Having a Christmas Dinner in Connecticut - Which Ones will be Open?

Everyone knows that whenever the holiday season comes, many eateries tend to close for a break as they too tend to go home to spend some time with family and loved ones. However, do not fret that you might not be able to enjoy a Christmas meal outside as there will be restaurants that stay open throughout the holiday season.

Classic Elegant Christmas Fare

Bus charter visitors who want to celebrate Christmas with an elegant meal can head over to Bernard’s at Ridgefield. This restaurant features two classically trained French chefs who can serve you a scrumptious Christmas meal. Some of the dishes served then would be like potato, leek and truffle soup, and truffle dumplings for starters. Bernard’s will be open on Christmas day from 1pm to 5pm, so make your reservations quick before there won’t be any space left!

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Going Italian in Connecticut’s Waterbury

Eating out in Connecticut’s Waterbury can be very confusing. As with many other busy city’s downtown metropolis, the options as far as restaurants, diners and cafes is concerned, is absolutely endless. One can only rely this much on the information given out at the tourist center because we all know that they are somehow promotional and some are paid advertisements. It doesn’t really tell you what to expect from the outlet. Therefore, the best way to get precisely what you want to experience during your Connecticut charter bus vacation is to rely on reviews and comments on the internet. Perhaps, downloading a reliable mobile phone app will work for you too.

Either way, we have a few Italian restaurant recommendations for our dear readers too. These are based on feedback from some of our Connecticut charter bus rental customers and event organizers that we regularly keep in touch with.

As far as restaurant and bar is concerned, Diorio, which is located on Bank St. in Waterbury comes in highly recommended and that is because they have their long history to give them the lift in the restaurant scene. Diorio’s began back in the 1920s when the owner of the restaurant, Rocco Diorio brought fine traditional Italian food to the people of Waterbury. The restaurant underwent some major revamps over the years, having closed for slightly more than a decade between 1980 and 1991. They came back with a huge bang after that after heavy renovations and restoration, the restaurant and bar brought back its former glory and continue to spread the tradition and endearing memories. And while there is never a shortage of raving reviews about Diorio’s main menu, the desserts sometimes steals the center stage.

And speaking of eating traditional Italian food, give Aldo of Italy a shot. This amazingly traditional eatery can be found on Sharon Rd. which is easily located especially if you making use of a Connecticut charter bus. Aldo’s been around for decades and has been handed out from father to son. What is interesting about the modern day Aldo of Italy is that the son has been making himself busy by attending culinary school. With his new knowledge, he has been said to be injecting the old traditional menu in Aldo with a little bit of fanfare, flair and creativity. From their extensive wine list to the traditional pizza, nothing is short of exceptional. The most important thing to note that their extensive menu and reasonable pricing.

Staying In at Inn At Mystic

Are you hunting around for a good, romantic and yet affordable place to stay during your charter bus Connecticut getaway? Perhaps, you are looking around for a good place to stay for your planned Honeymoon visit to Connecticut. In which case, we have a great recommendation for you.

Some of our charter bus Connecticut customers have many great things to say about their stay in Inn at Mystic which is a rather well-known honeymoon chalet and lodging of choice. In fact, they gained their popularity from a long time ago when Lauren Bacall and Humphrey Bogart chose this inn for THEIR honeymoon. Given the fact that the inn is a preferred choice of celebrities, it will make your stay here even more memorable.

Our charter bus Connecticut customers have described the spacious lodging as separated into five exclusive buildings, some of which overlooks the gorgeous and serene hillside and with Fisher’s Island Sound and Mystic Harbor serving as the perfectly natural backdrop. Waking up in the morning to such an amazing view during your honeymoon would make the trip completely unforgettable. There are limited number of rooms at Inn at Mystic, i.e. only sixty seven rooms that comes equipped with patios, fireplaces and spacious balconies, so be sure to book your accommodation early in order to avoid disappointment.

