Connecticut - 50 Great Things To Do in Connecticut

Ten Great Things To Do in New Haven/South Central Connecticut

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African Penguins: Not Just for Africa

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It’s a fishy world at the Maritime Aquarium on North Water Street in Norwalk, where visitors can examine sharks nose-to-nose, and enjoy close-up visits with seals, river otters, sea turtles, jelly fish, sponges, crabs, sea stars, reptiles and more. New in 2009 is an exhibit of African penguins. They waddle comically on land but swim gracefully in the water, all while dressed in formal attire. The penguins will be stealing hearts daily in an outdoor display on the Aquarium’s riverfront courtyard. Phone: 203-852-0700.

Ambler Farms Welcomes the Public to
Stop in and Enjoy Farm Life

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Ambler Farm, at 257 Hurlbutt Street in Wilton is a 200-year-old farm now managed as a working farm, educational resource, and open space for the benefit of the entire community. Repair and preservation of the red barn, ice house and white carriage barn is complete. People are welcome to drop in any time to walk, visit the animals, stop by the farm stand, spread a picnic. Adults and kids can watch the sheep-shearing; learn to knit and do other traditional crafts; enjoy the maple syrup harvest; and much more. Annual special events include Ambler Farm Day, the Art of the Wreath Party, Holiday Greens Sale, Valentine’s Tea, and the Summertime Barbecue. New events are in the works. Open every day of the year from dawn to dusk. Phone: 203-834-1143.

Antique Shopping Is a Dream in Stamford

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Stamford, just a hop and a jump from the New York border, is a beehive of antiques stores, and a place where antiques lovers could get lost and put a grave dent in the checkbook. Among the places that are named in the upper strata of Stamford antiques shops are the Accessory Store on Jefferson Street; Harbor View Center For Antiques on Jefferson Street; Mid Century Antiques on Pacific Street; Greenwich Living Antiques-Design on Canal Street; Hamptons Antique Galleries on Canal Street; Hiden Galleries on John Street; Connecticut Antiques Center on Canal Street; and John Street Antiques Center.

Artwork Down on the Farm

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Weir Farm National Historic Site on Nod Hill Road in Wilton is one of two national historic sites that preserves and displays a place for the visual arts. (The other is the Saint-Gaudens National Historic Site in Cornish, New Hampshire.) From 1882 to 2005, Weir Farm was the home and workplace of three generations of painters, starting with J. Alden Weir. Visitors today can view the Weir home and studios, take guided walks of stone walls and painting trails, and enjoy the rotating art exhibits. The grounds are open year-round; hours at the Visitor Center vary seasonally. Phone: 203-761-9945

Be Ready to Stomp the Divots

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Here’s a fun outdoor adventure to tuck into your weekend calendar for September. The Greenwich Polo Club at 80 Field Point Road in Greenwich hosts public polo matches on Sundays in June, July, and September. The grounds open at 1 p.m. and matches begin at 3 p.m. Feel free to arrive early and tailgate. Pack a picnic lunch and bring a blanket or chairs. Children are always welcome, and so are dogs as long as they are kept on a leash. Attire is casual or garden party chic. During breaks in play, it is traditional for spectators to go onto the field and stomp down the divots, thank you very much. Check the club’s website for details.

Beautiful Babies of Beardsley

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Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo on Noble Avenue in Bridgeport is a wonderful place to visit; your hosts are more than 300 animals from North and South America. Among the great exhibits are the South American rainforest with free-flight aviary, a prairie dog residence with pop-up viewing areas, a New England Farmyard, and a walk along the hoofstock trail, featuring bison, pronghorn, deer and more. Before you leave grab a bite at the Peacock Café or take a ride on the carousel. Phone: 203-394-6565.

Boothe Memorial Park Offers
Outdoor Fun Through the Seasons

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Boothe Memorial Park & Museum on Main Street in Stratford sits on an idyllic, 32-acre site in the north end of Stratford by the Housatonic River, which was the estate of the Boothe family for many generations. There are many architecturally unique buildings and attractions on the grounds as well as a new, handicapped-accessible playground with two climbing walls. The annual Great Pumpkin Festival is a huge attraction in the fall, while outdoor concerts and Shakespearean plays beckon visitors in the spring and summer. Tours of the historic buildings are seasonal (May - October). The park is open and free of charge year round. Phone: 203-381-2046.

Cabaret and Off-Broadway at the Fairfield Theatre

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Fairfield Theatre Company is a place to watch for an astounding variety of live stage entertainment. Since it opened at 20 Sanford Street in Fairfield, Fairfield Theatre Company has presented over 200 performances of eight theatrical plays directly from their original Off Broadway runs. FTC is also becoming known as an intimate venue for concerts. Among the performers slated to appear in 2010 are Simon Felice, Turbine, Corey Chisel, King for a Day, Sam Weiser, Jason Reeves, Willy Porter, The Disco Biscuits, Graham Parker, and many more. The theater also hosts a periodic cabaret series. Phone: 203-259-1036.

