Among more than 5,000 American works of art are portraits by John Singleton Copley, paintings by Georgia O'Keeffe and Andrew Wyeth, and sculpture by Alexander Calder. The country's oldest free public museum, Wadsworth Atheneum houses more than 50,000 works of art in its Gothic-style building. Learn how your comment data is processed. The Overbrook Nature Center & Gift Shop is not to be missed, especially on Sundays, when they offer the Explorer's Program for kids. For a unique experience, visit the Assateague Island National Seashore, where youll find dreamy wild horses roaming around. 18 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Connecticut, 17 Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Hartford, CT, 15 Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in New Haven, CT, 10 Best Places for Camping in Connecticut, 16 Top-Rated Weekend Getaways in Connecticut, 17 Top-Rated Things to Do in Litchfield, CT, New Haven in Pictures: 20 Beautiful Places to Photograph, 11 Top-Rated Resorts on the French Riviera, 22 Best Places to Visit in the United States, 21 Best Luxury All-Inclusive Resorts in the World, https://www.stateparks.com/gillette_castle_state_park_in_connecticut.html, Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Hartford, CT, http://www.historicnewengland.org/historic-properties/homes/roseland-cottage. Dont forget to take the young ones to Chicks Beach. Address: 258 Main Street, Ridgefield, Connecticut, Accommodation: Where to Stay in Ridgefield, Greenwich Historical Society | Photo Copyright: Shandley McMurray. The Flying Elephant, giant Ferris Wheel, and carousel will please kids (and grownups) of all ages. Where to stay: Book early if you want to camp in Hither Hills State Park this summer or try the Beachcomber Resort at Montauk for a fabulous east coast resort vacation. Where to stay: On a budget try Country Inn & Suites by Radisson or right on the beach try Holiday Inn Resort Wilmington East Wrightsville Beach. Mystic Aquarium is the best aquarium in Connecticut. Absolutely! Not far north of Hartford, there are more things to do in Massachusetts. 366 Hopyard Road, East Haddam; 21 wooded sites near scenic waterfall. Its more of an inspiration to get out and see the state, she tells me. Hotels in East Marion. Take a left off the exit and go approximately 1 mile. Beachfront promenades beckon along with the oldest working lighthouse in the country. Another excellent vacation spot located in Florida is Vero Beach on the Treasure Coast. Litchfield County is in northwestern Connecticut.As of the 2020 census, the population was 185,186. Old Orchard Beach is one of the favorite locations for US families because of the engaging entertainment options for both children and adults. Here, the waves are gentle enough to keep the little ones safe as they swim in the ocean. Cabins are available to rent for a 7 night minimum (Sunday to Sunday only). Small moments of hiking along the rocky beach and collecting seashells can become precious memories. Patrolled regularly by lifeguards, it is one of the safest places to enjoy a beach experience, even with kids. She says she was raised in a house filled with art that had religious iconography and dark images. endobj The Stamford Museum & Nature Center is a hands-on spot beloved by locals of all ages. In 2021, America Through Time published her Abandoned Connecticut: First World Wasted. No worries, you'll find mid-scale options to tempt your palate, as well as chains like Starbucks. They sent back my first version, Cole says. Take care of your mental and emotional health with our compassionate behavioral health team. On the other hand, the bayside offers calm waters, and the Cape Henlopen Lighthouse adorns the view in front of you. I felt like there was so much to tell about a lot of the places, but I had to cut it down to their word requirements. Extend your search and explore the surrounding area. and has luxuriously soft sands. Particularly impressive are its collections of American arts, especially works of the Hudson River school. Long walks along the beach, bird watching, seasonal music concerts thats what Newport is all about. Stream fishing, no swimming. Nestled between the shoreline towns, Hammonassets 3 mile stretch of pristine coastline offers visitors a relaxing retreat from time spent in the busy city. Youll be relieved to see so many lifeguards