Best of Connecticut 2018

August 29, 2018

Written by Erik Ofgang, Mike Wollschlager, Albie Yuravich and Greg Moody

Welcome to the third decade of the annual Best of Connecticut — our celebration of all the things we love about the state.

This year, for the first time since 2008, we’ve incorporated the things you love, too. In each of our three main categories — Food & Drink, Fun & Leisure and Shopping — look for designated Readers’ Choice picks. These are the winners of online votes in more than two dozen categories, from bars and tacos to movie theaters and hair salons.

Enjoy all the selections, and, as always, let us know what you think about the winners and any places that might have fallen through the cracks.

FUN & LEISURE 

Activities 

SPORTS COMPLEX

Chelsea Piers Connecticut, Stamford, 203.989.1000

The first time you step into this monstrous, 465,000-square-foot complex, you’ll be amazed at what can fit under one roof. Seven tennis courts, three swimming pools (one Olympic size), two hockey rinks, basketball and volleyball courts, turf fields, tracks, batting cages, a gymnastics training center and, somehow, even more. There’s also a juice bar, cafe, and bar and grill, because it’s pretty hard not to work up an appetite while you’re here.