Location: Colchester
Top Things to do in Colchester
Top 10 Things to do in Colchester, United States
Colchester is a town in New London County, Connecticut, United States. The population was 16,068 at the 2010 census. In 2010 Colchester became the first town in Connecticut, and the 36th in the country, to be certified with the National Wildlife Federation as a Community Wildlife Habitat.
Restaurants in Colchester
1. Gillette Castle State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 618 reviews
This 24-room mansion has undergone extensive renovations.
Reviewed By Ray R
This is such a magical place with amazing views of the Connecticut River and really impressive stonework. Although the castle was not open on this Saturday visit, the exterior was available ( AND the restroom !) for hiking and many folks were here to see the magnificence of the river. As the frozen portions and ice jams were melting, it gave us phenomenal views from high atop the cliffs where the castle sits. We must return when the weather improves and the castle is open. I think the rush of visitors were due to the news coverage all the ice jams created as this area is usually quiet in winter months, The park is open dawn to dusk and many were seen with picnic baskets or Dunkin Donuts meals and camped out to enjoy the moderate 50 degree temps on this day. Come to this State Park and enjoy. ALso visit just up the road the Goodspeed Opera House ! Great place for the kids to expand their imaginations ! A REAL castle !!
2. Comstock Bridge
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 22 reviews
Reviewed By Sandy K
I am a very lucky girl because my father-in-law's house is right next to this landmark. If you get a chance to visit the piece of American history, you should do so. This bridge sits atop a lovely part of the Salmon River and my husband as a young boy and now our grandchildren get to play in this lazy river. There is also fishing and great hiking trails located here. The bridge was recently restored and while it was nicely done, it was changed a bit from it's original configuration. The windows were moved and not placed in the original locations, but all in all this is a great place to visit. Oh, did I mention that the hiking trails are lined with blueberries, mountain laurel (which smells divine) and blackberries -0).
3. The Dinosaur Place at Nature's Art Village
Overall Ratings
4 based on 211 reviews
Fun Family Activities Encounter over 40 life-sized dinosaurs on our 1.5 miles of Dinosaur Trails in our unique dinosaur park, monkey around at Monty's Playground, get lost in our A"Maze"asaurus, and cool off at the Splashpad (New England's largest zero-depth water playground)! If you get hungry, fill up at Monty's Munchies or grab a sweet treat at the Ice Cream Shop. Whether it is an outing with the family, or your child's birthday there are fun family activities for every age.
Reviewed By mn984 - Lebanon, Connecticut
It is somewhat pricey but the grounds are well kept and interesting. we took our 3 year old twin grand children and had fun. Would be better if they were a little older. I think there should be a reduced rate for kids 7 and younger.
4. Connecticut River Expeditions - RiverQuest
Overall Ratings
5 based on 66 reviews
View the scenic lower Connecticut River aboard the friendly, intimate, eco-tour vessel RiverQuest. As we cruise south on our Daytime Excursion, we'll see Goodspeed Opera House, Gillette's Castle. Light narration provided on local history, flora and fauna and other areas of interest. Other cruises: Sunset/Evening (may go north or south), Foliage, Eagle, Private Charters (company, family, birthday, etc). Leave from Eagle Landing State Park, Route 82, Haddam, CT. For schedule, prices, info see website.
Reviewed By Jd707700
We absolutely loved this river tour! We took an afternoon tour that lasted approximately 2 hours. Our guides and captain (the owners) were amazing and very knowledgeable tour guides, providing so much information on history and legends of the river homes and islands and are incredibly knowledgeable about the local wildlife, and are avid bird watchers. It shows they love what they do. They are very kind, gracious and wonderful people who (it is apparent) love what they do. Their boats are not only part of their business but an integral part of their lives. Initially, we looked at other boat tour options in the area and couldn't be happier that we made this selection over other choices. It was a great calm, relaxing and fun day with the family. We all enjoyed this tour, especially my elementary and high school age kids and the tour was easily accessible to an elderly handicapped family member. A portion of the RiverQuest boat is covered and surrounded by windows if you want to stay out of the sun. During the tour you can move between the front and the back of the boat for easier viewing; space and passenger load permitting. You can bring food or beverage on the boat during some day tours, to enjoy during your trip and they even provided some binoculars for us to view wildlife up close. Departs from a local park that has a lot of space for picnicking, boat and bird watching. Very well done and very reasonably priced! I would recommend this tour to anyone.