Check All Stones at the Door

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Built in 1949 by experimental architect Philip Johnson, the Glass House in New Canaan features exterior walls of clear glass. This remarkable home became a National Trust Historic Site following the architect's death in 2005. Philip Johnson's Glass House is now open to the public for tours daily except Tuesdays through November in 2010. The Visitors Center, 199 Elm Street, is located across the street from the Metro-North train station in New Canaan. Tours begin at the Visitor Center. Phone: 203-594-9884 ext. 0

Connecticut Art Trail: Fairfield Region

Here is a project that can keep you busy year-round: explore the 15 world-class museums and historic sites that comprise the Connecticut Art Trail. The trail meanders among historic sites, bucolic farms, art studios and artists' houses to grand and modern art museums in vibrant downtowns. The trail includes a feature called Trail Getaways that presents recommended itineraries along with helpful suggestions for nearby places to visit and dine. In the Farifield region, the trail includes Bruce Museum in Greenwich, the Bush-Holley Historic Site in Cos Cob/Greenwich, the Weir Farm National Historic Site in Wilton/Ridgefield, and the Center for Contemporary Printmaking in Norwalk.

Dairy Treats Served
With Moo-sical Entertainment

Stew Leonard's , with stores in Norwalk, Danbury, and Newington, is a dairy store abd more. Offerings include wine, cheese, meats, produce, fish and a packed calendar of cooking events. Other attractions at Stew Leonard's are its milk processing plant, costumed characters, scheduled entertainment, petting zoo, and other fun for children. A favorite entertainment for younger visitors is the Farm Fresh Five, a band of state-of-the-art animatronics that that entertains the kids while adults shop. Phone: Norwalk, 203-847-7214; Danbury, 203-790-8030; Newington, 860-760-8100.

Fast Pups

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Shoreline Star Greyhound Park & Entertainment Complex on Kossuth Street in Bridgeportcalls itself home to the best thoroughbred, harness, greyhound and jai-alai simulcast action in the country, offering live greyhound racing (seasonal) and year-round simulcast wagering on Thoroughbred and harness, greyhounds, and jai alai. The complex opens daily at 11:30a.m. Watch and wager on the best thoroughbred, harness, greyhound and jai-alai action in the country. Watch and wager on jai-alai in the Cancha Theatre with stadium-style seating. At mealtime, action moves to the complex’s two restaurants. Free admission and parking. Open daily. Phone: 203-576-1976.

Sports in All Seasons

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The SportsCenter of Connecticut on River Road in Shelton doesn’t give a darn about the weather. This covered and weather-protected facility offers a golf practice range, 18-hole miniature golf course, baseball and softball batting cages, laser tag arena, bowling, and the world’s only double-decker ice arena. You like sports? Now, inclement weather doesn’t need to slow you down. Phone: 203-929-6500.

Treasures of Nature; Treasures by Man

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The truly beautiful and inspiring Bruce Museum in Greenwich offers a first-class mixture of exhibitions in the arts and sciences. A Connecticut gem’s holdings include 15,000 objects in fine and decorative art, natural history and anthropology. Special features include environmental galleries, a marine touch tank, educational workshops, museum store.Phone: 203-869-0376

Beautiful Oasis in the City

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Bushnell Park on Trinity Street in Hartford is a wonderful public sanctuary that merits a full-day visit. The park is home to a carousel that dates from 1914 – the golden age of these structures that combine artistry, magic, and simple fun. For people who love the artistry of nature, Bushnell Park is an urban arboretum of rare and native trees. Visitors can pick up a brochure and take a self-guided walk of magnificent trees from many parts of the world. The park also has beautiful fountains, statues, a pond, and a performance pavilion. The park offers free tours of the Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Arch and hosts many public events. Open: May to mid-October. Phone: 860-232-6710.

Big News for Science Guys and Gals

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Fly to Mars. Forecast a blizzard. Test your own inventions. Harvest solar energy. Control your brainwaves. Construct wind turbines. Live in 4D. This is a list of experiments you can learn and try at the brand-new Connecticut Science Center on Columbus Boulevard in Hartford. A visit to the Center is a high-impact learning experience in a green, clean, bright, and stimulating environment. Adults and children alike will find entertainment and educational value in hands-on, engaging, and exciting exhibits and programs that emphasize current science and science you can use every day. Open year-round. Phone: 860-SCIENCE

City Stampede

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Bushnell Park on Trinity Street in Hartford is a wonderful public sanctuary that merits a full-day visit. The park is home to a carousel that dates from 1914 – the golden age of these structures that combine artistry, magic, and simple fun. Created by Russian immigrant craftsmen, the carousel is notable for the horses’ flamboyant faces and real horsehair tails. Besides the 48 horses, there are two lovers chariots, 800 twinkling lights, and a Wurlitzer band organ. A dollar will buy you a three-and-a-half minute ride of dreams. Hours: Tuesday through Sunday, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The carousel is open May to mid-October.

