The many taps at Gingerman in South Norwalk, CT
By Rebecca Melley
With August upon us, sometimes the urge strikes to get a day trip in, especially for those who took their vacations in July. Have some time off coming? Then consider these Top Five Day Trips.
1. SONO – SOUTH NORWALK, CT
South Norwalk, or SONO as it bills itself, is a collection of restaurants, night clubs, and even an aquarium that provides its own great entertainment on an IMAX screen.
Places To Check Out
• Gingerman
This place will have beer lovers swooning. Choose from52 different beers on draft as well as 125 bottled selections. Gingerman also offers upscale but traditional pub fare.
99 Washington St., South Norwalk, CT
Website: www.gingermannorwalk.com
• The Loft
Right next door to Gingerman is The Loft. If you are an avid martini lover this is the place to go! They have flavors ranging from a chocolate martini to a Raging bull Martini. Voted “Best Martini’s in the state” by Connecticut magazine, The Loft is a definitely a must to check out.
97 Washington St., South Norwalk, CT
Website: www.theloftsono.com
• Chocopologie
Shop, eat, and indulge yourself at this spot! They have a lunch, dinner, desert and brunch menu. The Truffle beignets are a must if you go there.
12 South Main St., South Norwalk, CT
Website: chocopologie.com/cafe/south-norwalk
2. MYSTIC REGION – MYSTIC, CT
The Mystic Region is known mostly for the incredible aquarium and seaport, but here are three new things to try next time you go!
Places To Check Out
The schooner Argia out of Mystic, CT
• Argia Mystic Cruises
Experience sailing on the Argia, a traditional schooner, on a relaxing sightseeing cruise. Enjoy a leisurely cruise down the Mystic River and smooth sailing in Fishers Island Sound.
15 Holmes St., Mystic, CT
Website: www.argiamystic.com
• Golden Lamb Buttery
Enjoy a unique dining experience on a pristine farm. Dinner reservations include a hayride with guitarist accompaniment.
499 Wolf Den Road, Brooklyn, CT
Website: www.thegoldenlamb.com
• Historic Nautilus and Submarine Force Museum
Home of the Nautilus, the world’s first nuclear powered vessel and first ship to go to the North Pole. It’s more fun than it sounds.
Website: www.ussnautilus.org
Downtown Northampton, MA
3. NORTHAMPTON, MA.
As the Greater Northampton chamber so eloquently puts it “Northampton is a special blend of urban and rural, historic and contemporary, intellectual, artsy, athletic, and entrepreneurial energy, the area is kind of like ‘New England with a Twist.'”
Places To Check Out
• Smith Botanic Gardens
Enjoy 10 different garden types and a greenhouse in this Botanic garden.
15 College Lane, Northampton, Mass.
Website: www.smith.edu/garden
• Faces
A unique store with a retro and funky vibe. They carry clothes, furniture, and other creative merchandise you won’t find anywhere else.
175 Main St., Northampton, Mass.
Website: www.facesmainst.com
• Mama Iguana’s
They carry the largest selection of tequila in all of New England.
Website: www.spoletorestaurants.com
McLadden’s Irish Pub, West Hartford Center
4. WEST HARTFORD CENTER, WEST HARTFORD, CT
Visit West Hartford center and check out a variety of restaurants, boutique stores, coffee shops, and bars.
Places To Check Out
• The Claypen
Enjoy an afternoon of painting pottery with your very own designs and pick them up the next day.
Website: www.theclaypen.com
• Besitos
Need a shopping break? Stop in for a mouthwatering margarita!
46 South Main Street West Hartford, CT
Website: www.besitosnex.com
• McLadden’s Irish Publick House
Great place to find traditional Irish dishes. Stick around and you will find a great late night crowd to enjoy live music with.
37 LaSalle Road West Hartford CT
Website: www.mcladdens.com
The Norman Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge, MA
5. STOCKBRIDGE, MA.
In the mood for a country drive? Drive up to Berkshire County and enjoy a beautiful scenic drive and stop in this historic town.
Places To Check Out
• Norman Rockwell Museum
This is a great place for the whole family. Enjoy the works of Norman Rockwell and walk around the beautiful grounds.
9 Route 183, Stockbridge, Mass.
Website: www.nrm.org
The Red Lion Inn
Treat yourself to a lovely lunch before or after the Rockwell Museum.
30 Main St., Stockbridge, Mass.
Website: www.redlioninn.com
Other great places to check out while in the area:
Downtown Northampton, Mass., photo courtesy of Northampton Chamber of Commerce, © Paul Schnaittacher
Norman Rockwel photo courtesy of Berkshire Visitors Bureau.