Once you find your way to this quaint New England town, it may be hard to go back home.
You can fill your days with museums, galleries, and historic sites as you experience the rich history and culture of New England.
Put on your walking shoes and explore our local antique and specialty shops where you might find some unexpected treasures.
If you yearn for old fashioned summer nights; you can dance under the stars at the town green, or sit on a park bench with home made ice cream.
Visit the local deli or farmer's market for a picnic lunch to enjoy as you hike a trail up a mountain or stroll along the river.
Even the local residents don't know what a gem Wallingford is. A search for restaurants in Wallingford came up with 170!
Admittedly, that includes fast food eateries. Remove those from the list, and there's still an awful lot to choose from.
You don't have to go far for entertainment. A number of local restaurants offer live entertainment.
The local winery is a popular hang out (for residents in and around neighboring towns) with weekend performers, and the Oakdale Theatre has scheduled performances by popular artists.
Venture out a bit and there are endless possibilities. We're just 15 minutes from New Haven and less than 30 minutes from Hartford.
If there is a particular place listed below that you want to visit, be sure to call first as this list may not be quite up-to-date.
From our B&B it is an easy two block stroll to town for Dining and Entertainment:
- Michael's Trattoria - Zagat-Rated, local favorite - Northern Italian cuisine in a cozy bistro setting. Great wine list. Advance reservations highly recommended. Our favorite dish is their Seafood Linguine, and their specials are outstanding. - 344 Center St, 203-269-5303
- J. Christian's Restaurant - Newest addition to town, we heartily recommend this restaurant to our guests. Located in a historic building in what was once a bank, the interior of this restaurant is simply grand. You can choose to enjoy fine dining on one of two levels or simply order a drink in the bar while absorbing the beautiful surroundings. Advance reservations highly recommended. - 9 Main St, 203-265-6393
- Archie Moore's Bar and Restaurant - Repeated "Best Buffalo Wing" award winner throughout Connecticut. Restaurant, bar, and outdoor cafe seating. If you are not a meat eater, try their grilled vegetable salad. There's something for everyone! - 39 North Main St., 203-265-7100
- Gaetano's Tavern on Main - Food is okay. Lots of variety in their menu. Restaurant, banquet facilities, bar seating, and outdoor seating. - 40 North Main St., 203-294-1114
- Half Moon Coffee and Grille Cafe - Popular hangout for casual dining. BYOB. Order at the counter, then have a seat and your freshly prepared food is brought to your table. Wonderful pizzas, pastas, and salads. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner - 50 North Main St., 203-265-4571
- Jake's Pub and Jakes Martini Bar - Voted #1 in live entertainment in the area, Jakes is located in a circa 1913 building with rooms to fit every need. The front has the pub. the Back Room hosts full bar and entertainment with dance floor. Outdoor seating in the inner patio. - 179 Center St., 203-793-1782
- Mr. D's - It's not a restaurant. It's a candy shop..a toy store...a cupcake shop....an ice cream shop.....coffee....smoothies.....even the latest West Coast rage - Bubble Tea can be found here. Mr. D's offers almost every delicious treat you can conjure up. For a quick snack, try their yummy grilled cheese sandwiches. So save a little room and make a stop at Mr. D's (next to Half Moon Cafe) on your way back to the B&B. You won't be disappointed. - 50 North Main St., 203-626-5406
- Center Street Wine and Spirits - No food here but a cute boutique wine shop. If you're here on a Friday night from 4pm to 8pm stop by for their wine samplings. Try out some wine before purchasing. White wine may be chilled in our in-room refrigerators and wine glasses are provided in our guest rooms. 382 Center Street (at North Elm.), 203-269-WINE
A short drive opens up even more possibilities