keeping an eye on your safety. A visit to Hammonasset Beach State Park, is more than just another day at the beach. As of the 2020 census, the county's population was 957,419, representing 26.6% of Connecticut's overall population. During summer, the Seashell Stage is the center of attention for movie nights, look out for fireworks on Wednesdays. Cape Henlopen State Park, with more than 5000 acres of shores, is a place of wild beauty. If we cant find your account, you will be able to create a new one. <> endobj Lined with tall oak trees and moss, this island offers beaches and lighthouses. Youll find private accommodation options from seaside cottage rentals to luxury stays here. Address: 1288 Boston Post Road, Madison, Connecticut, USS Nautilus | Photo Copyright: Shandley McMurray. No pets. eI4i>YAWmaTd;Mn04.TJ;6qEef um?RGK:C/\hN`c A`^r,]rg'1/BYuU+276{_ OOw-"jUH`2.mi:zKs5D%b6ASa)GC5 cf/Id/79XUuVC^,q!^>JZEp5WWZj>2ig1#g5; e Gnf Ask any beach addict, and theyll tell you that Rehoboth Beach is one of the best east coast family beaches in the US. The closest to the center of the New York metropolitan area, the county contains four Here, you'll spy everything from fossils to meteorites to Babylonian carved stone divination objects among the more than 14 million specimens and objects on display. Grab a bite at one of the concession stands, use the facilities, and book a campsite if you're averse to leaving so soon. Choose which to hit first with our list of the best tourist attractions in Connecticut. Before you start your next adventure on Connecticut waters, make sure you are up to date on the rules and regulations. If you love golf, youll love this location because it is one of the premier golf regions in this part of the country. Her mother and stepfather died from cancer, and in 2016 Cole was diagnosed with breast cancer. Individualized mental and behavioral health for children in a compassionate environment. Holly Shores Camping Resort is perfect for onsite cabins and RVs. Rehoboth Beach is a fun place for kids where they can enjoy exciting activities and rides in the Funland amusement park and Jungle Jims complex. Address: 67 River Road, East Haddam, Connecticut, Official site: https://www.stateparks.com/gillette_castle_state_park_in_connecticut.html, Accommodation: Where to Stay near Gillette Castle State Park, Maritime Aquarium in Norwalk, Connecticut | Ritu Manoj Jethani / Shutterstock.com. Looking elsewhere? Try California Beaches | Gulf Coast Beaches | Florida Beaches | Oregon Coast | Oahu Beaches. A nostalgic east coast family beach vacation experience can be had at Hampton Beach, New Hampshire. Gillette Castle State Park straddles the towns of East Haddam and Lyme, Connecticut in the United States, sitting high above the Connecticut River.The castle was designed and built by William Gillette (18531937), an American actor most famous for his portrayal of Sherlock Holmes on stage. Once a colonial town, Newport now harbors a synagogue that is considered the oldest in all of the United States! Sign up for our newsletter to get our latest and greatest content delivered right to your inbox. That experience motivated her to follow the firm advice she gave to her mom and stepdad: I kept urging them to get off the couch and see some of the world before they went, to use the good days they had left., I dont want to die in my spot in the couch, she adds. Take an airboat safari to see Floridas wildlife in the freshwater wetlands of St. Johns River. Gillette lived here from 1919 until his death in 1937. View Our Notice of Privacy Practices Cape May is a great spot, for families who love to mix their beaches with exploring and adventure. Gillette Castle State Park . Many fishers come to Clinton to catch bluefish. Inside, guests can touch a stingray, ogle river otters, watch sharks feed, or pet a jelly fish. The town has one town beach named Clinton Beach. Where to stay: nearby, on a budget try High Seas Motel in Bar Harbor, or luxury try The Inn on Mount Desert. Worthy of its reputation as one of the best beaches in New York, and on the beast coast, Montauk at the very eastern tip of Long Island, past the Hamptons. Shades Beach Park. The visitor center has a video and historical displays; free student-led campus tours are offered each morning. JFIF ` ` ZExif MM * J Q Q Q C And the real magic of Fire Island? Among them are the Weir Farm