Colts and Quilts in Connecticut History

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Detailed exhibits on important facets of Connecticut history man be found at the Museum of Connecticut History at 231 Capitol Avenue in Hartford. The museum focuses on Connecticut's government, military, and industrial history. Among the many interesting exhibits are the Mitchelson Coin Collection, showing American coins from the 17th-century to the present; the Colt Firearm Collection, from a business that helped make Connecticut a major center of firearms manufacturing throughout the 19th and 20th centuries; the Freedom Trail Quilt Collection; and an explanation of the history of Connecticut’s Charter Oak. Open daily except Sundays. Phone: 860-757-6535.

Desserts by David

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David Glass went to Paris to further his studies in art history but took a slight detour after a mind-blowing meal at Archestrate. Quickly changing professions, Glass worked as a chef in restaurants around the world. Now, he is committed to making the most delicious desserts in the world. You can draw your own conclusions on this commitment at public tastings, held every Friday and Saturday at the David Glass factory at 1280 Blue Hills Avenue in Bloomfield. A partial list of Glass cakes includes Pumpkin Cheesecake, Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake, Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake, Caramel Apple Cheesecake, and Almond and Lemon Curd Crunch Cake. Dessert lovers shouldn’t miss this chance. Phone: 860-769-5570 (no reservation required).

Great Theater at Goodspeed

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This historic Victorian theater overlooking the Connecticut River is a beauty, and that is just that start. Home to the original productions of “Man of La Mancha,” “Shenandoah,” and “Annie,” and recipient of two special Tony Awards for outstanding achievement in the musical theater, Goodspeed Opera House at 6 Main Street in East Haddam is world renowned as the home of the American musical. The work is professional, quick, and wonderfully entertaining. On tap for the 2010 season are “Carnival,” “Radio Girl,” “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying,” and “James and the Giant Peach.” Productions from April to November,

Home Decorating Is Easy and Unique
With Accents of Folk Art

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Visit the Ten Thousand Villages store at 967C Farmington Avenue in West Hartford to browse and purchase beautiful folk art, ceramics, textiles, baskets, jewelry, wall hangings and wall art, pillows, rugs, mirrors, vases, incense, candleholders, and furniture handmade by artists in developing parts of the world. Each product reflects the traditions and cultures of its maker. Enjoy the international music, smell the aroma of gourmet coffee, and taste the luxuriously rich chocolate. Your fair trade purchase of handmade jewelry, home decor and gifts helps improve the lives of thousands of artisans in Asia, Africa, Latin America and the Middle East. Phone: 860-233-5470.

Look for the Dahlias, Too

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Known throughout the world for its magnificent large rose garden, comprising about 15,000 bushes, Elizabeth Park at the corner of Prospect and Asylum avenues in Hartford encompasses 102 acres and boasts many garden areas, pathways, greenhouses, lawns, a picnic grove, a pond and recreation areas. Garden lovers are wise to keep an eye on the park’s website for special events like the annual Rose Show, garden tours, and live music.

Meow! At Home Plate

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For baseball fans, three seasons of the year belong to America’s national sport, and even on vacation it is wise to keep your sights set on the nearest ballpark. Besides, who could resist a team called the New Britain Rock Cats? This minor league team, the AA affiliate of the Minnesota Twins plays at a new facility, the New Britain Stadium in Willow Brook Park in New Britain. Picnic pavilion skybox rentals, field box rentals, reserved seats, general admission seats.

One Tower and a 1,200-Square-Mile View

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Walking a one-mile trail through beautiful woods is an easy price to pay for a visit to Heublein Tower, which sits atop Talcott Mountain, a long, precipitous wooded ledge at Talcott Mountain State Park in Bloomfield. The 1,000-foot high promontory provides splendid views of Connecticut, Mount Monadnock in New Hampshire, the Berkshires of western Massachusetts, and Long Island Sound to the south. Hikers and birdwatchers may encounter a variety of wildlife and May brings out many wildflowers among the rocks. Seasonal hours vary. Call the State Parks Division at 860-424-3200 for the most current information.

Twain's House Delights
With Its Architectural Whimsey

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Even if you are not stunned by the thought that this is where Mark Twain wrote his stories about Tom Sawyer, Huck Finn, and their adventures, you will be captivated by the Mark Twain House & Museum on Farmington Avenue in Hartford, where Twain lived with his family from 1874 to 1891. This elegant Victorian mansion, with interiors by Louis Comfort Tiffany, charms visitors with its whimsy and unpredictability. Simply put, the house is fun to the eye and pleasing to the soul. The Museum Center features a gift shop, cafe, and exhibition galleries. Phone: 860-247-0998

Wadsworth Is a Jewel on the State Art Trail

Here is a project that can keep you busy year-round: explore the 15 world-class museums and historic sites that comprise the Connecticut Art Trail. The trail meanders among historic sites, bucolic farms, art studios and artists' houses to grand and modern art museums in vibrant downtowns. The trail includes a feature called Trail Getaways that presents recommended itineraries along with helpful suggestions for nearby places to visit and dine. In the Hartford / Central region, the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art in Hartford.

