, Eastford (www.buellsorchard.com) – Strawberry, blueberry, peach and apple picking. Cider making. Visit their site to see what’s in season.
Visit www.mysticcountry.com for more ideas or detail on any of the above locations.