National Historic Site in Wilton and the Florence Griswold Museum in Old Lyme. It's small enough to walk around without getting lost, large enough to spend a couple of hours exploring, and jam-packed with animals, ranging from spider monkeys to alligators to sloths to a giant anteater. Not willing to bust the bank for a bagel? Make sure you rent some bikes to enjoy the best of the beachfront and the developing Shoreline Greenway Trail, or mountain bikers will be in their place at nearby Rockland Preserve, 650 acres and 17 trails of mountain biking heaven! If you think New York City is all about skyscrapers and Times Square, you need to take a trip to Coney Island! The European collections feature Italian Baroque painting, the Surrealist artists, and Impressionists including Claude Monet and Pierre-Auguste Renoir. Last but not least, if its wide-open spaces and an escape from the crowds you want, you might just find your paradise in Amelia Island, the northeasternmost corner of Florida. Make sure to take your family to this islands iconic lighthouse, where you will find an interactive museum. Boulder Dash is one of the best wooden roller coasters in the world, while the 65-mile-an-hour Phobia Phear Coaster will exhilarate (and likely scare) every brave rider. 6 0 obj It is the ideal place for kids to enjoy walks, safely ride their bikes and observe flora and fauna. Email editor@connecticutmag.com. He enjoys running, rock and country music and local history. Were those war drums? Where to stay: On a budget try Hamilton Village Inn, North Kingstown or for luxury try Castle Hill Inn. Where to stay: On a budget try Diamond Crest Motel, Wildwood or luxury try La Mer Beachfront Resort. Is your family a mix of fun-lovers and peace-seekers? Its an incredible place for things to do if you have an open mind to look for it and do it!. Connecticut is probably not the first place that springs to mind when youre thinking of east coast beach vacation, but for the curious, it DOES have some sandy beachfront! The Beehive Bridge in New Britain is featured in Christina E. Coles new book Weird, Wild, and Wonderful Connecticut. ?= And boy is it chock-full of fun! It provides a wide range of activities, besides breathtaking views. The State This is definitely one of the best tourist attractions in Connecticut for families. Choose a station using our Tides and Currents Map, click on a state below, or search by station name, or ID. Youll also be mesmerized by all the waterfront mansions in this region. Dont forget to bring along some toys for babies to keep them entertained if you have little ones who arent old enough to appreciate the lovely setting. Randall Beach is a former columnist and reporter for the New Haven Register. Ocracoke Beach . Have a question or comment? its clear to see why its a favorite getaway for so many families. The house and gardens are a National Historic Landmark. Bishop's Orchards, 1355 Boston Post Road, Guilford. Interstate 95 (I-95) is the main northsouth Interstate Highway on the East Coast of the United States, running in a general eastwest compass direction for 111.57 miles (179.55 km) in Connecticut, from the New York state line to the Rhode Island state line.I-95 from Greenwich to East Lyme is part of the Connecticut Turnpike, during which it passes through the major cities of Whether you're visiting in hopes of wandering the winding walking trails, ogling the statues that pepper the hilltop garden, or letting the kids lose in one of the best playgrounds in Connecticut, you're in for a treat. Where to stay: There are no big chain hotels here, why not try a beachfront cottage to yourselves or camping and glamping can be booked through lovefins.com. Don't miss the California Sea Lion Show at the on-site Foxwoods Marine Center. Scores and schedules for the 2022 CIAC football quarterfinals, the semifinals on Dec. 4 and the Dec. 10 championships in either East Hartford or New Britain. Has to be Harbor View Hotel or rent your own cottage is Tisbury. endobj Climb aboard for an informative tour. You must also visit the Pier where you can shop till you drop and enjoy delicious seafood. This region has many other local attractions that will keep you busy. She focused on bleak but compelling sites such as Holy Land USA in Waterbury and Sunrise Resort in Moodus. With various hotels, restaurants, and shopping destinations for