Hey, day-trippers! It’s time for you to explore Wallingford. Your itinerary, should you choose to accept it, will include self-care, lots of eating stops, a vineyard, a brewery, and a walk in the woods…
Save the G-map and go have some fun, would ya?!
Stop for a stretch @Rise Yoga
Because you’re going to need it for the Wallingford (mostly culinary) tour ahead!
Rise Yoga boutique studio offers indoor, outdoor, live stream, and pre-recorded yoga classes. It’s a tranquil, peaceful space where you can move, exhale, de-stress, and connect with yourself. (Photo of Kelsey by Elizabeth Grant Photography.)
Pick your own @Blue Hills Orchard
This 300-acre orchard has been in business for over 100 years with the 5th and 6th generations currently growing fruit and running the family business. They’ve just recently started offering tractor rides to some of their pick-your-own orchards (such fun!). We picked apples and grabbed some peaches, and they tasted like summer.
5th + 6th generation Henry family 
Sip a cider @New England Cider Co.
Next stop, New England Cider Co.! They offer a wide variety of ciders and small snacks with shaded outdoor seating. We opted to taste test a flight and owner Miguel Galarraga talked us through a world of delicious hard cider. They have dry to sweet, traditional to non-traditional, with offerings on draft, or in a can (we’re loving the new pumpkin!).
After cider, comes donuts @Neil’s Donuts
A must stop when in Wallingford, Neil’s Donuts has 30 different varieties of deliciousness…take a look! This father and son business has been around since 2001 and has become a landmark in town. Mmmm to our french toast and maple-glazed donuts!
Walk it off @Tyler Mill Preserve
This picturesque spot in Wallingford offers a variety of trails of different lengths. So you can choose based on how many donuts you just ate!
Did somebody say ice cream? @Banana’s Ice Cream
So, we suppose you could choose between ice cream and donuts, but why?
Banana’s Ice Cream is a family-owned business that’s been serving gourmet ice cream in the community since 1996. They scoop over 45 delicious flavors of freshly-made, locally sourced gourmet ice cream. Plus, be on the lookout for their seasonal flavors. Yummy!
Greek food and lit cheese at @Laskara Restaurant
Visiting Laskara Restaurant and meeting the mother/daughter duo who own it is like a warm hug from your favorite Nonni! Everything they serve is fresh and made with love. A first for us, we had to try the Saganaki, a baked Greek cheese served flambé and extinguished with fresh lemon juice. (Photos of spanakopita and baklava by Laskara)
Finish the day @Paradise Hills Vineyard & Winery
Paradise is in the name and paradise is what it felt like, ending off our perfect day in this beautiful vineyard. Another family-owned business, Paradise Hills is set on 65 photogenic acres and offers a full array of award-winning wines. Open year-round 7 days a week, try the Founder’s Reserve when you go!
G Map – Save and go!
Photos: Lora Karam (except as noted)/ Words: Bev Canepari
I look forward to your email and try to visit these new venues and shops that you introduced. Thank you for making it exciting to go shopping and exploring in CT!
Thanks so much for following along, Joyce! Lora + Bev