Winter day trip ideas around Connecticut

Photo of Andrew DaRosa

While traditional travel may be harder during the pandemic, day trips have quickly swooped in to become a necessary remedy for keeping away those COVID blues.

Whether it’s staying a night in a geodesic home, skiing down a black diamond, or simply bar-hopping between Connecticut craft breweries, the Nutmeg State offers a plethora of ideas for day trips during these chilling winter months.

Scroll below to check out some of our ideas for day trips that go beyond the ordinary.

Shred the slopes with a day of skiing

A man skis on the snowy slopes of Whiteface Mountain, in Lake Placid, N.Y.

A man skis on the snowy slopes of Whiteface Mountain, in Lake Placid, N.Y.

Brandee Reilly/Associated Press

Nothing screams winter in New England more than jumping into the car for a day trip of skiing or snowboarding. With the recent accumulation on the mountains, there is no better time to shred the hills of Connecticut.

Browse our guide on everything you need to know to go skiing and snowboarding in the Northeast.



Sled your way down Connecticut’s hills

Russell Cencro, 6, of New Fairfield, sled rides down the hill at St. Gregory the Great Church in Danbury Thursday, March 8, 2018.
Russell Cencro, 6, of New Fairfield, sled rides down the hill at St. Gregory the Great Church in Danbury Thursday, March 8, 2018.

Carol Kaliff / Hearst Connecticut Media

Not much of skier or snowboarder?

Fear not, Connecticut boasts a plethora of great hills to go sledding on.

Here are a few of the top sledding spots to conquer throughout Fairfield County.



Do your own brewery tour

A tasting flight at Nod Hill Brewery in Ridgefield.

A tasting flight at Nod Hill Brewery in Ridgefield.

Nothing will warm you up from the frigid weather faster than a pint from one of Connecticut’s many local breweries. Winter is also the best time for these breweries as they are busy serving up their winter specialties, which range from spiced ales to hearty stouts.

In order to meet COVID regulations, most breweries are offering food so you can sit down at a table to enjoy your beer and a bite.

Check out our picks for the best winter beers in Connecticut as well as our map of breweries throughout the state.



Take a hike (no, actually)

Debbie Sutcliffe, left, of Redding, Fay Gerstenfeld, center, of Ridgefield, and Allison Archambault, of Ridgefield, hike on a trail in the woods at the Discovery Center of Ridgefield's snowshoeing expedition at the Ridgefield Golf Club in Ridgefield.

Debbie Sutcliffe, left, of Redding, Fay Gerstenfeld, center, of Ridgefield, and Allison Archambault, of Ridgefield, hike on a trail in the woods at the Discovery Center of Ridgefield’s snowshoeing expedition at the Ridgefield Golf Club in Ridgefield.

Tyler Sizemore

Built as the perfect quarantine activity, hiking has become the quintessential pastime for those looking to explore beyond the four walls of their bedroom.

From easy trails to arduous hikes, here’s some of the best hiking trails you go on in the Nutmeg State.



Dine under the stars in an ‘igloo’

Dockside Brewery, at 40 Bridgeport Ave. in Milford, has an

Dockside Brewery, at 40 Bridgeport Ave. in Milford, has an “igloo village” with each structure boasting a different theme.

GoNation / Contributed photo

The groundhog says we have (at least) three more weeks of winter, but some Connecticut restaurants are ready as they have crafted creative pop-up spaces for diners to enjoy a meal outdoors despite the cold and snow.

Check out our guide to outside ‘igloos’ and ‘greenhouses’ that you can dine in — no parka required.


Drop a line and go ice fishing

Ioan Stan, of East Haven, does some ice fishing Wednesday on the Housatonic River in Derby.
Ioan Stan, of East Haven, does some ice fishing Wednesday on the Housatonic River in Derby.

Autumn Driscoll

As the ice thickens on lakes and ponds around Connecticut, fishermen, both big and small, go out onto the ice to partake in the winter tradition of ice fishing.

Check out some of the best spots to go ice fishing around Connecticut, and before you go out, make sure to read the laws regarding ice fishing on state-owned property.



Stay a night at one Connecticut’s unique Airbnb’s

A great daylight space nested on the edge of the woods. Be close to nature but also close to our house for modern convinces in our house. Please note this space is unplugged, it has no electricity, heat or air conditioning. There are full bathrooms for your use in the house, 125 feet away.

A great daylight space nested on the edge of the woods. Be close to nature but also close to our house for modern convinces in our house. Please note this space is unplugged, it has no electricity, heat or air conditioning. There are full bathrooms for your use in the house, 125 feet away.

Airbnb/Robert/Bethlehem

Need a night away from your social bubble?

Some of the most unique Airbnb stays are situated in Connecticut, meaning that you don’t have to go far in order to have a night away from the stress of cleaning or your kids.

Take a look at 7 of the most unique Airbnb’s that you can rent in Connecticut.