- Tata's Restaurant - Caribbean Cuisine - 104 Quinnipiac St., 203-294-4303
- The Old Dublin - Experience a genuine Irish pub. Laid back and casual with live weekend entertainment - 171 Quinnipiac St., 203-949-8022
- Laskara Restaurant - Fine Mediterranean Cuisine. Best restaurant for a quiet, romantic dinner. We vehemently don't agree with the few negative reviews as we've found the food delicious every single time we've eaten here. It's one of our top choices for a nice, relaxing meal where we can talk and be heard. For those on a budget, the weeknight early bird specials is the way to go. - 295 Parker Farm Rd., 203-679-0844
- Carini's Pizzeria & Restaurant - Pizzas and Italian cuisine. - 822 E Center St., 203-265-6163
- Los Mariachias - Authentic Mexican food in festive atmosphere - 105 N Colony St., 203-265-1838
A picnic lunch or dinner can be ready in minutes
- Vinny's Deli - You would be hard pressed to leave this town without stopping by Vinny's. Make sure you have plenty of time to look through their 60+ selection of subs/sandwiches. Everything is homemade (except for the paper they wrap the sub with!) - 567 Center St., Open M-F 9am-6pm, Sat 9am-2pm., 203-265-7288
- Cafe Ra - Small cafe on Center Street next to Michael's Trattoria, they offer the most heavenly wraps., 350 Center St., 203-774-4914
Antiques, Specialty Shops, Boutiques and Day Spas just down the street from our bed and breakfast (Partial List)
- The Curiosity Shop - 216 Center St., 203-294-1975
- Frank's Garage Sale - 18 South Orchard St., 203-284-3786
- Extraordinary Finds - 144 Center St., 203-265-1515
- Wallingford General Antiques & Collectibles, 202 Center St., 203-265-5567
- The Dressing Room - Find the latest fashion for all ages in this very cool and chic boutique. - 3 North Main St., 203-269-4333
- Fresh on Five Boutique - 85 North Colony Rd., 203-265-5350
- DiFranco's Men Shop - 78 Center St., 203-269-2555
- Mia Bridal Boutique - 169 Center St., 203-284-3398
- Zacariello's Formal Wear - 170 Center St., 203-269-8652
- Wallingford Lamp and Shade - Unique selection of lamps, lights, fixtures - technical assistance - repairs and antique restoration. - 124 Center St., 203-269-2177
- Sweet Cioccolata - A unique gift shop of melt-in-your--mouth, big-city, gourmet chocolate specialties. Who knew a gem of chocolate confectionary could be found in this little town?! - 28 North Colony Rd., 203-294-1280
- Body and Soul Day Spa - 26 North Main Street - book early and call for appointments: (203) 269-3223
- Serenity Salon & Day Spa - 118 Center Street - book early and call for appointments: (203) 265-4419
Downtown Wallingford Events
Wallingford Center Inc. - Sponsored events throughout the year
- Flashback annual oldies Dinner Dance
- Summer music concerts under the stars on Wednesday nights
- Saturday morning local gardeners market July to September
- Celebrate Wallingford Saturday & Sunday, October 2013 - Annual street festival offering good old fashioned fun throughout downtown. The very best steak sandwich can be found here.
- Season of Celebrations - All of downtown joins Mr. & Mrs. Santa and their elves for caroling, food and fun the first weekend in December.
LiveNation venue right here in Wallingford Connecticut - just over a mile from our inn!
Toyota Presents the Oakdale Theatre
"The Oakdale is New England's newest and largest theatre.
The innovative design has garnered raves from artists and audiences alike...making it the premier live entertainment venue in Connecticut."
Don't worry about a long drive home after the show; Spend the night in one of our B&B suites and start off the next day with a full breakfast.
Latest scheduled performances and shows. Please go to the website for up-to-date listings.
- TNA Wrestling, January 12, 2012
- Rain: A Tribute to the Beatles, January 28, 2012
- Steve Aoki & Datsik, February 14, 2012
- Celtic Woman, March 17, 2012
- The Fresh Beat Band, March 22, 2012
- Excision, March 30, 2012
- Further Featuring Phil Lesh & Bob Weir, April 7, 2012
- Moody Blues, April 20, 2012
- Imagination Movers, April 29, 2012
Located at the junction of Routes 147 and 157 in Middlefield, ~20 minutes away.