Other parts of the inn’s grounds are equally well-maintained and designed, as with the Gate House, East Wing and The Mansion area. Please do walk around to have a better look...especially the main building which serves as the central part of the inn. The concept for all main areas are chic leather, classy antiques, and elegant fabrics.

Gate House, in the meantime, features timed pieces, English-style paneling, romantic fireplace and classic antiques as a part of the theme and decor style.

The inn’s extremely romantic gardens and full service restaurant further enhances the mood as it is set against a beautiful pond and a small makeshift waterfall. It makes perfect sense to take long, languid strolls in the garden and waterfall after having dinner with your loved one(s).

Inn at Mystic prides itself in being able to accommodate rather large weddings as well, with their ballrooms and modern halls. Be sure to check with them on their website if the wedding venue is available on your date of choice.

Basically, if we were to describe Inn at Mystic in a few short words, it would be like ‘taking a journey down memory lane’. It is sometimes considered everything that is against modern and chic. And suffice to say, the feeling of stepping back in time is unforgettable when it happens during the magical months of your honeymoon.

Have a Bite at Louis’ Lunch

Have you ever wondered who invented the hamburger? Well, it certainly is not one of the fast food chains – at least from what we have been told. Hidden at 261-263 Crown Street, New Haven, Connecticut is where they claim to have first invented the hamburger. Whether this is true or not, what is more important is finding out just how good their burger is, so how about chartering a bus with your friends who also love burgers and head over to Louis’ Lunch and see for yourselves!

As you and your friends get down from your Connecticut chartered bus, you will notice Louis’ Lunch right in front of you and they are not like those huge fast food outlets that you are so used to seeing, but walk right in and place your order from their menu. The story behind their hamburger goes something like this – way back in 1900, one fine day, a gentleman had walked into Louis’ Lunch and asked Louis Lassen to prepare something that he could while on the run as he was in a hurry. Almost immediately, Louis prepared his own blend of ground steak trimmings in between 2 slices of toast and the gentleman went off on his way – and with that little incident thus began the era of hamburger sandwiches!

It may not be quite possible to trace the origin of hamburgers, but one thing that we do know is that the hamburgers served at Louis’ Lunch is unique and special – their hamburgers are served on toasted white bread, with cheese, onions and tomato. And we kid you not when we say that there is no need for anything else to be added into the burgers – none at all. No condiments, nothing – because they are that confident with the taste of their hamburgers that there is no need to “spice it up” or add flavor to it with any condiments.

The tradition of making yummy, mouth watering burgers that began with Louis Lassen still continues till this very day. Jeff Lassen, the great grandson of Louis still maintains the traditional ways of preparing the burgers - from it being made fresh daily and hand rolled from a blend of five meat varieties to cooking it in the original cast iron grills and as mentioned earlier, adding only cheese, onions and tomato.

One bite into the succulent meat of the burger, and you will soon realize why they hold firmly to their tradition of no condiments is to be added to their burgers. It’s so delicious that you may even want to pack some home to share them with your neighbors when it is time for you to go home in your chartered bus!

Marvellous menus in Mystic

Located just over 100 miles north of New York City by charter bus lies the Connecticut town of Mystic, known for its shoreline, beaches, dining and maritime heritage. Many charter bus visitors spend time visiting the Mystic Seaport, and frequent popular attractions that include the well-known Mystic Aquarium. Seafood plays a big role in the are's quality dining options. Many of the finest dining establishments in town boast harbor views and serve freshly prepared food. As with most top-rated restaurants, reservations are recommended when you’re planning on dining in Mystic while visiting with a bus, coach bus, party bus, mini bus, passenger coach or school bus chartered from Charter Bus Connecticut.

The Flood Tide is a spectacular restaurant located in the Inn at Mystic which boasts a view of Mystic Harbor and Fisher's Island Sound, and of Long Island and Montauk on a clear day. A firm favorite with Connecticut charter bus diners, it was awarded two accolades from the "Connecticut Magazine" Reader's Poll, and features an exhibition kitchen with a wood fired oven, grill and rotisserie. The restaurant serves French and Continental cuisine. It offers a fine cocktail-only menu, seasonal dinner menus, buffet luncheons and a plated dinner menu with several courses including cocktails and dessert.

