Top Things To Do In Connecticut

Ski At Mohawk Mountain

BEST Things to Do in Mystic, Connecticut

This ski resort comprises 350 acres of scenic state forest land, 26 ski trails for a variety of skill levels and eight chair lifts. It is the largest ski area in the state, and was the first ski area to implement the use of mechanical snowmaking in 1948, a technology that is now widely used at ski resorts around the world. Non-skiers can go snow tubing or relax with a hot beverage in the main lodge located at the base. A second lodge is situated mid-mountain, featuring a spacious patio, massive stone fireplace and full-service restaurant for skiers to enjoy lunch or après snacks. The fun continues after dark with night skiing down several well-lit runs. Guests mention that prices seem more affordable than some of the bigger resorts, making it great for families with young children. Lessons and equipment rentals are available. The Litchfield Inn is a welcoming estate located 11 miles southeast of Mohawk Mountain offering ski-and-stay packages.

Address: 46 Great Hollow Road, Cornwall, CT 06753

Learn About Native American History And Culture

Connecticut is home to one of the nation’s best Native American museums featuring history, arts, and culture. Built by the Pequot tribe that experienced an influx of tribal funds following the opening of Foxwoods, the Mashantucket Pequot Museum uses multimedia, interactive displays, and thoughtfully presented renditions of the tribe’s evolution and its struggle to survive. Be sure to sign up for an audio tour to experience everyday life in a Native American village.

Peabody Museum Of Natural History

They run, they crawl, they fly and fall. No, not your kids! Rather, all the creatures and exhibits on display at the Peabody Museum of Natural History. Since 1866, families have been enjoying the Peabodys growing and expanding collection of dinosaur bones, insects, aquatic life and more.

Their programming is filled with exhibits and hands-on activities for guests of all ages. Kids can even enjoy camp programs throughout the summer.

Offering affordable ticketing options, the Peabody Museum has been a long time family-friendly location that both kids and parents enjoy. Educational and fun, the perfect combination!

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Back In Time At Mystic Seaport Museum

One of the great things about being a schoolkid in New England is the field trips to living history museums, but even adults will love tramping down dirt roads to an era when blacksmiths still ply their trade, dinner is cooked over an open hearth, and indoor plumbing is not yet a thing. And among the holy trinity of these field trips, along with Plimoth Patuxet Museums and Old Sturbridge Village in Massachusetts, is Mystic Seaport in Mystic, CT. History floats at the nations leading maritime museum, where no fewer than four ships at its piers have been designated National Historic Landmark vessels . Located on 19 acres along the Mystic River, Mystic Seaport also offers visitors the chance to explore a re-created 19th-century seafaring village and a working preservation shipyard .

Coal-fired brick ovens create the delicious crispy thin crust of the classic New Havenstyle pie.

Visit The Belugas At Mystic Aquarium

Mystic Aquarium is one of the top things to do in Connecticut with kids! No kids? No problem? Adults love aquariums, too!

While there are many species living at the aquarium, the highlight might be the bright white beluga whales. They are lucky to have the largest outdoor beluga whale habitat in the entire United States

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Plan Your Trip To Connecticut Soon

Weve barely scratched the surface of all the things to do in Connecticut. There are activities for a day trip to the state or spending a few days. Some people have lived in Connecticut all their lives and have yet to see everything.

Now is the best time to take advantage of visiting the top Connecticut attractions. Its a destination perfect for any season.

The warmer seasons give you plenty of chances to explore the rich nature of the state. And the colder months give you a reason to stay inside and browse your favorite museum for hours – not to mention the beautiful fall foliage.

Visit Connecticut to see what makes it such a popular place to visit in New England.

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Follow The Connecticut Wine Trail

Did you know Connecticut has one of the fastest growing wine regions in the US? Yep! And you can tour the hottest spots when you follow the Connecticut Wine Trail. Stop and sip at amazing wineries and vineyards all over the state. If youre looking for a guided tour of CT wineries, those are available also, from providers such as this one.

