Food - Where the Locals Go
144 Sugar Street. Newtown. Best ice cream on the planet. Has made national news. So many flavors! Worth the wait! And... if you can't stand the wait - go to the side window and get a pint or two to bring home. :)
https://www.ferrisacrescreamery.com/
31 locals recommend
Ferris Acres Creamery
144 Sugar St144 Sugar Street. Newtown. Best ice cream on the planet. Has made national news. So many flavors! Worth the wait! And... if you can't stand the wait - go to the side window and get a pint or two to bring home. :)
https://www.ferrisacrescreamery.com/
For over 160 years - the Newtown General Store has been in operation providing goods and services. It's a great deli with local flavor. Try one of the local favorites, THE FLAGPOLE, THE SANDY HOOK, THE HAWLEYVILLE, THE BEE and lots more!
9 locals recommend
Newtown General Store
43 Main StFor over 160 years - the Newtown General Store has been in operation providing goods and services. It's a great deli with local flavor. Try one of the local favorites, THE FLAGPOLE, THE SANDY HOOK, THE HAWLEYVILLE, THE BEE and lots more!
30 Church Hill Road. Newtown. Everyone in town knows and loves Eunice and her bagels, salads and deli products.
Bagel Delight
30 Church Hill Rd30 Church Hill Road. Newtown. Everyone in town knows and loves Eunice and her bagels, salads and deli products.
Stony Hill Diner
14 Stony Hill RdQuick and good. :)
For Pete's Sake Delicatessen
73 Stony Hill RdGood sandwiches!
Food scene
Beautiful restaurant in historic building on the river. And good food!
Website: https://www.foundrykitchenandtavern.com/
24 locals recommend
Foundry Kitchen and Tavern
1 Glen RdBeautiful restaurant in historic building on the river. And good food!
Website: https://www.foundrykitchenandtavern.com/
Often voted as one of the best by locals as well as in Connecticut Magazine.
8 locals recommend
Sal e Pepe
97 S Main StOften voted as one of the best by locals as well as in Connecticut Magazine.
Barnabas Road. About a mile from the house. We love the pizza and linguini with white clam sauce. Eat in or take-out.
Papa Al's Pizza
23 Barnabas RoadBarnabas Road. About a mile from the house. We love the pizza and linguini with white clam sauce. Eat in or take-out.
My Place Tap Room
8 Queen StAnother local favorite for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
133 Mount Pleasant Road. Newtown. One of our favorites - right around the corner.
https://www.thaidelightnewtown.com/
Thai Delight Restaurant
133 Mount Pleasant Road133 Mount Pleasant Road. Newtown. One of our favorites - right around the corner.
https://www.thaidelightnewtown.com/
19 Main Street. Newtown. Always good reviews. https://www.marygoldsonmain.com/
6 locals recommend
Marygold's on Main
19 Main Street19 Main Street. Newtown. Always good reviews. https://www.marygoldsonmain.com/
Mill Plain Road, Danbury. This is a local favorite for informal dining and good food. https://www.rosytomorrows.com/
7 locals recommend
Rosy Tomorrow's
15 Old Mill Plain RdMill Plain Road, Danbury. This is a local favorite for informal dining and good food. https://www.rosytomorrows.com/
Beer, music, pizza, and more - located in one of the restored buildings at Fairfield Hills - a psychiatric hospital - from 1931 until 1995. At one point the hospital housed over 4,000 patients. Some people say it is haunted... ???
More details https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fairfield_Hills_Hospital
9 locals recommend
Newsylum Brewing Co.
Keating Farms AvenueBeer, music, pizza, and more - located in one of the restored buildings at Fairfield Hills - a psychiatric hospital - from 1931 until 1995. At one point the hospital housed over 4,000 patients. Some people say it is haunted... ???
More details https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fairfield_Hills_Hospital
Beautiful winery with music, events, food trucks and more.
14 locals recommend
Aquila's Nest Vineyards
56 Pole Bridge RdBeautiful winery with music, events, food trucks and more.
Amazing pizzas, salads and pizzas!
Featured on Restaurant Road Trip.
Do a search for reviews and more info.
Good Old Days Pizza & Cocktail Den
Amazing pizzas, salads and pizzas!
Featured on Restaurant Road Trip.
Do a search for reviews and more info.
Hiking and Walks
Be sure to look up and check out Connecticut Trail Finder. It has EVERYTHING you want to know about trails and places to go for swimming, hiking, biking, walking. Includes difficulty levels.
In the center of Newtown. Nice walking trails. There is an upper and lower loop. There are often community events taking place here as well. Once a state psychiatric hospital, the property was purchased by the Town years ago and has several municipal buildings including the Town Hall, Reed School and Ambulance. The property also is home to CT Governors Horse Guard, Community Center, Newtown Dog Park, NYA Fitness Center, NewSylum Brewing Company, Connecticut's 928th Military Dog training center, walking trails and the community garden.
There are often community events on the property.
