Things to Do Near Middletown, Connecticut
The Connecticut River Valley teems with culture, history and charm. Quaint colonial buildings, magnificent castles and mansions dot this charming New England region. Steps from the Inn at Middletown guests will discover restaurants, shops, entertainment and attractions on Main Street in downtown Middletown. Enjoy cocktails and conversation on a Connecticut River cruise. Discover New England charm in alluring Essex or explore the beautiful Wesleyan University campus.
Let Lady Katharine Cruises take you for a boat ride down the beautiful Connecticut River. Hop aboard the Mystique and experience an extravagant dinner cruise, cocktail party, or Sunday luncheon. Private chartered cruises are available to celebrate special occasions and parties. Go to www.ladykatecruises.com for more information.
Wesleyan University is a private liberal arts college nestled in historic Middletown, Connecticut. Founded in 1831, Wesleyan University enrolls 2,700 undergrads and 200 grad students each year. Tour the 340-acre campus and discover historic landmarks like the Russell House or the Beaux Arts Albritton Center. The university's 29 varsity athletic teams participate in the New England Small College Athletic Conference. For more information, visit www.wesleyan.edu.
Rolling green hills and acres of woodlands set the backdrop from this picturesque golf course. At the Lyman Orchards Golf Club, golfers of all skill levels can play 36 holes on the world-renowned Jones Course or Players Course. After a full day on the green, head back to the orchard for a sample of their famous "Hi-Top Apple Pie." To book tee times, visit www.lymangolf.com.
Built in 1876 by William Goodspeed, the Goodspeed Opera House is recognized as the birthplace of musical theater. In 1959, it was restored to its original grandeur by the Goodspeed Musicals, a group dedicated to preserving musical theater and creating new repertoires. Tours of the historic building are given every Saturday. For tickets and information, visit www.goodspeed.org.
Kid City museum is a magical world of creativity and pretend, located less than a mile from the Inn at Middletown. At Kid City, children ages one to eight can explore their imaginations through the museum's many themed rooms, exhibits and props. Explore the Clipper Ship, The Fishery or enjoy a Space Age Road Trip. At Kid City, there are plenty of places to climb, slide, crawl and get inspired. Visit www.kidcitymuseum.com for more information.
The Wadsworth Mansion is an elegant white stone estate nestled amongst the rolling hills of western Middletown. Once the summer home of Colonel Clarence S. Wadsworth and his family, today, the magnificent Beaux Arts estate offers the perfect setting for weddings and special events. Host an evening cocktail party, a delightful outdoor social soirée or an intimate wedding ceremony. For more information, visit www.wadsworthmansion.com.
Overlooking the winding Connecticut River, Saint Clements Castle exemplifies old European charm and elegance. Built by Howard Taylor in 1898, the stunning French Tudor castle, made of granite stone and chestnut and oak wood, offers a romantic venue for weddings, banquets and social events. The castle features 82-acres of well-manicured gardens, lawns and courtyards that transport you back into time. For more information, visit www.saintclementscastle.com.
Situated 15 miles south of the Inn at Middletown, Essex Village is Connecticut's "Best Small Town in America." The flowing Connecticut River is the main character for this alluring New England community. Here, sailboats cruise slowly down the river, while stone windmills turn gently in the breeze. In the fall, Essex is transformed by vibrant hues of red, orange and yellow. Discover the slow pace of riverside living, complete with charming boutiques and marina side restaurants. Essex is also home to the Essex Steam Train. For information, visit www.essexct.com.
Located just across the Connecticut River, the Brownstone Exploration & Discovery Park was a former mining quarry until it flooded and turned into a family friendly recreation center. Visitors can climb the 85-foot brownstone walls, cliff jump from 30-feet or try freestyle wakeboarding, swimming, scuba diving, camping and kayaking. The park also offers training and education sessions for those who are new to the world of extreme sports. For more information, visit http://brownstonepark.com.
Shop ‘til you drop at one of the Connecticut River Valley's premium outlet shopping centers. At Clinton Crossing Outlets, shoppers will discover 70 outlet retailers only 25 miles south of our Middletown hotel. Discover favorite name brands like Banana Republic and J. Crew, or designer fashions like Michael Kors, Dooney & Bourke and Coach. Head east to Westbrook and enjoy even more shopping at the Westbrook Outlets, featuring over 65 brand name designer outlets. Visit www.premiumoutlets.com and www.tangeroutlet.com for store hours and information.
