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Visiting the home of UConn or exploring rural Connecticut? Storrs, Connecticut offers a perfect blend of college-town energy, natural escapes, and small-town hospitality.

Highlights:

  • Stroll through the University of Connecticut campus and visit the Jorgensen Center for the Performing Arts.
  • Explore the Ballard Institute and Museum of Puppetry—fun and unique for all ages.
  • Hike forest trails at the nearby Nipmuck State Forest or Fenton-Ruby Park.
  • Relax on the Storrs Center green with local cafés, shops, and student life all around.
  • Catch a UConn Huskies game and experience big-time college sports in a cozy town setting.

Unique Things to Do in Storrs, Connecticut:

1. The Adventure Park at Storrs

Rating: ★★★★★

The Adventure Park at Storrs

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  • What is The Adventure Park at Storrs?
    • The Adventure Park at Storrs is a forested aerial park featuring bridges, climbing challenges, zip lines, and more for all age and skill levels.
  • What activities does the park offer?
    • The park provides challenging and rewarding outdoor activities with eight trails of varying difficulty levels.
    • Seven of these trails feature bridges made of rope, cable, and wood, spanning between tree platforms and creating over 80 unique challenges.
  • How many zip lines are in the park?
    • The park features two zip line areas:
      • The Pine Rush trail, a designated zip course.
      • Six zip lines, including the park’s highest and longest zip lines.
  • Are there areas for relaxation?
    • Yes, the park features picnic tables and benches, providing a perfect spot for families and friends to enjoy a relaxing lunch.
  • Does the park accommodate group events?
    • Yes, the park caters to:
      • Youth groups
      • Summer camp day trips
      • School field trips
      • Corporate events

2007 Storrs Rd, Storrs, CT 06268, Phone: 860-946-0606

2. Jorgensen Center for the Performing Arts

Jorgensen Center for the Performing Arts

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  • What is the Jorgensen Center for the Performing Arts?
    • The Jorgensen Center for the Performing Arts is a performing arts center in Storrs that presents a variety of performances throughout the year.
  • Where is the Jorgensen Center located?
    • It is located on the University of Connecticut's main campus and has been a cultural landmark since its opening in 1955.
  • What types of performances are held at the Jorgensen Center?
    • The theater hosts an array of internationally acclaimed artists and entertainers, including:
      • Musicians and orchestras
      • Comedians and entertainers
      • Dancers and theatrical performances
  • How large is the Jorgensen Center?
    • The 2,600-seat theater draws 65,000 to 70,000 visitors every year.
  • What kinds of events take place at the Jorgensen Center?
    • Visitors can enjoy:
      • Classical and contemporary music performances
      • Dance recitals
      • Comedy shows
      • A cabaret series
      • Children’s theater
      • Lectures and other cultural events
  • What other facilities are part of the Jorgensen Center?
    • The Center also houses:
      • The Jorgensen Gallery, which showcases artworks by regional artists
      • The 485-seat Harriet S. Jorgensen Theatre, home to the Connecticut Repertory Theatre

2132 Hillside Rd Unit 3104, Storrs, CT 06268, Phone: 860-486-4226

3. William Benton Museum of Art

William Benton Museum of Art

© William Benton Museum of Art

  • What is the William Benton Museum of Art?
    • The William Benton Museum of Art is a fine arts museum located on the main campus of the University of Connecticut.
  • How many works are in the museum's collection?
    • The museum houses a permanent collection of over 6,500 artistic works from both local and international artists.
  • Who was the museum named after?
    • The museum is named in honor of William Benton, a prominent U.S. senator.
  • What types of artworks are in the collection?
    • The collection includes:
      • Paintings, drawings, and prints
      • Photographs and watercolors
      • Sculptures by notable artists
  • Which notable artists are featured at the museum?
    • The collection includes works by:
      • Gustav Klimt
      • Edward Burne-Jones
      • Rembrandt Peale
      • Fairfield Porter
      • Georges Braque
      • Maurice Prendergast
      • Thomas Hart Benton
      • Kiki Smith
  • What events does the museum host?
    • The Benton Museum hosts various events throughout the year, including:
      • Concerts and exhibitions
      • Campus art walks
      • Other special functions
  • Is the museum part of any art organizations?
    • Yes, the museum is a member of the Connecticut Art Trail.
  • What is unique about the museum building?
    • Designed and built in 1920 in the Collegiate Gothic style, the museum is one of the core campus buildings at the university.
    • It is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