6 locals recommend
Fairfield Hills
In the center of Newtown. Nice walking trails. There is an upper and lower loop. There are often community events taking place here as well. Once a state psychiatric hospital, the property was purchased by the Town years ago and has several municipal buildings including the Town Hall, Reed School and Ambulance. The property also is home to CT Governors Horse Guard, Community Center, Newtown Dog Park, NYA Fitness Center, NewSylum Brewing Company, Connecticut's 928th Military Dog training center, walking trails and the community garden.
There are often community events on the property.
Paugussett State Forest has several trails - in both the Upper (Lake Lilinoah) and Lower (Lake Zoar) areas.
https://www.alltrails.com/parks/us/connecticut/paugussett-state-forest
6 locals recommend
Upper Paugussett State Forest
152 Hanover RdPaugussett State Forest has several trails - in both the Upper (Lake Lilinoah) and Lower (Lake Zoar) areas.
https://www.alltrails.com/parks/us/connecticut/paugussett-state-forest
183 Whisconier Road, Brookfield. Love this trail for all levels. Hiking, walking, dogs, and kids. Multiple ways to do the hike - short or long. Wooded or in the fields. Bluebirds love it here. :)
https://www.alltrails.com/explore/trail/us/connecticut/williams-gurski-open-space-trails-via-williams-park?mobileMap=false&ref=sidebar-static-map&ref=sidebar-view-full-map
Williams Park
183 Whisconier Rd183 Whisconier Road, Brookfield. Love this trail for all levels. Hiking, walking, dogs, and kids. Multiple ways to do the hike - short or long. Wooded or in the fields. Bluebirds love it here. :)
https://www.alltrails.com/explore/trail/us/connecticut/williams-gurski-open-space-trails-via-williams-park?mobileMap=false&ref=sidebar-static-map&ref=sidebar-view-full-map
Nice day trip. Kent Falls has a very well marked pathway going up the right side of the Falls. We like going up to the top that way and then crossing over and coming back down on the less traveled, opposite side.
Visit the Town of Kent or an ice cream or lunch.
If you can - go during the week when it's not very crowded.
121 locals recommend
Kent Falls State Park
462 Kent Cornwall RdNice day trip. Kent Falls has a very well marked pathway going up the right side of the Falls. We like going up to the top that way and then crossing over and coming back down on the less traveled, opposite side.
Visit the Town of Kent or an ice cream or lunch.
If you can - go during the week when it's not very crowded.
Waterfalls here are very pretty and the park has swimming, picnic area, hiking and biking trails AND the beautiful falls. Another nice day trip.
https://portal.ct.gov/DEEP/State-Parks/Parks/Wadsworth-Falls-State-Park
17 locals recommend
Wadsworth Falls State Park
721 Wadsworth StWaterfalls here are very pretty and the park has swimming, picnic area, hiking and biking trails AND the beautiful falls. Another nice day trip.
https://portal.ct.gov/DEEP/State-Parks/Parks/Wadsworth-Falls-State-Park
In Southbury, CT From town web site: This historic farm offers scenic vistas, vast meadows, a traprock ridge, and 2,000 feet of frontage along the Pomperaug River. Its variety of habitats is ideal for hiking, nature study, fishing, birding and picnicking.
Platt Farm Preserve
465 Flood Brg RdIn Southbury, CT From town web site: This historic farm offers scenic vistas, vast meadows, a traprock ridge, and 2,000 feet of frontage along the Pomperaug River. Its variety of habitats is ideal for hiking, nature study, fishing, birding and picnicking.
Great for Kids
A few of the 'local's' favorites for young children.
31 Pecks Lane, Newtown. They "offer hands-on exhibits and programming to spark imagination in the fields of science, technology, engineering, arts, and math."
EverWonder Children's Museum
11 Pecks Ln31 Pecks Lane, Newtown. They "offer hands-on exhibits and programming to spark imagination in the fields of science, technology, engineering, arts, and math."
From their web site:
Oink, Moo, Cock-a-doodle-doo
Our barnyard friends welcome you!
Kids and adults all love to visit Silverman’s rustic animal farm! See, pet, and feed all sorts of unusual animals, including buffalo, llamas, alpacas, sheep, goats, fallow deer, emus, and long-horn cattle. Picnic tables are available in the park area. Washing stations and outdoor port-a-potty facilities are on the premises. There is an admission fee.
https://www.silvermansfarm.com/animal-farm/ for more details and photos. Also check out the Country Market while you are there.
33 locals recommend
Silverman's Farm
451 Sport Hill RdFrom their web site:
Oink, Moo, Cock-a-doodle-doo
Our barnyard friends welcome you!
Kids and adults all love to visit Silverman’s rustic animal farm! See, pet, and feed all sorts of unusual animals, including buffalo, llamas, alpacas, sheep, goats, fallow deer, emus, and long-horn cattle. Picnic tables are available in the park area. Washing stations and outdoor port-a-potty facilities are on the premises. There is an admission fee.
https://www.silvermansfarm.com/animal-farm/ for more details and photos. Also check out the Country Market while you are there.
Elm Drive, Newtown. The children's playground has recently been totally updated. Lot's of great reviews on Google from families with kids. The park itself is very pretty and offers activities for adults as well: tennis, basketball, softball, trails, skateboard park, a brook, and more.
