Here is a list of some of the sweetest spots in Connecticut. Photo by Court Cook on Unsplash
From chocolate shops, authentic French bakeries and the best farm fresh ice cream around (you know what I’m talking about Huskies), Connecticut has something for every sweet tooth. With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, this is the perfect time to plan a sweet local road trip. Go with a date, friends or treat yourself this weekend; you deserve it.
1. Ovens of France, Woodbury
This is the next best thing to going to a bakery in France. If you can’t afford the plane ticket, but still crave an authentic chocolate croissant, check out Ovens of France in Woodbury. As soon as you step in the door, the aroma of freshly baked bread welcomes you. Among the variety of French pastries and baked goods include both sweet and savory flaky croissants as well as delicate macarons, eclairs and meringues.
2. Castle Hill Chocolates, Newtown
Cakes from local bakery in Connecticut. Photo courtesy of the author
Castle Hill Chocolates might be small, but they have a big variety of chocolates and candies. They feature gorgeous decadent truffles as well as uniquely packaged chocolates. They also sell chocolate from the Vermont Nut Free factory, which is a great gift for anyone with food allergies.
3. The UConn Dairy Bar, Storrs
This stop hardly needs an introduction. The best ice cream (in my humble opinion) is located right up by Horsebarn Hill at UConn. Their menu includes freshly churned ice cream and soda shop favorites like milkshakes and floats. They also offer special seasonal flavors and are currently selling Valentine’s ice cream cakes.
4. Deborah Anne’s Sweet Shop, Ridgefield
Ice cream, candy, chocolate and fudge are among the sweet treats to be found at this whimsical shop. Bright colors and funky decorations as well as old fashioned candy favorites, makes this a novelty stop.
5. Village Chocolatier, Guilford
The Village Chocolatier, located on the Guilford green, sells specialty chocolates, homemade fudge and Ben and Jerry’s ice cream. This charming shop is decorated with a striped awning, balloons and a bright pink door, resembling a classic candy store from the past.
6. Sweet Cupcasions, Milford
If you are a fan of buttercream frosting, this Milford bakery won’t disappoint. Owners Sue Schowerer and Darlene Delaney were even winners of “Cupcake Wars” on Food Network. I recommend sampling the “I Love Lucy” cupcake, a red velvet cake with cream cheese frosting and dark chocolate curls. They also offer gluten free cupcakes and a dog friendly “pup cake.” The pastel colors add to the sugar sweet atmosphere.
7. Milkcraft, Fairfield
Oven of France is a french bakery located in Woodbury. Photo courtesy of the author
This unique ice cream shop makes for a fun and tasty experience. The ice cream is made to order using liquid nitrogen and served in photo-worthy Hong Kong bubble cones. The flavors are also wild, including strawberry balsamic, s’mores campfire and milk and cereal.
8. Bridgewater Chocolates, Bridgewater
It’s hard to beat this well known local chocolate company. Bridgewater Chocolates was founded in 1995 by Eric Landegren, who moved to Connecticut all the way from Stockholm Sweden. The chocolates are described as “American-style with European quality ingredients.” With two factory locations, the original in Bridgewater and one in West Hartford, you can also find packaged chocolates at many retail locations across Connecticut.
I hope everyone has a sweet Valentine’s Day!
Kate Luongo is a campus correspondent for The Daily Campus. She can be reached via email at kate.luongo@uconn.edu.