Stop By The Mark Twain House
Are you a literary fan? You might want to pay a visit to The Mark Twain House & Museum in Hartford. Author Mark Twain, born Samuel Clemens, lived in this 11,500 square foot home from 1874 to 1891. While in residence, he wrote some of his most famous works, including The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, and A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthurs Court.
Spend A Day In Mystic
If you’re looking for a picturesque spot to soak up some history, sail along a quiet harbor, and fill your belly with tasty treats, you’ll find it in Mystic. An adorable coastal town set along the Mystic River, this charming retreat is a perfect place for a weekend getaway.
Spotted with gleaming sailboats, the town thrives on its nautical history. Once serving as a port for whaling vessels, the popular Mystic Seaport is one of the best museums in Connecticut. Boasting everything from a planetarium to a working shipyard to historic wooden ships and a 19th-century seafaring village, you’ll need at least a day to fully explore its offerings. Don’t worry, there’s a restaurant on-site to help quiet those grumbly tummies.
The Mystic Aquarium is also top-notch. In fact, it’s been deemed one of the best attractions in Connecticut. People come for the beluga whales but stay for the other impressive creatures and exhibits.
Don’t miss a visit to the Olde Mistick Village, and make sure you’re hungry when you arrive. An outdoor mall designed to represent a 19th-century New England Village, the charming area is filled with themed stores, most of which offer free samples of their delicious wares. With multiple eateries on site, this is one of the best places in Connecticut to visit for a meal.
Discover The Inspirations For Gilmore Girls
The early 2000s saw many viewers obsessed with the quaint setting of the WB series Gilmore Girls. Set in a fictional town called Stars Hollow, CT, this show brought small-town Connecticut to life for many. While you wont find the real Stars Hollow here, sadly, you can find spots that are reputed to have inspired creator Amy Sherman-Palladino.
Towns in the Litchfield Hills like Washington and Bantam will certainly give you a Stars Hollow vibe, but be sure to stop by The Mayflower Inn & Spa, said to be the inspiration for Stars Hollows Independence Inn, if not the whole show itself.
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Take A Peek At The Glass House
Speaking of cool houses, albeit ones of a very different nature, architecture lovers should not miss The Glass House. This isyou guessed ita house made largely of glass. But truly, its more than that. The site comprises 14 structures across 49 pastoral acres, the focal point of which is The Philip Johnson Glass House, built by architect Philip Johnson between 1949 and 1995.
Its Elementary At Gillette Castle
Gillette Castle | Photo by jasoneppink
Perched high atop the Connecticut River sits the elaborately designed Gillette Castle. Designed by William Gillette, the actor who coined the term its elementary in his portrayal of Sherlock Holmes, you can tour this castle now operated by the Connecticut State Park system.
Built from 1914-1919 on 184 acres the castle grounds are now home to picnic sites and trails overlooking the river. This odd, intricately modeled castle has secret mirrors, glass mosaic walls, and crazy locks for the doors.
You can drive to this destination, or for an extra adventure, take the Chester-Hadlyme ferry across the Connecticut River which operates seasonally.
To extend your visit in the Connecticut River Valley, check out the Essex Steam Train and River boat ride. These two attractions are run by the same company and give familys the ability to tour the scenic Connecticut River valley by boat and/or by train.
As part of the fantastic Connecticut State Park system, buy the heritage pass and get access to Fort Trumbull, Dinosaur and Gillette Castle state parks for $67/family of 6.
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Go To Devils Hopyard State Park
This is a great place for outdoor adventure in CT. Devils Hopyard State Park has beautiful hiking trails criss-crossing its 1000 acres, but it also has a lovely cascading waterfall, Chapman Falls. This is definitely a place youll want to explore for a bit, so considering camping here in the park, too.
See more of Connecticuts prettiest waterfalls.
Walker Library Of The History Of Human Imagination
Walker Library of The History of Human Imagination
This fascinating museum houses artifacts and renderings of the imaginings of great thinkers and inventors that have paved the way for future generations.
Housed within The Walker Library of The History of Human Imagination are exhibits, diagrams, artwork, and artifacts that reflect both ancient and modern discovery and creativity.
The 3,600-square-foot space invites guests to observe and appreciate the great minds and innovations that have brought our country to where it is today.
Some of the librarys exhibits include an original Russian Sputnik, original fax of the 1776 Declaration of Independence, and even a historic atlas credited with being one of the first maps to ever depict the sun.
Along with other interesting and original artifacts, works of art, and rare documents, these exhibits bring the human imagination to life.
This one-of-a-kind library is one of many super unique places to visit when in Connecticut.
