This is an amazing small business run by two wonderful local women. Mostly Nuts features grain free granola that always hits the spot. All of their mixes are gluten and grain free, and made with only the finest ingredients. Their many options can fit easily into a paleo or ketogenic lifestyle. My absolute favorite is their savory mix. It is made with the perfect blend of seasonings, and makes a delicious snack- either on its own, or sprinkled over a salad or avocado.
If you are looking for a quaint local place to grab a great cup of coffee or tea, a tasty breakfast or lunch, and make the kids happy with their huge frozen yogurt bar-this is the place for you! I love the fact that the coffees they use are organic, and that they have a great selection of teas to choose from. Their menu isn't extensive, but does feature a nice variety that is prepared quickly, and tastes amazing. The inside of the cafe is a nice mixture of restaurant and coffee shop, so it's perfect for doing a little work away from the office, meeting some friends for lunch, or bringing the kids for fro-yo while you enjoy a gourmet coffee.
This place is a true rockn' gem in Wallingford. While you sit in the dark themed restaurant, you get serenaded by the 80's and 90's rock and alternative music playing in surround sound. The black walls are adorned by locally taken pictures from rock concerts. The atmosphere itself is so great, and I haven't even gotten to the best part- their food! It is amazing! Their burgers are huge, their meat if fresh, and cooked to perfection, even the appetizers and sides are delicious. The menu is as eclectic as the atmosphere. The staff is friendly, and always right there when you need something. They also have a bar, which is a popular hangout for the locals. If you are ready to try some delicious food, and have some fun with friends- Knuckleheads is the perfect place to do it!
If you are looking for a great local place to grab lunch on the go, I highly recommend stopping by BMuse Cafe. They have limited seating, so we usually take out. BMuse Cafe is a quick, healthy, and convenient alternative to many of the fast food options available today in our area. They offer a variety of salads, soups, and sandwiches on a daily basis. Everything is freshly made to order. I personally love all the options they have for the salads, you could honestly eat there daily for weeks, and never have the same thing twice with all of their available items. The menu also includes many vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free items.
If you are looking for a place that serves a variety of delicious food, has a full bar, and a fun atmosphere- look no more! Located on State Street in North Haven, jroo's offers soups, salads, sandwiches and burgers, an array of appetizers, as well as many daily specials. The food has been prepared well each time I've visited, and the service has been top notch. If you choose to sit in the bar area, you will have the opportunity to catch your favorite team on one of the screens, or bring the family and dine in the restaurant area while enjoying a more laid back atmosphere.
If you are looking for a nice date night destination, or a quaint place to relax with friends, Rose Vineyards and Winery is the perfect place! Located in North Branford, it is easy to access, but gives the feeling of escaping your everyday hustle. There is comfortable seating indoors, as well as cozy patio options. The staff is friendly, knowledgeable, and welcoming. Even though the ambiance alone is enough reason to spend a few hours there- their hand crafted wine selection is top notch, enjoy some there, then get a couple of bottles to go. They also offer local hand crafted beer options, if wine is not your thing. When I went with a couple of friends, we sat there for a few hours, just relaxing and talking- we completely lost track of time, which as we all know, is a complete win!
Now that fall is here, going to the local farms is a great way to spend your day. Although I visit many different farms and orchards in the area year round, Fair Weather Growers is an absolute family favorite. Their fall festival is top notch- it includes a corn maze, pedal go carts, a hayride, jump pillow, grain corn pit, farm animals, a pumpkin patch, and more. One of the things I love the most is that it is reasonably priced, and admission includes all activities. I recently visited with my family, we stayed for almost 5 hours and truly enjoyed every moment.
Common Grounds is a local coffee shop that provides premium coffee, and delivers the highest quality of customer experience, while supporting the local community. I stopped into their location in Branford a couple of weeks ago and was amazed with the selection of coffees on their menu. I ordered a hot almond joy coffee, and it was delicious! My son was just as pleased with his fruit smoothie. We decided to skip the sweet treats, but they offered a huge selection of muffins, pastries, and other desserts- including some paleo items that looked delicious. The staff was courteous and knowledgeable, and there was ample seating options both in and out side. If you are looking for a great cup of coffee in Branford, Hamden, or Shelton, I highly recommend stopping in one of their locations.
Dr. Kate Glazer, and her team at Shoreline Children's Dentistry. I have been bringing my son to her office for a few years now, and he loves going to the dentist (it doesn't hurt that they are located next to Ashley's Ice Cream either). From the moment you walk into the office, you know it is designed with kids in mind. The office is full of bright colors, search and find wall decor, I-Pads for the kids to play on, as well as toys and books. When you bring the kids back for their cleanings and dental work, they get to lay back and either watch a show, or listen to music during the procedure. It's just a great environment that helps kids and parents feel at ease. If you are looking for a dentist for your little ones- I highly recommend Shoreline Children's Dentistry.
Whether you are looking to learn a martial art, get in shape, try out a group fitness class like kettlebells or kickboxing, or get your kids started in martial arts- you will not be disappointed! The owner and staff at CT Krav Maga & MMA are amazing, knowledgeable and very well trained. This business frequently raises money and awareness for local and national causes, and supports the local community. They are located at 5 Foxon Road in North Branford, right on the East Haven line.
This week I decided to pick a home service company that I recently used and was extremely impressed with. When we moved in to our new home last fall, we knew that we would like to properly fence it in, to give our puppy room to run. I knew of Guilford Fence, as the owners are big supporters of our towns Little League, and Paul was even my sons coach one year. When we had them come out to give us a quote, we felt like he understood our needs and had very fair pricing. We got it done in the winter, he gave us a 2-3 week time frame- then completed it within a week! I love a local business that under promises and over delivers! If you are in the market for a new fence, give them a call. They are located at 1880 Middletown Avenue in Northford.
My young son and I have been fortunate to be involved with this fabulous organization since it first opened its Northford location. Managed by Fran Murphy since day one; she inspires the volunteers with her kindness, always striving to make each person that walks through the door feel welcome. Summertime is a difficult time for food banks across the nation, due to less donations coming in, more families in need with the kids home for the summer, and many volunteers being unavailable. I feel blessed to see the difference that can be made with even the smallest of donations. Please consider donating food this summer to this organization- or to your local community food bank. Located in Northford center they are open Wednesday afternoon and Friday and Saturday late morning into early afternoon.
In honor of National Donut Day I wanted to recognize one of our families favorite donut shops. We discovered Neil's not too long after we moved up here, and it was definitely love at first bite! Everything is baked fresh and the filled donuts are filled to perfection. If you want to see the best selection of donuts and pastries, show up early, as they sell through quickly. So on Friday (National Donut Day) I highly recommend making a stop at Neil's to celebrate! They are located at 83 North Turnpike Road in the Yalesville section of Wallingford.