A Daycation in not too far away, Middlebury, CT
by Diana Palmentiero
Growing up my parents could only afford to take us on a vacation for a day, what would probably be called a “daycation” today. They would take us to Rye Playland and then to City Island, New York for a seafood dinner. I have great memories of doing that for many years.
On a gorgeous August day, my family and I took a daycation to Middlebury, Connecticut. First stop, Quassy Amusement Park. It was Fairfield Day which meant that residents of Fairfield paid a discounted rate for the amusement rides, water park area, free parking and even received a FREE barbecue lunch. (I suggest you check with your town’s Parks and Recreation Department to see if they have a similar day. It might also be listed on the website as it was on our town’s website.) What was also great about Fairfield Day is that it is the same day that the Fairfield Parks and Recreation Department’s camp goes to Quassy. Even though my kids weren’t going to camp, they saw many of their friends who were. Here are some of the rides that the kids enjoyed:
Wooden Warrior - A roller coaster which was rated among the top 25 wooden roller coasters in the world in 2012! My family loved it!- Trabant - Since I’m not a fan of roller coasters, this spinning ride was one that I could handle. I loved going on this with my daughter!
- Free Fall’N - Perhaps not quite as scary as Hollywood Studios’ Tower of Terror, this thrill ride kept my 8 year old daughter coming back for more.
- Giant Slide - A great, ease-into-the-amusement park ride which suited the several 6 year olds we were with. After this one, they were ready to go on more.
- Little Dipper - Or as us parents called it, the kiddie coaster.
- Boat Ride - The boats had four seats so my son went on it with 3 of his friends. It was an adorable sight!
Kiddie Bumper cars - These are new for 2015 and are located behind the arcade. Some people missed them because of their location so make sure you check in kiddieland, especially if your child cannot go on the Adult Bumper Cars by themselves. - Quassy Express Train - This had to be the fastest kid train I have ever been on! It’s located near the Wooden Warrior. Fast and fun!
- Grand Carousel - What would an amusement park be without a carousel? And what would a visit to an amusement park be without a ride on one? Not a good visit in my book! It was a beautiful carousel that both kids and parents enjoyed.
- Big Flush Water Coaster - You can find this thrill ride next to the Wooden Warrior. My daughter loved it!
- Splash Away Bay Water Park - The water area includes a Saturation Station, water slides, the Fish Pond (for the little ones) and Quassy Beach. There is something for everyone!
- Paddle Boats - Our friends tried them and the kids loved them! Lake Quassapaug is beautiful for a paddle boat ride.
I recently attended a press event at which Quassy announced some exciting new rides as well as other improvements that will be happening in the next few years! The first phase will open in 2016 which will consist of 5 new water slides next to the Saturation Station. This Slide City will include a KIDZ MiniRiverTM. Quassy will also be adding an old-time Taffy Pull and a new cafe at Splash Away Bay. The cafe will not only provide food and beverages but rooftop dining overlooking Lake Quassapaug.
We left the park at 5 p.m. but rather than spend 45 minutes in the car driving home, we decided to try a restaurant that I had heard about, Pies and Pints. It is a 5 min drive from Quassy Amusement Park but only a 30 min. walk on the Greenway. What’s the Greenway, you say? Back in 1908, a trolley line operated from Waterbury to Middlebury, bringing passengers to resorts near Lake Quassspaug, including the amusement park. The trolley stopped running in the 1930s as people started driving to Quassy and other resorts. The line was then covered in asphalt and is used by walkers, runners and bicyclists today. The next time we return to Quassy I may just bring our bikes to try the Greenway first hand. If you are in the area, definitely check it out!
Our next stop, Pie and Pints Pizzeria and Pub, served great food for our family at reasonable prices. We sat outside on a very large deck. What a gorgeous evening to sit outside and eat! And everything we ordered was delicious! My husband had the Cobb Salad, I had the Veggie Hummus on a Pita and the kids had the usual kid menu items, pasta with butter sauce and chicken fingers. Everyone cleaned their plates! My son’s chicken fingers were deliciously breaded chicken cutlets. My pita included veggies such as roasted peppers and black olives, 2 of my favorites. Since we don’t drink, we did not partake in the large selection of craft beers. They also had homemade ice cream which we would have ordered for dessert. However, we decided to continue on down Route 67 in Oxford to Rich’s Farm Ice Cream Stand.
This ice cream stand had been described to me as a place that once you had their ice cream, “you would dream about going back.” We drove up and saw a huge barn which of course meant the ice cream would be made from fresh milk! We were quite impressed by the large selection of ice cream flavors. And you know a place is great when there is a long line. It took us ½ hour to place our order but the wait was worth it. Did it live up to its description? Absolutely, because I have been dreaming about the next time I can go back!
Middlebury is a beautiful, small town with a rich history that I had no idea about until I started doing research for this article. On a beautiful summer day, it was a fun place for our family with young kids. I’m sure it would be well worth the drive for your family as well!
Diana Palmentiero is the Fairfield County editor of Kidsoutandabout.com.