Middlebury’s Quassy Amusement Park has been expanding its water attractions to attract more customers. Splash Away Bay, Quassy’s water park, has three new giant slides and a children’s splash pad.
Sometimes, no matter how wonderful, charming and exciting living in Torrington, CT can be -- you just have to get away from it all for a while. Here is a list of some nearby getaways you might want to visit.
ANSONIA Ansonia Nature & Recreation Center Category: Science & Nature Description: Over three miles of nature trails in 149-acre park. Hiking, picnic areas. Interpretive building, gift shop. General David Humphreys House (c.1698) Category: Historic Site Description: Home of aide to General Washington, first U.S. ambassador, local manufacturer and poet. Archives, gift shop. Woodbridge Avenue Neighborhood War Memorial Category: Historic Site Description: Dramatic bonze honor rolls listing the names of local World War II, Korean, and Vietnam veterans surrounded by monuments honoring all veterans. BANTAM All Wars Memorial Category: Historic Site Description: A memorial to those who served in the U.S. armed forces from the Revolutionary War to those serving in current missions.
BARKHAMSTED American Legion Category: Parks & Forests Description: Nature museum, hiking trails, historical and cultural sites, picnicking, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing. Access to the Farmington River for fishing, canoeing. American Legion/Peoples State Forests Category: Parks & Forests Description: Peoples State Forest offers a nature museum, hiking trails, picnicking. Access to the Farmington River for fishing, canoeing. Camping nearby at the American Legion State Forest. Lake McDonough Category: Parks & Forests Description: Boating, fishing, picnicking, hiking including Braille nature trail, and swimming; boat launch. Peoples Category: Parks & Forests
BETHEL Blue Jay Orchards Category: Farms & Gardens Description: 140-acre apple orchard with a farm market, pick-your-own apples and weekday tours of the working farm in Sept. and Oct. Hayrides to pumpkin patch during Oct. (weekends only). Picnic area, observation
BETHLEHEM Bellamy-Ferriday House & Garden Category: Historic Site Description: A Connecticut Landmark. Embodies the dramatically different passions of two extraordinary individuals: Pastor Joseph Bellamy, renowned leader of the Great Awakening and actress Caroline Ferriday. Feat March Farm Category: Farms & Gardens Description: Located in the beautiful rolling hills of Litchfield County, offering acres pf pick-your-own fruit and berries, country market, hayloft playscape, animal yard, hiking trails and picnic pavilion.
BRISTOL American Clock & Watch Museum Category: Museums & Galleries Description: Promoting the history of American-made clocks and watches, the museum houses the largest display of American production clocks in the world. Special emphasis is placed on Connecticut clockmaking. H.C. Barnes Memorial Nature Center Category: Science & Nature Description: 70-acre nature center with marked trails, interpretive center, nature library, animal exhibits and gift shop. Imagine Nation Children's Museum Category: Museums & Galleries Description: Explore a world of wonder and imagination at this hands-on interactive museum for children age 10 and under. Kids Market Square shop offers many toys and educational games. Lake Compounce Theme Park Category: Entertainment Description: New England's Family Theme Park has more than 50 thrilling rides and attractions, including Connecticut's largest waterpark and Boulder Dash, voted the #1 wooden coaster in the world. New England Carousel Museum Category: Museums & Galleries Description: Exhibits represent the finest pieces of antique carousel art in existence. The Bristol Center for Arts and Culture features three galleries,Museum of Fire History, displays fire memorabilia.
BROOKFIELD Brookfield Theater for the Arts Category: Performing Arts Description: Quality community theater and arts education since 1957. DiGrazia Vineyard & Winery Category: Wineries & Breweries Description: Guided winery tours and tastings, picnic area. Golf Quest Family Sports Center Category: Sport Venues Description: Golf driving range, miniature golf, batting cages. Mother Earth Gallery & Mining Company Category: Science & Nature Description: Indoor, re-created mine where children dig for real gemstones and fossils. Gift gallery offering minerals, crystals, fossils, handcrafted jewelry, nature toys.