both luxury trips and budget vacays, you can plan the trip that suits your pocket. But her publisher, America Through Time, limited her to 96 pages and didnt give her much space to describe what she photographed. WebLakehouse.com is a nationwide advertising service for lake properties, weekend homes, retirement homes, second homes, vacation homes, waterfront homes, lake lots, land, acreage, lake view properties, lakefront cabins, lakeside cottages, condos, log homes, riverfront, lake access, lake area homes, lake shore or any type of real estate for sale on 11 of 14. In August, you can catch the Hampton Beach Childrens Festival. The Victorian Gothic mansion is a National Historic Landmark. <> An Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Stamp fee will be collected from any person who registers a vessel or renews a vessel registration in Connecticut. No it turned out to be a multitude of frogs searching for water. Gillette Castle is one of Connecticut's most unique attractions. To begin, enter your last name and date of birth. <> If youre looking for a secluded destination to have a quiet getaway with your family, Kiawah Island is an excellent spot for you. Looking for a remote east coast family beach vacation? Admire the fantastic furnishing of the Victorian era at Villa Zorayda Museum. Visitors will encounter a 16th-century coastal Pequot village and learn about life on a reservation from 1675 to the 1970s. (0.25 mi) 2 bedroom Apartment Brand New Listing Close to Beach & Downtown! Thanks to Coles discovery, Im going to get out there for some slices. Throughout the 18th century, Madison was known as East Guilford until it was incorporated as a town in 1826. Address: 36 Perimeter Road, Bradley International Airport, Windsor Locks, Connecticut. And did you know theres a Tree of Life Barn Quilt Trail in New Milford? .Gq;RfB,cU>VFe? This page contains affiliate links to our preferred tour and accommodation providers. Think ice creams and candy shops, watercraft rentals from Uihleins Marina and Gosmans Dock for the fish market and seafood restaurants your quintessential east coast beach vacation (just plan your travel out of peak hour traffic!!). It can certainly be hard to find but try Block Island, off the coast of Rhode Island for a simple secluded paradise. Vero Beach is also a popular choice with Disney fans, given its close proximity to Orlando, as well as being home to the Disney Vero Beach Resort. Radius Images/Getty Images. Head to one of Connecticut's best beaches for a quiet day by the Long Island Sound, window shop in Greenwich, tour a glass house in New Canaan, or get inspired by the art on display in the Yale University Art Gallery. Where to stay: In nearby Lewes, try Home2 Suites by Hilton. When you've had enough of shopping and eating, make your way to the Greenwich Historical Society to soak up the history behind this beautiful town. Connecticut (/ k n t k t / ()) is the southernmost state in the New England region of the Northeastern United States.It is bordered by Rhode Island to the east, Massachusetts to the north, New York to the west, and Long Island Sound to the south. Home to over 250,000 objects, this is where you'll find masterpieces crafted by the likes of Monet, Degas, and Manet. The Cabinet of Art and Curiosity room was inspired by the wealthy Victorian collectors who displayed their treasures in cabinets, without labels or curation. Address: The Glass House Visitor Center & Design Store, 199 Elm Street, New Canaan, Connecticut, Official site: https://theglasshouse.org/, Accommodation: Where to Stay in New Canaan, Hammonasset Beach State Park | Photo Copyright: Shandley McMurray. Who knew? His essays are at randallbeach.substack.com and he can be reached at rbeach8@yahoo.com. Hotels in Riverhead. While parts of the city leave a bit to be desired (there are some shady areas, so it's best to stay close to the campus itself), this Ivy League heavyweight brings culture to the forefront of this port town. For summer travel, see our handy guides to the best beaches in Connecticut and the top beach hotels. For an unforgettable east coast vacation experience, why not try horseback riding on the beach at Amelia Island State Park? The quaint island of Duck offers a view of the vast ocean. Flying craft include helicopters, amphibious aircraft, jets, WWII aircraft, and others, including two historic examples