For just a moment you might think you are in an exclusive French winery, elegant and inviting, but you are at the Chamard Vineyards in Clinton, about just north of exit 63 on I-95, about a half-hour drive east of New Haven. Situated between the Connecticut River and Long Island Sound, this winery has been producing award winning Chardonnays and other wines since 1983. Its wines are carried in hundreds of stores throughout Connecticut and appear on select menus in Manhattan. Before or after a tour of the winery, stop at the nearby Clinton Crossing Premium Outlets.
If you are looking forward for a lively evening, Firehouse 12 is the spot you should head to. This bar is known for its casual ambiance and peppy live music gigs and guarantees a good time to its guests. Besides the music, the bar is known for offering an extensive beverage list to choose from. If the regular spirits don't excite you, ask the bartender to whip up a specialty cocktail that is sure to tantalize your palate. With an exceptional service and award-winning menu, this bar is truly one of the favorite hangout spots for the locals as well as the tourists. Check their event calendar before planning your visit here.
The green in Milford, located just outside of New Haven, is a popular meeting space and event venue conveniently located off of I-95. This traditional New England-style green has a bandstand, Civil War monument and special events throughout the year.
Located in the heart of Yale's campus, Gryphon's Pub at the Graduate and Professional Student Club at Yale is a popular spot for people looking for cheap drinks and a good time. This campus pub is always presenting some kind of special or event, whether it be pub trivia, martini night or DJ dance party.
One of the prime wine-makers in the city, Gouveia Vineyards is where some of the finest wines come to life. Perched atop a hill in Wallingford, with lush green fields and breath-taking views of the countryside at its backdrop, this is also one of the must-visit spots in the city. Everything that goes into the products of this winery is grown on its 140-acre (56.6 hectare) vineyards, assuring a consistent batch each time. Visitors here can also take a tour of the vineyard and winery, wherein each stage of production cane be experienced, from the picking of fruits to the barreling and ageing.
If you are in the mood to see some rare and wonderful animals of North and South America, an indoor rain-forest and a rustic New England farmyard, then this zoo is the perfect outing. It is Connecticut's only zoo, with 52 acres along the shore about an hour east from New Haven. If you have the kids tagging along, there is a carousel to enjoy and picnic groves available in good weather. The zoo also has a snack shop, and there are always souvenirs to purchase at the gift shop!