1. Doctor Mike’S Ice Cream
City: Bethel, CT
Category: Restaurants
Telephone: (203) 792-4388
Address: 158 Greenwood Ave.
Description: Named for Dr. Michael Burnham by his daughter, this Bethel ice-cream parlor has been run by Robert Allison since 1975. At first you might be confused: The parlor is around the back of an old house. Once inside you’ll find 4 rotating flavors (50 total) and 4 standards (chocolate, strawberry, vanilla, and chocolate lace and cream made with hard candy), all of which are made fresh. The ice cream here is unbelievably rich, with an average of 16 percent butterfat, with favorites like the rich chocolate using 24 percent cocoa butter and Bensdorf chocolate. Even though there are only a few tables, the parking lot is huge. There is another location at 444 Main St. in Monroe if you’re coming off the Merritt Parkway and can’t wait to eat.
2. Sycamore Drive-In
City: Bethel, CT
Category: Restaurants
Telephone: (203) 748-2716
Address: 282 Greenwood Ave.
Insider Pick:
Description: The Sycamore has been a locals’ secret since 1948, and it’s far enough from the highway system to remain that way. Its white, red, and green sign greets you from the road and invites you to drive up, roll down your window, and blink your lights for in-car dining. They have a full breakfast menu, and many locals come just for that. However, what made the Sycamore famous was its selection of classic road food, like the “French-style steakburgers” on buttered rolls. The Dagwood Burger is also a classic—hard to get into your mouth but delicious when you finally do. Get a Pot ’o’ Beans on the side, made the way the trail cooks made it during pioneer days. And try the homemade (secret recipe) root beer, too, served in frosty mugs. During the summer, they have “cruise nights” every Sat, with classic cars and music to accompany your delicious food.
3. Blue Jay Orchards
City: Bethel, CT
Category: Shopping
Telephone: (203) 748-0119
Address: 125 Plumtrees Rd.
Description: In the 18th and 19th centuries, Connecticut was absolutely blanketed in apple orchards, from which people made a delightful, mildly alcoholic cider drunk by adults and children alike. Today there are only a few farms left in the state (and especially in Fairfield County) with large apple orchards, and Blue Jay in Bethel is one of them. In 1934 the Josephy family bought this farm from the Weeds, and expanded it to its current size of 140 acres, now owned by the Pattersons. In fact, it was the first farmland preserved by selling development rights to the state. That means it must always stay a working farm. From Aug to Oct you can enjoy this treasure through pick-your-own apples, of which they have dozens of varieties. Their gift store is open until Dec, with gifts and baked goods, including, of course, apple pie.
4. Hauser Chocolatier
City: Bethel, CT
Category: Shopping
Telephone: (203) 794-1861
Address: 137 Greenwood Ave.
Description: These are chocolates made by a real Swiss chocolatier (Ruedi Hauser) right here in America since 1983. Recently, Hauser Chocolates became so popular that they had to expand to a factory in Rhode Island and boast a sizable online business, but the Bethel location is the original, and some of the chocolate goodies (including fudge) are made in a factory right behind this little shop. There are truffles, sauces, and chocolate-covered nuts and coffee beans. With Ruedi’s son now firmly at the helm, Hauser was the first father and son team to win Emeritus Awards from Confectioners International. This looks to be one of the great success stories of American artisanal creation. Check out the vintage ceiling in the charming shop, and pick up one of their boxed assortments for the chocoholic in your life.