All Aboard at the Thomaston Station

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The Railroad Museum of New England on East Main Street in Thomaston tells the story of the region's rich railroad heritage. The museum has an extensive collection of New England locomotives of all types, passenger cars, freight cars, and cabooses, and artifacts dating from the 1840s to the present, from tickets to signal towers. From late May to October, the museum offers train rides restored 1920s coaches from the historic Thomaston Station and along the Naugatuck River. Be sure to visit the gift shop at the station. Phone: 860-283-7245.

Alpaca, Not Llama

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Take a break from the hectic world around you with a visit to the gently rolling countryside of western Connecticut and a world-class alpaca farm in Watertown. Learn why the curious gentle alpaca's fiber is comparable only to cashmere. You'll relax and maybe laugh a bit at the antics of these wonderful animals. As you tour South Wind Farms, get to know the alpaca family, and peruse the many different types of yarn and other alpaca products the farm has to offer. South Wind Farms welcomes visitors, but please call ahead to schedule. Phone: 860-274-9001.

American Craftsmanship in the
Shadow of the Berkshires

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During the past 21 years, Heron American Craft Gallery at 16 Main Street in Kent has become a destination for people who are searching out the dynamic, ever changing work of American crafts. This shop presents an explosion of color, wit, and whimsy in the form of unusual playthings, ceramics, jewelry, glass work, sculpture, rugs, and clothing. This shop in the foothills of the Berkshires honors the spirit of handmade goods. Come for the best in contemporary crafts, music, and just plain fun. Open daily 11 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Phone: 860-927-4804.

Art Deco and Great Programming
Make Warner Theatre a Must-See

In 2002, thousands of people gathered celebrate the gala reopening of the Warner Theatre at 68 Main Street in Torrington.The lobby’s eye-popping art deco designs, murals, rich mahogany, and vintage etched glass chandeliers are gorgeous, just as when the theater opened in 1931. The auditorium was returned to its gilded splendor, featuring new seats, velvet draperies, a ceiling constellation surrounding a giant star chandelier. And it continues to grow and improve. The 2010 season includes Lorette Lynn, the Abbey Road tribute band, Jane Monheil, "The Pirates of Penzance," Ghost Hunters Live, "The Rocky Horror Show," "Bye Bye Birdie," and more. Phone: 860-489-7180.

Award-Winning Wines Come with a View

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Set among the Litchfield hills in Goshen, Sunset Meadow Vineyards is one of the newest additions to the Connecticut Wine Trail. Take a visit to the vineyard’s tasting room, where you can sip on Sunset Meadow’s own award-winning Sunset Blush inside a restored 19th Century barn, complete with estate antiques and original hand-cut wooden beams. The vineyards span over 40 acres of picturesque hillside, and the owners pride themselves on a respect for the environment, using only sustainable farming methods. So you can relax and enjoy the gorgeous scenery—it isn’t called “Sunset Meadow” for nothing. The Tasting Room is open Friday – Saturday, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. For information call 860-201-4654.

Connecticut Art Trail Reveals
Contemporary Work in Litchfield

Here is a project that can keep you busy year-round: explore the 15 world-class museums and historic sites that comprise the Connecticut Art Trail. The trail meanders among historic sites, bucolic farms, art studios and artists' houses to grand and modern art museums in vibrant downtowns. The trail includes a feature called Trail Getaways that presents recommended itineraries along with helpful suggestions for nearby places to visit and dine. In the Litchfield region, the Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum in Ridgefield and Mattatuck Museum Arts and History Center in Waterbury.

Giddy-Up and Around We Go

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The New England Carousel Museum at 95 Riverside Avenue (Route 72) in Bristol, acquires, restores and preserves carousels, that wonderful work of folk art and public entertainment that reached its creative peak in the early part of the 20th century. The museum hosts exhibits and special events, particularly for children, and invites the public to visit the studio of its master restorer. Open daily, year-round, except the months of January and February and except for major holidays. Open during local school holidays. Phone: 860-585-5411.

Handy Signs Point
to the State's Blooming Wineries

Connecticut’s mild climate makes the state a fruitful place for growing grapes, and the state’s wine-making industry has bloomed in the past three decades. A delightful way to sample Connecticut vintages is to take a drive along the Connecticut Wine Trail , a route that bypasses 15 vineyards (and some beautiful countryside). The trail consists of two sections, in the eastern and the western parts of the state. Blue highway signs mark the trail and the state produces a colorful brochure. Connecticut's wineries produce a wide variety of wines, ciders, and fruit wines. All the wineries have tasting rooms and all offer at least one tour daily. Many host festive special events. Call ahead for tour schedules. Phone: 860-267-1399.

Lourdes in Litchfield

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Inspired by the rolling countryside of western Connecticut and its similarity to that of Lourdes, France, a group of Catholic seminary students in 1958 constructed in Litchfield a re-creation of the grotto in France where a young girl named Bernadette met an apparition of the Blessed Virgin Mary in 1858. Lourdes in Litchfield , a mission of the Montfort Missionaries, welcomes the public for quiet reflection, prayer, and sacraments. People are welcome to visit the property and Montfort House any time of the year. Phone: 860-567-1041.

