Sometimes all we want on a holiday is to relax and be without a care in the world. Naugatuck, Connecticut is the perfect destination for that. A borough of New Haven, the Naugatuck River divides the town in two. Settled in the early 18th century, it was originally a rural farming community. With the Industrial Revolution, it followed suit of many other nearby places and started producing different materials. In the late 20th century, with the decline of American manufacturing, Naugatuck transformed and expanded into a suburban area for the middle class. Today, there is a considerable amount of expensive homes being built, allowing for a quiet, peaceful place perfect for spending a weekend or a few days away. Here are some of the things to do in Naugatuck, Connecticut, what locals affectionately call “Naugy”.
1. Go for a hike at Whittemore Glen State Park Scenic Reserve
Whittemore Glen State Park Scenic Reserve is a huge, 242-acre (97.93-hectare) green space perfect for going on a hike or horseback riding. The trails wind through a beautiful landscape of trees and hillside. Easily accessible and with free parking, you can drive to the site and walk or ride at your own pace while taking in the magnificent views.
Whittemore Glen State Park Scenic Reserve
Address: Naugatuck, CT 06770, United States
Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily)
2. Grab a bite to eat at the Station Restaurant Bar
With a wide range of beer on tap and a seasonal menu, the Station Restaurant Bar is the perfect place to stop by and have a meal. Open both for lunch and dinner, keep a keen eye on their website or follow their Instagram page to get updates on special holiday events that take place here. Kid’s menu and gluten-free options are also available.
The Station Restaurant Bar
Address: 195 Water St, Naugatuck, CT 06770, United States
Website: The Station Restaurant Bar
Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 11am - 10pm; Fri - Sat: 11am - 11pm
3. Take a walk on the wild side at Larkin State Bridle Trail
If you’re keen on going for more hikes, Larkin State Bridle Trail is one not to be missed. This lovely route is an old railroad line built back in 1880, one that spans across three other towns - Middlebury, Oxford, and Southbury - and is approximately 10 miles (16 kilometres) long. By 1931, the train line was no longer in use. Today, the tracks are gone, but this place is open for a wide range of activities, including walking, jogging, running, hiking, and even biking. Being one of the biggest and prettiest parks in Connecticut, it is abundant with lush green vegetation during the warmer months, as it passes through a stream and meanders around hillsides and wetlands. In winter, it is a great place to go cross-country skiing. This is the perfect place for a tranquil experience.
Larkin State Bridle Trail
Address: 816 Church St #684, Naugatuck, CT 06770, United States
Opening hours: 8am - 6pm (daily)
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4. Savor brunch at 66 Church
A hot brunch spot by day and a lively bar at night, 66 Church is exactly what you need! Come in early to enjoy a mimosa or, if you’re really hungry, order one of their many burgers and pair it with a craft beer. Go to this eatery on a Monday to catch trivia night, or on a Tuesday to belt out a tune at karaoke.
66 Church
Address: 66 Church St, Naugatuck, CT 06770, United States
Website: 66 Church
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 11:30am - 1am; Fri: 11:30am - 2am; Sat: 10:30am - 2am; Sun: 10:30am - 1am
5. Learn about Naugatuck's past at Naugatuck Historical Society
Church & Meadow Streets have a new view! The sign for the Naugatuck History Museum at the Tuttle House was installed...
Posted by Naugatuck Historical Society on Friday, 21 June 2019
Established in 1959, the Naugatuck Historical Society is a non-profit society that aims to keep the stories of Naugatuck alive through exhibitions, research, and presentations. The Society strives to bring people together by establishing and illustrating the history of the town.
Naugatuck Historical Society
Address: 380 Church St, Naugatuck, CT 06770, United States
Website: Naugatuck Historical Society
6. Catch a performance at Naugatuck Teen Theatre
Hot Box Girls getting ready for the show! #NTT #GuysAndDolls
Posted by Naugatuck Teen Theatre on Sunday, 4 October 2015
For 25 years, Naugatuck Teen Theatre has been the place for the young actors and dancers of Naugatuck to gather and perform. The theatre is a non-profit organisation that acts as a youth programme in schools and is designed to instil good work ethic and encourage enthusiasm towards creative processes.