BURLINGTON Burlington State Fish Hatchery Category: Science & Nature Description: Fish production facility where 100,000 pounds of trout and salmon are raised each year to stock state waters; hiking trails in nearby state forest. Lamothe's Sugar House Category: Farms & Gardens Description: Family owned maple sugar house. Watch how maple syrup is made. Country store features maple syrup, jams, honey and more. Sessions Woods Wildlife Management Area Category: Science & Nature Description: Exhibit area with displays about Connecticut's wildlife. Demonstrations of wildlife and habitat management practices. Hiking trails, beaver marsh, waterfall, observation tower.
CORNWALL Discover Northwest Connecticut Category: Region/Town Information Description: Nestled between the Berkshires of Massachusetts and the Hudson Valley of New York, the northwest corner of the state is a cluster of historic, unspoiled towns connected by breathtaking rural scenery. Housatonic Anglers Category: Fishing Description: Fly-fishing guide service providing full or half day and wade trips as well as float trips on the Housatonic and Farmington Rivers, for both trout and bass. Lunch, flies and all equipment provided. Mohawk Category: Parks & Forests Mohawk Mountain Ski Area Category: Ski Areas
CORNWALL BRIDGE Guided Flyfishing Trips-Housatonic River Outfitters Category: Fishing Description: Fly-fishing guides and instructions. Gourmet lunch provided for full-day trips. Reservations required. Fly-fishing collectibles and antiques. Housatonic Meadows Fly Shop & Lodge Category: Fishing Description: Full or half-day trout fishing guide service on the Housatonic River, equipment and lunch (full-day trips) provided, license and flies extra fee. Cabins located on site.
DANBURY Danbury Fair Category: Shopping Description: One of the largest shopping malls in Connecticut offering 200 retailers and eateries. Home to retail favorites Apple, Abercrombie & Fitch, Coach, J. Crew and many more. Located off I-84 and Rte. 7. Danbury Museum & Historical Society Category: Historic Site Description: John and Mary Rider House (1785). Hatting industry exhibits in John Dodd Shop (1790). Birthplace (5 Mountainville Rd., c.1829) of Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Charles Ives. Contralto Marion Anderso Danbury Railway Museum Category: Museums & Galleries Description: Vintage locomotives and other rolling stock in railroad yard. Seasonal local train rides, restored 1903 Station with model railroads, displays, gift shop. Gallery at Still River Editions Category: Museums & Galleries Description: A small, contemporary art gallery offering new exhibitions on a quarterly basis. Ives Concert Park Category: Performing Arts Description: Outdoor amphitheater featuring rock and roll, jazz, blues, Motown and classical music. Military Museum of Southern New England Category: Museums & Galleries Description: Life-size interior dioramas with military vehicles and equipment. Large collection of models and dioramas depicting World War II scenes. Outdoor exhibits of tanks and heavy material. Gift shop. Musicals at Richter Category: Performing Arts Description: Outdoor theater presenting three full-scale mainstage musicals along with cabaret evenings and dayti Sport Flying of Connecticut Category: In the Air Description: Seaplane rides, choose between a Piper Cub on Floats or Wheels. These nostalgic airplanes bring us back to an era in aviation that most have forgotten. Tarrywile Park & Mansion Category: Parks & Forests Description: Recreation park on 722 acres with hiking trails, horseback trails, special events, cross-country skiing. Mansion is a community center. Theatre at WestConn Category: Performing Arts Westside Nature Preserve Category: Science & Nature Description: 33 acres of woodland and wetland located on the campus of Western Connecticut State University. Nature trail with a diverse collection of fauna and flora. DERBY Kellogg Environmental Center Category: Science & Nature Description: Contemporary environmental center located in a landscaped rural setting, with nature trails, interactive displays, workshops. Osborndale Category: Parks & Forests Osborne Homestead Museum Category: Historic Site Description: Former estate of Frances Osborne Kellogg. Elegant Colonial Revival home (1850). Listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
