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Attraction: Food and Drink

  • Helen’s Sausage House – Smyrna, DE

    Helen’s Sausage House – Smyrna, DE

    Helen’s Sausage House

    Smyrna, DE

    helens-sausage-house-smyrna-de
    The unassuming red-and-white exterior of Helen’s Sausage House in Smyrna, home to Delaware’s most famous breakfast sandwich. 📸 Helen’s

    Helen’s Sausage House
    • Address: 4866 N. Dupont Hwy, Smyrna, DE 19977
    • State: Delaware
    • Website: https://www.helenssausage.com/

    Overview
    Helen’s Sausage House is a roadside legend, known for its sizzling sausage sandwiches served from a modest red-and-white building along Route 13. Since the 1980s, this little spot has been a morning ritual for locals and truckers alike, serving up no-frills, all-flavor breakfasts that start early and sell out fast.

    Why It’s Worth a Stop
    It’s everything a roadside breakfast joint should be—small, loud, busy, and full of heart. The sausage patties are house-made, spicy, and stacked high on soft rolls with egg and cheese. It’s the kind of sandwich you need both hands for, and you’ll think about it long after you’ve left.

    What to Know Before You Go

    • Cash only.
    • Opens early and closes when they sell out—come before 11 am.
    • Closed Sundays
    • Seating is limited; most people grab and go.

    Fun Fact
    Helen’s sausage recipe is a closely guarded family secret passed down for generations.

  • Fifer’s Farm Store – Camden-Wyoming, DE

    Fifer’s Farm Store – Camden-Wyoming, DE

    Fifer’s Farm Store

    Camden-Wyoming, DE

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    Seasonal produce and baked goods fill the shelves at Fifer’s Farm Store in Camden-Wyoming. 📸 Fifer’s

    Fifer’s Farm Store
    • Address: 1919 Allabands Mill Road, Camden-Wyoming, DE 19934
    • State: Delaware
    • Website: https://www.fifers.com/

    Overview
    Family-owned since 1919, Fifer’s Farm Store is a Delaware staple where visitors can shop fresh produce, baked goods, jams, and local specialties straight from the farm. The market changes with the seasons—peaches and sweet corn in summer, apples and pumpkins in fall, and cozy baked treats all year long. It’s the kind of roadside stop that feels rooted in Delaware’s agricultural heritage and small-town charm.

    Why It’s Worth a Stop
    You can taste the farm’s history in every bite. Grab a jar of local honey, pick up a pie for the road, or simply enjoy the pace of life here—unhurried and welcoming. Seasonal festivals and pick-your-own events make it a great stop for families.

    What to Know Before You Go

    • Open Monday–Saturday, closed Sundays.
    • Seasonal events include Strawberry Festival, Fall Fest, and Pick-Your-Own days.
    • Offers an online market for local deliveries and farm boxes.
    • Located just outside Dover, about a 10-minute drive from Route 13.

    Fun Fact
    The Fifer family has farmed this land for more than a century, now in its fourth generation of stewardship.

  • Edie Bees Confection Shop – Lewes, DE

    Edie Bees Confection Shop – Lewes, DE

    Edie Bees Confection Shop

    Lewes, DE

    edie-bees-confection-shop-lewes-de
    Edie Bees Confection Shop along Second Street in Lewes—a local landmark for candy lovers of all ages. 📸 Edie Bees Confection Shop

    Edie Bees Confection Shop
    • Address: 115 2nd Street. Lewes, DE 19958
    • State: Delaware
    • Website: https://ediebeeslewes.com/

    Overview
    Edie Bees Confection Shop feels like stepping into a storybook candy store. Glass jars brim with colorful sweets, chocolates, and nostalgic treats, while shelves showcase everything from saltwater taffy to artisanal caramels. The shop’s warm glow and friendly staff make it a delightful stop for visitors of all ages.

    Why It’s Worth a Stop
    It’s equal parts charm and craftsmanship. Whether you’re treating the kids after lunch or picking up gifts to take home, Edie Bees captures the magic of an old-fashioned candy counter with a modern touch.