Considered by charter bus visitors to be one of New England's "best historic and truly romantic inns," according to the Mystic Country website, Captain Daniel Packer Inne was built on the Mystic River more than 250 years ago. Originally owned by the Packer family, the restaurant was restored in the 1980s by the present-day owners, Richard and Lulu Kiley. Fresh local seafood is prepared daily, and the restaurant features live daily entertainment showcasing local talent. Featuring traditional New England decor, the rooms are intimately arranged, catering for charter bus diners wanting a little privacy.

Latitude 41° has a prime location right on the Mystic River and offers a pub setting for drinks and cocktails as well as a fine dining area. Depending on the season, the restaurant also offers al fresco dining. The restaurant's name signifies a state of being, and where charter bus visitors can find some of the best food in Connecticut. The restaurant features main dining rooms serving fine cuisine, as well as a more casual-style Shipyard Tavern. During the cooler months, charter bus visitors can relax in front of fireplaces, and during the warmer months enjoy al fresco dining. The restaurant also supports local farmers.

Dining in Mystic is made a thoroughly memorable experience with the help of the services of a charter bus from Charter Bus Connecticut. Charter Bus Connecticut promise friendly and efficient service, and a range of charter buses that can cater for the travel needs of any charter bus group.

Journey Through Connecticut

For a journey through Connecticut, sampling some of the best attractions the state has to offer, give Charter Bus Connecticut a call to find out how they can help you plan your trip with a selection from their fleet of charter buses and friendly, personalized service.Connecticut Compendium

Connecticut is packed with great things to on a family or adult charter bus vacation. There are scenic shoreline and country drives, antique shopping, world-class museums, historic sites, pretty walks, and plenty of activities for your charter bus adventure, and a great way to do it is with a bus, coach bus, party bus, mini bus, passenger coach or school bus chartered from Charter Bus Connecticut.  Travel through Connecticut in style and comfort as you and your charter bus group visit some of the best attractions this state has to offer.

Charter bus visitors can celebrate America’s rich heritage and cultural traditions through the medium of expression commonly known as visual art with a visit to the New Britain Museum of American Art.  Hosting over 5,000 American works of art in its walls, ranging from pre-revolutionary times to the present, the museum’s collection includes works of art as old as the year 1740 by influential American painters and artists that will give charter bus visitors a unique perspective on the development and nature of our country as we know it today. 

The oldest natural history museum in the world is located in Yale University, and easily reached by a charter bus visit. The functionality of Yale University ensures that the attractions located inside will be both academically and intriguingly satisfying, and the Peabody Museum of Natural History fits this to a ‘T’.  Head over there in your charter bus and gaze at the Brontosaurus and Stegosaurus which haunt the Great Hall of Dinosaurs.  Charter bus visitors can also see famous murals of lesser-known reptiles, and enjoy live animal exhibits and displays on the Native American culture, Ancient Egypt, and more.

The charter bus visitor with a love for aircraft has come to the right state, as Connecticut has what is not only the state’s only Air Museum but also that of New England, a region which has been instrumental in the development of American aircraft technology and facilities.  The museum houses a collection of 80 aircraft, some of which have immense historical value, in 3 huge hangers.  Exhibits include the history of Sikorsky Aircraft, early war aircraft of WWI, civil aircraft from the 1930's through the 80's, numerous computer-based flight simulators, and the 58th Bombardment Wing Memorial and B-29.  Additionally, there are exhibits on early French aviation, the Tuskegee Airmen, and a new exhibit geared toward children, KidsPort

Charter bus visitors to Connecticut will delight in the opportunity to visit Beardsley Zoo and see a multifaceted collection of species from around the world, focusing primarily on North and South American species.  The zoo contains several endangered species whose last remaining members this conservation facility is committed to preserving, and charter bus visitors are invited to find out more about conservation efforts.  Charter bus visitors can browse through the lush and exotic foliage of a tropical rainforest with free-flight aviary, as well as take a ride on the carousel and have a meal at the café or in a gorgeous picnic grove featuring a Victorian Greenhouse.