of balloon baskets, one of which is the oldest surviving American-built aircraft. Choose whether you'd like to set out on a seal-spotting or birding mission, a sunset cruise, or a Marine Life Encounter. The main street of this plush suburb, Greenwich Avenue is also home to some of the town's best restaurants, which means you can enjoy a relaxing lunch or dinner while on a break from all that retail therapy. endobj Two of the state's top 5 largest cities, New Haven (3rd) and Waterbury (5th), are part of New Haven County. Search Stations. Not all beach vacations in the US need to be remote; whilst granted you wont get the states softest white sand here it still makes an excellent daycation spot for NYC families. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Please click on the specific area of the page that your feedback is related to so it can be sent to the correct team. Address: 10 North Water Street, Norwalk, Connecticut, Official site: https://www.maritimeaquarium.org/, Beardsley Zoo | Photo Copyright: Shandley McMurray. Ocean City is also a great place to try jet skiing and sea fishing. <> The house is an excellent example of the Gothic-Revival-style popular in the mid-1840s, with a steep roof, sharply pointed gables, and elaborate ornamental fretwork under the eves. Elsewhere in the museum, exhibits follow the development of undersea travel from its beginnings with David Bushnell's Turtle, constructed in 1776. 2022 Spring Turkey Season: April 27 - May 28 (excluding Sundays). Where to stay: On a budget try this oceanfront condo with a pool, or enjoy waterfront sunrises at Prestige Hotel Vero Beach. Norwalk's Maritime Aquarium is one of the best attractions in Connecticut for families. Dont miss the Ocean Hammock Park where youll picnic spots to pool up with your cooler and nature trails not to forget the sea turtle nesting areas! Besides five mesmerizing beaches, the place has picturesque dunes. Theres also an amusement park where you and the kids can indulge in plenty of games and rides. You can even enjoy a scenic walk along the Cliff Walk trail, though its best not to cover too much of it with young children. A 20-year-old college dropout, a sharecroppers daughter, a Jewish pharmacist, a young nurse practitioner, and a future U.S. Bring water shoes, as the ground is rough and can get quite hot during summer. You'll see the giant vat where whale blubber was boiled into oil and the tiny bunks slept in by the crew. If you find the bright lights of Ocean City and Rehoboth not quite to your taste and want a slightly more rustic and relaxed east coast beach vacation, Bethany Beach in Delaware could be that serene escape that youre hoping for. 13 miles of unspoiled shoreline, pristine waters, and an abundance of wildlife, this is one of our favorite east coast beaches for families and one of the most beautiful islands in Florida. <> <> 2.50.1.147, Non-Resident Aquatic Invasive Species Stamp- NEW. Litchfield County has the lowest population density of any county in Connecticut and is the state's largest county by area.. Litchfield County comprises the Torrington, CT Micropolitan Statistical Area, which is included in the New Two of the state's top 5 largest cities, New Haven (3rd) and Waterbury (5th), are part of New Haven County. Address: 186 Enterprise Drive, Bristol, Connecticut, Official site: https://www.lakecompounce.com/. The interior is just as richly decorated in Victorian style, with pocket doors, patterned carpets, wallcoverings that imitated tooled leather, and diamond- pane windows with inserts of stained glass. Not many of us. %PDF-1.7 Its throwback downtown is as beloved as its four town- and state-owned beaches. 2022 Community Health Center, Inc. Carolina Beachs boardwalk offers amusements that every kid loves! With a heavenly coastal stretch of 80 miles, Nantucket Island is a massive draw for vacationers, especially families. The Yale campus itself is a tourist attraction, with fascinating buildings designed by Eero Saarinen, Frank O. Gehry, and other prominent architects. Looking for more ideas? If youd like to spend more time in the waters, you can charter a yacht for an excursion. Dont miss the delicious food and sunset at the rocky Menemsha Beach. In this coastal location on Anastasia Island, you can try your hand at fishing at St. Johns County Pier. Need help creating a profile? Hoping to pet a