Space Out With Your Family

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Volunteers from the John J. McCarthy Observatory on Danbury Road in New Milford have built a scale model solar system that spans six miles. Each bronze planet is on a base accompanied by an informational sign and brass symbol. Children may pick up a passport at the New Milford Library that contains directions for locating the planets, pages for rubbings of the symbols, and more information about the planets. After completing the 13 rubbings, explorers can return to the library for a solar system explorer stamp. It’s a great family activity that takes about two hours to complete. Phone: 860-354-1595.

Waterfall and a Covered Bridge Create a Dreamy Walk

Southford Falls State Park in Oxford offers all the pleasures of a wooded, hilly New England park with the addition of two crown jewels: a wonderful waterfall and an authentic covered bridge. The waters of Papermill Pond tumble down Southford Falls then continue through the woods as Eightmile Brook. The Larkin Bridle Trail takes walkers over the pond and along the banks of the brook. A beautiful walk in all seasons.

Western corner of Connecticut Is
a Hotbed of Great Antiques

The Litchfield region is a magnet for antiques and the people who cherish them. Here is just a sampling of places to visit on an antique hunt through Litchfield: Gardenalia in Falls Village, offering outdoor fountains, birdbaths, statuary, and sundials (860-824-0020); EuroSource Antiques & Fine Leather in Bantam, selling European and Asian antique and reproduction furniture and accessories (860-567-4714); Jennings & Rohn Antiques in Woodbury, with English, Continental and American furniture of the 17th, 18th, 19th and 20th centuries (203-263-3775; Toll House Antiques in Bantam, selling furniture, stoneware, kitchenware, clocks, primitives (860-567-3130; and many more.

What Makes Them Tick?

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Take an hour to look through the American Clock and Watch Museum at 100 Maple Street in Bristol. You’ll learn the history of Connecticut clock making and see 1,400 clocks and watches. The museum is housed in an 1801 house. An early American sundial garden complete with period herbs and flowers adds beauty to the museum's grounds. The exhibit Connecticut Clockmaking and the Industrial Revolution, tells the story of a young man’s dream and its impact on American manufacturing. A favorite display is the two-story tower clock that provides a close-up look at what makes a clock tick. Open daily, April through November. Phone: 860-583-6070.

Which Way to the Brass Ring?

Whether you love art, American history, woodcraft, or the beauty and artistry of the carousel, the Carousel Museum of New England of Bristol is a treat. The museum contains one of the largest collections of antique carousel pieces in the country. Visitors can experience the Golden Age of the Carousel by browsing on their own or with the help of tour guides who describe the colorful history of this piece of America's folk art history. Open daily. Phone: 860-585-5411.

Art Trail Is Rich with Stops in Mystic Region

Here is a project that can keep you busy year-round: explore the 15 world-class museums and historic sites that comprise the Connecticut Art Trail. The trail meanders among historic sites, bucolic farms, art studios and artists' houses to grand and modern art museums in vibrant downtowns. The trail includes a feature called Trail Getaways that presents recommended itineraries along with helpful suggestions for nearby places to visit and dine. In the Mystic region, the Florence Griswold Museum in Old Lyme, the Lyman Allyn Art Museum in New London, the Slater Memorial Museum in Norwich, the William Benton Museum of Art in Mansfield/Storrs, the Hill-Stead Museum in Farmington, and the New Britain Museum of American Art in New Britain.

Artistic Ceramics in a Victorian Setting

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In Chester, 19th-century shops huddle the town's curved Main Street like a collection of gingerbread houses, home to art galleries, elegant shops and boutiques. One such shop, the aptly named Ceramica, peddles Renaissance-inspired Italian majolica ceramics, hand-painted by artisans in Tuscany and Umbria and amounting to an extraordinary collection of tableware and decorative accessories. Find the perfect Italian ceramic kitchen accessories. Other wonderful products include vases, lamps, wall plates, umbrella stands and more. Phone: 800-270-0900.

Atelier Is Open to Art Lovers

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Gilbert V. Boro is a sculptor, architect, educator, and international design consultant. He welcomes the public to visit him and watch him work at his Studio 80 + Sculpture Grounds on Lyme Street in Old Lyme. Born in New York City, Boro and has been involved in the arts since his boyhood. He has received two traveling fellowships and had numerous visiting teaching positions and has invested much of his time in nonprofit arts groups. Studio 80 is open to the public by appointment. Come and see the artist at work in his 3,500-square-foot custom-designed studio on four acres next to the Lieutenant River. Large and small scale works are on display. The Sculpture Grounds are open to the public Monday-Sunday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Phone: 860-304-3359.