EAST CANAAN Beckley Iron Furnace & Educational Center Category: Historic Site Description: Focal point of the Iron Heritage Trail, celebrating the 1734-1923 era when local furnaces and forges made iron for cannons and weapons and railroad machinery. Designated Industrial Monument. Land of Nod Winery Category: Wineries & Breweries Description: Situated in the Berkshire foothills, on land steeped in early American history, the winery continues the American tradition excellence craftsmanship. Tours, tastings, farm products. EAST
HARTLAND Sweet Wind Farm Sugarhouse & Farm Stand Category: Farms & Gardens FALLS VILLAGE Music Mountain Category: Performing Arts Description: America's oldest continuing summer chamber music festival located on 120 acres with concert hall. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
GAYLORDSVILLE Gaylordsville Historical Society Category: Historic Site Description: Brown's Forge, Brown's Forge Rd., an authentic blacksmith shop (1871), Little Red Schoolhouse, Gaylord Rd., authentic 1-room schoolhouse (1740) in continuous use until 1967. Merwinsville Hotel Category: Historic Site Description: Built in 1843, museum rooms contain hotel memorabilia.
GOSHEN Action Wildlife Foundation Category: Science & Nature Description: Wildlife sanctuary featuring over 350 exotic animals. Petting zoo, museum, exploration center, gift shop, picnic area, hay rides in the fall. Visit the Safari Drive-thru. Litchfield Performing Arts, Inc. Category: Performing Arts Description: Litchfield Jazz Festival in Goshen held annually second weekend in August. Litchfield Jazz Camp, music training for students with professional jazz musicians, and Project Poetry Live, an arts program. Miranda Vineyard Category: Wineries & Breweries Description: Located in the rolling Litchfield Hills with a tasting room and large exterior deck, a great place to sit and relax and enjoy the company of good friends, picnics are welcome. Sunset Meadow Vineyards Category: Wineries & Breweries Description: A 50-acre family operated vineyard and winery located in the picturesque Litchfield Hills. Offering award-winning estate wines from the sustainably farmed vineyards.
HARWINTON Fairview Farm Golf Course Category: Golf Courses KENT Bicycle Tour Company Category: Biking Tour Cos. Description: Bicycle rentals and cycling routes for all levels, self-guided tours, and custom trips, groups welcome. Bulls Bridge Category: Historic Site Description: Covered bridge spanning the Housatonic River continues to serve traffic between the local community and the New York state line. Connecticut Antique Machinery Association Museum Category: Museums & Galleries Description: Dedicated to the industrial and agricultural heritage of the United States. Connecticut Museum of Mining and Mineral Science, dedicated to the state's rich mining and mineral heritage. Eric Sloane Museum and Kent Furnace Category: Historic Site Description: Exhibits the early American hand tool collection and artwork of Eric Sloane including his re-created studio. Adjacent ruins of 19th-century Kent Iron Furnace. Kent Falls Category: Parks & Forests Kent Falls State Park Category: Parks & Forests Description: Cascading waterfalls with stair pathway adjacent to the Falls, provides views of all levels; picnic area, three observation decks, fishing. Macedonia Brook Category: Parks & Forests Description: 51 sites in rustic setting. Stream fishing, excellent hiking, no swimming, no pets.
LAKEVILLE Lime Rock Park Category: Sport Venues Description: Professional and amateur road racing, car shows and auto festivals. Major professional races on Memorial Day weekend, July 4th weekend and Labor Day weekend.
