Outdoor Activities for Solitary Enjoyment

As we all stay home to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, we are all the more appreciative of the ways we can still take in the outdoors, provided we follow the necessary guidelines.

Connecticut has many beautiful outdoor spaces for solitary recreation. From golfing to fishing to self-guided art walks, the state is filled with creative ways to get fresh air while practicing social distance.

Featuring: Bigelow Hollow State Park | Black Hall Outfitters - Old Lyme | Black Hall Outfitters - Westbrook | Blackledge Country Club | Blue Fox Run Golf Course | Collinsville Canoe & Kayak | Connecticut National Golf Club | East Rock Park | Fairview Farm Golf Course | Horse Guard State Park | Indian River Marina | Lincoln Financial Sculpture Walk at Riverfront | Lyman Orchards Golf Club | Mansfield Hollow State Park | Paddle Mystic-Mystic River Adventure Company | Stratton Brook State Park | Studio 80 + Sculpture Grounds | Sunnybrook State Park | Town of New Canaan | Town of Old Saybrook | Town of Simsbury | Wall to Wall: The New London Mural Walk

Social Distance-Friendly Hikes

Many people are turning to the great outdoors for fresh air, exercise and the renewing power of nature during the COVID-19 pandemic. Connecticut’s parks, forests and trails are a great resource. Below is a list of a few you might consider. But please check for temporary closures before you venture out and follow the guidelines provided by state and local officials.

Here are steps to take to enhance “social distancing” when enjoying the outdoors.

They include avoiding popular or crowded parks; observing the CDC's minimum recommended social distancing of six feet from other people; and, avoiding surfaces that are touched often, like playscapes, park benches and even other people's pets.

Featuring: Bartlett Arboretum & Gardens | Burr Pond State Park | Campbell Falls State Park Reserve | Chatfield Hollow State Park | City of Middletown | City of Norwich | Cockaponset State Forest | Connecticut Audubon Society Center at Fairfield | Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center | Devil's Hopyard State Park | Gay City State Park | Giuffrida Park | Hidden Valley Preserve | Kettletown State Park | Macedonia Brook State Park | McLean Game Refuge | Mianus River State Park | Nehantic State Forest | New Canaan Nature Center | Nipmuck State Forest | Old Furnace State Park | Pachaug State Forest | Riverfront Recapture | Ross Pond State Park | Salmon River State Forest | Shenipsit State Forest | Stratton Brook State Park | Town of Barkhamsted | Town of Cheshire | Town of Farmington | Town of Hamden | Town of Mansfield | Town of Naugatuck | Town of Pomfret | Town of Ridgefield | Town of Vernon | Town of Windsor | Town of Woodstock | Wadsworth Falls State Park | Weir Farm National Historic Site | West Rock Ridge State Park | West Thompson Lake Federal Park | White Memorial Foundation | Wickham Park

Ways to Dine Out While Staying In

During this trying time, many Connecticut restaurants that have shifted their offerings to accommodate safety – and have gone the extra mile to support the community and make in-home eating enjoyable.

Many restaurants in the state are now offering takeout or delivery, but we wanted to highlight a few that are offering particularly notable experiences. As the state’s situation quickly evolves, each restaurant’s offering may evolve just as quickly, so be sure to check with each spot before placing your order.

Featuring: Arethusa al tavolo | Bear's Smokehouse (Hartford) | Brewery Legitimus | Brignole Vineyards | Chamard Vineyards | Charter Oak Brewing Company | City Steam Brewery Cafe | City of Middletown | Connecticut Valley Brewing Company | Elicit Brewing Co. | Geronimo Bar & Grill | Half Full Brewery | Hog River Brewing Company | Kinsmen Brewing Company | Maugle Sierra Vineyards & Winery | Priam Vineyards | Sayulita | Terrain Garden Cafe | The White Hart | These Guys Brewing Company | Town of Essex | Town of Fairfield | Town of Manchester | Town of Middlefield | Town of Mystic | Town of Old Saybrook | Town of Ridgefield | Town of West Hartford | Town of Westport | Two Roads Brewing Company | Urban Lodge Brewing | l'escale

Unplug & Relax

Have you got the urge to purge? Do you have what it takes to spend a few days without cellphone, Internet, social media, computer and who knows? Maybe even TV? If you're up to the challenge, now is the perfect time to treat yourself to a digital detox. Escape to Connecticut to experience rest, relaxation, rejuvenation and the natural goodness of our seasonal delights.

Featuring: G Spa at Foxwoods | Madison Beach Hotel | Mandara Spa at Mohegan Sun | Music Mountain | Spa at Saybrook Point Resort & Marina | The Spa at Norwich Inn | Water's Edge Resort & Spa | Winvian Farm | Wisdom House Retreat & Conference Center

Bold Adventure

There's something new all the time at Connecticut's amusement and adventure parks. Here's this summer's lineup for serious fun.

Featuring: Adventure Park at the Discovery Museum | Brownstone Exploration & Discovery Park | Lake Compounce Theme Park | Ocean Beach Park | Quassy Amusement & Waterpark