Address: Stamford, CT 06901, United States
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Get A Thrill At Lake Compounce Amusement Park
Lake Compounce Carousel | Photo by The Library of Congress
Americas oldest operating amusement park, Lake Compounce is named after Chief John Compound. Visiting this park is one of the most popular family activities in CT.
Since 1864 when it was first opened as a lake park, families from all over New England and the tri-state area come to the park for chills and thrills. The lake hosts the largest outdoor water park in the state with attractions for kids of all ages.
The shipwreck at Clipper Cove has water slides and cannons to cool you off. Zoomerang, for big kids, provides up-ended thrills and a large Kiddie land with rides modeled after the big kid rides keeps the little ones happy.
Although there are thoroughly modern and thrilling rides at the park, there are also nods to the parks history with a trolley car ride and an exciting wooden roller coaster named Boulderdash which is built into the side of Southington Mountain. For a more relaxed visit, your family can also spend the day at the lake swimming and sunning.
Lake Compounce: An Amusement Park In Bristol
Lake Compounce, continuously-operating since its opening in 1846, is the oldest North American amusement park offering 332 acres of pure family fun. The park includes Crocodile Cove, Connecticut’s biggest waterpark, with several slides, a lazy river and a wave pool.
The park has over 50 attractions and exciting rides for the entire family, including Boulder Dash, the best wooden coaster in the world. New rides are added yearly, such as the latest, Phobia, the first triple launch coaster in New England, which reaches speeds of up to 65 miles per hour and includes an adrenaline-pumping cobra roll 150 feet up in the air. The Drum Circus, Flying Elephants and the Antique Carousel are well suited to younger guests. The park offers food of all kinds for every taste.
186 Enterprise Dr, Bristol, Connecticut 06010, Phone: 860-583-3300
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Shore Line Trolley Museum
Shore Line Trolley Museum
This unique museum offers a fun perspective on Connecticut history.
Home to a diverse collection of nearly 100 trolley cars and related equipment, Shore Line Trolley Museum is a great place to visit for the automotive lovers in your group.
Beyond the trolleys, gear, and equipment the museum also exhibits photographs, historical documents, tokens, badges, ticket punches, and other archival artifacts related to the historic Connecticut trolley system.
Best of all, the tour of the trolley museum begins with a ride aboard a restored trolley upon which youll learn the history of trolleys and witness a real trolley route and related equipment.
The museum recommends packing a picnic lunch because during your ride the trolley will deliver you to the museums beautiful picnic cove for a break.
Itll be a fun way to travel to other area attractions near Connecticuts Shore Line Trolley Museum.
Address: 17 River St, East Haven, CT 06512, United States
Why Youll Enjoy This Activity
Outdoorsy and nature-loving adventurers have a lot to love about Connecticut because of its wealth of gorgeous trails.
Weaving through lush greenery and endless landscapes, the Farmington River Trail is also perfect for burning off calories and exploring Connecticuts flora and fauna at the same time.
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Free Things To Do Indoors Around Fairfield And Litchfield Ct
20.Take advantage of free admission on Tuesdays to enjoy the Bruce Museums collections of art, textiles, science, history, and ethnology. Learn about changes in our land, life between the tides, the earth’s minerals, and community connections. Children under 5 are always free. Stamford
21. Square off against your own kids or other families in Jenga, UNO, and more! On January 12th, Stamford Mill River Park is hosting a Family Game Day in the Carousel Pavilion, but this sunlit space is a great spot to hang out and play cards or read books any Saturday or Sunday . Stamford
22. The National Helicopter Museum features photographs, multiple models, a helicopter simulator, and a model of the first helicopter flight in Stratford 75 years ago. Open Wednesday through Sunday. Stratford
23. Open to the public every Wednesday from 8pm to 10pm, if the skies are clear, The Observatory at the Westport Astronomical Society boasts the largest telescope available to the public in the state. Westport
24. Housed in the historic Holly House in Cove Island Park, the SoundWaters Coastal Education Center is devoted to the aquatic life of Long Island Sound. SoundWaters Coastal Education Center is home to hundreds of species with special tanks for horseshoe crabs and diamondback terrapins, a touch tank, a learning lab, and environmental displays. Stamford
25. Enjoy a FREE music program run by the Stamford Symphony. MusiKids is held every Saturday at 3pm. For children ages 5 to 12. Stamford
Things To Do In Ct This Weekend: Studio 80 And Sculpture Grounds
Studio 80 + Sculpture Grounds is a premiere arts center in Old Lyme, situated on 4.5 beautiful acres along the banks of the scenic Lieutenant River. The gallery and studio, which is located adjacent to the Lyme Academy College of Fine Arts, is one of Connecticut’s premiere abstract art studios and galleries, showcasing the unique works of artist Gilbert V. Boro. More than 100 beautiful sculptures dot the studio’s gardens and grounds, open to the public for exploration 365 days a year during business hours. A loft exhibition gallery displays additional small-scale works, including maquettes and study pieces. Small group tours of the facility may be organized by contacting the studio directly via phone or email.