Naugatuck Teen Theatre
Address: 210 Church St, Naugatuck, CT 06770, United States
Website: Naugatuck Teen Theatre
Price: from 10 USD
7. Sit by the Spruce Brook Falls at Naugatuck State Forest
Naugatuck State Forest is the perfect place for hiking, fishing, mountain biking, and target shooting. For a tranquil moment between activities, head to Spruce Brook Falls that connects to the Naugatuck River. This picturesque spot in the forest is a great place to take a break. There are four reservoirs to choose from in the western part of the forest, and all of them can be accessed on foot or by car.
Naugatuck State Forest
Address: 297 Hunters Mountain Rd, Naugatuck, CT 06770, United States
8. Have breakfast at Coffee Shoppe
A legend of Naugatuck breakfasts, Coffee Shoppe is colloquially known as Burnsies - and many locals to this day still refer to it as so. This eatery is the spot to go to for a quick, cheap, and incredibly satisfying breakfast. The early opening and late closing time means this is the place to pop by if you’re an early bird or a night owl.
Coffee Shoppe
Address: 85 Maple St, Naugatuck, CT 06770, United States
Opening hours: 4am - 12pm (daily)
9. Hit the green at Hop Brook Golf Course
Play a few holes at Hop Brook Golf Course, a beautifully manicured, nine-hole municipal course with absolutely stunning views. Located along Church Street in Naugatuck, this place was designed to cater to all players, both amateur and professional.
Hop Brook Golf Course
Address: 615 Church St, Naugatuck, CT 06770, United States
Website: Hop Brook Golf Course
Opening hours: 8:30am - 4pm (daily)
Price: from 12 USD
10. Stroll around Fairchild Park
This is how you do it! #XavierRichard
Posted by Bave Migani on Friday, 3 June 2016
Located on Spencer Street, make time in your itinerary to take a walk around the lovely, suburban Fairchild Park. You can watch the local baseball team play a match or two here, or bring your dogs and let them roam free on the green grass. This is a great place to relax and unwind.
Fairchild Park
Address: 108 Spencer St, Naugatuck, CT 06770, United States
11. Gallop around at Lucky Chance Farm
Posted by Lucky Chance Farm on Friday, 26 May 2017
Try your hand at horse riding. At Lucky Chance Farm, they offer lessons for both Western and English riding. They also offer partial leases, boarding, and training, and they frequently host trail rides. It’s a great, family-friendly farm that’s popular in Naugatuck. The owners are known for their great rapport, skill, and level of care.
Lucky Chance Farm
Address: 820 May St, Naugatuck, CT 06770, United States
Website: Lucky Chance Farm Facebook
Opening hours: 8am - 9pm (daily)
12. Hit a strike at Lakewood Lanes
Just eight minutes away from Naugatuck, in the neighbouring town of Waterbury, you can hit a few strikes at Charlie Lanza’s Lakewood Lanes. Having been a part of the local entertainment scene for over 50 years, this bowling alley is the largest in the area, with 42 bowling lanes, a snack bar, and a game zone. There are fun leagues available for bowlers of all levels. Lakewood Lanes has also introduced “Galaxy Bowling” as a safe, fun alternative to a weekend night out for children and adults.
Lakewood Lanes
Address: 694 Lakewood Rd, Waterbury, CT 06704, United States
Website: Lakewood Lanes
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 12pm - 12am; Fri - Sat: 12pm - 2am; Sun: 12pm - 11pm
A nice weekend away
Breathe in the fresh air and enjoy the plentiful green spaces in Naugatuck. Try some of the tastiest food spots around town, and finish your day with a performance at the theatre or a couple of games at the bowling alley. This is the perfect way to spend a relaxing weekend away.
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