Area Activities - Things to do in and around Wallingford, CT
Things to Do
See what's going on in town: http://www.americantowns.com/ct/wallingford
Once you find your way to this quaint New England town, it may be hard to go back home.
You can fill your days with museums, galleries, and historic sites as you experience the rich history and culture of New England.
Put on your walking shoes and explore our local antique and specialty shops where you might find some unexpected treasures.
If you yearn for old-fashioned summer nights, you can dance under the stars at the town green or sit on a park bench with home-made ice cream.
Visit the local deli or farmer's market for a picnic lunch to enjoy as you hike a trail up a mountain or stroll along the river on the Linear Trail.
You don't have to go far for entertainment. A number of local restaurants offer live entertainment.
The local wineries are a popular hang-out (for residents in and around neighboring towns) with weekend performers, and the Oakdale Theatre has scheduled performances by popular artists.
Venture out a bit and there are endless possibilities. We're just 15 minutes from New Haven and less than 30 minutes from Hartford.
Dining
In addition to our full breakfast menu offerings, the following local and area restaurants offer an international variety of menus for your dining pleasure.
Within two small blocks you will find Zagat-rated restaurants offering good food, good cheer and lots of local charm.
- Michael's Trattoria - Zagat-Rated, local favorite - Northern Italian cuisine in a cozy bistro setting. Great wine list. Advance reservations highly recommended. - 344 Center St. 203-269-5303
- http://www.michaelstrattoria.com
- J. Christian's Restaurant - Newest addition to town, we heartily recommend this restaurant to our guests. Located in a historic building in what was once a bank, the interior of this restaurant is simply grand. You can choose to enjoy fine dining on one of two levels or simply order a drink in the bar while absorbing the beautiful surroundings. Advance reservations highly recommended. - 9 North Main St. 203-265-6393
- http://jchristians.com
- Archie Moore's Bar and Restaurant - Repeated "Best Buffalo Wing" award winner throughout Connecticut. Restaurant, bar, and outdoor cafe seating. - 39 North Main St., 203-265-7100
- http://archiemoores.com/
- Gaetano's Tavern on Main - Lots of variety in their menu. Restaurant, banquet facilities, bar seating, and outdoor seating. - 40 North Main St., 203-294-1114
- http://gaetanostavern.com/
- Half Moon Coffee and Grille Cafe - Popular hangout for casual dining. BYOB. Order at the counter, then have a seat and your food is brought to your table. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner - 50 North Main St., 203-265-4571
- http://halfmooncafegrille.com/
- Jake's Pub and Jake's Martini Bar - Voted #1 in live entertainment in the area, Jake's is located in a circa-1913 building with rooms to fit every need. The front has the pub. The Back Room hosts full bar and entertainment with dance floor. Outdoor seating in the inner patio. - 179 Center St., 203-793-1782
- http://jakes1pub.com/
A short drive up opens up even more possibilities
- Tata's Restaurant - Caribbean Cuisine - 104 Quinnipiac St., 203-294-4303
- The Old Dublin - Experience a genuine Irish pub. Laid back and casual with live weekend entertainment - 171 Quinnipiac St., 203-949-8022
- Laskara Restaurant - Fine Mediterranean Cuisine. Best restaurant for a quiet, romantic dinner. We have found the food delicious every single time we've eaten here. It's one of our top choices for a nice, relaxing meal where we can talk and be heard. For those on a budget, the weeknight specials are the way to go. - 295 Parker Farm Rd., 203-679-0844
- Carini's Pizzeria & Restaurant - Pizzas and Italian cuisine. - 822 E Center St., 203-265-6163
- Los Mariachias - Authentic Mexican food in festive atmosphere - 105 N Colony St., 203-265-1838
A picnic lunch or dinner can be ready in minutes
- Vinny's Deli - You would be hard pressed to leave this town without stopping by Vinny's. Make sure you have plenty of time to look through their 60+ selection of subs/sandwiches. Everything is homemade (except for the paper they wrap the sub with!) - 567 Center St., Open M-F 9am-6pm, Sat 9am-2pm., 203-265-7288
- Cafe Ra - Small cafe on Center Street next to Michael's Trattoria, they offer the most heavenly wraps.