Beach, Boardwalk, Playground, Pool... This Place Has It All –

Ocean Beach Park in New London boasts Connecticut’s most beautiful beach – a half-mile crescent of sugar sand beach with an interesting shallow lagoon at the far end. Back at the center of the action is a spacious boardwalk, a nature trail, picnic area, playground, spray ground, a pool and waterslides, a gift shop, miniature golf, and plenty of classic, fun, summertime foods and beverages. At the amusement rides, young kids will enjoy old-time kiddy rides. Live music is scheduled many nights of the week. This is old-fashioned family beach fun of the highest caliber.

Beauty, History of Connecticut River
on Display at This Museum

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If you are drawn to the Connecticut River by the beauty of its unspoiled marshlands, the Connecticut River Museum on Main Street in Essex offers an exceptional vantage point in all seasons. From its docks you can see bald eagles, migratory birds, and a wide variety of waterfowl. The tidal wetlands that surround the Museum are an environmental treasure. The family-friendly exhibits are filled with art and artifacts that link the river’s stories to our lives today. Hours: Tuesday through Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Phone: 860-767-8269.

Borough of Dreams

New England is not short of beautiful villages, but Stonington Borough, on a small peninsula in the Fisher’s Island Sound, is special. A walk through its tight streets is a joy by itself. Colonial-era houses rich with fine architectural details and dripping with flowers from window boxes are packed cheek-to-cheek along Water and Main streets, where you can find many intriguing antique shops. A handful of well-used fishing boats cluster at the town docks, which thrum with music and flags and cheer during the annual Blessing of the Fleet. All you need here is the power to stroll, gaze, and enjoy.

Corn Maze Fun Awaits Day and Night

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A trip through a corn maze is a borderline-silly (Ok, maybe truly silly) farm adventure. The farmer has cut a maze, sometimes with a theme and loads of clues, into a giant cornfield, and people are welcome to muddle their way through. Corny? Maybe. For the timid or directionally challenged, mazes often offer easy escape exits. The corn maze at R-Farm on Tobacco Street in Lebanon also offers nighttime maze tours. Open September 24 through October 31, 2010; Monday - Friday, 3 - 6 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m. - 9 p.m. Cost: $10. Phone: 860-303-2366.

Corn Maze With a Foodie Message

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This educational corn maze adventure at Quintessential Gardens at Fort Hill Farms on Quaddick Road in Thompson uses the theme of building awareness about the nature of food. After browsing the maze, guests are welcome to enjoy the calves and cows and 71 organically-grown gardens. Maze is open from August 22 through November 11, 2010. Cost: $10. Phone: 860-923-3439.

First Nations

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The Mashantucket Pequot Museum & Research Center, which is the world's largest Native American museum, offers experiences for young and old, from life-size dioramas that transport visitors into the past to changing exhibits and live performances of contemporary arts. Four acres of permanent exhibits depict 18,000 years of Native and natural history, while two libraries offer materials on the histories and cultures of all Native peoples of the continent. The museum is located on Pequot Trail in Ledyard, near the Foxwoods Resort and Casino. Phone: 800-411-9671

History of the Textile Mills in Willimantic

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The Windham Textile and History Museum , located in the former home of the American Thread Company at 411 Main Street in Willimantic,, preserves the history of the textile industry and how it affected the economy, culture, and lives of New England people from the 1800s to the present. Nineteenth century working conditions were often harsh in America’s mills. Later, advanced technological change and labor unrest roiled life in the textile mills. This museum displays the workplaces and the people whose lives centered upon the textiles of New England. Guided tours on Sunday at 2 p.m.; self-guided tours during hours of operation. Hours of Operation: Friday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; open Tuesdays, June through October. Phone: 860-377-7755.

Luck, Be a Lady Tonight

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This region of Connecticut is home to not one but two massive casinos owned and operated by Native American tribes: Foxwoods Resort Casino in Ledyard, operated by the Mashantucket Pequot tribe, and the Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, operated by the Mohegan tribe. Gamblers can look forward to thousands of slot machines and hundreds of table games, but that is only part of the story. The rest includes fine dining, shopping, golf, live entertainment, professional sports, and plenty of excitement. Foxwoods: 860-312-4090. Mohegan Sun: 888-226-7711

Paintings Lighter Than Air

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Nicknamed the Home of American Impressionism, the Florence Griswold Museum, along the Lieutenant River in Old Lyme, exhibits colorful, lighter-than-air paintings from the Impressionist period. The museum includes a shop with the finest selection of art books on the Connecticut shoreline as well as posters, postcards, and notecards displaying some of the best-loved images in American art. Phone: 860-434-5542.

Summer Evening at the Drive-in

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For the sake of nostalgia or some unusual fun for youngsters under age 50, try spending a foolish summer evening at an authentic drive-in theater. The Mansfield Drive-In Theatre at 228 Stafford Road in Mansfield (junction of route 31 and 32) was built in 1954 and it is the real McCoy. Doo-wop music greets patrons as they roll onto the property, threading their way among the speaker poles servicing three 55-by-110-foot screen. The place has it all: two movies nightly, a snack bar with plenty of junk food, people loading up the back of a pickup with a whole crew of movie buffs; and even a small playground. Movies cost $9 for adults and $5 for kids; with a bargain of $18 per carload on Wednesdays. Credit cards accepted. Perfect fun for a summer evening. (there’s a bonus: on Sundays, the adjacent property is a giant flea market). Phone: 860-423-4441.