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Wadsworth Atheneum Museum Of Art

The Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art in Hartford, America’s oldest continuously-operating art museum, was founded by arts patron Daniel Wadsworth in 1842 and has since then paved the path for the many major art museums in the country. It was the first American museum to acquire artworks by Caravaggio, Joseph Cornell, Frederic Church, Joan Miró and Salvador Dalí, and also the first in the country to showcase exhibits of important surveys of works by Surrealists, Picasso and Italian Baroque masters.

The museum today holds more than 50,000 works of art covering more 5,000 years of human history. Some of the most important collections include major Baroque and Surrealist paintings the Morgan collection of Roman and Greek antiquities and decorative arts from Europe and one of the world’s best collections of Hudson River School landscapes. Things to Do in Hartford

600 Main St, Hartford, Connecticut 06103, Phone: 860-278-2670

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Learn About A Local Legend

BEST OUTDOOR PLACES TO VISIT IN CONNECTICUT Part 2

Source: flickr

Circus giant P.T. Barnum lived in Bridgeport for 40 years of his life, and even served as the citys mayor.

Now, theres a museum in honor of his legacy, and the beautiful terra cotta building was designed by the man himself.

All three stories are filled with interesting artifacts, including a preserved elephant, a model of the Feejee mermaid, a miniature circus and an authentic mummy.

You can also stop by his statue, down the road and overlooking Long Island Sound.

Additionally, Barnum super-fans can visit his grave at the local Mountain Grove Cemetery.

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Visit The Former House Of Mark Twain

The iconic novelist lived in this beautiful American High Gothic-style Hartford home from 1874 to 1891. It’s where he wrote “Adventures of Huckleberry Finn,” “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer,” and “A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthurs Court.” The , restored and maintained as a museum, is now considered a National Historic Landmark. Come to explore the grounds, learn about Twain’s legacy, and participate in regular activities, lectures, and educational programs.

Doug Kerr / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0

Chester, Connecticut, is an old mill town whose single-block Main Street is flanked by picturesque 19th-century buildings housing art galleries, boutiques, and independent eateries. Only about 4,300 permanent residents live in this sleepy village, a tranquil escape from bustling Hartford just 30 minutes away. Consider it a very Americanized version of the English walled cathedral city from which it gets its name.

The 18 Best Things To Do In Connecticut

In Connecticutthe Nutmeg Stateyou can experience quintessential New England through historic architecture, expansive farms, and traditional seaports. Here, there’s something for everyone to enjoy, whether you’re a nature lover, a beach-goer, or a gambler. Take in the round-the-clock entertainment at the state’s two immense casinos, peruse historic houses and museums, and eat and drink your way through farm-to-table offerings and wine trail experiences.

Coastal towns, like Mystic and Norwalk, offer seaport museums and aquariums housing centuries-old ships and native sea life. Far too often, visitors miss this tiny state, traveling through en route to northern New England destinations. But slowing down and spending some time in Connecticut can truly deliver a well-rounded vacation experience.

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Get Inspired At The Yale University Art Gallery

New Haven is home to Yale University, a bevy of impressive museums, and an increasingly popular restaurant scene. While the Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History is a must-see for those jonesing for a dinosaur or sarcophagus sighting, the city boasts another gallery that will take your breath away.

Tucked off the main green, the Yale University Art Gallery features more than 250,000 objects, including masterpieces crafted by, well, masters. You’ll find works by the likes of Degas, Monet, and Manet within these spacious walls. The gallery features timeless art and artifacts on display from across the globe. Regions such as Asia, Europe, and the Indo-Pacific are all represented here.

Not a fan of the classics? Not to worry. The gallery boasts an impressive collection of modern and contemporary works to keep you entertained. The best part? Entrance is free!

