Northern Connecticut offers great "guys getaway" weekend ideas

It appears that boys night out has now been expanded to a full weekend, eclipsing the night at the bar with travel to golf outings and activities that are both fun and healthful, most of the time. Taking a cue from groups like "women who wine," men are not to be left out of the fun and are concocting their own adventures. However, with gas priced over $4 a gallon and family budgets tightening, that guys getaway may be in jeopardy. But you may not have to skip your buddies weekend if you stick a little closer to home this year. Head south just a little Connecticut's Quiet Corner, the cluster of towns tucked into the Northeast corner of the Nutmeg state offers challenging golf, great fishing, kayaking and biking. Just off the beaten path, the area is untouched by development, big-box shopping and crowded roadways. Motorcyclists and cyclists can ride through this peaceful countryside, through Revolutionary War history (Lebanon), by historical textile mills (Windham), grist mills (Pomfret) and Victorian mansions (Willimantic); or they can take quieter routes by fields, farms and rivers. Golfers have their choice of many different challenging and beautiful courses (Brooklyn, Pomfret and more). Mountain bikers and hikers can take to the woods, and kayakers, canoers and fishermen to the beautiful meandering rivers (check out the state park directory online). Dine on rustic tavern fare or visit a local brewery or winery for lunch or dinner with liquid refreshment made on the property. Stay in quiet inns or save the B&B's for a romantic overnight another time and stay at a national chain like the Holiday Inn Express in Plainville. For thrill seekers . If you are feeling more adventurous, call ahead for a drive at Ken Bouchard's Driving School at Thompson International Speedway in Thompson. Serious thrill seekers can take a step even higher with Fun Skydiving in Danielson. For even more ideas for an affordable guys getaway, visit www.MysticCountry.com . Sample "guys' weekend" itinerary Accommodations: Inn at Tonmar, Pomfret (tel. 860-974-1583) Antique hilltop farmhouse with gourmet breakfast and wireless internet. Old Gurley Tavern Country Inn, Chaplin (www.oldgurleytavern.com ) Built in 1822 as a tavern, its rooms offer charm and air conditioning, some with fireplaces as well. Pets allowed. Bailey's By the Pond Bed & Breakfast, Brooklyn (tel. 860-774-3003) "City folks gone country." Pub and house dog on premises. Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites, Plainfield (www.hiexpress.com/plainfield ) For the non-B&B type. First Day: Eagle Rider Motorcycle Rentals, Plainfiel (tel. 860.564-7079) Cruise the open, scenic roads on a rental motorcycle. Take pastoral 169 up & scenic 44 back, or Silver Bike Co., Putnam (www.thesilverbikeco.com) Limited rentals available, so call ahead or bring your own. Bike shop can recommend a good route Routes 14, 97, 164 and 169 offer scenic cycling, or take an organized trip with Cycle New England. (www.cyclenewengland.com and select The Last Green Valley.) Lunch Options: The Courthouse Bar and Grille, Putnam (tel. 860-963-0074) Circa 1889 courthouse serving American style menu items such as "Opening Statements" and "Jailhouse Chicken." J.D. Coopers, Putnam (tel. 860-928-0501) Contemporary American food, lounge and sports bar style pub. Willimantic Brewing Co., Windham (www.willibrew.com) A restaurant and pub brewing over a dozen handcrafted styles of beer each month. Also offers over 20 different craft microbrews and award-winning wings. To perk up after lunch, try Fun Skydiving, Danielson (www.funskydiving.com) for adrenaline. Book jumps a few weeks in advance. Dinner Options: The Harvest, Pomfret (www.harvestrestaurant.com) Connecticut Magazine voted "Best" any style, any sauce steak. Gold Eagle Restaurant at the Laurel House, Dayville (tel. 860.779.7777) Fine dining at affordable prices. Pleasant, extensive menu. Connecticut Magazine awarded. Second Day: Skungamaug River Golf Club, Coventry (www.skungamauggolf.com) Voted 5th Best Public Golf Course in CT. Other options: Twin Hills Golf Club, Coventry (www.twinhillscountryclub.com) Picturesque with stonewalls, covered bridge and stone bridge. Putnam Country Club, Putnam (tel. 860-928-7748). 18 holes. Club rentals available. Restaurant onsite offering wine and beer. Raceway Golf Club, Thompson (tel. 860-923-9591) (www.racewaygolf.com) 18 hole, 71 par course with driving range and restaurant. Lunch Options: The Altnaveigh, Storrs (www.altnaveighinn.com) Well prepared American cuisine in a charming setting. Cozy Corner Restaurant, Brooklyn (tel. 860-774-2629), favored by locals; Angellino's Italian Restaurant, Mansfield (tel. 860-450-7071); Buster's River Edge, Thompson (tel. 860-923-2908) Family-style restaurant with a varied menu including burgers, pasta, BBQ and seafood. After lunch visit Westford Hill Distillers, Ashford (www.westfordhill.com) Producing aged brandies flavored by pears from their rare orchards. Tour and taste. Call first for hours or appointment. Dinner Options: Still River Caf , Eastford (www.stillrivercafe.com) An important restaurant, using only local products, including the organic ones they farm award-winning. 85 Main Street, Putnam (www.85main.com) A modern, sleek counterpoint American fusion cuisine artfully presented Third Day: Ken Bouchard's Driving School at Thompson International Speedway, Thompson (www.drivetovictorylane.com) Pro, street and modified stock car racing. Learn-To-Drive School. Check site for School dates. Lunch Options: Rustica, Woodstock (tel. 860-928-4440) Southwestern influenced cuisine a local favorite for ribs. Sweet Evalina's Stand, Woodstock (tel. 860-928-4029) A local favorite for home-style cooking; N.Y. style pizza on the menu Thursday Sunday. Open 7 days a week. Stoggy Hollow General Store and Restaurant, Woodstock Valley, (tel. 860-974-2889) A classic. Hearty sandwiches, pies and other assorted fare. Before you head home, go fishing at: Quinebaug Lake State Park, Killingly, (tel. 860-928-6121) Beautiful, clear water stocked with bass, yellow perch, trout and pickerel. Nickerson Campground, Chaplin (www.nickersonpark.com) for trophy-sized trout or Quinebaug Valley Trout Hatchery, Plainfield (tel. 860-564-7542) - one of the largest hatcheries in the East. Fly fishing arrangements can be made by calling Hush Fishing Co., Woodstock (toll free tel. 866-724-8618 or www.hushfishing.com ) They also sell rods and other gear. Note: You need a license to fish in Connecticut. Get one online before you go:https://ct.outdoorcentral.net/InternetSales/ The state has a helpful fishing site at www.ct.gov/dep .