LITCHFIELD Aer Blarney Balloons, LLC Category: Hot Air Balloons Description: Hot air balloon services including champagne charter flights over Litchfield countryside, spectacular fall foliage flights and winter excursions. Flight instructions available. Reservations required. Haight-Brown Vineyard Category: Wineries & Breweries Description: Connecticut's first established winery set on 10 pastoral acres. Winery tours, self-guided vineyard walks and wine tasting. Wine and gift shop, cafe offering light fare on weekends. Lee's Riding Stable Category: Horse Rides Description: Horseback riding on quiet well-mannered horses. Pony rides available, indoor ring for rainy days. Litchfield History Museum Category: Museums & Galleries Description: Seven galleries of furniture, fine arts, textiles and household objects depicting the evolution of a small New England town. Lourdes in Litchfield Shrine Grotto Category: Historic Site Description: Replica of the Lourdes Grotto in France, this 170 acre shrine was built by the Montfort Missionaries and dedicated as a place of peace, prayer and pilgrimage. Hillside Stations of the Cross path, gift Mt. Tom Category: Parks & Forests Description: Summit is 1,325 feet above sea level with stone tower on top. Hiking trail, lake swimming, picnicking, fishing, boating (non-motor), scuba diving. Mt. Tom State Park Category: Parks & Forests Description: Summit is 1,325 feet above sea level with stone tower on top. Hiking trail, lake swimming, picnicking, fishing, boating (non-motor), scuba diving. Stonybrook Golf Course Category: Golf Courses Summer Concert Series on the Green Category: Performing Arts Description: Entertainment for the entire family. Tapping Reeve House & Litchfield Law School Category: Historic Site Description: America's first law school (1773); graduates include over 100 member of Congress. Journey through the life of a student from the early 19th-century. Topsmead Category: Parks & Forests Topsmead State Forest Category: Parks & Forests Description: English tudor cottage, former summer home of Edith M. Chase, formal gardens. Western Connecticut Convention & Visitors Bureau Category: Region/Town Information Description: Provides visitor and meeting information for 64 cities and towns for the Western region of the state. Western Connecticut Convention & Visitors Bureau Category: Region/Town Information Description: Provides visitor and meeting information for 64 cities and towns for the Western region of the state. White Flower Farm Category: Science & Nature Description: Ten acres of display gardens, peak bloom June-Sept., nationally known English Tuberous Begonias; garden store. White Memorial Conservation Center Museum Category: Science & Nature Description: Nature trail, special displays, nature and hands-on exhibits, live animals, outdoor bird sanctuary, gift store. White Memorial Foundation Category: Science & Nature Description: State's largest nature center and wildlife sanctuary. 4,000 acres, 35 miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, fishing, cross-country skiing; bird observation platforms; camping. White Memorial Foundation Category: Ski Areas Description: 35 miles of trails for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, free and open to the public.
MIDDLEBURY Quassy Amusement Park Category: Entertainment Description: Traditional family amusement park with a wooden roller coaster, "Splash Away Bay" interactive water play area, and other rides and attractions. Beach, boat rides, food, arcade, entertainment.
NAUGATUCK Hop Brook Golf Course Category: Golf Courses Naugatuck Historical Society Museum Category: Museums & Galleries Description: Depicts the industrial, educational and family life of the Naugatuck valley and surrounding area. Summer Music Festival Category: Performing Arts Description: Concerts located on scenic and historic town green, offering music ranging from jazz, country to polka.
NEW FAIRFIELD Squantz Pond Category: Parks & Forests Squantz Pond State Park Category: Parks & Forests Description: Seasonal activities include swimming, boating, hiking, picnicking, fishing, ice skating.
