I’m not a gambler, so at first, I didn’t jump at the idea of a weekend at Foxwoods Resort Casino in Connecticut, but when I heard comedian Seth Meyers was performing on a Friday night, I was on board. After a relaxing — and very funny — 24 hours at the casino, I’m happy to report I’d go back. Here’s how to plan a getaway to Foxwoods focused on great food, adventures and relaxation rather than the poker table.
Highlights
- Non-Gambler Travel: How to plan a trip to Foxwoods Resort Casino for non-gamblers
- Top Dining Spots: Where to eat at the resort including Martha Stewart’s restaurant
- Relaxation and Thrills: Zip-line off the hotel roof, shop Tanger Outlets or book a spa treatment
- Live Entertainment: Why pairing your getaway with a live performance makes for a great trip
- Weatherproof Resort: How connected indoor hallways make it an ideal New England getaway in any season
Editor’s note: The writer was hosted.
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Why Go to Foxwoods if You Don’t Gamble
Property: Foxwoods Resort Casino | Address: 350 Trolley Line Blvd, Mashantucket, CT 06338 | Phone: (800) 369-9663 | Hours: Open daily, 24 hours
You don’t have to be an avid poker player to enjoy a weekend at Foxwoods. In fact, the sprawling Connecticut campus has something for everyone, including kids. Shop at the Tanger outlets attached to the casino, spend the afternoon splashing around at the outdoor pool or book a spa appointment. And when you’re ready to really get your blood pumping, jump off the hotel roof on the zip-line.
If you’re skipping the casino, here’s how I’d spend a fun 24 hours at Foxwoods.
SheBuysTravel Tip: Plan your visit around a show. The resort hosts musical artists, comedians and other performers every week, but most are only in town for just one night!
Zip Over the Forest Canopy
If you’re visiting in the warmer months, book a slot for the HighFlyer Zip Line. Tickets start at $67 for off-peak times and sessions leave at regular intervals throughout the day from the casino floor.
When it’s time to fly, the staff will bring you to the roof (yes, the roof!) of the hotel, where you’ll be strapped into a harness and set free. The zip line soars over a lush forest canopy. When you land, a shuttle will return you to the casino (it’s about a five-minute drive).
SheBuysTravel Tip: You can reserve a time slot when you arrive or book in advance on the HighFlyer website.
Visit the Outdoor Pool
Now that your adrenaline is pumping, take a moment to relax by the pool. The staff offers towels when you check in, but be ready to hunt for a chair on a hot day.
And don’t forget your sunscreen — there isn’t much shade on the pool deck.
SheBuysTravel Tip: The staff will not allow outside food or drink at the pool, so have a snack ahead of time.
Get in Some Retail Therapy
After a refreshing poolside drink or dunk, take a stroll through the Tanger Outlets for some window (or actual) shopping. Stores include Gap, Coach and Brooks Brothers. There are regular sales and you’re bound to find a good deal.
SheBuysTravel Tip: The stores stay open until 9 PM on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.
Enjoy Dinner at Martha’s House
At this point, you’ve no doubt worked up an appetite and dinner is on the horizon. I highly recommend The Bedford, which is a newer restaurant on the property with Martha Stewart’s name attached. The interior is designed to resemble Martha’s Bedford, New York, home and it’s just as tasteful and cozy as you’d imagine.
SheBuysTravel Tip: Try to grab a table in the green room, where the windows are actually LED panels that occasionally display Martha trotting past on her horse.
Catch a Show
After dinner, it’s show time. From stand-up comedy to musical performances, you’re bound to find a worthwhile performer on the Foxwoods lineup. Seats are assigned, so there’s no need to rush to the theater after dinner (plus, the restaurant is about a two-minute walk away).
SheBuysTravel Tip: Most performers come for just one night, so check the show schedule in advance.
Sleep it Off and Catch Breakfast in the Morning
After a restful night in your room, choose a new spot for breakfast (or, copy my lead and head straight back to The Bedford for a delicious omelet or buffet). Junior’s and The Sugar Factory are also open for a sit-down breakfast, or you can grab something to go at one of several Dunkin’ locations.
SheBuysTravel Tip: If you’re an early riser (or night owl), the Dunkin’ location in the Grand Pequot Casino is open 24 hours.
Visit the Spa Before Check-out
Make the most of the morning before check-out with a trip to the spa. Foxwoods has two: The Norwich, located in the Peqot Tower, and the G Spa. The G Spa has a small but lovely (and very quiet) indoor lap pool, which you can access with a $90 day pass or any spa treatment.
I visited the G Spa for a great massage and recommend arriving early enough to enjoy the large hot tub. The spa also offers facials, hair services and body treatments.
SheBuysTravel Tip: A small but well-equipped fitness center is adjacent to the spa for a pre-massage workout.
Frequently Asked Questions
Connecticut is beautiful in the summer and fall, especially as the foliage turns. However, the Foxwoods campus is designed so that you never really have to step outdoors. The outlets, casino, spa and two towers of hotel rooms are all connected by a series of long hallways. So it’s also a great refuge from a blustery New England winter.
Yes! I was surprised by how accommodating the resort is for kids. In fact, while I was there, Foxwoods hosted a large dance competition for pre-teens and younger. Kids enjoyed the pool, an arcade and a bowling alley. The restaurants are also largely kid-friendly, including Junior’s and The Sugar Factory. However, as a mom of a one-year-old, I think it’s better for kids who are out of the toddler phase.
Yes, two large parking garages are easily accessible to both the main casino and the attached Fox Tower Hotel. Both are free.
During busier times of year and on weekends, I would make reservations to ensure a table. That said, the Foxwoods restaurants are quite large, and you shouldn’t have trouble finding dinner without a reservation, though it might not be at your first choice.
Foxwoods is about two hours by car from Boston, two and a half to three hours from New York City and about one hour from Providence. Of course, exact estimates depend on traffic conditions.
The location makes Foxwoods a great weekend or one-night getaway for city dwellers.
Read More:
- The Un-Casino Reno: My Perfect Day Exploring the City’s Vibrant Heart
- 18 Awesome Things to Do in Connecticut
- From Greenwich to New Haven: The Best Places to Visit in Connecticut
- 14 Family-Friendly Las Vegas Hotels That Make Vegas Fun for Kids, Too
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