Print Full Itinerary
Itinerary: Subject to change due to local conditions, unforeseen events, or more interesting as yet unplanned awesome experiences that become available
Overview:
We all know Connecticut is famous for lobster rolls but oh is there so much more! There are a lot of “firsts” created here in this small state in original spots that maintain an old school vibe and have become those iconic places you must try before you die. Forget New York and Chicago style pizza, supposedly the very first pizza in America was actually a New Haven style Neapolitan apizza consisting of its signature chewy, crispy charred brick oven crust with “mootz” as a topping. If that’s not enough to entice you perhaps world-famous steamed burgers from Ted’s Restaurant or traditional Italian grinders from Nardelli’s might temp your tastebuds. Don’t forget about sinking your teeth into award winning Southern BBQ at Black Eyed Sally’s and the simple but delectable signature hot dogs made since 1928 at Blackies.
With all this eating means there’s lots of exploring to do to work it all off! Luckily, Connecticut is packed with perfectly picturesque places to visit, wander, and walk off calories. There will be gardens and waterfalls, mountainside towers and mansions, antiques and even dinosaur prints. Start your diet now so you can join us on our iconic food extravaganza!
This will be one of our intimate Van Adventures!
Day One: Nardelli's
Our first stop in Connecticut is Nardelli’s Grinder Shoppe, a family-owned tradition since 1922 for your choice of one of their famous grinders topped with their secret “classic mix”, a tasty marinade of peppers, onions, and other veggies tossed in olive oil and vinegar with a proprietary blend of spices. From their humble beginnings as a grocery on Main Street Waterbury, Nardelli’s has been voted Connecticut’s best 11 years and running.
Hollister House Gardens:
It will be difficult to put our tasty treats aside but it’s time to visit the splendid Hollister House Garden, beautifully situated on a sloping terraced site behind a rambling 18th century farmhouse in the rolling hills of Litchfield County. This classic garden created in an English manner is a unique synthesis of formal and natural using right angles of paths with walls and hedges melting seamlessly into the lush surrounding landscape that form a magnificent backdrop for the exuberant plantings.
Take time to wander this amazing hidden gem filled with surprising color combinations that open onto stunning vistas and happy plants spilling onto walkways, tumbling over walls and climbing up arches.
Mount Tom State Park:
Now it’s finally time to enjoy our Nardelli’s at the picnic area in Mount Tom State Park. Savor every bite in our serene setting by the lake.
An easy uphill (but not steep!) trail will lead you past interesting geology, including glacial erratics, to the stone lookout tower at the top for memorable scenic views.
This is an approximate 1.5 mile loop trail, taking around 1 hour max.
Simsbury 1820 House:
Time to relax at the Simsbury 1820 House, an elegant country inn with tranquil gardens, antique charm and wraparound porch with rustic wood floors. Kick your feet up and enjoy!
Black Eyed Sally's:
Tonight we’ll sink our teeth into some delectable Southern BBQ at Black Eyed Sally’s. Hope you’re hungry!
Day Two: Buttermilk Falls
We’ll start the day off with a short, peaceful walk in the woods leading to the lovely Buttermilk Falls. Take in the views of the spilling cascades and feel the serenity of this perfection of nature.
Blackies Hot Dog Stand:
Time for a Connecticut tradition at Blackies hot dog stand with their famous homemade Hot Pepper Relish that’s an uncopied secret family recipe.
Hubbard Park & Castle Craig:
Off to Hubbard Park for a chance to walk off some hot dog calories on a hike to Castle Craig, a stone observation tower resembling a Middle Age castle offering extraordinary 360-degree views. If you’re not up for a hike, relax by Mirror Lake or take a shorter stroll.
This is an approximate 3 mile round trip wooded walk gently ascending towards Castle Craig with a short steeper section near the end.
PEZ:
A special iconic candy surprise awaits! The PEZ Visitor Center is right nearby, so let’s take a look and see what fun awaits.