245 Glenbrook Rd, Storrs, CT 06269, Phone: 860-486-0173

4. Connecticut Repertory Theatre

Connecticut Repertory Theatre

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  • What is the Connecticut Repertory Theatre?
    • The Connecticut Repertory Theatre presents plays and musicals at multiple venues on the Storrs campus of the University of Connecticut.
  • Which theaters are part of the Connecticut Repertory Theatre?
    • Productions are held in three different theaters:
      • The Nafe Katter Theatre (240 seats)
      • The Studio Theatre (116 seats)
      • The Harriet S. Jorgensen Theatre (485 seats)
  • Who runs the Connecticut Repertory Theatre?
    • The theater is operated by the Department of Dramatic Arts, which is part of the School of Fine Arts at the University of Connecticut.
  • How many productions does the theater present each year?
    • The Connecticut Repertory Theatre presents a subscription series of six plays and musicals annually, with:
      • Two shows in the Nafe Katter Theatre
      • Two shows in the Studio Theatre
      • Two shows in the Harriet S. Jorgensen Theatre
  • Does the Connecticut Repertory Theatre offer any special programs?
    • Yes, in addition to its award-winning plays and musicals, the theater also runs the internationally renowned Puppet Arts program.

820 Bolton Rd #1127, Storrs, CT 06269, Phone: 860-486-2113

5. Ballard Institute and Museum of Puppetry

Ballard Institute and Museum of Puppetry

© Ballard Institute and Museum of Puppetry

  • What is the Ballard Institute and Museum of Puppetry?
    • The Ballard Institute and Museum of Puppetry is a museum dedicated to puppetry, operated by the University of Connecticut.
  • How large is the puppetry collection at the museum?
    • The institute houses one of the three largest puppetry collections in the United States, with over 2,500 puppets from around the world.
  • What types of puppets are in the collection?
    • The collection includes various styles of puppets, such as:
      • Body puppets
      • Rod puppets
      • Glove puppets
      • Marionettes
      • Shadow puppets
      • Stage materials
  • What media resources does the museum offer?
    • The museum houses a substantial media collection on puppetry, owned by the Puppeteers of America.
    • The collection features over 700 items and audio-visual materials related to the history of puppet theater worldwide.
    • These resources are stored in the Kay Janney Library and Archives.
  • Does the museum host events?
    • Yes, in addition to its collection and research materials, the museum hosts an array of events throughout the year, including:
      • Special exhibits
      • Dramatic performances
      • Concerts
      • Puppetry festivals

1 Royce Cir, Storrs, CT 06268, Phone: 860-486-8580

Romantic Activities in Storrs, Connecticut:

6. Shelter Falls Park

Shelter Falls Park

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  • What is Shelter Falls Park?
    • Shelter Falls Park is a 75-acre park in Mansfield that offers a variety of outdoor activities for the community.
  • What activities can visitors enjoy at Shelter Falls Park?
    • The park provides opportunities for:
      • Hiking
      • Mountain biking
      • Picnicking
  • What natural features are in the park?
    • The park is home to both Nelson Brook and Cedar Swamp Brook.
    • A section of Cedar Swamp Brook forms a waterfall near a sheltering rock formation, which inspired the park’s name.
  • Does Shelter Falls Park connect to other trails?
    • Yes, the park provides access to the University of Connecticut's North Eagleville Tract.
  • Is there a bike path in the park?
    • A pleasant bike path runs along Hunting Lodge Road, suitable for all levels of hikers and bikers.