    What to Know Before You Go

    • Located on Second Street in the heart of historic Lewes.
    • Open year-round; hours vary seasonally.
    • Known for its seasonal sweets—especially around the holidays.

  • Perk on Main – Middletown, CT

    Perk on Main – Middletown, CT

    Perk on Main

    Middletown, CT

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    Crepes, coffee, and community—Perk on Main makes every bite count. 📸 Perk on Main

    Perk on Main
    • Address: 386 Main Street, Middletown, CT 06457
    • State: Connecticut
    • Website: www.perkonmain.com

    Overview:
    Perk on Main has been serving up coffee and crepes with a conscience since 2002. What started in a tiny shop in Durham has grown into a bright, welcoming café right in the heart of Middletown. Perk focuses on local and organic ingredients, fairly traded coffee, and environmentally responsible practices—from wind-powered energy to compostable packaging. Whether you’re there for breakfast, lunch, or a mid-day pick-me-up, you’ll find handmade crepes, espresso drinks, and a crew that makes everyone feel like a regular.

    Why It’s Worth a Stop:
    Come for the crepes, stay for the good vibes. Perk on Main is the kind of place where you can grab a lavender latte, read the community bulletin board, and run into your neighbors. It’s casual, friendly, and full of thoughtful details—from the food to the mission behind it.

    What to Know Before You Go:
    • Open daily—check website for current hours
    • Menu includes sweet and savory crepes, smoothies, and coffee drinks
    • Vegan and gluten-free options available
    • Environmentally conscious: composts food waste, uses wind energy, and supports local farms
    • Indoor and outdoor seating

    Fun Fact:
    Perk on Main’s food waste doesn’t go to the landfill—it’s turned into mulch, and even the coffee grounds are donated to local gardens.

  • Mr. D’s – Wallingford, CT

    Mr. D’s – Wallingford, CT

    Mr. D’s

    Wallingford, CT

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    Scoops, sweets, and small-town charm—Mr. D’s makes every visit feel like a treat. 📸 Mr. D’s

    Mr. D’s Ice Cream & Sweets
    • Address: 50 N Main St, Wallingford, CT 06492
    • State: Connecticut
    • Website: www.getmrds.com

    Overview:
    Mr. D’s is the kind of place that becomes part of your routine without even trying. Maybe it starts with a scoop of Black Raspberry after school. Or a birthday cake you picked up once—and now pick up every year. For owner Heather Williams, it started with childhood memories of Praline’s Ice Cream and turned into a dream come true when she bought the shop in 2021. Today, Mr. D’s still serves those classic Praline’s flavors, along with cupcakes, candy, coffee, and a little local magic.

    Why It’s Worth a Stop:
    Because every town needs a spot like this—where the cones are generous, the candy jars are full, and everyone knows your go-to order. Mr. D’s makes everyday moments feel like little celebrations.

    What to Know Before You Go:
    • Open year-round—check the website for current hours
    • Sells Praline’s Ice Cream, a Connecticut original
    • Ice cream cakes, cupcakes, and candy galore
    • Coffee, smoothies, and rotating dessert specials
    • Indoor seating with a few outdoor tables

    Fun Fact:
    Heather’s love of Praline’s Ice Cream goes back to her childhood in Meriden—and now her daughters are regulars at the shop she runs herself.

  • Buttonwood Farm Ice Cream – Griswold, CT

    Buttonwood Farm Ice Cream – Griswold, CT

    Buttonwood Farm Ice Cream

    Griswold, CT

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    Come for the ice cream, stay for the sunflowers—Buttonwood Farm is summer sweetness in every sense. 📸 Buttonwood Farm Ice Cream

    Buttonwood Farm Ice Cream
    • Address: 473 Shetucket Turnpike, Griswold, CT 06351
    • State: Connecticut
    • Website: www.buttonwoodfarmicecream.com

    Overview:
    Out in the quiet countryside of Griswold, Buttonwood Farm has been a family-run operation since the 1970s. These days, it’s best known for two things: rich, creamy homemade ice cream and its sunflower fields that bloom each July for a good cause. With more than 50 flavors to choose from—plus fresh-made waffle cones and real whipped cream—it’s the kind of place that draws a crowd on sunny afternoons. Kids can see the cows, parents can kick back under the open sky, and everyone leaves happy.

