Middletown
Middletown is centrally located in the state of Connecticut, along the Connecticut River, and just a two-hour drive from Boston and New York City. Middletown and nearby communities are rich in cultural and natural resources. Downtown Middletown, just three blocks from campus, boasts a diverse collection of restaurants ranging from Italian, Mexican and Japanese to Thai, Indian, Caribbean, Tibetan, and vegetarian—as well as a nationally famous diner that every self-respecting Cardinal has to frequent at least once!
O'Rourke's Diner
For a table laden with a basket of baked goods and a brunch menu of egg dishes by the dozen, line up early at O'Rourke's - the only destination on the strip to have been featured on the Food Network's "Diners, Drive-ins and Dives"728 Main Street
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Lan Chi's
This family-owned and operated Vietnamese restaurant lures customers in with refreshing green papaya salad, bowls of hot pho, and vegetarian specials like spicy tofu lemongrass.
505 Main Street
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Wesleyan Farmers' Market
Tomatoes anyone? When Wesleyan students grow into senior housing, the wood-frame house kitchen quickly rises to the top position among places where meals are enjoyed. Every year, top chefs veg-out at this student-run market at Long Lane Farm, where a bounty awaits.
Nora Cupcake
This "new generation" bakery focuses on artistic cupcakes made from nontraditional recipes. Try one of the 100+ flavors available.
700 Main Street
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Eli Cannon's
Offering fried pickles for all and beer for the over-21 set, this tap room has been "saving the ales since 1994." They boast 36 "real ales" on tap and a full menu.
695 Main Street
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Mondo
For crispy, thin-crust, brick-oven-baked pizza topped with locally made cheeses and locally grown garlic there is Zagat-rated Mondo, another family-owned favorite in the heart of Middletown.
10 Main Street
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Pedal Power
While Wesleyan's Outing club has its base on campus, in Out House (132 High Street), the programs it runs get a boost from places such as Pedal Power, a bike shop that organizes rides and clinics for road-and-mountain bikers at all skill levels.
359 Main Street
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Brew Bakers
Bagels and wraps for breakfast. Soups, salads, and sandwiches for lunch. Coffee anytime—indoors or out—in a booth, at a table, or on a couch.
169 Main Street
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Millers Pond State Park
About 15 minutes from campus by car, Millers Pond is a great spot for a cool dip on a hot day.
Foothills Road
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Metro Movies 12
The facade may scream "retro," but this complex features first-run flicks on a dozen screens.
140 Main Street
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Lyman Orchards
Homemade pies and pick-your-own apples, strawberries, and peaches at this 225-acre farm are a big draw for Wesleyan locavores.
32 Reds Gap Road
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Wadsworth Falls State Park
This state park offers hiking, mountain biking, stream fishing, picnicking, and photo-opping at the picturesque "Big Falls."
721 Wadsworth Street
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Oddfellows Playhouse
Founded by Wesleyan undergraduates in 1975, this highly active youth theater is still serving the community with current students' help.
128 Washington Street
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