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If you’re new in town, just visiting or fortunate enough to live here and you’re hoping to find things to do in CT this weekend for couples, there are so many great places to choose from in Southern, CT! No need to overly research “romantic activities for couples near me,” or “CT date ideas,” or even “What is there to do in CT today?” This post has a mix of suggestions.
Exciting Things to Do in Connecticut for Couples in Southern, CT
I’m not saying this post includes every great place these areas have to offer by any means. For the most part, I gathered information from my own experiences together with word of mouth ideas that I file under “new places to try.”
As a result, I have loads of suggestions that can serve as fun first date ideas, romantic things to do in CT or cheap date ideas in CT for budget-minded couples. Whether you’re hoping to explore a certain county or just looking to try something different to do, Southern CT has a great deal to offer.
What is there to do in Connecticut this weekend?
It can be hard to find ideas last minute when looking for things to do in CT this weekend for couples. Even though you have the internet at your disposal and can search for “What is there to do for couples near me?,” you might not find great date ideas in CT that are a fit for what you have in mind.
For this reason, I cobbled together a mix of things to do this weekend for couples that may appeal to those going on first dates or their 53rd one. 😉 Some ideas are much more casual than others.
If you have a few hours or a few days, I thought they could serve as realistic bucket list examples you can achieve in a short time frame.
What can couples do on a Sunday?
Though you may have to check and see what the hours of operation are for any of these places are in general, most of the fun activities for couples in CT I share you can do on a Sunday. Ordinarily, some places open later or close earlier on a Sunday so it’s best to check before you make a trip. Also, see if you need a reservation for indoor dining.
What is there to do in CT today for free?
There are museums, some beaches and other attractions that might offer free admission on certain days of the week. Since hours of operation may have changed due to the pandemic, I chose to list ideas that you can explore for free on any day of the week. I put an asterisk after any of things to do in CT this weekend for couples that are free in each of the sections
Things to Do in CT This Weekend for Couples in Southern, CT
Things to Do in Fairfield, CT or Other Parts of Fairfield County
Fancy Connecticut Restaurants
- Barcelona Wine Bar, Fairfield, CT
- 55 Wine Bar, Fairfield, CT
- Gusto Trattoria, Fairfield, CT
- Centro Fairfield, CT
- Sunset Grill Seafood Restaurant on the water in Norwalk, CT
- SoNo Seafood, Norwalk, CT
- Oko Westport, Westport, CT
Casual Connecticut Restaurants
- Red Lotus, Shelton, CT
- Tony’s Deli, New Cannan, CT
- Bodega Taco Bar, Fairfield, CT
- Super Duper Weenie, Fairfield, CT
- Brasitas, Stamford, CT
- Colony Pizza, Fairfield, CT
- Mecha Noodle Bar, Fairfield, CT
- Firehouse Deli, Fairfield, CT
- The Granola Bar, Westport, CT
- Terrain Cafe, Westport, CT
- The Organic Market, Westport, CT
Desserts and Ice Cream Shops in CT
- Milk Craft, Fairfield, CT (also located in New Haven, CT)
- Alina’s Patisserie, Fairfield, CT
- Ferris Acres Creamery, Newtown, CT
- Wells Hollow Creamery, Shelton, CT
- Cream and Sugar Cafe, Bethel, CT
Coffee Shops in CT
- Zumbach’s Gourmet Coffee, Farifield, CT
- Shearwater Coffee Bar, Fairfield, CT
- Espresso Neat, Westport, CT (also Darien)
- Lorca, Stamford, CT
- Coffee Barn, Wilton, CT
Other CT Attractions
- Jennings Beach, Fairfield, CT* (free and open to the public, but you need a sticker to park)
- Penfield Beach, Fairfield, CT* (free and open to public, but you need to be a Fairfield resident with a valid beach sticker to park)
- Riverview Park, Shelton, CT*
- Sherwood Island State Park, Westport, CT (parking fee for non-residents)
- P.T. Barnum Museum, Bridgeport, CT
Things to Do in CT This Weekend for Couples in New Haven, CT or Other Parts of New Haven County
Fancy Connecticut Restaurants
- Olea, New Haven, CT – Downtown
- Union League Cafe (French), New Haven, CT – Downtown
- Zinc, New Haven, CT – Downtown
- Goodfella’s, New Haven, CT
- Barcelona, New Haven, CT – Downtown
- Consigilio’s, New Haven, CT – Wooster Square
- There are truly too many fancy restaurants to name in New Haven alone!
