Come along for a Central Connecticut Road Trip. We will be south of Hartford and wind up in New Haven and its environs. Even though I’m a bit of a Connecticut expert, this region I’m still exploring. The trip will start in Middlefield to explore a waterfall and head to a farm store before heading out to eat and then hitting a couple of breweries, an arcade, and a park.
Wadsworth Falls State Park
Wadsworth Falls State Park is located in both Middletown and Middlefield. There are two parking areas. The one closer to the falls access is in Middlefield on Cherry Hill Road. If you’re looking for a longer hike, park in either lot and explore for hours. If you’re looking for a quick, pretty jaunt, the Cherry Hill Road lot provides an easy viewing point for the impressive waterfall. (there are also smaller falls farther upstream). Spend a few minutes or a few hours at Wadsworth Falls State Park.
Lyman Orchards
The next stop on our Central Connecticut Road Trip is the Apple Barrel at Lyman Orchards. Lyman Orchards also is a great place to pick up a pumpkin or two. The outdoor pumpkin display makes it hard to resist taking one home. Apple Barrel Farm Market is full of enough treats to satisfy, with goodies galore. In addition to treats, baked goods, and otherwise, a sumptuous produce department is stocked with, of course, Lyman Orchards’ apples.
Millpond Gatherings
On this Central Connecticut Road Trip, there are two restaurant recommendations. One for lunch, one for dinner. Try one and not the other? A drink at one and food at the other? It’s totally up to you!
The first recommendation is Millpond Gatherings. Located in Northford, which is south of Middlefield but north of New Haven, this is a behemoth of a restaurant. Driving up for the first time, you’ll be in awe. With its own covered bridge and stately facade, it looks like a New England-themed wonderland. Choose the dining room or the bar. The interior is tastefully decorated. It’s also an event space, so follow the signs showing where to park.
Most importantly the food is awesome. Try the salmon, the heirloom tomato salad, and the crab cakes, which are just a few recommendations. Millpond is known for its steaks but for me it’s hard to pass up the salmon.
The Beeracks
The Beeracks is in a warehouse space in East Haven. Here head south from Millpond Gatherings to this brewery collective. Once the sole location of Overshores Brewery, in 2018 it expanded as a collective. Some of the other breweries that are located here include Hoax, Armada, and Hull’s. Its cool industrial vibe and the ability to try multiple breweries’ beers in one location make it fine by me!
Lighthouse Point State Park
New Haven Light, also known as the Five Mile Point Lighthouse, is the focal point of Lighthouse Point Park in New Haven. Located on the city’s eastern shore (but not quite in East Haven) is this recreation area that is great for swimming and running around. This has been standing tall (and it is tall) since the mid-1800s.
Barcade
Ah, to be young again. Pinball machines and classic video games intermingle with craft beer and pub grub. Grab a local brew while trying your hand at Frogger or Street Fighter II. Located on Orange Street in downtown New Haven, our central Connecticut road trip has taken us from the rural to the urban.
Geronimo
This hip Tex-Mex spot is one of the many excellent restaurants New Haven has to offer. A drink, an app, an entree, or all three? Try starting with a margarita and then order guacamole for the table. It’s a perfect way to begin the meal. Try the steak tacos; they are delicious with every bite providing an array of flavor.
New England Brewing Company
Our last stop is in Woodbridge, right on the New Haven line. Back to a brewery, this time it’s a New England original (hence the name). NEBCO has been brewing since before it was cool to do so. Although on the map for IPAs such as Fuzzy Baby Ducks, Sea Hag, and G-Bot, everything here is great. It’s located in an industrial space in a commercial district. The taproom is welcoming. Try a few small pours and if you’re still hungry, there’s often a food truck on site.
Phew! This has been a busy day, and I’m stuffed! I don’t think our walk at Wadsworth Falls State Park could combat the calories added at the breweries and dinner, but everything was tasty! I hope you enjoyed this central Connecticut road trip!
