“I didn’t expect Colchester to slow me down so gently.” That realization came while standing on a wooden bridge in Salmon River State Forest, watching the water tumble over smooth rocks. The town unfolded in pockets—meadowy farms, quiet trails, cozy pizza joints, and a surprising amount of charm for a place that asks nothing more than for you to take your time. It wasn’t flashy. It didn’t need to be.
Best Things to Do in Colchester, CT
Salmon River State Forest
I started at Salmon River State Forest, where the trails wrap through oak and pine, and the air smelled like earth and moss. I followed the covered bridge trail, stopping often—once to sit on a boulder midstream, once to just listen to the river doing its work. “I could breathe better here,” I wrote in my notes. A couple hiked past with a golden retriever, both equally happy.
Cato Corner Farm
Next up was Cato Corner Farm, where I sampled raw milk cheeses in a barn that smelled gloriously of hay and aging rinds. A staffer cut thin slices of their Hooligan—soft, washed rind, just funky enough—and offered it with a drizzle of honey. I bought a wedge, fully aware it wouldn’t survive the drive home. It didn’t.
Day Pond State Park
In late morning I wandered through Day Pond State Park, where a small pond sits tucked into a forest hollow. There were picnic tables under the trees and dragonflies skimming the water’s surface. I took a short trail to a hidden waterfall, damp and shaded and exactly what I didn’t know I needed. It was the kind of place where time feels deliberately slower.
Colchester Mill Fabrics
Back in town, I popped into Colchester Mill Fabrics. Even if you don’t sew, it’s worth stepping into this kaleidoscope of textures and colors. Bolts of cloth lined every wall, and a woman at the cutting counter helped a teen pick patterns for her first quilt. It smelled like starch and stories. I left with a fat quarter of cotton I had no plans for but couldn’t resist.
Colchester History Museum
The Colchester History Museum sits inside a sweet little brick building on South Main. The docent, who reminded me of my high school librarian, shared stories of local shipbuilding, early schools, and the once-booming hay industry. There was a quiet pride in the space—a sense that Colchester knew how to preserve what mattered without fuss or fanfare.
Devil's Hopyard State Park
In the afternoon, I drove over to Devil’s Hopyard State Park. The main attraction is Chapman Falls, and the name doesn’t prepare you for how peaceful it actually is. The falls cascade over large slabs of dark stone, soft enough to lull but powerful enough to hold your attention. Legend says the devil himself made the potholes in the rock—I just saw perfect picnic spots.
Inishmor Pub
For dinner, I headed to Inishmor Pub, a warm and wood-paneled Irish spot with low lighting and hearty fare. I ordered the shepherd’s pie and a house-made ginger soda. The pie arrived bubbling under golden mashed potatoes, rich with lamb and rosemary. It tasted like autumn. A group played cards at the bar. Everyone knew each other’s names. I felt like a temporary regular.
Wine at Priam Vineyards
The next afternoon, I stopped at Priam Vineyards, a hillside winery surrounded by open sky and quiet fields. I tasted a flight on the patio—an off-dry riesling, a peppery cab franc, and their signature salmon-hued rosé. The air smelled faintly of crushed grapes and meadow grass. I stayed for longer than planned, sipping slowly, listening to bees hover around the wildflowers.
The Plum Tomato
For lunch, I ducked into The Plum Tomato, where the brick oven burned warm behind the counter. I ordered a Margherita pizza, thin crust, the basil just starting to crisp around the edges. The tomato sauce was bright, the cheese just stretchy enough. It hit all the notes. A nearby table of high schoolers argued playfully over who made the best TikTok. Real life, happening around really good pizza.
Family Pizza Restaurant & Grill
I closed out my trip with a laid-back dinner at Family Pizza Restaurant & Grill. I had the chicken parm over spaghetti—classic, generous, no frills. The red sauce was garlicky and bold, the chicken crispy beneath a mountain of melted cheese. It tasted like comfort food from someone who cooks with their whole heart. I walked out full, both in stomach and spirit.
Colchester At a Glance
- Drive Time from Hartford: ~35 minutes southeast
- Vibe: Quietly rural, heartfelt, full of natural charm
- Highlights: Cheese farms, forest waterfalls, state parks, cozy eateries, small-town stories
- Best Time to Visit: Late spring through fall for hiking, tasting, and outdoor picnics
- Cost: Low to moderate; nature and charm are free, food and tastings vary
- Hours: Most attractions close by early evening; dining available into nighttime
- Address Base: Begin near South Main and branch outward by trail, farm, or appetite
Final Thoughts
Colchester doesn’t compete—it simply invites. From aged cheese to state forest trails, from handmade quilts to waterfall whispers, the town has a gentle confidence in its own rhythm. I came for the escape. I stayed for the stillness. I’ll go back for the pizza, the pie, and that one perfect wedge of Hooligan I’m still thinking about.
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