Storrs, CT - Home to UConn Basketball and What Else?
Welcome to Storrs, CT, a charming village in the town of Mansfield and home to the University of Connecticut. While it houses one of the best academic institutions in the area, it's also full of so much more. Step off the beaten path and discover some of the most amazing experiences waiting for you.
From adventures into the great outdoors to delving into the area's historic culture, you'll have plenty to keep you busy while you're waiting for the next UConn basketball game. Families, college students, friends, and solo travelers can all appreciate the wonders Storrs has to offer.
01 The Adventure Park at Storrs
Step away from the university and enter a forest where nothing but adventure awaits. Prepare for the thrills of a lifetime as you hook yourself up to a zipline and don a helmet. In a few seconds, you'll be flying through the air, surrounded by trees and the great outdoors.
The Adventure Park at Storrs offers a chance to tackle the wilderness like never before, integrating treetop climbing and athletic challenges as you navigate obstacles high above the ground. The park's commitment to providing a rewarding outdoor experience is obvious with every heart-stopping second.
02 Ballard Institute and Museum of Puppetry
Artistry comes to life at the Ballard Institute and Museum of Puppetry. Within its walls, you'll find a collection of puppets that have traveled the world to be placed in front of you. It's a public museum owned by the University of Connecticut, dedicated to preserving and honoring the immense skill that goes into creating and using each one.
Discover puppets from Sicily, shadow figures from China, and so much more as you peruse the permanent and temporary exhibits. Regular performances help add to the amazing experience, but to really appreciate the skill that went into each puppet you see, you have to join a puppet-making workshop.
03 UConn Dairy Bar
It doesn't get much better than homemade ice cream. The UConn Creamery established itself in the early 1900s to bottle local milk, and in 1953, expanded to sell ice cream at the UConn Dairy Bar. Since its inception, it's taken pride in perfecting its ice cream recipe, which remains the same today as it was when it first opened.
If you're not a fan of ice cream, peruse other freshly made treats like eggs and artisanal cheeses. Just be careful—your favorite ice cream might taste a whole lot more underwhelming after you've tried what UConn Dairy Bar can make. Luckily for you, it offers takeaway ice cream sandwiches to keep your cravings at bay.
04 Dog Lane Cafe
Not far from the UConn campus, you'll stumble upon Dog Lane Cafe. It's situated in Downtown Storrs, where it serves up casual American and European dishes. Grab a cup of coffee, order a delectable sandwich, and prepare to learn why the Freshman 15 is a topic of discussion among college students. After all, with delicious food like this on your doorstep, it's hard not to indulge.
This cafe is no stranger to visitors and tourists and embraces them with open arms. After all, when it's so close to the UConn campus, it's bound to see families passing through and the rush of students from around the world coming to grab a bite to eat.
05 Jorgensen Center for the Performing Arts
If you've been exploring everything Storrs has to offer, give your feet a little reprieve at the Jorgensen Center for the Performing Arts. Here, you'll find shows of just about every kind. Laugh until your stomach cramps and tears stream down your cheeks at a comedy show or bop your head along to the beat at a music concert. Just about every type of performance is hosted here at one point or another.
It's a cornerstone of Storrs' cultural scene for this very reason. If you're in town, be sure to breeze through the schedule to find a show that appeals to you. You'll see why it's a local favorite destination before the curtains close.
06 William Benton Museum of Art
A picture's worth a thousand words. That makes the 6,500 pieces of art collected at William Benton Museum of Art worth 6.5 million. The locals certainly think so. As you peruse the pieces of local and international origin, you're bound to think so too.
Exhibitions change every few months, making room for new pieces of art to inspire all who walk through these halls. Temporary exhibits often touch upon relevant events like climate change or showcase artwork from the master of fine arts program at UConn.
07 Connecticut Repertory Theatre
UConn's Department of Dramatic Arts knows a thing or two about putting on a good show. After all, they're going to school for it! At the Connecticut Repertory Theatre, they get the chance to show off all they've learned for audience members like you to appreciate. Plays and musicals, as well as local events, are hosted on these vast stages.
08 Shelter Falls Park
Get out of the city and into the beautiful nature of Connecticut at Shelter Falls Park. This park spans 75 acres and is absolutely jam-packed with scenic trails. As you meander through the trees, you might stumble across waterfalls or spot local wildlife. Birds sing around you while the hum of bugs reminds you that you're far from alone, even if you're taking the trek without company. It's particularly stunning in the fall as the canopies appear to light ablaze with warm colors in anticipation of winter.
09 Kathmandu Kitchen and Bar
You don't have to go far to find good eats in Storrs. The Kathmandu Kitchen and Bar serves up delectable Indian and Nepalese cuisine right in the heart of the city. Using authentic cooking techniques and ingredients, it's the perfect opportunity to discover a new favorite food like steamed chicken momo, Nepali-style chicken dumplings.
10 Gurleyville Grist Mill
Travel down Stonemill Road, where you'll cross over the Fenton River and discover the imposing figure of the Gurleyville Grist Mill. This mill operated in the 19th century, and today, maintains a fully functional internal system. It's preserved now, so you won't see it running, but it's truly a sight to behold and if you take a tour, you'll learn all about how this rural technology helped feed the people of the area centuries ago.
11 Betsy Paterson Square
If you happen to be in Storrs for a festival, there's a good chance it's going to take place at Betsey Paterson Square. This central hub in the heart of the city is a vibrant part of the community. The summer concert series is particularly popular among locals. Even when nothing in particular is going on, people enjoy sitting here and students can often be spotted lounging in the sun with their homework.
12 The Whale Tea
What's a college student to do when they're running on no sleep after a night of studying and need to go to class? They head over to The Whale Tea, where a vast selection of caffeinated and flavored teas await. You don't have to be sleep-deprived and rushing to class to enjoy these drinks, though. Pop in for yourself and sip at the herby, aromatic teas they have to offer.
13 Gansett Wraps
If you've been busy exploring the city, you're bound to work up an appetite. That's where Gansett Wraps comes into play with a diverse menu of wraps and subs that cater to just about every flavor profile. Internationally inspired subs offer an additional twist to the traditional sandwich. Gyros, falafel, and all sorts of other options await, catering both to the vegetarians and meat eaters in the crowd.
14 Mansfield Hollow State Park
Escape into the great outdoors and feel the wilderness refresh you at Mansfield Hollow State Park. Recreational opportunities abound here, from fishing and hiking to boating and cycling down trails. The stunning landscapes that surround you are certain to make for memorable experiences and even better photo opportunities.
15 Mansfield Drive-In Theatre & Marketplace
By weekday, it's a drive-in theatre. On weekends, a marketplace unfolds. The Mansfield Drive-In Theatre and Marketplace may just be one of the most unique areas to explore in the Storrs area. It's particularly attractive for families and couples looking for something fun to do after a day of exploring. Drive in, pick up some snacks, and prepare to watch films the old-fashioned way under the stars from the comfort of your car's seat.
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