Storrs, Mansfield, CT 06268

7. UConn Dairy Bar

UConn Dairy Bar

© UConn Dairy Bar

  • What is the UConn Dairy Bar?
    • The UConn Dairy Bar is a classic ice cream bar and scoop shop that has been producing award-winning ice cream and other dairy products for more than 60 years.
  • When was the UConn Dairy Bar established?
    • The Dairy Bar was established in 1953 and is located in the George C. White Building.
  • What makes the UConn Dairy Bar unique?
    • This student-run hotspot features:
      • Walls adorned with posters showcasing milk-making and dairy production
      • Classic red checkerboard-pattern circles
      • A beautiful case filled with vintage milk bottles
  • Can visitors see the ice cream-making process?
    • Yes! An observation window allows visitors to watch the ice cream-making area where all the ice cream is produced.
  • How many flavors of ice cream are available?
    • The Dairy Bar offers 24 flavors of freshly made ice cream, including:
      • Banana chocolate chip
      • Coffee espresso crunch
      • Chocolate peanut butter
      • Seasonal flavors like peach and peppermint stick

4040, 3636 Horsebarn Hill Rd Ext, Storrs, CT 06269, Phone: 860-486-2634

8. Dog Lane Cafe

Dog Lane Cafe

© Dog Lane Café

  • What is the Dog Lane Cafe?
    • The Dog Lane Cafe is a relaxed, counter-serve spot that offers a mix of American and European fare in a laid-back setting.
  • What type of food does the cafe serve?
    • The menu includes:
      • Sandwiches
      • Salads
      • Soups
      • Freshly brewed coffee
  • Who owns the Dog Lane Cafe?
    • The café is owned by Barry and Brian Jessurun.
  • What was the purpose of establishing the cafe?
    • The café was created to offer the community an inviting place to gather with their dogs while enjoying great food and coffee.
  • What meals does the cafe serve?
    • The Dog Lane Café is open from early morning to late at night and serves:
      • Breakfast
      • Lunch
      • Dinner
  • What is special about the food at Dog Lane Cafe?
    • The café offers a menu of seasonal, local, and freshly prepared food with daily specials, all made to order.
  • Does the cafe have a coffee bar?
    • Yes, a self-service coffee bar provides locally roasted coffee, espressos, and cappuccinos.
  • Where can diners sit?
    • Guests can enjoy their meal in the cozy dining room or on one of two patios during the warmer months.
  • Does the cafe host any special events?
    • Yes! The Dog Lane Café hosts beer and wine tastings every month.

1 Dog Ln, Storrs, CT 06269, Phone: 860-429-4900

9. Kathmandu Kitchen and Bar

Kathmandu Kitchen and Bar

© Kathmandu Kitchen and Bar

  • Where is Kathmandu Kitchen and Bar located?
    • Located in the Storrs Center on the campus of the University of Connecticut, Kathmandu Kitchen and Bar is a casual restaurant serving authentic Indian and Nepalese cuisine.
  • What type of cuisine does Kathmandu Kitchen and Bar serve?
    • The restaurant offers a daily changing menu of authentic Indian and Nepalese cuisine.
  • Does the restaurant cater to special dietary needs?
    • Yes, the menu includes a range of vegetarian, non-vegetarian, and halal meals.
  • What are some signature dishes at Kathmandu Kitchen?
    • The menu features a variety of mouthwatering Indian and Nepalese dishes, including:
      • Malai kofta
      • Matter paneer
      • Khasi ko maasu
      • Alu gobi
      • An array of vegetarian, meat, and seafood curries
  • What dining options does the restaurant offer?
    • The restaurant features a separate bar and dining room for a comfortable dining experience.
  • What are the operating hours of Kathmandu Kitchen?
    • The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner, seven days a week.
  • Does Kathmandu Kitchen offer delivery or takeout?
    • Yes, the restaurant offers delivery and to-go boxes for convenient dining options.

3825 Bardstown Rd, Louisville, KY 40218, Phone: 502-202-1481

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