Explore the Best of Inland Eastern CT This Summer
In this two-part blog series, we explore some of the many attractions that make eastern CT a great place to visit year-round. In part 1, we checked out a few activities on the water. Read on to find inland tourism opportunities, and be sure to browse our online business directory to find many more.
Kid-Friendly Connecticut
Looking for something for the kids? Ignite their imagination with a trip to the Children’s Museum of Southeastern CT in Niantic or let them roam with the dinosaurs at the Dinosaur Place at Nature’s Art Village in Oakdale.
Copper Creek Mini Golf at Nature’s Art Village also makes for an educational and fun day out. This one-of-a-kind adventure mini golf course is designed to test golfers’ putting ability as well as their knowledge of minerals.
When in Mystic, be sure to visit Mystic Aquarium , whose 27 acres of marine-related exhibits will delight kids of all ages.
The eco-friendly Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center is close by, which showcases eastern CT plant and wildlife, ecology, and history.
Don’t let the weather spoil your plans: take the family to SuperCharged Electric Indoor Go-Kart Racing and Trampoline Park in Oakdale. This adrenaline-packed attraction boasts the world’s largest multi-level indoor karting track and an 8,000 square-foot trampoline facility.
Nightlife & Culture
Residents and visitors alike enjoy visiting Mohegan Sun and Foxwoods Resort Casino, two of the largest resort casinos in the world. Both have gaming, dining, shopping, entertainment, hotel, and spa options to make a perfect day or night out.
Other eastern CT cultural finds are within a short drive, including the Lyman Allyn Art Museum in New London, the Slater Memorial Museum in Norwich, the Mystic Museum of Art in downtown Mystic, and the Florence Griswold Museum in Old Lyme.
Cap your evening with a live theatrical performance at the Eugene O’Neill Theater Center in Waterford, the Chestnut Street Playhouse in Norwich, the Flock Theatre in New London, or the Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center in Old Saybrook. The Garde Arts Center in New London hosts live performances, movies, guest speakers, dance companies, and more in its opulent restored 1920s auditorium.
Refuel & Refresh
Refuel at one of eastern CT’s beloved no-frills “clam shacks,” such as Captain Scott’s Lobster Dock in New London or the Sea Swirl in Mystic. Experience more elegant dining from Frank’s Gourmet Grille in Mystic, Il Pomod’oro in East Lyme, or Kensington’s at The Spa at Norwich Inn in Norwich.
Explore our local vineyards, many of which offer unique indoor tasting rooms. Jonathan Edwards Winery in North Stonington has nearly 50 acres of farm country to explore. Maugle Sierra Vineyards in Ledyard specializes in St. Croix reds and also highlights their St. Pepin and Marquette wines. Saltwater Farm Vineyard in Stonington is pleased to welcome visitors to their grounds and unique reception hall, located within a repurposed 1940s-era airplane hangar.
Off the Beaten Path
Check out Fields of Fire Adventure Park in Mystic. Spread in (and above) 50 acres of woodlands, this attraction challenges the dexterity of individuals and groups alike.
Put your detective work to the test at Mystified in Mystic, where you’ll have to solve a challenging series of puzzles to escape from three themed “escape rooms.” Dive into the ghosts of the region’s history with Seaside Shadows Haunted History Tours, who offer guided tours that delve into the darker side of our region’s history while seeking out the paranormal.
These are just some of the many opportunities for local tourism in eastern CT. Search the Chamber’s business directory to find many more.