Do a Google search on Dickinson Playground, Newtown, CT to see reviews and lots of photos.
6 locals recommend
Dickinson Memorial Park
50 Elm DrElm Drive, Newtown. The children's playground has recently been totally updated. Lot's of great reviews on Google from families with kids. The park itself is very pretty and offers activities for adults as well: tennis, basketball, softball, trails, skateboard park, a brook, and more.
Do a Google search on Dickinson Playground, Newtown, CT to see reviews and lots of photos.
Museum and Planetarium. More info on their web site: https://www.shudiscovery.org/
20 locals recommend
The Discovery Museum and Planetarium
4450 Park AveMuseum and Planetarium. More info on their web site: https://www.shudiscovery.org/
Learn more. Visit https://www.beardsleyzoo.org/our-animals.html
63 locals recommend
Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo
1875 Noble AveLearn more. Visit https://www.beardsleyzoo.org/our-animals.html
Mystic Aquarium
https://www.mysticaquarium.org/
The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk
10 N Water Sthttps://www.maritimeaquarium.org/
Main Street. Newtown. A local favorite. Movie theater - times change so be sure to check the schedule. https://www.edmondtownhall.org/movies/
14 locals recommend
Edmond Town Hall
45 Main StMain Street. Newtown. A local favorite. Movie theater - times change so be sure to check the schedule. https://www.edmondtownhall.org/movies/
Bowling close by. Check the website for details and times at https://strikersofbrookfield.com/
Strikers of Brookfield
840 Federal RdBowling close by. Check the website for details and times at https://strikersofbrookfield.com/
Sightseeing
The Shepaug Dam Bald Eagle Observation area is open December through March. You will need reservations but admission is free.
https://www.facebook.com/baldeagles/
Shepaug Eagle Viewing
2150 River RdThe Shepaug Dam Bald Eagle Observation area is open December through March. You will need reservations but admission is free.
https://www.facebook.com/baldeagles/
Swimming, Kayaking and Boating
Our CT parks and lakes have a lot of different choices. From the hills of northern CT to beaches along Long Island Sound. Check out Connecticut Trail Finder. It has EVERYTHING you want to know about trails and places to go for swimming, hiking, biking, walking. Includes difficulty levels.
Feels like you are going back in time. Picnic and swimming area. Love the hike around the lake with the dog - or spending a few hours out on the lake on the kayak. About an hour away up Rte 8 .
Ride to the park is pretty. ride is pretty.
15 locals recommend
Burr Pond State Park
384 Burr Mountain RdFeels like you are going back in time. Picnic and swimming area. Love the hike around the lake with the dog - or spending a few hours out on the lake on the kayak. About an hour away up Rte 8 .
Ride to the park is pretty. ride is pretty.
Squantz Pond State Park
Pretty park on Candlewood Lake
Hammonasset Beach State Park
1288 Boston Post RdAlong Long Island Sound - a nice day trip.
Milford, CT. We love the boardwalk any time of year - and it's close location. :) If you hit the tide right - you can walk to Charles Island.
62 locals recommend
Silver Sands State Park
1 Silver Sands PkwyMilford, CT. We love the boardwalk any time of year - and it's close location. :) If you hit the tide right - you can walk to Charles Island.
Spend some time boating on Connecticut's largest and beautiful Candlewood Lake - 11 miles long. You can bring up to 10 people for a 1/2 hour or more for wakeboarding, water skiing, or tubing. Lessons available. https://lakesidewatersports.com/
Lakeside Watersports
227 Forty Acre Mountain RdSpend some time boating on Connecticut's largest and beautiful Candlewood Lake - 11 miles long. You can bring up to 10 people for a 1/2 hour or more for wakeboarding, water skiing, or tubing. Lessons available. https://lakesidewatersports.com/
Fun day kayaking on the Housatonic River - and nice area to explore. Don't miss the Cornwall covered bridge.
27 locals recommend
Clarke Outdoors
163 US-7Fun day kayaking on the Housatonic River - and nice area to explore. Don't miss the Cornwall covered bridge.
158 Hanover Road, Newtown. Close by. Easy access for power boats and kayaks.
Lake Lillinonah (Pond Brook) Boat Launch
158 Hanover Road, Newtown. Close by. Easy access for power boats and kayaks.
Lake Lillinonah Town Park
194 Hanover RdBoat launch, picnic area, grills, portable bathrooms
Public Golf Courses
Sunset Hill Golf Club
13 Sunset Hill RdVery close by.
Pomperaug Golf Course
522 Heritage RoadMy sister and husband are golfers. This is one of their favorites.
Candlewood Valley Country Club
401 Danbury RdA recommendation from my golfer sister & husband. :)
Driving range and mini golf. Just a few miles from the house, One Sand Cut Road, Brookfield.
https://golfquestranges.com/
Golf Quest
1 Sand Cut RdDriving range and mini golf. Just a few miles from the house, One Sand Cut Road, Brookfield.
https://golfquestranges.com/