YEAR-ROUND CT OUTDOOR BUCKET LIST
When the Omicron wave hit the Northeast (hard) right before the holidays, I was heartbroken. Our lives started to look more normal, yet we once again found ourselves in a place of fear and isolation for yet another COVID winter. But looking down the barrel of a new year, I decided I wouldn’t let the pandemic define my 2022. So, I made a bucket list of winter-friendly, outdoor outings right here in Connecticut and vowed to check one off each week.
So for all of January and February, June and I did just that! We met friends or ventured solo to find the most beautiful parts of the state, bundled as we were. We’ve since been able to get back to normalcy once again and enjoy more indoor, in-person activities, but I take comfort in knowing the great outdoors is always there if we need it. And in spring/summer, it’s even more fun than when we pulled on our Uggs and puffers and made do.
Below, find the seven winter destinations we visited in CT, all within an hour’s driving distance. You can bookmark this page for next winter, though everything on this list is available year-round. Local friends, what’s on your Connecticut bucket list?
Shakespeare Market
Right in my hometown of Stratford, Shakespeare Market is a year-round outdoor crafts and farmer’s market. It’s held every first and third Sunday, 10am–2pm. It’s been a great way to get dressed, get out, and interact with local makers. I’ve purchased a great macrame plant holder, candles, fresh produce, and even fashion items.
Yale University
Though I went to college at another New Haven University (Southern CT), I never much explored the Yale campus. If you park at the Yale Shops, you can head toward campus and enjoy all of the pedestrian walkways between the school’s historic buildings. At a time when flowers aren’t in bloom, I love to take in interesting architecture. Before you head home, stop at Blue State Coffee for a cuppa.
Mystic & Stonington Lobster Trap Tree
For my birthday, my mom and dad took June for the day as Sean and I headed to Mystic to check out the Mystic Seaport and Mystic Village shopping center. There, we grabbed lunch and Deviant Donuts to bring back home before heading to the seaport, where we explored historic buildings in the recreated 19th-century village. (There were some exhibits closed for the winter, so you can see even more if you go in warmer months.)
Chatfield Hollow State Park
With a little one in a stroller, I was really excited to hear about Chatfield Hollow State Park’s long boardwalk, since rougher terrain and trails aren’t always stroller friendly. We met our friends Cammie and Nicole to bundle up and check it out one blustery January day. Though we had to brave the cold, there was lots to see between the historic buildings, boardwalk through marshland, and a manmade waterfall. I can’t wait to go back on a warmer day and see what’s in bloom.
Sherwood Farms
Unlike other local farms, Sherwood Farms is open year round. Our friends turned us onto the location, which has a farm store stocked with local freshies, animals, and a spacious playground right across the street. It’s a fun, free outing any time of year.
Hogan’s Cider Mill
Hogan’s Cider Mill, with its signature bright red truck parked out front, was on my bucket list for months. Of course it’s a favorite in the fall, but this year-round destination (they close only the month of January) has a huge outdoor tasting room as well as a farmer’s market and cozy indoor tasting room. We enjoyed their sweet ciders (hot for a chilly day), but they also have boozy drinks if that’s your persuasion.
Stamford Nature Center & Maple Sugar Fest
Photo by my dear friend and Cammie’s mom, Nicole of Foodie Loves Fitness
Stamford Nature Center offers year-round activities for kiddos and grown-ups, but we were particularly excited to attend in February for the Maple Sugar Fest. There were volunteers holding some of the smaller animals (hello bunnies and baby goats), so you could really get an up-close view of the wildlife at the park. We also tasted some delicious maple syrup, and I highly recommend the cinnamon or blueberry, made right here in CT.