[srsteve]

I recently moved to Norwich from Vermont and am trying to get an idea of what there is to do in the area apart from Mohegan Sun and Foxwoods. My initial impression is that most of the attractions are closer to the shore, for example Mystic. I haven't even seen any bookstores, coffee shops, etc. in the area. I would appreciate any suggestions on fun things to do in the area that are also in a good part of town - I have noticed that the east side seems kind of rundown. Any hiking, recreational areas, coffee shops, pedestrian only shopping areas, etc around? Thanks.

[ctcoldplay11]

Colchester (only a 10 minute drive west of Norwich on Route 2) will offer many things in the way of hiking and recreation. Salmon River State Park is absolutely BEAUTIFUL and is located within Colchester, and boasts the cleanest river system in the entire state. There is plenty of hiking along the river and the forest.

As for Norwich, you're generally going to have to venture outside the city for similar opportunities. Norwich is improving, slowly, and is trying to revamp itself. The surrounding towns will offer you much in the way of hiking and recreation...I suggest you check them out (Preston, Ledyard, Salem, Colchester, Griswold). Good luck!

[skytrekker]

Take route 169 north from Norwich to Woodstock- a very pleasant scenic drive- with museums, wineries historical homes etc. Visit Putnam, considered the 'Antique Capital' of the North east- lost to do with book stores, cafes and fine restaurants. The Woodstock Fair is famous over Labor day weekend.

Visit Sharpe Hill Winery in Pomfret
CONNECTICUT TOURISM - WINE TASTING - Chamard Vineyards, Stonington Vineyards, Haight Vineyard, Historic Towns

Also if in Norwich- Hartford and Providence are not all that far off. I frankly am also not a huge fan of the Casino's.

[polishmomma]

I have lived in this area all my life. If you are from the city then you probably will think the Norwich area is very boring. New England as a whole is very beautiful. You do have to venture out of Norwich and explore. There is an awesome book store in Niantic off of 95 S called the Book Barn. You can spend a whole day there. Well worth the trip. There are lots of hiking and biking areas. Bluff Point in Groton is good for both.
A day trip with your bike to Block Island on the Ferry out of New London is a fantastic trip. You can take a trip on the Long Island ferry and see the wineries. Life us what you make it. I would also suggest you get free pamphlets and brochures at the casinos or look online. Good luck with your explorations.

[mr2448]

Originally Posted by srsteve

I recently moved to Norwich from Vermont and am trying to get an idea of what there is to do in the area apart from Mohegan Sun and Foxwoods. My initial impression is that most of the attractions are closer to the shore, for example Mystic. I haven't even seen any bookstores, coffee shops, etc. in the area. I would appreciate any suggestions on fun things to do in the area that are also in a good part of town - I have noticed that the east side seems kind of rundown. Any hiking, recreational areas, coffee shops, pedestrian only shopping areas, etc around? Thanks.

Right across the border in Rhode Island are some great beaches. Also, for the adventerous is the Great Swamp in Burlingame Park.

[joy2008]

Lebanon, CT about 10-15 minute drive from Norwichtown has a lovely historic green. I believe it might be on some kind of national historic register. Lots of Revolutionary War history, and there are a couple very small museums. It's farm country, so NOTHING else there, but if you are looking for a nice place to take a stroll, the Green is lovely.

As far as Norwich itself, there really isn't much to do as far as I know. (I was born there and lived in the area most of my life.) There is a bowling alley! There's also the Mohegan Park in the Norwich, which is quite nice! Oh, and the Rose Garden (I believe the roses bloom in July).

Norwich Connecticut - Recreation & Fun

I used to frequent the ice skating rink, which is lots of fun.

[RHB]

If you go to the Otis lib. they have a book of all sorts of things to do, and the ones you need passes for they have those free.

There are a couple of bookstores - one in the Norwichtown Mall. Across from the mall there is another shopping center, that has a bank, thrift shop, Chinese resturant, just behind that is an old cemetry - reveloutionary (oh where oh where is my spell check)

Norwich does have some good things and attractions, they just aren't all in the same location, but spread out a bit. The park was mentioned, and there are many biking, walking, jogging trails there - along with a swimming hole, and picnic area, and the rose garden. There are activities on the Norwichtown green through out the year. There is a big food festival on the water front. The college also offers many activities.

Oh is that a spell check I see in the corner? Oh it asks me to down load something - until I see what hubby thinks, you will just have to live with my spelling errors - sorry.

There is a new (okay a couple of years old now) coffee sandwich shop right down town, it is a very nice place.

Do you have children? Are you looking for young single person activies? Couple activities?

[Leilani Vasquez]

Originally Posted by polishmomma

I have lived in this area all my life. If you are from the city then you probably will think the Norwich area is very boring. New England as a whole is very beautiful. You do have to venture out of Norwich and explore. There is an awesome book store in Niantic off of 95 S called the Book Barn. You can spend a whole day there. Well worth the trip. There are lots of hiking and biking areas. Bluff Point in Groton is good for both.
A day trip with your bike to Block Island on the Ferry out of New London is a fantastic trip. You can take a trip on the Long Island ferry and see the wineries. Life us what you make it. I would also suggest you get free pamphlets and brochures at the casinos or look online. Good luck with your explorations.

My husband and I spend a weekend in late September on Block Island (cheaper that time of year to stay). We absolutely love the place.

I also understand that the same ferry that will take you to Block Island also has an island tour, which takes you around Martha's Vinyard. Something to think of.