Winter is so last season. It’s time to get out and go day-tripping again! We’re starting this year’s list of towns perfect for a well-rounded outing + overnight…with Downtown Storrs! Up at the top of CT in Tolland County, or UCONNtopia as we like to call it.
And if you want to get all academic about it… Storrs is a village in the town of Mansfield, named for Charles & Augustus Storrs, the two brothers who founded the University of Connecticut. Go UConn Huskies! 🙌
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Downtown Storrs is a vibrant, walkable downtown next to UConn with over 70 businesses, 2 wooded preserves, a public square, a community center, and more. Here’s our/your itinerary!
Graduate Hotel
Our overnight stay at the Graduate Hotel Storrs was fun from start to finish. It’s a boutique hotel located within walking distance of downtown. Or drive, there’s plenty of parking options. We loved their tagline, “We’re all students here.”
The room key looks like a student ID, the floor is made up of recycled basketball court, and the walls are lined with pencils. Many cool details!
Fun story! As we were checking in, we noticed a tall guy walk into the lobby and a man sitting at the bar jump up and run over to him with a big grin. Then two ladies sitting on a couch got excited looks on their faces and went over for a selfie. So you know we did, too! We just ran into Rip Hamilton, who had just made a half-court shot at his jersey number retirement earlier that day.
We’re all students here.
Square Peg Pizzeria
Another fun story. The UConn men’s basketball team was playing a big game the night we visited Square Peg on Dog Lane, and let’s say we could fully feel the Huskies pride that night! We ate a couple of wood-fired to-perfection pizzas washed down with glasses of Pinot Noir, and took in the super fun scene. Families, students, dates, it was all happening!
The Oh Honey pizza – fresh prosciutto, honey, fontina cheese, figs, gorgonzola & parmesan cheese – was Oh My God! 🤌🏼
Jorgensen Center for the Peforming Arts
Make sure you check out the Jorgensen Center calendar to see if anything is happening when you plan your visit. They have a great lineup of internationally acclaimed artists and ensembles, ranging from classical to world music & dance, classical & contemporary dance, comedy, family programming & contemporary entertainment. We caught the Purple Xperience – a tribute to Prince.
Stroll downtown
There’s plenty to see and do in downtown Storrs including shopping the 70 or so stores, businesses, and restaurants. Follow a sculpture trail, stock up on UConn goodies at the bookstore, grab some Insomnia Cookies, and so much more!
Dog Lane Cafe
Dog Lane Cafe is a fun & colorful independent, locally-owned European-American café. A local favorite for good reason! They serve seasonal fresh food and have a large menu covering breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Smoothies, coffee, baked goods, sandwiches, something for all!
Albert E. Moss Sanctuary
And we always try to fit in a bit of nature in all of our day trips. There was still snow on the ground when we visited the Albert E. Moss Sanctuary. So it was a brisk but beautiful walk in to see the pond (and take a selfie for walking proof) – then a brisk walk back to the car!
UCONN 🙌
Day Tripping in Downtown Storrs is a sponsored post
Words: Bev Canepari / Pics: Lora Karam (unless noted)