They Call It the Silent Service

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There’s no getting around it: submarines are eerie and, to many of us, fascinating. At the USS Nautilus & Submarine Force Museum on Crystal Lake Road in Groton visitors can board the world's first nuclear-powered submarine and peer into the lives of the men who sail the ocean depths in their "sharks of steel." The museum recounts the development of the silent service from Bushnell's Turtle, used in the Revolutionary War, to modern submarines. Working periscopes, mini-theaters, gift shop. Hours of operation vary by season. Phone: 800-343-0079

Winery Offers the Best
of California and Connecticut

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Located in the beautiful small town of North Stonington, Jonathan Edwards Winery, at 74 Chester Maine Road, is situated on a 48-acre hilltop overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Jonathan Edwards creates premium California and Connecticut wines to highlight each coast’s climate. The two diverse product lines complement each other and allow guests to sample delicious wines that showcase what each area is known for. Wine lovers are welcome to stop in, taste the wines, tour the winery and vineyards, enjoy a picnic, and browse the gift shop for wine items and local treats. Each season in the vineyard has its own unique charm. Phone: 860-535-0202.

A Bookstore With a Serious Love
of Reading and Writing

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R.J. Julia Booksellers at 768 Boston Post Road in Madison opened two decades ago as an independent bookstore whose mission was, and is, to be a place where words matter and where writers meet readers. The store hosts more than 200 events a year. Authors from all over the country visit the store to inspire, educate, and entertain. A knowledgeable staff, opinionated book selections with shelf-talker tags help book lovers find books that are just right for them. Open daily, Phone: 203-245-3959.

A Farmers Market With Plenty of Spirit

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The Wallingford Gardeners Market at South Colony Street at Hall Avenue in Wallingford is a spirited place with lots of bustle and locavore conviction. At this market, you can be sure your dollars go toward good fresh food, grown and harvested with care by local farmers and boutique gardeners. And, as usual, you buy direct from the producer; no middlemen; no long distance trucking costs. The market features fresh produce, flowers, herbs, fresh breads, eggs, local crafts, gift baskets, paintings and prints, quilts and aprons, and more. Hours, Saturdays, 9 a.m.-noon, July17-September 25, 2010.

All You Need Now Is a Shove Off the Sofa

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The hiking committee of the Sleeping Giant State Park Association has devised a series of guided hikes through this magnificent park throughout 2010. Themes of the hikes are identified, such as Winter Tree Identification Hike, Spring Hikers' Hike (warning: strenuous!), History-of-the-Giant Hike, Spring Earth Day Ceremony and Hike, Spring Wildflower Hike, Early Bird Watchers' Hike, First Annual Beginners' Hike, Geology-of-the-Giant Hike, Fall Foliage Hike, and Holiday Hike and Social. The public is welcome to all hikes. The entrance to Sleeping Giant State Park is opposite Quinnipiac University on Mount Carmel Avenue about one-half mile east of Whitney Avenue (Route 10) in northern Hamden.

And They're Off!

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NASCAR auto racing is on the ticket from early April to late October at the Stafford Motor Speedway -- Home of the SK Modifieds – at 55 West Street in Stafford Springs. Races take place every Friday on the paved, semi-banked, half-mile oval track. The speedway opened in 1870 at the Stafford Springs Agricultural Park, hosting horse racing. At the end of World War II, automobile racing took the place of the trotters and pacers of the pre-war period. Racing action – and special events – continue through autumn. Phone: 860-684-2783.

Art Museum Trail Focuses on Yale
in the New Haven Region

Here is a project that can keep you busy year-round: explore the 15 world-class museums and historic sites that comprise the Connecticut Art Trail. The trail meanders among historic sites, bucolic farms, art studios and artists' houses to grand and modern art museums in vibrant downtowns. Discover diverse, quality collections rich in history and heritage, including European masterpieces, American Impressionism, ancient art and contemporary culture. The trail includes a feature called Trail Getaways that presents recommended itineraries along with helpful suggestions for nearby places to visit and dine. In the Greater New Haven region the trail includes the Yale Center for British Art and the Yale University Art Gallery in New Haven.

Corn Maze Celebrates Women’s Basketball

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The four-acre craftily carved cornfield maze at Lyman Orchards at routes 147 and 157 in Middlefield offers entertainment for all ages. If you’ve followed the UCONN Women's basketball team over recent years, you'll love following the pathways through through Lyman Orchard’s “corny tribute to their a-MAZE-ing success.” Also, specially trained corn cops are on duty at all times, ensuring that rules are followed and helping with directions. Open September 4 - October 31, 2010; Wednesday - Friday, 3 - 6 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Cost: adults, $9; children 12 and under, $5. Phone: 860-349-6015.