Pick-You-Own Strawberries, Raspberries, Blueberries, Peaches, Apples, Pumpkins. Call hotline for details: 860-349-6015
Corn Maze!, September 3 - October 30, 2012
Local Wallingford Fun Spots
More choices for Connecticut Arts, Theatres and Museums
Holiday Cinema Stadium 10 - Wallingford's new 10 screen multiplex cinema is less than two miles.
- Choate's Paul Mellon Arts Center - Guest artists - Children's Theater - Student productions and concerts - Gallery Exhibitions, all just two blocks away.
- Barker Character, Comic and Cartoon Museum in Cheshire
- Yale University Art Gallery in New Haven
- The Peabody Museum of Natural History in New Haven
- Wesleyan Center For The Arts in Middletown
Wallingford's bed and breakfast is in the heart of Connecticut's Wine Trail.
With half of the vineyards to our west and half to our east; our inn is a great Connecticut lodging spot midway along the Connecticut Wine Trail.
Wine Trail Passports available.
Start with Wallingford's Gouveia Vineyards just a few miles away. Wine tasting Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Bring your picnic lunch or dinner and enjoy wonderful views, live music, and delicious wine. (Check website for entertainment schedule.)
For more information go to Connecticut Winery Tours
Outdoor fun
- Traditions Golf Club Wallingford's golf club also offers excellent dining and meeting facilities.
Blue Trail Shooting Range and Gun Store in Durham, about five miles away.
- Wharton Brook State Park for a walk, picnic, swimming, and fishing less than three miles away.
- Sleeping Giant State Park in Hamden is known as one of Connecticut's best places for fall foliage leaf peeping - five miles away.
Lyman Orchards and Lyman's Golf in Middlefield - Lyman's professionally designed Golf Course and Golf Academy- ranked among CT's top ten Public Golf Courses.
Pick your own fresh produce. Deli and farm market - Corn maze - Hay rides and ponies -1000+ acres of wonderful views - seven miles away.
- Mt. Southington Ski Area in Southington Less than twenty miles to our north.
- Castleview Balloons in Cheshire Hot air balloon rides by appointment.
- Adventure Balloon Hot air balloon rides by appointment.
- Empower Zipline Canopy Tours Located in Middletown, CT
New Haven Connecticut just ten miles away
Our inn is a great place to stay for any New Haven event. We are close enough, yet away from the big city feel.
The Greater New Haven Convention and Visitors Bureau
Our regional tourism bureau offers information on a wide range of attractions, events, and exhibits.
Nearby schools and Universities
The Wallingford Victorian B&B is listed in the lodging and accommodations selections for the following schools and universities. We offer short and long term accommodations also.
Regional attractions (within 25 to 50 miles):
- B&R Stables Horseback riding - by appointment only. Prospect CT (203) 758-5031
- Dinosaur State Park "..one of the largest dinosaur track sites in North America."
- Lake Compounce "New England's Family Theme Park and Connecticut's Biggest Water Park."
- Connecticut Historical Society "museum exhibitions, library and genealogy school resources"
- Science Center of Connecticut "planetarium shows, hands-on exhibits, live animals"
- Mark Twain House - Tour the beautifully restored home of Samuel Clements.
- Connecticut Audubon Society - Offering river boat eagle watch tours, hikes, and more.
- Silver Sands State Park with family friendly beach and a pirate's island just off shore. The island is Charles Island connected to the mainland by a sand/gravel bar submerged at high tide. Captain Kidd is reputed to have buried his treasure on the island in 1699.
- Hammonasset Beach and State Park on Long Island Sound. Just one of many state park/beaches by the state of Connecticut. Hammonasset Beach is in fact the largest beach owned by the state of Connecticut.
- Gillette Castle State Park has hiking trails and a castle to boot (no pun intended.)
- Connecticut Steam Train and Riverboat - Take a ride during the fall foliage, or have you ever wanted to experience an Agatha Christie-like Murder Mystery Train Ride? October offers Fright Train, December brings the Santa Special and North Pole Express, Day Out With Thomas is in May. Oodles to do here.
New York City Less than two hours away by train (from Wallingford or New Haven) or car.
E-Mail: innkeep@bedandbreakfastwallingford.com