Harvest Your Own At Blue Jay Orchards

The Blue Jay Orchards is a majestic farm and market in one. It features 140 acres of land that are maximized with fruit-bearing trees and plants. In the Blue Jay Orchards, customers are encouraged to pick their one goods and pay them in the counter. It is a fun way of shopping for fresh produce while at the same time enjoying the picturesque views of the place. In the Farm Market, aside from fresh fruits and vegetable, you can also buy some honey, maple syrup, pastries, pies, cookies, and other sweet treats.

Opening hours: Aug – Dec: 10am – 5:30pm

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Free Things To Do Near Mystic Ct

Once youve explored Mystic, there are even more free attractions in the surrounding Connecticut beach towns.

Stonington, Connecticut

Head east from Mystic towards the Rhode Island border to find the historic town of Stonington.

The downtown of this old whaling town is charming and well worth wandering through for the day. The homes are clustered close together, with barely space between them for small alley gardens, in some cases.

A writer described this town as a piece of Nantucket, swept to shore. And between its cute shops, gorgeous views of the harbor, and quaint touches like having Connecticuts last fishing fleet docking here, its easy to understand the reference.

Submarine Force Library & Museum in Groton, CT

During the Cold War, Connecticut was the center of nuclear submarine construction.

The first nuclear-powered submarine, the USS Nautilus, was completed in Groton in the 1950s. And it instantly became the fastest and most powerful underwater vessel in the world up to that point.

Over its 25-year career, the Nautilus traveled half a million miles on missions across the world, including up to the North Pole. It was parked by the Submarine Force Library & Museum after its decommissioning in 1986.

Visitors to the museum, the only one operated by the US Navy, can get below deck of the Nautilus and learn about the operations of staying underwater for months without coming to the surface.

Bluff Point State Park in Groton, Connecticut

Eat Local At Westport Farmers’ Market

An easy commute from Manhattan , Westport offers locals and visitors a welcome slice of tranquility. Dipping into the Long Island Sound, the town’s Compo Beach is a well-loved gem, as is the newly renovated Westport Library, which boasts a lovely path along a peninsula and unbeatable views of the Saugatuck River.

Every Thursday from mid- May to November, you’ll find the bustling Westport Farmer’s Market, which was conceived by Paul Newman and Michel Nisan in 2006. The market lies tucked away in a parking lot, across a small bridge on the other side of the river from the library. In addition to local fruits, veggies, and kombucha, you’ll find freshly made tacos, a pizza truck, live music, art, and so much more.

Address: 50 Imperial Avenue, Westport, Connecticut

Official site:

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Top Attractions In Connecticut: Best Things To See And Do With Kids

Connecticut may be small, but the Nutmeg State sure knows how to pack in a ton of fun. From historic villages to sandy beaches to amusement parks, there are plenty of exciting tourist attractions in Connecticut to make a family visit well worth the trip any time of year.

Its not easy narrowing down the list of things to do in Connecticut with kids, but weve made our picks for the 25 best kid-friendly activities in CT for residents and visitors alike. As locals, these are the places that we frequent with our children, and the first stops we make with family and friends whenever they’re staying with us from out of town. So leave your FOMO at the door and start checking these spots off your CT bucket list.

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Chug Excellent Craft Beers At Broken Symmetry Gastro Brewery

BEST OUTDOOR PLACES TO VISIT IN CONNECTICUT Part 1

Thinking of a place to have a get-together with long-time friends? You might like the vibes at Broken Symmetry Gastro Brewery. Featuring stunning interior designs with expansive windows that allow lots of natural light and long hardwood tables, this lovely brewery and bar has a friendly ambiance that guests will surely love. They are popular in Bethel for their ever-improving variety of craft beers and delicious food served in creative presentations that are Instagram-worthy.

Opening hours: Tue – Thu: 11:30am – 10pm Fri – Sat: 11:30am – 11pm Sun: 11:30am – 9pm

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National Iwo Jima Memorial

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If youre trying to figure out what to do with the history buff in your life while visiting Connecticut, be sure to plan a trip to the National Iwo Jima Memorial.

