Quassy Amusement Park: Cool Off at this Middletown Water Park

When it comes to plain old fun, nothing beats a day at Quassy Amusement Park. They’ve got rides for all age levels, from the Little Dipper Roller Coaster and Boat Ride for the tots, to rides like the Paratrooper and the Free Fall N’ Drop Tower for big kids and adults. When the weather gets hot, head to Quassy Beach and Saturation Station to cool off in a multi-tiered, state of the art jungle gym with water cannons, waterfalls and cascading fountains. It’s a fantastic interactive water park that’s a blast for all ages. You can also take a break on their beach on Lake Quassapaug, with refreshments and beach supplies provided. Ticket prices are varied, with season passes, group rates and individual day passes. See the website for pricing options.

Quassy Amusement Park
RR 64
Middletown, CT 06457
(203) 758-2913
http://www.yelp.com/biz/quassy-amusement-park-middletown

Cafe Fifty Six: Tasty Latin American Fare in Middletown, Connecticut

Stop in at Middletown's Café Fifty Six to sample Latin-themed fare from owner and chef Sabrina Cortes. Her culinary creation is the ‘Tacandwich’, a succulent taste pleaser that combines traditional taco ingredients and a freshly baked Portuguese sandwich roll. Try the El Mexicano with roasted chicken, citrus slaw, avocado and salsa. Other tacandwiches include the Argentine with grilled marinated skirt steak, chimichurri sauce and onions, and the Cubano with slow-roasted pork, cheese, pickles and a special Havana sauce. Soups, salads, traditional sandwiches and delectable pastries are also featured at the cheerful little dining spot. Stop in for breakfast to fuel up on freshly baked scones, biscuits and muffins, plus a hearty array of pancakes and egg dishes. Cafe Fifty Six is open for breakfast and lunch.

Cafe Fifty Six
102 Court Street
Middletown, CT 06457
(860) 346-6633
http://www.yelp.com/biz/cafe-56-middletown

Fred Astaire Dance Studio: Happy Feet

Put on your dancing shoes and head to Fred Astaire Dance Studio in Middletown, Connecticut. Forget the gym – if you want a great aerobic workout that’s a lot more fun than a treadmill, learn the salsa or the fox trot. Let their award-winning professional dancers teach you how to move like a pro, whether you’re doing the rumba, quick step, tango or waltz. Dancing is the perfect opportunity to improve your muscle tone and get a great cardio workout while having fun and meeting new people. Their dance curriculum covers the full range of American, Latin-American, International Style and Exhibition dances. Their trophy system lets you track your progress as you move through the different dance levels. See the website for class schedules and introductory offers.

Fred Astaire Dance Studio Middletown
19 Tuttle Place
Middletown, CT 06457
(860) 788-7150
http://www.yelp.com/biz/fred-astaire-dance-studio-middletown

NoRA Cupcake Company: Some of Middletown’s Tastiest Treats

Yum, yum and super-yum is what fans of NoRA Cupcake Company are saying about their delectable little confections. These aren’t your granny’s boring old cupcakes – they’re inventive ‘new generation’ cupcakes using non-traditional sweet and savory recipes and ingredients, with elaborate decorations that turn them into artistic wonders. Sweet flavors include Raspberry Lemonade, Banana Cream Pie, Tiramisu, Pumpkin Pecan Pie, Pink Velvet, Key Lime, Peach Cobbler and Mexican Wedding Cake. Apple Bourbon Crumble, Tomato Basil, Figgy Blue Cheese and Herbed Goat Cheese are some of the savory flavors. No time to stop into their store? Find their cupcake truck ‘lil Nora’ at different locations every day. Follow them on facebook or twitter to see locations. Middletown's NoRA Cupcake Company is open Tuesday sthrough Sundays.

NoRA Cupcake Company
700 Main Street
Middletown, CT 06457
(860) 788-3150
http://www.yelp.com/biz/nora-cupcake-company-middletown

R/C Retro Movies 12: A Cinematic Trip

Need to escape into the alternate universe that only a great movie can provide? Middletown's R/C Retro Movies is the place to do it, no matter what type of flick is your filmic fave. The latest Hollywood action blockbuster in 3-D? Check. A Pixar animation movie for the kids? Check. How ‘bout a romantic chick-flick to make your heart go pitter-patter? Chances are, they’ve got that, too. They’ve also got an all new digital projection system, digital sound, stadium seating and comfy rocking chair seats. What more could you ask for when it comes to watching a great flick with the latest technology in a super-comfy setting? Grab a big bucket of popcorn, a tall, fizzy soda and you’re good to go. Check out their specials on Bargain Tuesdays. See the R/C Retro Movies 12 website for film schedules.

