Things To Do in Colchester, Connecticut
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Looking for things to do in Colchester, Connecticut? This small New England town offers a surprising mix of outdoor activities, local history, and family-friendly spots worth exploring. Whether you’re visiting for a day or planning a weekend, here are some top picks to make the most of your time in Colchester.
Day Pond State Park
Day Pond State Park is a popular place to go hiking in Colchester. There are various trails to explore, including one to a large waterfall with multiple cascades, which is one of my favorite waterfalls in Connecticut. There are also trails that will take you the Comstock Covered Bridge. The pond is a popular spot for fishing and there are also picnic areas in the park.
Mel’s Downtown Creamery
Mel’s Downtown Creamery is a 50’s style ice cream shop. It’s a local favorite that’s known for its generous scoops and family-friendly atmosphere. Mel’s delivers quality and nostalgia in every visit. They offer premium hard ice cream, dairy-free options, soft serve, sundaes, milkshakes, and even cakes and pies. It’s one of the best ice cream spots in eastern Connecticut.
Plum Tomato
The Plum Tomato in Colchester, CT is a casual spot to grab authentic wood-fired. With a relaxed atmosphere and a menu full of crowd-pleasers like pizzas, sandwiches, and pasta, it’s popular for both dine-in and takeout. This is one of my favorite spots to grab pizza in southeastern Connecticut.
Ruby & Elizabeth Cohen Woodlands
This is a great park to visit in Colchester. There’s an open field with a StoryWalk for kids, a beautiful butterfly-pollinator garden, a pond, and wooded hiking trails. It’s a great spot to get out in nature.
Commstock Bridge
The Comstock Bridge is a hidden gem on the border of Colchester and East Hampton. This bridge is on the National Register of Historic Places making it a great spot for history buffs. This historic covered bridge, dating back to the 1873, offers a glimpse into New England’s past while providing a peaceful setting for a scenic walk or photo op.
Salmon River State Forest
The Salmon River State Forest offers a refreshing escape into nature without the crowds. With over 6,000 acres of woodlands, rivers, and scenic trails, it’s a perfect spot for hiking, fishing, picnicking, or simply unwinding outdoors.
The Airline Trail
The Air Line Trail is a scenic, flat path that’s ideal for walking, biking, or running. Once a historic railroad line, it now stretches through peaceful woods with easy access and free parking. There are multiple spots in Colchester you can access the trail in Colchester, but we always started from the Colchester Spur.
Itchiban
Ichiban is an Asian Bistro in Colchester. This spot offers authentic Asian cuisine such as Chinese, Thai, and Japanese cuisine. They also have sushi. It’s a great place to grab a bite to eat.
Babock Pond
Babcock Pond is a scenic area to go paddling. There is a small boat launch where you can put a kayak in or paddle board. It’s also a great spot for bird watching. I once saw a bald eagle here while enjoying the views of the pond from land!
Scotties Frozen Custard
Scottie’s Frozen Custard is a casual outdoor spot to grab a bite to eat. They’ve got classics such as burgers, hot dogs, fish and chips, and chicken tenders. But what they’re really known for is their frozen custard! The frozen custard is richer, thicker, and creamier than ice cream due to the egg yolks. It’s super delicious!
Colchester Recreation Complex
This is the main spot for recreation within the town of Colchester. This is a great place to go for families. There’s a playground and splash pad to spend the day at the park. There are also tennis courts, basketball courts, sports fields, a walking path, and a covered pavilion.
Harry’s Place
Harry’s Place has been serving up burgers and hot dogs for over 100 years in Colchester. This spot is a great place to grab a casual bite to eat outdoors. They also have really great ice cream! If you’re planning to go, it’s important to note that this spot is cash only.
Fresca Tequila Bar & Grill
If you’re in the mood for Mexican, definitely stop into Fresca for great food and drinks. What makes this spot unique is they often have events throughout the year and live music every weekend. They have both indoor and outdoor seating available.
Gallery Cinemas
Colchester’s Gallery Cinemas is a great place to catch a movie. On Tuesdays, they have discounted tickets available all day. This is the movie theater that I grew up going to!