    Why It’s Worth a Stop:
    This is classic Connecticut summer at its best. Buttonwood keeps things simple: good ice cream, friendly people, and a peaceful place to enjoy both. Add in the sunflowers and it’s no wonder folks come back year after year.

    What to Know Before You Go:
    • Open March through October, 12–9 p.m. daily
    • More than 50 flavors, including non-dairy and frozen yogurt
    • Sunflower season hits mid-July and can get busy
    • Fresh waffle cones and whipped cream made in-house
    • Big parking lot and picnic tables available
    • No indoor seating—pack sunglasses and a blanket

    Fun Fact:
    Each year, Buttonwood plants over 14 acres of sunflowers to raise money for Make-A-Wish Connecticut—so far, they’ve raised almost $2 million.

  • Grassroots Ice Cream – Granby, CT

    Grassroots Ice Cream – Granby, CT

    Grassroots Ice Cream

    Granby, CT

    grassroots-kitchen-and-creamery-granby-ct
    From honey lavender to goat cheese swirl, Grassroots Ice Cream is a scoop above the rest. 📸 Grassroots Kitchen + Creamery

    Grassroots Ice Cream
    • Address: On the Town Green, 4 Park Pl, Granby, CT
    • State: Connecticut
    • Website: www.grassrootsicecream.com

    Overview:
    Just off the Farmington River Trail, Grassroots Ice Cream in Collinsville serves up wildly creative, small-batch scoops made at their Granby Creamery. Best known for imaginative flavors like Goat Cheese Blackberry, Blood Orange Chocolate Chip, and Honey Lavender, Grassroots churns out over 100 unique varieties throughout the year. The shop sits in a charming brick building with rainbow benches outside, perfect for a post-paddle or biking break. What started in the former Granby General Store has grown into a family-run favorite with locations across Connecticut and a reputation for making everything—down to the mix-ins—from scratch.

    Why It’s Worth a Stop:
    Voted one of Yelp’s “Top 100 Places to Eat” and a “Best of Hartford” winner, Grassroots balances creative flair with genuine community charm. From scratch-made jams and brownies to welcoming service, this spot delivers more than a scoop—it delivers a whole experience.

    What to Know Before You Go:
    • Open year-round; hours vary seasonally
    • Rotating ice cream menu—check online for updates
    • Vegan and dairy-free options available
    • Street parking nearby
    • Take your cone for a walk along the river or nearby trail system

    Fun Fact:
    Though best known for ice cream, Grassroots also dishes up “fast-gourmet” street food—think tacos, wraps, and salads—at their Granby, Simsbury, and New Milford locations.

  • OEC Brewing – Oxford, CT

    OEC Brewing – Oxford, CT

    OEC Brewing

    Oxford, CT

    oec-brewing-oxford-ct
    Wild-fermented beers, rustic vibes, and a hint of mystery—OEC Brewing isn’t your typical brewery stop. 📷 OEC Brewing

    OEC Brewing (Ordinem Ecentrici Coctores)

    Address: 7 Fox Hollow Road, Oxford, CT
    State: Connecticut
    Website: https://www.oecbrewing.com

    Overview
    OEC Brewing isn’t your average taproom—it’s a little weird, a little mysterious, and a whole lot of fun if you’re up for something different. Tucked away in the woods of Oxford, this brewery leans into old-world brewing traditions with a modern, eccentric twist. Expect unfiltered, barrel-aged, sometimes funky beers inspired by Northern Europe, made using wild fermentation, open vats, and techniques that sound more like alchemy than brewing.

    The space itself feels like a rustic clubhouse for people who love beer (and maybe a good secret society reference or two). There’s stone and wood and Latin symbols on the walls, plus a patio for nice days. It’s quirky in all the right ways—and surprisingly approachable, even if you don’t usually go for the sour or funky stuff.

    Why It’s Worth a Stop
    There’s nowhere else in Connecticut quite like it. If you’re into unique beers, oddball history, or just want a brewery visit that stands out, this place checks all the boxes.

