This past Saturday, while my son was at a color guard camp on the UConn campus, I took advantage of the free time and decided to make a day of it in Storrs. I didn’t have much planned, but those often turn out to be the best kinds of days. Even though it was rainy, I enjoyed every moment, starting with a quiet walk around campus.
Peace and Stillness on a Rainy Campus Walk
With the students already gone for the summer, the campus was calm and quiet. I took a peaceful stroll around the grounds, umbrella in hand, and just let myself slow down.
There’s something reflective about wandering through a place that’s usually bustling with energy but now feels still and open. The rain made everything smell fresh, and the quiet gave me room to think. It was a great way to start the day.
Lunch at Blaze Pizza: My Favorite Cauliflower Veggie Combo
After my walk, I headed over to Blaze Pizza for lunch. I ordered my go-to: a cauliflower crust veggie pizza. I love how customizable their menu is, and the cauliflower crust is just the right amount of crispy. It’s one of my favorite spots to eat when I’m on or near campus. Quick, delicious, and satisfying.
Exploring the Benton Museum of Art
Next up: a visit to the William Benton Museum of Art. When I’m out on an adventure, I make sure to visit a museum or explore a historical site in the towns I’m visiting. The museum is free to the public and has a great balance of permanent pieces and rotating exhibits. I love that it’s not too big—you can take it all in without feeling like you’ve run a marathon.
One really fun feature: they offer a scavenger hunt that takes you around campus to find public art pieces. It’s such a creative way to engage with the university and notice things you might otherwise walk right past.
This is one of the pieces in the scavenger hunt. I saw it before I learned of the scavenger hunt, so it was fun to see how the museum and the campus are entwined.
I didn’t complete the whole hunt this time, but it’s definitely something I want to go back and do.
The Benton also offers a fun indoor scavenger hunt. Perfect for keeping things interactive and engaging, especially if you’re visiting with kids or just love a good challenge. It made exploring the museum feel even more personal and playful.
Current Exhibitions at The Benton
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Minnie Negoro: From Heart Mountain to UConn
January 21 – July 27, 2025
This exhibition highlights the life and work of Minnie Negoro, a Japanese American artist who was incarcerated at the Heart Mountain Relocation Center during World War II and later became a student at UConn. William Benton Museum of Art -
Encounters with the Collection: Art and Human Rights
August 27, 2024 – July 28, 2025
This exhibit explores themes of human rights through various artworks from the museum’s collection, prompting reflection on social justice issues. William Benton Museum of Art -
2025 Connecticut Women Artists National Open Juried Exhibition
May 30 – July 27, 2025
An annual juried exhibition showcasing diverse works by women artists from across Connecticut, celebrating their contributions to the arts.
To stay up to date with the latest exhibitions and events taking place at William Benton Museum of Art, be sure to visit their site and sign up for their newsletter.
Visiting the UConn Animal Barns
After the museum, I made my way over to the animal barns to see the horses. It’s one of my favorite parts of the UConn experience. The barns are open to the public and you can often spot cows, sheep, and horses just doing their thing around the fields.
There’s something so comforting about watching animals—it grounds me every time. I have my photography stool in my car all the time, so when I spotted the horses and the tree near them, I knew this would be the perfect place to sit for a little while and pass some time.
As I sat under the tree with my stool and my umbrella and these beautiful large animals, it reminded me of the horse yoga I did a few years ago. Horses are therapeutic and are often used for veterans and people with PTSD who have been through trauma.
I think I hung around the horse barn for over an hour! I was texting my friends and telling them that all I was missing was a glass of wine and a picnic lunch to eat under that tree!
Ice Cream at the UConn Dairy Bar
I wrapped up my campus visit with a scoop of Husky Tracks at the UConn Dairy Bar. If you’ve never been, it’s a must. The ice cream is made with milk from UConn’s own dairy cows, and it’s every bit as delicious as its reputation suggests. Rich, creamy, and totally worth the trip.
Ending the Day at Cassidy Hill Vineyard
To top it all off, I took a short 15-minute drive over to Cassidy Hill Vineyard in Coventry. It’s a charming spot tucked away just enough to feel like a getaway. The log cabin tasting room is cozy, and the wraparound porch has such a peaceful view of the vines. Even in the drizzle, it was a lovely, relaxing way to end the day with a glass of wine in a rocking chair on the porch.
If you’re looking for a simple and satisfying Connecticut day trip, this little loop near UConn is full of art, animals, good food, and quiet charm. Rain or shine, it’s a great way to explore the area at your own pace.
Follow along as I share more adventures around my home state! Connecticut is so beautiful all year round, but summer is one of my favorite seasons! Just this weekend kicks off strawberry picking season. Follow my social media channels for the latest posts and videos of fun, family-friendly things to do!
Haven you taken a tour of the UConn campus or surrounding areas? What are your favorite places to visit? Share them in the comments so I can check them out next time I’m there!