Drive New Haven’s Charmed Shoreline

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Set aside a day to drive part of the shoreline of Greater New Haven. This strip of land along Route 1 contains historic homes, stylish restaurants, nature preserves -- all within a few miles of the Long Island Sound. Start on Route 1 in Branford's elegant downtown. Walk around the Green or veer off onto the many hiking or bird watching trails. The scenic Route 146 takes you into Stony Creek, a tiny former fishing village. The Thimble Islands are visible from Stony Creek's harbor. Next up, Guilford has a truly grand town Green, a lengthy, well-shaded block that's lined with charming storefronts. Madison's quiet, walkable downtown includes the much-loved R.J. Julia Booksellers and many other small shops. Outside of town is Hammonasset Beach State Park, Connecticut's largest shoreline park.

Educational Walk

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For the sake of architecture, history, of the love of academia, a walking tour of Yale University on elm Street in the city of New Haven will inspire and enlighten. Visitors on the tour will hear about Yale's rich 300-year history and see the Gothic Sterling Memorial Library and the Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library, which is home to a preeminent collection of rare materials, including a Gutenberg Bible. Guided tours, self-guided tours, and even an MP3 tour are offered. Phone: 203-432-2300

Fair Trade Art Makes Great Gifts

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Browsing beautiful handmade artwork from all parts of the world is a fun way to find a special gift. Ten Thousand Villages store at 1054 Chapel Street in New Haven presents fair-trade folk art, ceramics, textiles, baskets, jewelry, wall hangings, pillows, rugs, mirrors, vases, incense, candleholders, and furniture by artists in developing world. Each product reflects the traditions of its maker. Enjoy the international music, smell the gourmet coffee, and taste rich chocolate. Your fair trade purchase helps improve the lives of thousands of artisans in Asia, Africa, Latin America, and the Middle East. Phone: 203-776-0854.

Inside the Mind of an Inventor

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The Eli Whitney Museum and Workshop at 915 Whitney Avenue in Hamden honors the inventor of the cotton gin. The museum is an experimental learning workshop for students, teachers, and families. Visitors may take part in experiments that are the roots of design and invention. The museum includes a historic site based on a manufacturing village that Eli Whitney designed. It now includes a covered bridge, a forge, a barn, an armory, a water lab, a factory model, and a gun collection. A fascinating walk through the fundamentals of invention. Open daily, Memorial Day through Labor Day and Wednesdays through Sundays the rest of the year. Phone: 203-777-1833.

Paleontology Place

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The Yale Peabody Museum at Whitney Avenue and Sachem Street in New Haven contains some of the most famous finds of O.C. Marsh, the first professor of paleontology in North America, including the dinosaurs he named Triceratops, Stegosaurus and Brontosaurus. The museum is also home to Rudolph F. Zallinger’s murals The Age of Reptiles and The Age of Mammals. You can step into the world’s cultures in the Hall of Native American Cultures and Daily Life in Ancient Egypt, learn the story of human evolution in Fossil Fragments, and explore the solar system in the new Hall of Minerals, Earth, and Space. Phone: 203-432-5050.

Shubert Is the Threshold to Broadway Hits

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Opened in 1914, the Shubert Theater on College Street in New Haven earned the title Birthplace of the Nation's Greatest Hits, by staging more than 300 shows that later opened in New York. Best known for its Broadway presentations, the Shubert also hosts artists of ballet, opera, classical music, jazz, big bands and popular solo artists. From Ladysmith Black Mambazo to the Moscow Festival Ballet, the Schubert covers the arts around the globe. Among the 2010 shows are "A Chorus Line," Capitol Steps, "Hair," "Cheaper to Keepo Her," and more. Phone: 203-624-1825

Tea. Savvy??

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Tea is a beverage, a mood, and a lifestyle (just ask the Chinese or the British). Savvy Tea Gourmet on Durham Road in Madison is a tea room that does not simply serve tea; it serves tea living. This small restaurant serves 250 loose leaf teas along with a menu of delicious tea-compatible dishes: soups, cheeses served with dried fruits and crusty breads, sandwiches, desserts. Formal high tea is presented every other weekend and tea tastings are held weekly. For the discerning palate, this opportunity to visit a real tea room is too good to pass up. Phone: 203-318-8664.

You Bring Lunch; They'll Supply the Wine

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For the folks at Gouveia Vineyards in Wallingford, producing first-rate wines is clearly a labor of love. Joe and Lucy Gouveia planted their first vines just ten years ago and to today visitors can sample wines made from the eight different types of grapes that thrive there. Set on top of a hill overlooking the vineyard, the Winery Building boasts a large stone fireplace, panoramic views of local pastures, woodlands and spectacular sunsets. Guests are even invited to bring their own picnic lunch to enjoy as they sip on Gouveia’s award-winning Stone House Red, Whirlwind Rose, or Oaked Chardonnay. Open Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.; Sunday 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. For information call 203-265-5526.