- 350 Center St., 203-774-4914
All time favorites
- Mr. D's - It's not a restaurant. It's a candy shop...a toy store....a cupcake shop...and an ice creamshop. They have coffee...smoothies...even the latest West Coast rage-Bubble Tea - can be found here. Mr. D's offers almost every delicious treat you can conjure up. They're not even done yet. New offerings to come (it's a secret.) So save a little room and make a stop at Mr. D's (next to Half Moon Cafe) on your way back to the B&B. You won't be disappointed. - 50 North Main St., 203-626-5406
- Wentworth's Home Made Ice Cream, Center Street, Wallingford, 203-281-7429
- http://www.getmrds.com/
Other in-town and area restaurants are worth the short drive for a variety of dining selections.
Westbrook Lobster Restaurant - 300 Church Street (Route 68) Wallingford, 203-265-5071
A comfortable atmosphere in a restored mill building on the Quinnipiac River. Fresh fish purchased daily.
Gouveia Vineyards - 1339 Whirlwind Hill Road, Wallingford, 203-265-5526
Midway along the Connecticut Wine Trail. Visitors to the winery for a wine tasting can bring their own lunches to enjoy by the fireplace or on the large deck outside.
The hilltop setting of this 140-acre vineyard is worth the trip.
We can also pack you a picnic basket for your trip.
Paradise Hills Vineyard - A wonderful Vineyard with great wine's. 15 Wineswept Hill Road, Wallingford, CT 06492 203-284-0123
https://www.facebook.com/paradisehillswinery
Cheshire:
Brix, 1721 Highland Avenue, Cheshire, 203-272-3584
Durham:
Perk on Main, 16 Main Street, 860-349-5335
Red Spice & Blues BBQ, 16 Main Street, 860-349-2300
Hamden:
Ashley's Ice Cream, Hamden Plaza, 2100 Dixwell Avenue, Hamden, 203-287-7566
Hama, 1206 Dixwell Avenue, Hamden, 203-281-4542
Raffaello's, 2977 Whitney Avenue, Hamden, 203-230-0228
New Haven:
Bangkok Gardens,172 York St, New Haven, 203-789-8684
Bentara Restaurant, 76 Orange Street, New Haven, 203-562-2511
Central Steakhouse, 99 Orange Street, New Haven, 203-787-7885
El Amigo Felix, 8 Whalley Avenue, New Haven, 203-785-8200
Frank Pepe's Pizzeria Napoletana, 157 Wooster Street, New Haven, 203-865-7602
Ibiza, 39 High Street, New Haven, 203-865-1933
Istanbul Cafe, 245 Crown Street, New Haven, 203-787-3881
Roomba, 1044 Chapel Street, New Haven, 203-562-7666
Royal India, 140 Howe Street, New Haven, 203-787-9493
Sally's Pizza, 237 Wooster Street, New Haven, 203-624-5271
Thai Taste, 1151 Chapel Street, New Haven, 203-776-9802
Union League Cafe, 1032 Chapel Street, New Haven, 203-562-4299
Thirty minutes or more:
Branford:
Darbar India, 1070 Main Street, Branford, 203-481-8994
Lenny's Indian Head Inn, 205 S. Montowese Street, Branford, 203-488-1500
East Haddam:
Gelston House, Goodspeed Landing, 8 Main Street, East Haddam, 860-873-1411
Hartford:
Max Downtown, 185 Asylum Street, Hartford, 860-522-2530
Middletown:
Eli Cannon's, 695 Main Street, 860-347-3547
Little Tibet, 680 Main Street, 860-343-1975
O'Rourke's Diner, 728 Main Street, Middletown, 860-346-6101
Tuscany Grill, 600 Plaza Middlesex, Middletown, 860-346-7096
Milford:
Stonebridge Restaurant, 50 Daniel Street, Milford, 203-874-7947
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CT Events
Downtown Wallingford Events
Wallingford Center Inc. - Sponsored events throughout the year
- Flashback annual oldies Dinner Dance
- Free Friday brown bag lunch with music on the town green June through August
- Summer music concerts under the stars on Wednesday nights, July - August
- Saturday morning local gardeners market, July to September
- Celebrate Wallingford Festival, first weekend in October
- Season of Celebrations - All of downtown joins Mr. & Mrs. Santa and their elves for caroling, food and other fun activities the first weekend in December.