5. Salmon River State Forest
Overall Ratings
4 based on 14 reviews
Reviewed By Janice402 - Berlin, Connecticut
There were a lot of families fishing and BBQ on the day we visited. There was plenty of parking. The fishing must have been good because I think we were the only ones without fishing rods. We only found one marked trail, but it is rather a large area so there were probably more.
6. The Shops at Marlborough Barn
Overall Ratings
4 based on 9 reviews
Reviewed By lndrcookie - Simsbury, Connecticut
Definitely worth the trip, whether you are an antique lover, re-purpose lover, or just looking to browse and update your décor, or wardrobe. Everything from salvage to re-purposed and consignment furniture, clothing consignment, restoration hardware and lighting, yarn shop, floral shop, jewelry or antique lover-- something there for all tastes. Plan for a few hours and see what you can find. Enough vendors and stores in the multiple buildings-- the inventory changes frequently, so you can go often
7. Gay City State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 12 reviews
Reviewed By M C G
This park as everything from open areas for picnics, the lake (with fish and with a license you can go fishing), wooded acreage and wildlife. EXCELLENT for bird watching, birds native to Connecticut.
8. Lebanon Green Winery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 12 reviews
Reviewed By Arnie S - Wallingford, Connecticut
stopped to check it out, they weren't open at the time but the guy there was very accommodating. I think his name was Dom, he let us in for a tasting. The wines were very good. Definitely gonna go back here.
9. Fox Farm Brewery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 13 reviews
Reviewed By tigg189074 - Hartford, Connecticut
My husband and I stopped here Saturday afternoon. The place was very busy, but organized. Lots of people standing around downstairs (with more standing room upstairs overlooking the gorgeous brewery). They had lots of employees pouring beers and also filling growlers. They have a ticket system when times are very crowded, but on Saturday you were able to just walk up and order. There was a steady stream of people ordering growlers/bottles, but it never got too long. The place was well designed and a cool spot to hang out. I saw people with their own food, but be aware that there aren't that many spots to sit and enjoy a meal. There are a handful of tables outside that would be nice when the weather is better.
10. Priam Vineyards
Overall Ratings
4 based on 54 reviews
Priam Vineyards is a completely solar powered winery and sustainable vineyard nestled in the Salmon River Watershed area. Our thirteen International Award-Winning wines produced are estate grown, blended, bottled and cellared on premises. The seasonally beautiful surroundings offer a number of outdoor activities throughout all seasons. Mohegan Sun Casino, Moodus Resort Area, the Goodspeed Opera House, the Spa at Norwich Inn, the Mystic Seaport, a number of state parks, including the Airline Hiking Trail are just minutes away. It’s a wonderful weekend destination for the entire family. Stop by to take in the beauty of the vineyard all year round. It’s a great place to truly get away from it all and experience the peace and serenity of the natural surroundings. We are open year round January - April, Fri.-Sun, 11 am -6pm, May - December, Weds.-Sun., 11 am -6pm.. See our Directions & Hours for specific details on our upcoming schedule. Always check our website for any updates or changes on our holiday hours & daily schedule.
Reviewed By Marchchat - Trumbull, Connecticut
Was not expecting the wines to be as good as they were and was pleasantly surprised. They have done some renovations, with are almost complete, and give them needed space inside. The people there know their stuff, very knowledgeable and friendly. There are 3 levels of wine tasting-Level 1, which includes 4 wines and a 11oz White Wine glass, Level 2, which includes 6 wines and a 18 oz Bordeaux glass and Diamond Level which includes 8 wines, an 18 oz Diamond Bordeaux glass and a little chocolate bar. The white wines were their best, which is to be expected for CT wines, but their reds were also good. The whites are great summer wines and , although they are light, they have flavor. After the tasting we purchased a bottle to share with the picnic we brought out on one of their picnic tables on the lawn. Very nice place and fun day.
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