The best things to do in Southeastern Connecticut Planning Region

Looking for a legit 18-hole challenge with immaculately groomed fairways and greens and those welcome ocean breezes, New London Golf Course is a private spot for members and their guests. Not playing today? The Little Neck Restaurant is open to the public and overlooks the course.

From the New London newsletter, October 21, 2026

If you’re part of the SUBASE New London community, Dealey Center Theater delivers a legit big-screen fix with 38-speaker surround, crisp digital 2D and 3D, plus a full stage for events. Tickets are easy on the wallet and the popcorn is, too.

From the New London newsletter, October 16, 2026

Goose Run Golf Course keeps it relaxed with nine holes, par 34, no tee times, just first come, plus leagues, tournaments, and lessons to keep the swing honest. The Thames River backdrop makes even a double bogey feel scenic, so grab a buddy and chase a tidy round this week.

From the Ledyard newsletter, October 3, 2026

Mohegan Sun Arena keeps the calendar stacked with top headlining concerts, comedy, and WNBA action from the Connecticut Sun, all in a 10,000-seat setup that feels close to the stage. Grab classic arena bites and a legit drink selection, check the lineup and treat yourself to a midweek spark.

From the Norwich newsletter, October 2, 2026

Great Neck Country Club is Waterford's go-to for a well-kept, challenging 18-hole round, with ocean-kissed breezes and greens you actually want to putt on. Not a member? The Little Neck Restaurant is open to the public with golf-course views, and the club doubles as a polished spot for weddings and private events.

From the New London newsletter, October 9, 2026

Norwich Golf Club delivers an 18-hole, par-71 layout with undulating terrain that actually rewards smart shots, not just big swings. It’s public, playable for all levels with multiple tees, and backed by a solid pro shop, instruction, leagues, and a proper post-round bar and grill.

From the Norwich newsletter, September 30, 2026

When you need a local fairway fix, River Ridge Golf Course mixes a challenging 18-hole championship layout with views that actually make you forget about your slice.

From the Norwich newsletter, August 17, 2026

RoseGarden Ice Arena is where Norwich skaters of every stripe find their groove, from public skate laps and stick time to adult leagues, figure lessons, and the RoseGarden Ice Academy. It’s family friendly, well-run, and perfect for burning energy on a Tuesday or leveling up your edges.

From the Norwich newsletter, October 7, 2026

Knolls & Holes Miniature Golf & Ice Cream brings a legit 18-hole challenge with water hazards, sand traps, and those sneaky contours that make you second-guess every tap. Finish strong at the Scoop Shack for victory ice cream, because bragging rights taste better with sprinkles.

From the Norwich newsletter, October 16, 2026

5 miles of lakeside trails packed with 100+ life-sized dinos, then let the kids conquer T-Rex Tower, splash the Splash Pad, and escape A-MAZE-asaurus. The Dinosaur Place makes an easy weekend win for Norwich families and closet paleontologists alike.

From the Norwich newsletter, August 21, 2026

Whether you're chasing a birdie or just an excuse to escape yardwork, Mohegan Sun Golf Club delivers a polished course with full practice facilities, the Mohegan Sun Golf Academy, a Greenside Grille & Pub and a well stocked Pro Shop. Golfweek even ranks it among Connecticut's 10 best, so go treat yourself.

From the Norwich newsletter, August 12, 2026

Between two Rees Jones‑designed 18s, island greens, and those postcard views, Lake of Isles is where your Sunday round feels like a mini-vacation. Hit the Golf Academy with TrackMan and indoor studios to tune up, then stick around for a solid post-round meal overlooking the water.

From the Ledyard newsletter, October 1, 2026

Challenging, clean venue for 18-hole minigolf rounds through a gem-themed course featuring rock facts at each hole.

Mystic Aquarium is the rare spot where a random Tuesday can include beluga whales, African penguins, and sand tiger sharks, plus interactive exhibits and a lively sea lion show. It’s kid-energy burner, date-night wildcard, and legit local nonprofit doing real conservation work.

From the Ledyard newsletter, October 17, 2026

Round up your smartest friends this week and give your brain a proper workout at No Escape, where 60-minute immersive rooms pack in clever puzzles, hidden clues, and team-boosting challenges. It's not scary, no clowns, just that glorious collective aha when the lock pops and everyone high-fives like champs.

From the Norwich newsletter, October 15, 2026

Elmridge Golf Course is the nearby spot when you need real golf, not just range therapy. Thoughtful holes that reward smart shots, friendly vibes that don’t take themselves too seriously, and easy-to-rally tee times make it a go-to for post-work nines or weekend bragging rights.

From the Groton newsletter, October 18, 2026

Friendly par-3 course featuring 9 to 18 holes, plus golf carts.

Windham Golf Course pairs a well-kept public track with a heated Toptracer range for all-season reps, then hands you a seat at Fairways Bar & Grill on a deck overlooking the greens. Add indoor simulators plus legit space for banquets, weddings, and parties, and you’ve got an easy local go-to.

From the Mansfield newsletter, October 1, 2026

Settle into heated recliners, grab real-butter popcorn, and let Mystic Luxury Cinemas remind you why going to the movies is still a thing. or A.

From the Ledyard newsletter, September 30, 2026