Casual Connecticut Restaurants
- Louis’ Lunch, New Haven, CT – Downtown
- Frank Pepe’s New Haven, CT – Wooster Square
- Sally’s Pizza New Haven, CT – Wooster Square
- Little Salad Shop, New Haven, CT – Downtown
- Shake Shack, New Haven, CT – Downtown
- The Juice Box (smoothie bowls and avocado toast) New Haven, CT – Downtown
- Stonebridge Restaurant, Milford, CT
- Life Bowls, Madison, CT
Desserts and Ice Cream Shops in CT
- Arethusa, New Haven, CT – Downtown
- Libby’s New Haven, CT – Wooster Square
- Ashley’s Ice Cream (some dairy-free options) New Haven, CT (also in Branford, Hamden, Madison)
- Donut Crazy – Downtown (also serves coffee) – New Haven, CT- Downtown
- Insomnia Cookies, New Haven, CT – Downtown
- Four Flours, (some gluten-free options) New Haven, CT – Downtown
- Sugar Bakery, East Haven, CT
Coffee Shops in CT
- Willoughby’s Coffee and Tea 2 locations in New Haven, CT (Branford, Madison)
- Koffee on Audobon New Haven, CT
- Atticus Bookstore Cafe Downtown, New Haven, CT (serves food too)
- Blue State Coffee New Haven, CT
Other CT Attractions
- Walk around Yale University, New Haven, CT- Downtown*
- Yale Museums and Art Gallery, New Haven, CT
- Farmington Canal Trail (New Haven, Hamden, Cheshire)* Perfect for outdoor hobbies such as biking and walking
- Pez Visitors Center Orange, CT
- Sleeping Giant State Park, Hamden, CT*
- Counter Weight Brewing Company, Hamden, CT
- Stony Creek Brewing Company, Branford, CT
- Barker Character, Comic and Cartoon Museum, Cheshire, CT
Things to Do in CT This Weekend for Couples in Old Saybrook, CT or Other Parts of Middlesex County
Fancy Connecticut Restaurants
- Fresh Salt, Old Saybrook, CT
- Aspen Restaurant, Old Saybrook, CT
- Liv’s Oyster Bar and Restaurant, Old Saybrook, CT
- Cristy’s, Westbook, CT
- Taino Prime, Meriden, CT (opens back up in Sept 2020)
Casual Connecticut Restaurants
- Mystic Market, Old Saybrook, CT
- Mirisina’s, Old Saybrook, CT
- Lyman Orchards, Middlefield, CT (Deli at Apple Barrel Store)
- Lenny and Joe’s Seafood, Westbrook, CT (also in New Haven and Madison)
- Taino Smokehouse Middletown, CT
Desserts and Ice Cream Shops in CT
- The Caboose Ice Cream Stand, Middlefield. CT
- Beachs and Cream, Old Saybrook, CT
- Moodus Ice Cream Parlor, Moodus, CT
- Fenwick Ice Cream Company, Old Saybrook, CT
Coffee Shops in CT
- Ashlawn Farm Coffee , Old Saybrook, CT
- Perk on Main, Durham, CT
- Cafe Toscana, Old Saybrook
- Paperback Cafe Coffeehouse, Old Saybrook, CT
- Julie’s Cup of Joe, Westbrook, CT
Other CT Attractions
- Gillette Castle State Park, East Haddam, CT* (Visit the grounds for free. However, there is a charge for touring the castle.)