Powder Hill Dinosaur Park:
Next we’ll walk in the steps of dinosaurs at the Powder Hill Dinosaur Park where you can touch and step in fossilized dinosaur footprints from the early Jurassic Period. A definite blast from the past!
Ted's Restaurant:
A superb special steamy treat is in store for dinner at Ted’s Restaurant, a juicy steamed burger smothered with a special cheddar cheese that provides a unique taste.
Lots of toppings and sides to choose makes a delightful, delicious treat.
Day Three: Roseland Cottage
Today we travel to the quintessential New England village of Woodstock to experience Victorian exuberance at the Gothic Revival Roseland Cottage. Beautifully situated across from the town common, this summer cottage built for the prosperous Bowens has survived virtually unchanged with its original Gothic furniture, embossed Lincrusta-Walton wall covering and bright coral pink exterior that makes a bold contrast to other houses on Woodstock’s green.
Our guided tour of this magnificent home will reveal all the history, architecture and design, and stories of the people of the pink house. After, wander the formal parterre garden and grounds containing an icehouse, garden house, carriage barn, and oldest surviving indoor bowling alley.
It’s here where we’ll relax and enjoy the afternoon with an included picnic lunch from Rein’s traditional New York style Jewish Deli.
Scranton's Shops:
It’s time to explore what once was an early New England blacksmith shop, bus shop, post office and auto repair station and is now Scranton’s Shops, Woodstock’s finest antique shop.
Take your time to stroll through the 2 floors of fine antiques and vintage collectables for that possible hidden treasure.
Frank Pepe's Apizza:
Hope you worked up an appetite because it’s time for apizza! Not pizza, you need the extra “a” for the Italian dialect spoken in the Naples region and still used by local New Haven restaurants like the original, legendary Frank Pepe’s today.
Your taste buds will be in heaven after tasting the chewy, crispy charred goodness with every bite.
Day Four: Hogpen Hill Farm
A wild and whimsical personal sculpture garden filled with impressionistic artwork scattered throughout a 234-acre Hogpen Hill Farm awaits our exploration. Take your time to wander through this creative landscape of modern and megalith wonders dreamed up by artisit Edward Tuft.
Glebe House & Jekyll Gardens:
Then we continue through the picturesque Litchfield Hills to the Glebe House & Jekyll Gardens set in historic Woodbury’s village center. Explore the only surviving classic English style garden in the U.S. designed by renowned English landscape designer, Gertrude Jekyll surrounding the Glebe House, an 18th century farmhouse known as birthplace of the Episcopal Church.
More Frank Pepe's!:
One last delicious stop at a second location for more of Frank Pepe’s amazing apizza. Try a different kind, perhaps the famous white clam pie!
Pricing & Departures:
Departs South Plainfield High School at the end of Lane Ave at 7:15 AM and returns at approximately 6:15 PM
Departs Madison’s Kings Road Parking Lot, 62 Kings Rd. at 8:00 AM and returns at approximately 5:45 PM
Departs Ridgewood’s Graydon Pool South lot (across Linwood Ave) at 8:45 AM and returns at approximately 5:00 PM
Price per person is $1,495 Twin & $1,895 Single. No reservations accepted without a deposit of $150 per person. Make checks payable to Group Tours & Travel and mail to the above address. Final payment is due May 3, 2023. Deposits are fully refundable if cancellation occurs on or before May 3, 2023. There are no refunds if cancellation occurs after May 3, 2023. Travel protection/cancellation coverage is available and highly recommended (cost is approximately 10% of the total cost of the tour) but not included. One piece of luggage per person and one small carry-on is permitted. Group Tours is not responsible for any delays, cancellations, injuries or circumstances beyond its control and reserves the right to change this itinerary. All trip components are subject to change in accordance with Government, State and Local guidelines and/or mandates. This tour will run rain or shine.
The Educated Wanderer
Group Tours & Travel
PO Box 632 Berwyn, PA 19312
973-513-9001