Odd times in Connecticut

With a history of human settlement predating the formation of the United States, or even early European settlement for that matter, charter bus travelers to Connecticut will not be surprised to learn that Connecticut has its share of oddities and quirky sights. Taking a charter bus, coach bus, party bus, mini bus, passenger coaches or school bus chartered from Charter Bus Connecticut, come with us a a charter bus ride for a view of the odd, the strange and the bizarre to be found in Connecticut.
Take a charter bus ride to East Haddam to visit Gillette Castle. This medieval style castle was built from fieldstone over a period of 5 years by actor and playwright William H. Gillette. Renowned for being the actor who played Sherlock Holmes on stage, Gillette was also a somewhat ingenious designer, who let his personality run free in the construction of his castle. Some of the quirks of this place include the castle’s 47 doors that each incorporate a different wooden puzzle lock, a set of hidden mirrors which allowed Gillette to view his guests in the living room from his bedroom upstairs and a 3 mile long miniature scale railroad.
Reputed for causing the death and financial ruin of anyone who owned this mansion, Dunnellen Hall in Greenwich is a short charter bus ride away from Hartford, Connecticut. Originally built by magnate Daniel Reid, this 28 room Jacobean mansion sits on 26 acres of land, and has 21,000 feet of living space. Gifted to Reid’s daughter and her family who lived there without incident till the 1950s, Dunnellen Hall was bought by Loring Washburn. Right after Washburn moved in, his financial empire quickly slid into ruin, and the property was bought by showgirl Dodge Moran in 1966, who then quickly sold it to financier Jack R. Dick. 3 years later Dick was indicted before a Grand Jury and died in 1974 before charges could be filed. The next owner was Ravi Tikkoo, who before the purchase had made his fortune in oil supertankers. Less than a decade later, he had also gone bust, forcing him to sell the property to the current owners, a couple you may have even heard of, Harry and Leona Helmsley. The Helmsleys were indicted for tax evasion, and Leona Helmsley served an 18 month jail term.
If you need proof that people have always loved the weird and bizarre, take a charter bus to Joseph Steward’s Museum of Natural and Other Curiosities in Hartford. Opened in 1797, making this one of the oldest museums in the United States, Joseph Steward’s museum is proof that even over 200 years ago, people loved to see the strange and the odd. Steward collected oddities after he realized that he needed something more to draw people into his art gallery and collected a number of “natural and artificial curiosities,” including an 18-foot Egyptian crocodile, the horn of a unicorn and a calf with two complete heads.
For a fun filled charter bus trip of Connecticut, give Charter Bus Connecticut a call to find out how they can help you plan your trip with their fleet of charter buses and friendly, personalized service.