- Allegra Farm, East Haddam, CT (Horse drawn carriages and sleigh rides)
- Clinton Crossing Outlets, Clinton, CT
- Lyman Orchards (some of the best sunflowers in CT), Middlefield, CT
- Saybrook Point, Old Saybrook, CT*
When I think of fun activities for couples in CT, nothing beats outdoor mini golf near the water at Saybrook Point coupled with sitting on a bench afterwards near the water. Besides just sitting in the sun, watch the boats go by or take a walk and discover spots explaining the historical significance of the area.
Learn about railroads from the past along with the historical journey of Adrian Block. It’s one of the simplest romantic day trips in CT to experience. Consider creating a dream list of dates and putting a star next to this one.
Things to Do in CT This Weekend for Couples in New London, CT or Other Parts of New London County
Fancy CT Restaurants
- Captain Scott’s Lobster Dock, New London, CT
- On the Waterfront, New London, CT
- Olio Restaurant and Bar, New London, CT
- Octagon, Groton, CT
- Fine Dining at Foxwoods Casino, Mashantucket, CT
- Fine Dining at Mohegan Sun Casino, Uncasville, CT
Casual CT Restaurants
- NV Bakery and Market, New London, CT
- Cafe Sol, New London, CT
- Pollos a La Brasa, New London, CT (Peruvian Cuisine)
- Two Little Fish, Misquamicut, CT
- Casual Restaurants at Foxwoods Casino, Mashantucket, CT
- Guy Fieri’s Kitchen and Bar at Foxwoods, Mashantucket, CT
- Casual Restaurants at Mohegan Sun Casino Uncasville, CT
- Bobby’s Burger Palace at Mohegan Sun, Uncasville, CT (Bobby Flay)
Desserts and Ice Cream Shops in CT
- Carlo’s Bakery at the Mohegan Sun Casino, Uncasville, CT
- CAKE by Franck at Foxwoods Casino, Mashantucket, CT
- Fay Da Bakery (Chinese Bakery) at Foxwoods Casino, Mashantucket, CT
- Berry’s Ice Cream and Dairy Bar, New London, CT
- Michael’s Dairy, New London, CT
- Sweeties’ Bakery and Cafe, New London, CT
- This section alone along with some of the others sections could be it’s own couples bucket list. Maybe I should make another post called Things to Do in CT This Weekend for Couples and their sweet tooths. 😉
Coffee Shops in CT
- Washington Street Coffee and Tea, New London, CT
- New London Coffee Shop, New London, CT
- Muddy Waters Cafe, New London, CT
- Vault Coffee Roasters, Mystic, CT
- Alice in The Village, Mystic, CT
Other CT Attractions
- Foxwoods Casino, Mashantucket, CT
- Mohegan Sun Casino, Uncasville, CT
- Ocean Beach State Park, New London, CT
- Fort Trumbull State Park, New London, CT* (It’s free to visit the grounds. There’s a charge for tours.)
- Block Island Express Ferry, New London, CT
- New London Mural Walk, New London, CT* (This looks like one of the most unique things to do in CT this weekend for couples that enjoy art!)
- Mystic Drawbridge, Mystic, CT* (One of the best things to do in Mystic, CT)
Desserts and Ice Cream Shops in CT
- Buttonwood Farms, Griswald, CT (Amazing ice cream also have 1 of the most amazing sunflower farms in CT)
- NV Bakery and Market, New London, CT
- The Shack, Groton, CT
- You Take the Cake, New London, CT
- Michael’s Dairy, New London, CT
Conclusion for Things to Do in CT This Weekend
To summarize, this list of things to do in ct this weekend for couples was based on places my husband and I have tried ourselves. In addition to our ideas, we included suggestions for CT date ideas people gave us that we haven’t tried yet.
What you think of as fun dates in CT is personal. Nonetheless, I’m hoping this can provide some guidance as you plan your next date, search for “fun couple things to do in CT” or discover romantic day trips in CT.
Related Articles for Fun Date Ideas in CT
- How to Find a Gluten Free Bakery Near Me in CT
- Where can I go for a day in Connecticut?
- Where should I go this weekend in CT? (during warm weather)
- Is New Haven worth visiting? Of course, here’s why!