Memorial Day Parade - Come enjoy the sites and sounds of an old fashioned parade. Sit on our front porch and watch the parade pass by.
LiveNation venue right here in Wallingford Connecticut - just over a mile from our inn!
Toyota Presents the Oakdale Theatre "The Oakdale is New England's newest and largest theatre. The innovative design has garnered raves from artists and audiences alike...making it the premier live entertainment venue in Connecticut." Don't worry about a long drive home after the show; spend the night in one of our B&B suites and start off the next day with a full breakfast.
Please go to their website for up-to-date listings.
http://www.oakdale.com
Located at the junction of Routes 147 and 157 in Middlefield, ~20 minutes away.
- Strawberry Fest, June
- Jaguar Club Car Show, June
- Berry Fest, July
- Lyman's Clambake, August
- Peach Fest, August
- Sunflower Maze, July - August 28 weather permitting
- Pick-You-Own Strawberries, Raspberries, Blueberries, Peaches, Apples, Pumpkins. Call hotline for details: 860-349-6015
- Corn Maze, September - October
Local Wallingford Fun Spots
More choices for Connecticut Arts, Theatres and Museums
Outdoor fun
New Haven, Connecticut -- just ten miles away
Our inn is a great place to stay for any New Haven event. We are close enough, yet away from the big city feel.
The Greater New Haven Convention and Visitors Bureau -- Our regional tourism bureau offers information on a wide range of attractions, events, and exhibits.
Regional attractions (within 25 to 50 miles):
- B&R Stables -- Horseback riding - by appointment only. Prospect CT (203) 758-5031
- Dinosaur State Park -- one of the largest dinosaur track sites in North America."
- Lake Compounce -- "New England's Family Theme Park and Connecticut's Biggest Water Park."
- Connecticut Historical Society -- "museum exhibitions, library and genealogy school resources"
- Science Center of Connecticut --"planetarium shows, hands-on exhibits, live animals"
- Mark Twain House -- Tour the beautifully restored home of Samuel Clements.
- Connecticut Audubon Society -- Offering riverboat eagle watch tours, hikes, and more.
- Silver Sands State Park with family friendly beach and a pirate's island just off shore. The island is Charles Island connected to the mainland by a sand/gravel bar submerged at high tide. Captain Kidd is reputed to have buried his treasure on the island in 1699.
- Hammonasset Beach and State Park on Long Island Sound. Just one of many state park/beaches by the state of Connecticut. Hammonasset Beach is in fact the largest beach owned by the state of Connecticut.
- Gillette Castle State Park has hiking trails and a castle to boot (no pun intended.) Built by actor/director/playwright William Gillette, with many unique and creative touches. Grounds open year-round. castle opem memorial day weekend to Colunbus Day.
- Connecticut Steam Train and Riverboat - Take a ride during the fall foliage, or have you ever wanted to experience an Agatha Christie-like Murder Mystery Train Ride? October offers Fright Train, December brings the Santa Special and North Pole Express, Day Out With Thomas is in May. Oodles to do here.
New York City Less than two hours away by train (from Wallingford or New Haven) or car.