Art and Science

If you are traveling through Hartford, Connecticut on a charter bus, coach bus, party bus, mini bus, passenger coaches or school bus hired from Charter Bus Connecticut, there are two places your group should stop at, especially if you are leading a group of school age children. They are the Connecticut Science Center, and the Mark Twain House and Museum.
The Connecticut Science Center holds 150 interactive exhibits and a state of the art digital 3D theater. It also has for educational labs, and daily events and programs. A short charter bus visit to the Connecticut Science Center promises a fun-filled, educational, exploration experience for all members of the family.
Opened in 2009, the Center houses exhibits on items such as Strange Matter, Sight and Sound, Space Exploration, River of Life, Energy City and Planet Earth. The exhibits cover our world from the smallest things such as atoms, to entire ecosystems covering our planet.
The Connecticut Science is located at the corner of Columbus Boulevard and Grove Street in Hartford is an interesting charter bus tourist destination and it is great to know that they are open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. General Admission tickets, including a movie, are $19 for adults and $14 for children aged 4 to 17. Other ticket discounts are available for senior citizens, serving members of the military, educators, museum professionals and college students. Groups of 15 or more purchasing tickets in advance are eligible for group discounts.
Mark Twain, a.k.a. Samuel Clemens, is one of the towering figures of American literature, with a body of work beloved by children and adults. A charter bus visit to the Mark Twain House and Museum will give fans and tour bus visitors an insight into his life and his work.
The Mark Twain house was built in 1873 at the orders of Samuel Clemens and his wife Olivia. Designed by architect Edward Tuckerman Porter, the house was built with strong inputs into the design by both Clemens and his wife. It most resemble a Mississippi riverboat, on which Clemens had worked, and had based much of his writing on.
Make a quick charter bus stop to see how amazing this place is which measures approximately 11,500 square feet, it has 25 rooms. The house was built with many modern conveniences that were innovative for the time. The rooms were lit by gaslight, and it has seven bathrooms that have cold and hot running water and flush toilets. Heating was piped through the house from furnaces in the kitchen, at a time when most houses relied on traditional fireplaces for heating. An early model of the telephone system was installed, as was a battery operated burglar alarm system. The interior of the house was furnished by Tiffany & Co.
Visitors to the House and Museum can view a selection of Mark Twain’s writings, personal correspondence, clothing and other memorabilia. A reference library is open by appointment. The Mark Twain House and Museum is open Monday to Saturday, 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Sunday from 12:00 noon to 5:30 p.m. Admission is by guided tour only. Charter bus visitors who are coming in groups are advised to make reservations for a suitable guided tour time slot. Tickets are $16 for adults and $10 for children aged 6 to 16. Senior Citizen tickets are $14. 
If you need to visit some of Connecticut’s tourist attractions, and need to hire a charter bus, coach bus, party bus, mini bus, passenger coaches and school bus, give Charter Bus Connecticut a call for our friendly, efficient, personalized service.

Travel at its best with a charter bus Connecticut

Worried about a budget? It is very economical to book a charter bus. The prices of fuel make driving together in a caravan an expense option. And of course air fare is no longer a reliable or cost efficient way to travel. In the present, traveling by coach charter bus is now more budget-friendly than ever.

We have streamlined the process for charter bus Connecticut booking. You only need to contact our service professionals and tell us how many people will be traveling so we can help you choose the best charter bus size to fit your travel needs. Then we need to know when you'd like to make your trip so we can set up a driver and hold a bus for your group. And last but not least, we need to know where your group would like to go. You can go to any point within a city or across the country, the choice is yours. Choose multiple stops or make it for one single destination to another.

Connecticut is a place many people drive through and quickly forget. John Denver’s lyric, “traveled by many remembered by few”, could easily have been written about the highways of the Nutmeg State. Set midway between New York and Boston, Connecticut stretches from the Long Island Sound to the Litchfield Hills and offers the visitor plenty of opportunities to escape the hectic pace of city life. Take a trip to Mystic Connecticut. Mystic Seaport, recreates a 19th-century coastal village where you can explore tall ships and see antique vessels being restored, using traditional tools and methods, in a preservation Shipyard. Beluga whales, seals and dolphins can be seen at the nearby Mystic Aquarium.

The New England Air Museum at Bradley International Airport covers aviation history from the Wright Brothers. A wide selection of aircraft of all ages can be seen, and various artifacts and memorabilia enhance the displays. Like anywhere in the US, retail therapy is never far away. Danbury Fair Mall and West farms Mall at Farmington are the largest malls in Connecticut. Outlet shopping can be found on the coast at Clinton Crossing and the Tanger Outlet Center at Westbrook.

Comfort when traveling is another high priority for our customers. Our charter buses are designed to give the ultimate in a comfortable ride. Depending on the size of the charter bus that your group will require, your charter bus may have a state-of-the-art sound system, DVD player, CD player, restroom facilities and each and every bus will provide a comfortable ride. Choosing to travel with a charter bus Connecticut will be the smartest choice you and your group will ever make.

Halloween in Connecticut

New England is filled with tales of spooks and ghouls, especially around Halloween, some of them best experienced in a charter bus or mini bus for kids and grown-ups alike. Truth be told it’s no different from any other American town but it’s so much fun to listen to the stories and spook ourselves out.