starfish? For a unique vacation thats nothing like your run-of-the-mill, fun-in-the-sun trip to the beach, Acadia National Park is an excellent east coast vacation destination. Beach lovers fall upon the soft sand of Hammonasset Beach State Park year-round, but this pretty shore is packed come summertime. Whether you want to window shop in the high-end stores (we're talking the wallet-crushing Herms, Saks Fifth Avenue, Richards, and Moncler) or sip a mocha latte in an upscale caf, you're in for a luxe experience. I tend to lean toward apocalyptic photography clouds, not blue skies., Where did that come from? The boardwalk offers restaurants, shopping locations, and play areas. Fans of thrill rides won't want to miss a trip to Connecticut's best theme park, Lake Compounce. 7 Beach Street: Bethel: Boston Ave Auto (Getty) 375 Boston Ave: Bridgeport: E & S Auto Repair: 425 Boston Avenue: 1429 East Putnam Avenue: Old Greenwich: Copps Hill Shell, Inc. 130 Danbury Road: Ridgefield: Hammonasset Ford: 188-191 Boston Post Rd: Madison: Cos Central Auto: 1652 North Broad St. Meriden: 104 Ocean Avenue, East Hampton, NY 11937, easthamptonvillage.org. We acknowledge, embrace and value the diversity and individual uniqueness of our patients, students, employees and external partners and strive to foster a culture of equity and inclusion. endobj Address: 75 Greenmanville Ave, Mystic, Connecticut, Accommodation: Where to Stay near Mystic Seaport, Read More: Top-Rated Things to Do in Mystic, CT, Yale University Art Gallery | f11photo / Shutterstock.com. Perched atop the towering Seven Sisters, the views from above are spectacular, especially if you time your visit for the height of fall's vibrant color show. Beachin' isn't the only fun thing to do on this Connecticut beach. Cole photographed one of the 19 colorful quilt patterns hand-painted and hung on barns and other historical buildings. East Aspetuck River New Milford, New Preston 10/6 East Twin Lake TML Salisbury Seefs 11/22; Hammonasset River Clinton, Madison, Killingworth 10/4 Hammonasset River TMA Madison, Beach Pond Voluntown Seefs 11/15; Trout 10/4 Wharton Brook Pond Below lies the sparkling Connecticut River, which you may have crossed if you took the Chester-Hadlyme Ferry from Chester to reach the castle. Everybody knows that Myrtle Beach is one of the most pocket-friendly US beach vacation destinations. No matter what tickles your traveling fancy, you'll find it, and so much more, in Connecticut. So, pick a destination from our list of east coast beaches and start planning today! You can also visit Palace Playland, a beachfront amusement park with rides for both adults and toddlers. Connecticut's largest shoreline park offers over 2 miles of beach to enjoy swimming, strolling along the boardwalk, or just relaxing in the sun and surf. I hope what got left out somehow translated through the pictures.. Louis C. Tiffany was one of the designers for the home's interior, which shows many of the exotic decorative influences of the era. Designed in the early 20 th century by stage actor William Gillette (he was apparently the first to portray Sherlock Holmes), this medieval Gothic structure hides secret passageways, spying mirrors, and other interesting and whimsical elements. Head inland for kayaking or explore the giant sand dunes of Boneyard Beach. Barnum paid for the stone monument. Where to stay: On a budget try Crosswinds Motel or luxury you cant go past The Beachwood. The adventurous older kids can enjoy kayaking or paddleboarding. Heres some more: although I have lived in Connecticut for nearly 50 years, I had never heard of the Trackside Brick Oven Pizzeria, located literally along the train tracks of Wallingford in a 1920s Philadelphia subway car. Accommodation: Where to Stay in Greenwich. Samuel Clemens, better known as Mark Twain, and Olivia "Livy" Clemens moved into their newly built three-story Hartford mansion in 1874, and it was in the height of late Victorian style. The transparent house is the main attraction, its glass walls allowing indoor guests 360-degree views of the verdant landscape and shimmering pond that stretch out below. 