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Shopping
Antiques, Specialty Shops, Boutiques and Day Spas just down the street from our bed and breakfast (Partial List)
- The Curiosity Shop - 216 Center St., 203-294-1975
- Frank's Garage Sale - 18 South Orchard St., 203-284-3786
- Extraordinary Finds - 144 Center St., 203-265-1515
- Wallingford General Antiques & Collectibles, 202 Center St., 203-265-5567
- The Dressing Room - Find the latest fashion for all ages in this very cool and chic boutique. - 3 North Main St., 203-269-4333
- Fresh on Five Boutique - 85 North Colony Rd., 203-265-5350
- Mia Bridal Boutique - 169 Center St., 203-284-3398
- Zaccariello's Formal Wear - 170 Center St., 203-269-8652
- Wallingford Lamp and Shade - Unique selection of lamps, lights, fixtures - technical assistance - repairs and antique restoration. - 124 Center St., 203-269-2177
- Sweet Cioccolata - A unique gift shop of melt-in-your--mouth, big-city, gourmet chocolate specialties. Who knew a gem of chocolate confectionary could be found in this little town?! - 28 North Colony Rd., 203-294-1280
- Body and Soul Day Spa - 26 North Main Street - book early and call for appointments: (203) 269-3223
- Serenity Salon & Day Spa - 118 Center Street - book early and call for appointments: (203) 265-4419
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Schools/Universities
A quiet and safe small town atmosphere when visiting students or attending school events
You will find our bed and breakfast listed with the Choate Rosemary Hall lodging, Quinnipiac lodging, Yale lodging, and Wesleyan lodging offices.
Whether you come in for Parents weekends, commencement activities, or sports events, you can enjoy large, quiet rooms, and a full breakfast every day.
Modern amenities include free satellite TV and high speed internet access. Allour suite and private bathrooms are completely.
If you must attend to work during your visit, we also have desks in most of our rooms as well as complimentary coffee and tea..
Ask about an extended family suite for family members traveling together.
A well-lite private off-street parking area.
Short walk to our downtown shops, Zagat-rated restaurants, services including banks, postal center, and public library.
Transportation is available from major airports and the Wallingford train station has daily service from New Haven CT and New York City.
333 Christian Street, Wallingford, CT 06492 (203) 697-2000
"A rigorous academic curriculum with an emphasis on character formation is at the core of our school's mission."
For Choate lodging needs, we are the only private licensed and registered accommodations near Choate campus.
Our ideal location places us midway between campus and downtown.
Most campus buildings are within a 5 minute walk to our north. Downtown shops, restaurants, and services are an easy walk to our south.
10 Main Street, Cheshire, CT 06410 (203) 272-5396
"Cheshire Academy enrolls boys and girls in grades 6-12 plus postgraduate who are interested in fulfilling
their potential and are committed to making a difference both in themselves and in their community."
Cheshire Academy is located less than 10 miles from our home. It is an easy drive, and taxi service is available.
275 Mount Carmel Avenue Hamden, CT 06518
Less than 5 miles from our door via Hartford Turnpike to Mt. Carmel Avenue.
Office of Undergraduate Admissions
38 Hillhouse Avenue, New Haven, CT 06511
We are less than 10 miles from New Haven via I-91 South with easy access just a mile away.
Wesleyan Station, Middletown, CT 06459 (860) 685-2000
We are less than 15 miles from Middletown via I-91 North with easy access just a mile away.
238 North Main Street, Wallingford, CT 06492 (203) 269-3333
Publishes and distributes The Bunting and Lyon Blue Book of Private Independent Schools
"A comprehensive guide to elementary and secondary schools in the United States, Canada, and abroad"
Bunting and Lyon also administers independent school entrance examinations.
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Wine Trail
Wallingford is between I-91 and Rt. 15 in south central Connecticut; in the middle of the nineteen vineyards of Connecticut's Wine Trail.
Now you can stay in the heart of the trail and enjoy this popular bed and breakfast with its large updated rooms and extra-comfy beds all in a Victorian atmosphere.
Choose from popular amenities including queen or king suites, free wireless internet and satellite TV, whirlpool tub, fireplace, or private balcony.
Not every room offers all of the amenities above so be sure to specify what you would like to have when making your reservation.
While here, relax and enjoy our old-fashioned small town atmosphere as you walk to Zagat-rated restaurants or the home made ice cream shop.
When you come to breakfast in the morning, we'll have your personal menu selections prepared at your requested time by our in house chef, and served on fine china in the dining room.
Enjoy our English garden and meandering paths. Enjoy a game of chess in out large outdoor chess area with 37" King and Queen.
For more information on any of Connecticut's wineries, check the links below; or go to Connecticut Winery Tours
Gouveia Vineyards Wallingford's Gouveia Vineyards is just a few miles away on the outskirts of town.
They offer wine tastings on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. You can bring a picnic lunch and enjoy wonderful views, music, and wine.