    What to Know Before You Go

    • Open Tuesday–Sunday (hours vary slightly; closes at 7pm Friday–Saturday)
    • Small seasonal menu available; outside food and snacks also welcome
    • Seating is limited indoors; outdoor courtyard open in warmer months
    • Beer list changes constantly—come curious
    • Funky, barrel-aged, and old-world styles are their specialty

    Fun Fact
    The Latin name is intentionally wrong—OEC stands for Order of the Eccentric Boilers, a playful nod to old brewing traditions and secret societies. The founders fully admit: they don’t take themselves too seriously.

  • Fox Farm Brewery – Salem, CT

    Fox Farm Brewery – Salem, CT

    Fox Farm Brewery

    Salem, CT

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    Crisp pours and country views—Fox Farm Brewery is a peaceful spot to sip and stay awhile. 📷 Fox Farm Brewery

    Fox Farm Brewery

    Address: 62 Music Vale Road, Salem, CT
    State: Connecticut
    Website: https://www.foxfarmbeer.com

    Overview
    Tucked down a winding country road in Salem, Fox Farm Brewery is a quiet standout on Connecticut’s craft beer scene. It’s set in a beautifully restored dairy barn surrounded by rolling fields, with a tasting room that’s equal parts rustic and refined. There’s no restaurant, no live music, no frills—just really, really good beer and a setting that makes you want to hang out for hours.

    Fox Farm is known for clean, balanced beers—IPAs, pilsners, lagers, saisons—all brewed on-site with an emphasis on subtlety and quality. You can grab a pour or a flight inside the barn, or take it outside to the picnic tables on the lawn. It’s not loud or crowded—just friendly, well-paced, and thoughtfully done. If you’re into beer (or with someone who is), it’s absolutely worth the trip.

    Why It’s Worth a Stop
    It’s peaceful, scenic, and refreshingly chill. A perfect place to unwind with a beer that was brewed just a few feet away.

    What to Know Before You Go

    • Open Thursday–Sunday
    • No food for sale, but you’re welcome to bring light snacks
    • Kid-friendly and dog-friendly outdoors
    • Indoor and outdoor seating available year-round
    • Most beers available to-go in cans

    Fun Fact
    The tasting room sits in what used to be a hayloft, and the original post-and-beam construction is still fully intact.

  • Hopkins Vineyard – New Preston, CT

    Hopkins Vineyard – New Preston, CT

    Hopkins Vineyard

    New Preston, CT

    hopkins-vineyard-new-preston-ct
    Hilltop views, a glass of white, and lake breeze for good measure—Hopkins Vineyard is weekend perfection. 📷 Hopkins Vineyards

    Hopkins Vineyard

    Address: 25 Hopkins Road, New Preston, CT
    State: Connecticut
    Website: https://www.hopkinsvineyard.com

    Overview
    Hopkins Vineyard is one of those places where you show up “just for a tasting” and end up spending the whole afternoon. Set on a hillside overlooking Lake Waramaug, the views are incredible year-round—especially with a glass of estate-grown wine in hand. It’s been family-owned for over 40 years, and it shows in the way the place runs: friendly, down-to-earth, and proud of what they pour.

    The wine list leans white and sparkling, with a few reds and rosés to round things out. You can sample a flight inside the cozy 19th-century barn-turned-tasting room, or grab a bottle and head outside to one of the picnic tables or Adirondack chairs overlooking the water. They often host live music and small events, but even on a quiet day, it’s a lovely place to settle in.

    Why It’s Worth a Stop
    The combination of lake views, laid-back energy, and solid local wine makes this a no-brainer for a casual date, a weekend outing, or an easy detour when you’re in the area.

    What to Know Before You Go

    • Open year-round, with indoor and outdoor seating
    • Flights, glasses, and bottles available
    • Small cheese plates for sale; picnics welcome
    • Check their website or social for live music dates
    • Popular in fall—go early for the best seating

    Fun Fact
    The vineyard has been in the Hopkins family for over 200 years, originally as a dairy farm before transitioning to wine in the late 1970s.