Luckily, traveling in with bus charter service from Charter Bus Connecticut is no spooky trip and you can rest assured that our trained staff do everything under their power to ensure that you enjoy every trip, in living color.

If you’re hungry for some frights, The Captain Daniel Packer Inne, a popular restaurant in Mystic, serves up authentic New England fare. The owner’s 7-year-old niece, Ada Clift, who was struck by scarlet fever and died at the Inne, has been known to befriend young children who dine there. This story scares and yet excites some of our loyal party bus and charter bus rental regulars.

For something a little but spooky, but just as scary, visit The Witch’s Dungeon Classic Movie Museum in Bristol where you can see life-size replicas of horror movie superstars such as Boris Karloff, Vincent Price, Bela Lugosi and Lon Chaney. Some people say that the voice-tracks by Vincent Price, Mark Hamill and John Agar are even spookier than the replicas. We leave you to judge that when you make a party bus tour trip there to see it for yourself.

Pay a visit to the first chartered burial ground in the country at New Haven Burying Ground/Grove Street Cemetery. Free one hour walking tours are given on Saturdays you can also get a brochure with a map identifying many of the eminent buried in the cemetery. If this isn't your cup of tea, we reckon that staying in the charter bus, party bus or mini bus with the music on full blast will be a better choice.

If you prefer something a little more exclusive, try booking a by appointment only tour with New Haven Crypt Tours. The guide will take you to a unique historic crypt located in the basement of The First Church of Christ that bears tombstones that date back to 1687. 

Last but not least, no Halloween trip to New England would be complete without a visit to the Lockwood-Mathews Mansion. Visit this bus tour attraction which is a 62-room ‘country cottage’ was featured as one of A&E’s America’s Castles and was the perfect setting for filming the Gothic soap series Dark Shadows.

So avoid the headless horseman and ride Charter Bus Connecticut for a safer, less spooky experience this Halloween.

Kid-friendly Destinations In Connecticut

It’s time to drag the kids away from their toys and iPads, and get out a little more. If you’re gifted the luxury of a long weekend, charter a bus down to Connecticut to explore its many beautiful, fun and interesting places and activities for families to enjoy and have a good time together. There are plenty for the children and no less for the moms and dads just as well. To help you kick start ideas on what to do in Connecticut, here are a few:

Go to the safari
Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo in Bridgeport features more than 300 animals, including rare ones like Siberian tigers, ocelots, red wolves and prairie dogs. Their eclectic array of animals are complimented by creatures of comfort, for instance the Victorian-style hand-carved carousel and a petting barnyard with goats and bunnies. Getting hungry? Stop over at the onsite Peacock Café. Sounds like a rather wholesome day, doesn’t it?

See the dinosaurs
There’s something about dinosaurs that fascinates quite possibly every kid around. If you’re travelling with children, the Rocky Hill’s Dinosaur State Park is a must visit. Showcasing over 500 authentic sandstone dinosaur tracks, it boasts to be one of the largest collections of preserved Jurassic tracks on the continent. For most kids who have seen Jurassic Park, surely it’ll be a memorable experience to witness the actual fragments of the once mighty dinosaurs. Before you leave, drop by at the museum’s casting area to make a trip souvenier, perhaps a plaster cast of a Eubrontes footprint? Or if you’re lucky, a Velociraptor claw.

Time-travel to the past
Okay, maybe not literally, but the back-to-the-past museum, Timexpo: The Timex Museum, does make for a very interesting experience. Here, you’ll learn the history of the company from the 1850s to the present. In the museum shop, you can find all manner of watches, along with miniature clocks and collectibles. Always a visitor’s favourite! Though the highlight of the place is reserved for a time tunnel journey to view an exhibit about Thor Heyerdahl (1914-2002), the Norwegian adventurer who sailed 4,300 miles on a balsa wood raft from South American to the Tuamotu Islands in French Polynesia. Yes, you read that right, alright!