There's even a pond for fishing on lazy summer days. It's a spectacular place for viewing New England's famous scenery.
Paradise Hills Vineyard - A wonderful Vineyard with great wine's. 15 Wineswept Hill Road, Wallingford, CT 06492 203-284-0123
https://www.facebook.com/paradisehillswinery
Bishops Orchards Winery 1355 Boston Post Rd. US Rte 1, I-95 Exit 57 Guilford, CT 06437 (866) 2BISHOP
Tastings on Saturdays 12-4; Wine Sales 7 Days a Week: Mon-Sat 10-7; Sunday 11-6 Farm Market Hours: Mon - Sat 8 - 7; Sunday 9 - 6
Chamard Vineyards 115 Cow Hill Road Clinton, CT 06413 (860)664-0299
Tuesday thru Sunday 11am - 5pm; tours of the wine cellar each day @ 1pm, Saturday and Sunday @ 1 and 3pm; Wine Seminars, 3rd Saturday of each Month, 5:30 - 7:30pm
Digrazia Vineyards 131 Tower Road Brookfield, CT 06804 (203)775-1616 open Jan thru Apr 30th Sat and Sun 11am - 5pm May - Dec 7 days
Haight-Brown Vineyard Chestnut Hill Litchfield, CT 06759 (860)567-4045
Heritage Trail Vineyards 291 N. Burnham Hwy, Lisbon, CT 06351 (860) 376-0659 Open Tuesday  Sunday, 11AM  6 PM.
Hopkins Vineyard 25 Hopkins Road New Preston, CT 06777 (860)868-7954
Open daily May-Dec, Mon-Sat 10-5, Sun 11-5 Jan-Feb, Fri & Sat 10-5, Sun 11-5 March-April, Wed-Sat 10-5, Sun 11-5
Jonathan Edwards Winery 74 Chester Maine Road North Stonington, CT 06359 (860) 535-0202 Open Wed - Sun 11-5pm
Jerram Winery 535 Town Hill Rd. (Rte 219), New Hartford, CT 06057 (860)-379-8749
Open 11 to 5 Thurs - Sun, Apr - Dec 11 to 4 Sat. & Sun., in Jan. Open Feb. & Mar. by appt. only.
Jones Winery 606 Walnut Tree Hill Road Shelton, CT 06484 (203) 929-8425
Land of Nod Winery 99 Lower Road, East Canaan, CT 06024 (860) 824-5225 Open 11 a.m. Â 5 p.m. Friday, Saturday, & Sunday Closed: Nov. Â March
Maugle Sierra Vineyards 825 Colonel Ledyard Highway (On Route 117), Ledyard, CT., 06339 (860)-464-2987
Open April to December, Friday, Saturday and Sundays 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and select holidays or by calling 860-464-2987 for an appointment.
McLaughlin Vineyards Albert's Hill Road Sandy Hook, CT 06482 (203)426 - 1533 Open Wednesday - Sunday 11-5 pm.
Miranda Vineyard 42 Ives Road, Goshen, CT 06756 860-491-9906 open April - December, Friday & Saturday 12-7 and Sunday 12-5, select holidays and by appt.
Priam Vineyards 11 Shailor Hill Road Colchester, CT 06415 (860) 267-8520
Open March - Dec. Fri., Sat., Sun. & select holidays, 11am-5pm
Rosedale Farms 25 E Weatogue St, Simsbury, CT 06070 (860) 651-3926 Open June - December 22 8am to 6pm
Sharpe Hill Vineyard 108 Wade Road Pomfret, CT 06258 (860)974-3549 Open year round.Fri, Sat, Sun from 11am to 5pm
Stonington Vineyards 523 Taugwonk Road Stonington, CT 06378 (860)535-1222 Open 7 days a week 11am - 5pm Tours daily at 2pm
Sunset Meadow Vineyards 599 Old Middle St. Rt. 63 Goshen, CT 06756 860-201-4654 open Friday-Sunday & select holidays 11am-5pm March to December.
White Silo Winery 32 Route 37 East Sherman, CT 06784 (860)355 - 0271 Open April-December Fri., Sat., Sun. 11-5 p.m. and by appointment.
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