On Track Karting Wallingford (984 N Colony Rd)
Hoping to find a competitive and fun activity to do with your friends on the weekend? Located on North Colony Road, On Track Karting offers customers an authentic racing experience. It provides sophisticated timing and scoring services, so customers can focus solely on the thrill of racing their advanced, gas-powered karts along the twists and turns of the indoor track. Usually, On Track Karting runs eight-minute heats, where up to 12 adult or junior participants attempt to complete as many laps as possible and are ultimately ranked based on their best lap time. The price for each driver’s first race of the day is $25, with an additional $20 per every following race, but On Track Karting has a rewards program that offers customers one free additional race after completing eight. Even better, On Kart Tracking provides all necessary equipment, so you can just show up ready to have fun!
Iron Chef (930 N Colony Rd)
For anyone craving an authentic Japanese meal, Iron Chef is the perfect place to go. Offering a wide variety of choices, Iron Chef has been a staple restaurant among Choate students since its opening in 2002. The restaurant hosts multiple hibachi dining tables, a comfy bar, and a quiet dining room. The signature hibachi dining tables allow for guests to enjoy their dinner being cooked directly in front of them by experienced, charismatic chefs. Guests deciding to enjoy a meal at Iron Chef are guaranteed to experience fresh, high-quality food at a reasonable price.
Bowlero (980 N Colony Rd)
Less than a ten-minute car ride away, Bowlero: Bowling Alley, Party Venue & Sports Bar stands proudly in all of its bright and neon glory. This Choate hotspot features 40 bowling alleys, an arcade, an on-site pro shop, a sports bar, private rooms, and a massive lounge area. Known for its weekly special deals, including an unlimited bowling Night Strike for only $17.49 or a Triple Play night with $3.33 rentals, Bowlero makes for a perfect weekend hangout spot for those looking to wind down and have some fun with friends. As a dorm-bonding experience, Tenney House visited for an exciting night of bowling. Tenney Resident Joshua Ramon ’24 commented, “It was a great opportunity and a super fun way to connect with other members of the house I had not met in the dorm yet. The environment, setup, everything was amazing, and I had a lot of fun.”
Wallingford Garden Market (78 S Elm St)
Located in Doolittle Park, Wallingford Garden Market is a certified farmers market selling a medley of fresh and authentic products – vegetables, fruits, bread, meats, cheese, drinks, and more. Various events are hosted throughout the year, such as corn shucking and potato sack races during National Farmers’ Day (October 12) or features of various cheeses during National Cheese Day (June 4). According to Mr. Jon Scagnelli, the supervisor of the market, “The overall goal of this market is to provide our community not only a gathering place but also gives a centralized location to shop local, small farms and businesses. It’s important to support our local agricultural community.” Open on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. April through October, the market is home to good food, drinks, and local businesses that are worth checking out!
Green Kettle Coffee (208 Center St)
Looking for some joe beyond the Lanphier Cafe? Wallingford’s two newest cafes – Cafe Luca Belle and Green Kettle Coffee – are just weeks away from opening! Run by Amanda DeLuca, Cafe Luca Belle is named after her children, Luca and Belle. Green Kettle Coffee is owned by Kristen Gilbride, sister of former Choate Chinese teacher Ms. Amanda Gilbride. Both stores offer a variety of beverages, from coffee to tea and hot chocolate, along with a range of delicious bagels and pastries.