Unveiled in 1995, this historical landmark commemorates the lives of more than 100 Connecticut soldiers lost at the battle of Iwo Jima.

Significantly, the names of those soldiers are tastefully inscribed upon the memorial.

Situated amid a beautifully kept park, youll also see the Eternal Flame and stroll the Memorial Walkway.

Furthermore, theres also a monument dedicated to the chaplains and medical personnel who treated the wounded during Iwo Jima.

Other park features include commemorative plaques, boulders, other monuments, and a time capsule set to be opened in 2045.

This simple yet lovely memorial park is a sightseeing activity perfect for history and war buffs.

One of many recommended Connecticut attractions, be sure to plan a visit to the National Iwo Jima Memorial when passing through the Constitution State.

Address: 1 Iwo Jima Way, New Britain, CT 06053, United States

Drive A Loop Around The Connecticut River

Flowing through four of the six New England states, the Connecticut River is the longest river in the region. From Old Saybrook head north on Route 154 to the historic town of Essex.

It is a quintessential New England town with early Colonial homes, a waterfront harbor, and small shops. Make sure to swing by The Gris, The Griswold Inn, one of the oldest in the state.

Save your appetite for lunch just up the road at Dough on Main in Deep River. Not your typical restaurant, this quaint pasta shop is more of a take-out kind of place, but we took advantage of their limited seating and lunch menu.

Everything is made from scratch, the girl behind the counter tells us as we notice the pasta maker behind her. UPDATE: Unfortunately, Dough on Main recently closed.

At Haddam, detour to Eagle Landing State Park, for a view of the East Haddam Swing Bridge and Goodspeed Opera House, a unique theater where the musical, Annie, first premiered.

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Foxwoods Resort And Casino Mashantucket

Its true, all kids need is a pool to think a hotel is awesome. Add to that gaming, bowling, go-karting, zip-lining, and so much more, its hard to figure out who is going to have more fun at Foxwoods the parents or the kids. And, we havent even gotten into the ridiculously indulgent concoctions at the Connecticut outpost of the Sugar Factory.

Go Gourmet At Westport Farmers Market

If you’re looking for organic produce, fresh fish, and artisanal farmers market findslike handmade cheeses or homemade kombuchathe Westport Farmers Market has it. This market is chock full of produce grown by regional farms and offered alongside gluten-free baked goods and vendors selling ethnic lunch items. Head there on Thursdays throughout the growing season to pick up your weekend dinner. Or pop in for a meal during lunchtime if you need a break from the office.

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See The Worlds Last Remaining Wooden Whaling Ship

At one time, the fleet of whaling ships regularly sailing in the Atlantic was 2,700. The very last of these, The Charles W. Morgan, can be seen at Mystic Seaport. The ship, built in 1841, has the distinction of being the only wooden whale ship still afloat. There are a lot of great things to see at Mystic Seaport in general, so dont miss it when visiting Connecticut.

Grab A Slice Of New Havenstyle Pizza

After southern Italian immigrants to this Connecticut city began baking coal-fired pies that were crisper, thinner, and more topped-to-the-edges than the traditional Neapolitan pizza theyd known back home, New Haven-style pizza was born. Almost a century later, fans still fight over the supremacy of Sallys versus Frank Pepes: Pepes opened first, in 1925, while Sallys, founded by Pepes nephew Salvatore Consiglio, opened in 1938. Both venues cook their pies at blisteringly hot temperatures in cavernous coal-fired brick ovens. And both secretly add an eyedroppers worth of some addictive, mystical substance that keeps us hankering for more. And as if that werent enough, locals also savor the pies at Modern Apizza and the relative newcomer Bar.

A birds-eye view of the beautifully restored Hartford mansion where Mark Twain and his family lived from 1874 to 1891.

Connecticut Office of Tourism

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