Explore Middletown
A Small Town with Big City Amenities
Middletown Connections
Ongoing community engagement is a big part of a Wesleyan education and experience. You'll find incredible opportunities to make a meaningful impact through a wide variety of formal and informal civic activities (including volunteer work, internships, and service-learning courses), as well as nonprofit and business sector experience.
Wesleyan is a part of Middletown and Middletown is a part of Wesleyan.
Middletown by the Numbers
-
+47,000 Population of Middletown
-
42.3 Square Miles
-
2 Hour Drive to Boston or New York
Things to Do and See
Middletown and the surrounding towns offer many opportunities to get out and experience a variety of activities.
Pick your own apples, strawberries, and peaches at this 225-acre farm.
Grab some friends and catch the latest flick on the big screen at this retro-styled 12-theater complex.
Get out into nature. Featuring a 33-acre spring-fed pond, this spot is perfect for taking a dip, fishing, biking, hiking, or hunting.
Take in a show. This highly active youth theater was founded by Wesleyan undergraduates in 1975, and still has deep Wesleyan connections.
Take a hike! This park has 4.5 miles of varied trails and a beautiful waterfall. There is also a separate designated swimming and picnic area. You can also just relax in the shade or catch some fish.
Go for a ride. This local bike shop organizes rides and clinics for road-and-mountain bikers at all skill levels. They offer rentals, sales, and service.
Things to Eat and Drink
When it’s time to grab a bite, Middletown offers more than a few delectable choices. No matter what you’re in the mood for, you can find it here.
Perk on Main is a socially conscious café offering artisanal coffee and crepes made with local, organic ingredients. With sweet and savory crepes, sandwiches, and vegan and gluten-free options, it’s a cozy spot perfect for breakfast or lunch.
ION (It’s Only Natural) is a renowned vegetarian and vegan eatery. Celebrated for its innovative plant-based cuisine, ION offers a diverse menu and caters to various dietary preferences, providing gluten-free, soy-free, and nut-free options. With its commitment to organic ingredients, ION has become a beloved spot for those seeking flavorful and health-conscious dining experiences.
Eli Cannon's is a beloved brewpub offering over 35 rotating craft beers on tap, sourced from local breweries. The menu includes a variety of American pub favorites, while the eclectic interior and spacious outdoor patio create the perfect spot to unwind. Known for its community involvement, Eli Cannon's frequently hosts events and supports local initiatives.
Known for its delicious New York-style pizzas and local ingredients, Mondo is the perfect place for a relaxing meal. Offering a menu of creative specialty pies, classic favorites, and Italian-inspired dishes –there is something for everyone.
With a rotating menu of over 100 varieties, including vegan and gluten-free options, NoRA serves classic and creative cupcakes, cakes, and confections. With daily menu changes, there’s always something new to try. Be sure to stop by their sister shop, Al’s Ice Cream, right next door (open seasonally).
Located in the historic 1850s Pameacha Jailhouse, Harrie’s is a neighborhood sandwich shop and basement bar. Serving elevated comfort food and craft cocktails, it’s a local favorite for its intimate vibe and delicious offerings.
Bagels and wraps for breakfast. Soups, salads, and sandwiches for lunch. Coffee anytime—indoors or out—in a booth, at a table, or on a couch.