R/C Retro Movies 12
140 Main Street
Middletown, CT 06457
(860) 346-4000
http://www.yelp.com/biz/r-c-metro-movies-12-middletown

Wadsworth Falls State Park

Whether you’re cooling off in the mist of one of the two waterfalls, hiking through the forest on one of the nature paths, or fishing in the Coginchaug River, a trip Wadsworth Falls State Park provides a serene respite from the hustle and bustle of the daily grind. There’s also a swimming pond in the park so you can take a dip in the summer heat. Hiking and biking trails are flat and wide, making for easy access for different ability levels. Bring a picnic and sit at one of the tables, or spread out a blanket on one of the grassy areas. The 267-acre park is named for scholar and linguist Clarence C. Wadsworth, who was instrumental in getting the area preserved in pristine condition for the public. Open year-round from sunrise to sunset. Parking fees apply. If you're a nature lover in Knoll Crest, you'll probably enjoy a trip to Middletown's Wadsworth Falls State Park.

Wadsworth Falls State Park
721 Wadsworth Street
Middletown, CT 06457
(860) 344-2950
 

New England Emporium: A Middletown Classic

You can shop and eat at the same place when you stop in at New England Emporium, a quirky Middletown store not too far from Knoll Crest. The huge breakfast menu boasts a myriad of choices, with eggs & omelets, pancakes, crepes, and breakfast burritos. Lunch features sandwiches, crepes – both sweet and savory, salads, smoothies, and sides. Favorites are the Bananas Foster Crepes, the Jalapeno Grilled Cheese Sandwich, the Parisian Sandwich, and the Salmagundi Salad. Order at the counter and have a seat and they deliver your food to your table. After you’ve filled up your tummy, head to the emporium part of the store and stock up on candles, cards, gift items, soaps, and a selection of New England specialty foods from over 200 vendors. Open every day.

386 Main Street
Middletown, CT 06457
(860) 346-1200 
 
 

Javapalooza: Orchestrating Flavors

Live music on weekends, free Wi-Fi, locally roasted coffees, beer, and wine are enough to persuade most people to try Javapalooza in Middletown, a cafe located just a short trip from Knoll Crest. Then again, there are the crepes, bagels, muffins, biscotti, smoothies, soups, and sandwiches. Crepe choices include a Philly Cheese Steak, Spicy Chicken, Apple Pie, Bananas Foster, Brie & Jam, and Berries & Nutella. The nice array of sandwiches features a Reuben, Smoked Turkey & Brie, Chunky Chicken Salad, and Grilled Italian. Pair it with a Chai Ice Cream Smoothie or a Cinnamon Bun Latte. Stop in to this bustling Greenwich Village-style coffee bar and find out what you like. Open every day.

Javapalooza
330 Main Street
Middletown, CT 06457
(860) 346-5282
 

Fusion Bakery: Artful Baking

The motto at Fusion Bakery is ‘Embrace the Sweet Side of Art’ and patrons are happy to take their advice. A luscious array of baked goods adorns the display cases of this small bakery not too far from Knoll Crest in Middletown, including cakes, cupcakes, croissants, tarts, cinnamon rolls, muffins, scones, danishes, and brownies. In fact, once you walk inside, everything looks so yummy, you just might have trouble making up your mind about what to order. Favorites are the cupcakes, which come in a delightful array of flavors like black forest, truffle, red velvet, vanilla, carrot, and coconut. At only $2 to $2.50 each, you can afford to try more than just one! Open Tuesdays from 8 a.m. until 5:30 p.m., and Wednesdays through Saturdays from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m.

Fusion Bakery
386 Main Street
Middletown, CT 06457
860) 344-9024
 
 

Vecchito’s Italian Ice: Tasty Treats in Middletown

Only open from Memorial Day to Labor Day, fans of Vecchito’s Italian Ice are always eager to partake of this frozen confection as soon as they open their doors. Creamy and smooth, you won’t believe there’s absolutely no dairy in it. They’ve been scooping it up for adoring fans since the 1930s, so they know a thing or two about how to do Italian ice right. Flavors include watermelon, almond, root beer, banana, chocolate, and cherry. Be sure to stop in and find your own personal favorite. Open Mondays through Sundays from 12 p.m. until 9:30 p.m.

Vecchito's Italian Ice
323 Dekoven Drive
Middletown, CT 06457
(860) 346-7301