3 0 obj Hey CT radio stations, play some new holiday music! Cole should have been provided a better fact-checker and proofreader. Your email address will not be published. Other fun attractions include interacting with computer-generated animations in the Wild Arctic exhibits. We suggest letting lunch digest before boarding these exciting rides. Who wouldnt love to sink their feet into the sand and relax in front of scenic views? The Glass House is a must-see attraction in Connecticut, so it's important to time your visit right. The Yale University Art Gallery is tucked away just off the main green. There are many activities here, ranging from camping trips to nearby aquarium visits, sure to keep the family active and engaged on their east coast beach vacation. Adjacent to the mansion is the restored home of author Harriet Beecher Stowe, author of Uncle Tom's Cabin. She calls Connecticut the smallest state (it ranks third, behind Rhode Island and Delaware) and there are glaring misspellings when she writes about Hammonasset Beach State Park and Dr. Dolittle. 19-190 Webbrowning bar 300 win mag 10 round magazine haunted house tickets Web11 Warmest Florida beaches in March and April Naples Beach Siesta Key Captiva Island Fort Lauderdale Hollywood Beach Key Biscayne Key Largo Key West Cocoa Beach West Palm Beach Boca Raton Is the water warm in Florida in March/April?To bring soap, to warm xZKsF{ab'MNgrhzXSkDdG Ed;r> }{[G1Yu:y{,bI4=w It has an old beachfront town charm, but be warned, it can be packed with tourists on a hot summers day! A visit to Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo is one of the top things to do in Bridgeport, and for good reason. New Haven County is a county in the south central part of the U.S. state of Connecticut.As of the 2020 census, the population was 864,835, making it the third-most populous county in Connecticut. ",#(7),01444'9=82. This otherworldly condo complex in Guilford is featured in Christina E. Coles new book Weird, Wild, and Wonderful Connecticut. Once you dip your toes into the calm water of the Long Island Sound, you'll understand why. The shoreline parks (Harkness, Rocky Neck, Silver Sands, and Sherwood Island) prohibit dogs on the beach year-round. Hammonasset Beach State Park offers more than two miles of sandy beachfront amongst its 1000 acres, along with the Meigs Point Nature Center. Wrightsville Beach will be ideal for you if youre looking for surfing and sunbathing experiences, paired with great seafood. Connecticut's diminutive size makes it easy to spend a long weekend visiting multiple spots. <>/ExtGState<>/XObject<>/ProcSet[/PDF/Text/ImageB/ImageC/ImageI] >>/MediaBox[ 0 0 612 792] /Contents 4 0 R/Group<>/Tabs/S>> The highlight for most visitors is the chance to board and explore USS Nautilus, the world's first nuclear powered submarine. Thus, you get a view that your kids will continue to turn into paintings till your next vacation. Home to five female harbor seals, the new 160,000-gallon seal exhibit is unmissable. If you're hankering for dinosaurs, head to the Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History, one of the top tourist attractions in Connecticut. Where to stay: Hotel accommodation is a little limited and pricey given the exclusivity of the location, try National Hotel or Old Town Inn. A day trip out on the Cape May Whale Watcher is a must for whale and dolphin spotting, or take a kayak through the inland marshes. We are equally fond of wide sandy beaches as granite cliffs with breaking waves and rock pools to explore. You'll need to buy a ticket in advance to ensure entry to this spectacular property, which is open to the public between mid-April and mid-November. She calls Connecticut the smallest state (it ranks third, behind Rhode Island and Delaware) and there are glaring misspellings when she writes about Hammonasset Beach State Park and Dr. Dolittle. In fact, this is the second-most visited family attraction in the state. The European Decorative Arts collection is composed of more than 7,000 pieces, from ancient glass and bronzes to ceramics from Meissen, Vincennes, and Svres. Instead, visitors must drive to the Glass House Visitor Center & Design Store in town, at 199 Elm Street. The whole family will enjoy a day trip to the Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge to learn about sea turtle conservation. Every place has a little niche. There are 17 small beach communities in total along the sandbar shoreline with houses on rent, perfect for families. Address: 351 Farmington Avenue, Hartford, Connecticut, Official site: http://www.marktwainhouse.org/, Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Hartford, CT. It has an easier difficulty rating for terrain and is approximately 3.8 miles with extensions as well for longer riding. Address: 1 Crystal Lake Road, Groton, Connecticut, Mashantucket Pequot Museum & Research Center. They will thank you for the thrilling trip, with experiences of go-karting and spotting wildlife at the Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge. stream Designed in the early 20th century by stage actor William Gillette (he was apparently the first to portray Sherlock Holmes), this medieval Gothic structure hides secret passageways, spying mirrors, and other interesting and whimsical elements. The house was designed and lived in by Philip Johnson, a noted architect known for his contemporary designs, and is complemented by a circular swimming pool, brick guesthouse, a painting gallery, pavilion in the pond, Da Monsta building, and an interesting Sculpture Gallery. Thats because parts of this rocky trail can be somewhat dangerous. $.' Book a cruise on the smaller passenger boats, or rent a rowboat if you're hoping to get out on the water. Bringing the kids? Stretching over two miles, Hammonasset Beach is the largest beach in Connecticut, which means that even at its busiest, you'll find space to stretch out your towel and raise your beach umbrella. Once you step foot on the vast grounds of the Mystic Seaport Museum, you'll see why it is deemed one of the top tourist attractions in Connecticut. Discover the citys macabre past on a ghost tour through the historic Old Town. The interesting exhibits are constantly changing and contain information on everything from massive geodes to more recent scientific discoveries. Visitors can also walk the winding nature trails and visit the impressive Meigs Point Nature Center. There are classics from arcade games to mini-golf for families to enjoy through to the Blue Ocean Discovery Center and Explore the Ocean World Oceanarium. We previously discussed our favorite worldwide family beaches here, but we know many of our readers continue only to be able to travel domestically in the US this year, so we are seeking out the best beaches across the country starting with the East Coast. Your kids will also enjoy the Wonderworks Amusement Park and Ripleys Museum. It's also home to a Maple Sugar House. Get the care you need, even if you cant visit us in person. The Atlantic surf is brilliant for kids who want to grab their Boogie Board and hit the waves or your older thrill-seekers can try their hand at parasailing or jet ski. Buffalo, Queen City of the Lakes, was one of the shining cities of the early and mid-Industrial Revolution.The Erie Canal took advantage of location and positioned us as a major transshipment center. Hammonasset Beach State Park . From young adventure-seekers to older nature-lovers: everyone will enjoy it here. Effective January 1, 2020 - Aquatic Invasive Species Stamp- Public Act No. Campers can book a site in Fort Clinch State Park 11 months in advance. An on-site water park makes it easy to cool down and continue the fun in a more refreshing manner. A nostalgic east coast family beach vacation experience can be had at Hampton Beach, New Hampshire. Victorian Gothic mansion is the ideal place for things to do on this Connecticut Beach kids can enjoy kayaking paddleboarding... 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To luxury stays here the Museum, exhibits follow the hammonasset east beach of undersea travel from its beginnings with David 's! She focused on bleak but compelling sites such as Holy Land USA in Waterbury and Sunrise in. Behavioral health for children in a compassionate environment tourist attractions in Connecticut for families endobj Lined with tall trees! Connecticut 's overall population what tickles your traveling fancy, you 'll see giant! Airport, Windsor Locks, Connecticut, Official site: https: //www.lakecompounce.com/ reason... From its beginnings with David Bushnell 's Turtle, constructed in 1776 Shandley. Go-Karting and spotting wildlife at the back Bay National wildlife Refuge to learn about Life on reservation. Scenic waterfall his essays are at randallbeach.substack.com and he can be sent to the correct team to date the... Wild, and Wonderful Connecticut | Photo Copyright: Shandley McMurray Beach.... 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