80 Lyme St, Old Lyme, CT 06371, Phone: 860-434-5957
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Spend Time At Bluff Point State Park
Bluff Point State Park is an 800-acre park on a largely undeveloped peninsula between the Poquonnock River and Mumford Cove. Here youll discover pleasant trails for biking and hiking, with views over Long Island Sound.
Keep your eyes peeled for plenty of avian wildlife, and if youre into fishing, bring your poles. Potential species to be caught include bluefish, striped bass, summer and winter flounder, blackfish, and more. With a permit, you can also fish for shellfish here.
Fort Trumbull New London Ct
Fort Trumbull is an important Revolutionary War site that was attacked by the notorious General Benedict Arnold in 1781. The current fort that you can see today was built between 1839 and 1852 as a defense for the New London area. You can visit the grounds of Fort Trumbull for free and it is a beautiful place to enjoy a picnic, go for a walk, or fish on one of the piers.
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Get Outside And Enjoy Connecticuts Magnificent Foliage
Housatonic Meadows State Park | Photo by morrowlong
The mountains of Connecticut may be considered hills by West Coast standards, but the scenery here is fabulous! Mount Frissel at Mount Riga State Park, our highest peak at 2300 ft, is attainable even by kids.
Mount Frissel is at the northwest corner of the state and borders New York and Massachusetts which means you can be in all three sates in one hike! The wildlife spotting is great and this area of Connecticut is unspoiled and unpopulated.
The area is especially beautiful during foliage season. Leaf peepers, tourists heading to New England just for the leaves, are out in full force during autumn. Drives in these parts can bring you to some iconic covered bridges, historic homes and tasty roadside restaurants.
On the way north check out the West Cornwall Covered Bridge that passes over the Housatonic River. If you are up for an adventure, camp at the rustic Housatonic Meadows State Park late spring through the beginning of October.
Plan ahead with Trekaroos list on the best Fall foliage spots in New England.
Ride A Snowbike At Powder Ridge Park
Powder Ridge Park is a perfect place to enjoy the winter in Connecticut. They also have plenty of summer activities, too!
In the winter, the unique thing not to be missed is snowbike riding. This unusual activity is a great way to enjoy the magic of the slopes if youre not a skiier or snowboarder. Its just likeriding a bike!
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Activities Near Me: The Glass House
The Glass House is a historic house in New Canaan, Connecticut, designed by Philip Johnson in 1949 as his residence. The buildings minimalist structure, proportions and geometry made it an influential project for modern architecture of the time. It is a great example of early use of normally industrial materials such as steel and glass in home design.
The Glass House is one of 14 structures located on the verdant 49-acre property that today features a permanent collection of significant 20th-century sculptures and paintings, as well as occasional temporary exhibitions. The property is a National Trust Historic Site. The site is open and tours are available from May to November.
199 Elm Street, New Canaan, Connecticut 06840, Phone: 203-594-9884
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Old Newgate Prison & Copper Mine
Shanshan0312 / Shutterstock
This fascinating and historic CT attraction has it all.
Historically speaking, Old Newgate Prison & Copper Mine is noted as the first official American state prison and working mine.
Although home to many dangerous criminals, the prison also housed many notable incarcerated men and women who positively contributed to their communities.
Prisoners at Old Newgate, not surprisingly, worked the mine 75-feet below the surface of the prison.
When you visit this attraction, youll have the opportunity to explore the prisoners quarters, getting a feel for how prisoners in early America lived and were treated.
Additionally, you can explore the dark, cold, and twisty tunnels of the old copper mine.
A visit to Old Newgate Prison & Copper Mine is like two attractions in one.
With so much history to embrace, its not surprising that this attraction is a top spot for visitors to CT.
Address: 115 Newgate Rd, East Granby, CT 06026, United States
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Fun Things To Do In Ct: Shore Line Trolley Museum
The Shore Line Trolley Museum is a National Historic District, and displays and educates about the oldest running trolley line in the United States. The museum is famed for its collection of over 100 vintage transit vehicles, and its diverse collection of equipment, photographs, documents, and artifacts related to the history of the Trolley era.
Visitors to the museum may take a ride on a vintage trolley through scenic salt marsh surroundings, and for an extra fee, may drive a trolley car. The Trolley Reading Program is for children 4-8 and includes a trolley ride and a children’s book read to them aboard the museum’s “Story Trolley”.
17 River Street, East Haven, Connecticut 06512, Phone: 203-467-6927
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