NEW HARTFORD Connecticut Valley Winery Category: Wineries & Breweries Description: Enjoy award-winning wines in an old world setting. Winery with tasting room, gift shop and scenic vineyard. Farmington River Tubing Category: Boat Rides Description: Excursions start at Satan's Kingdom State Recreation Area, Rte. 44. Spend a few hours tubing on the Farmington River. Rentals include tube, personal flotation device and a ride back. Age restrictions Hayward Farm Category: Farms & Gardens Jerram Winery Category: Wineries & Breweries Description: Vineyard and winery. Winery tours and tastings, self-guided vineyard tours. Wine patio and picnics. Perennial gardens, art gallery. Main Stream Canoe & Kayaks Category: Boat Rides Description: Since 1975, Main Stream Canoes and Kayaks has provided different types of river adventures for all levels of experience, providing paddlers with gear, rides and instruction. Ski Sundown Category: Ski Areas Description: Day and night skiing and snowboarding from early December through late March. Fifteen trails serviced by 5 lifts with one hundred percent snowmaking coverage offering varied terrain choices for skiers
NEW MILFORD Candlewood Valley Country Club Category: Golf Courses Harris Hill Farm Category: Farms & Gardens Description: Family-owned farm located in the scenic Litchfield Hills. Great place for the entire family with hay rides, small hay maze, pick your own pumpkin patch, farm animals. Hunt Hill Farm Trust/Silo Category: Museums & Galleries Description: Listed on the National Register and an affiliate of the Smithsonian. Silo Gallery, store, cooking school, and Skitch Henderson Museum. Lover's Leap Category: Parks & Forests Lover's Leap State Park Category: Parks & Forests Description: 140 acre park divided by the scenic Housatonic River with magnificent views, hiking trails, restored 1895 lenticular truss iron bridge, which is part of the trail system. Merryall Center for the Arts Category: Performing Arts Description: Intimate, rural theater providing entertainment and enlightenment in a social surrounding. New Milford Historical Society Museum Category: Historic Site Description: Museum complex includes main gallery building connected to the Knapp House (c.1815), first bank in town c.1822, 1796 Mercantile Store. TheatreWorks Category: Performing Arts Description: Performances focuse on the presentation of professionally produced shows with one goal in mind, a great night out.
NEW PRESTON Hopkins Vineyard Category: Wineries & Breweries Description: 35-acre vineyard and winery. Wine tasting, wine bar, picnic area, shop. Lake Waramaug Category: Parks & Forests Description: 78 wooded and open sites overlooking lake, concession, dumping station, bathrooms, showers, fishing, swimming, no pets.
NEWTOWN Ferris Acres Creamery Category: Farms & Gardens Second Company Governor's Horse Guard Category: Tours Description: One of the last active cavalry militia units in the United States in service since 1808. NORFOLK Campbell Falls Category: Parks & Forests Dennis Hill Category: Parks & Forests Haystack Mountain Category: Parks & Forests Infinity Music Hall & Bistro Category: Performing Arts Description: Built in 1830, this award-winning concert hall and restaurant is an intimate music, dining and entertainment destination. Offering more than 250 shows annually. Loon Meadow Farm Category: Carriage/Sleigh Ride Description: Horsedrawn carriage rides from a restaurant or inn in historic district, or from our farm. Tours include Buttermilk Falls, Revolutionary era homes. In winter, sleigh rides in old-fashioned antique sle Norfolk Chamber Music Festival Category: Performing Arts Description: Performances by renowned musical artists and ensembles, amid the spectacular beauty of the Litchfield Hills. Art gallery, bring a picnic.
NORTH CANAAN Beckley Furnace Industrial Monument Category: Parks & Forests OAKVILLE Clockwork Repertory Theatre Category: Performing Arts Description: Celebrating over 31 years as an award-winning live theater featuring comedy, drama, mystery and new plays.
OXFORD Oxford Flight Training, LLC Category: In the Air Description: Scenic sightseeing plane rides, tours and charters. Professional flight instructions. Summer Concerts Category: Performing Arts Description: Entertainment for the entire family.
PLYMOUTH Adventure Balloon Rides Category: Hot Air Balloons Description: Hot air balloon rides, sightseeing flights and private charters in the Litchfield Hills, Farmington and Connecticut River Valley areas. Ballooning Year-round. Reservation suggested. Artworks Art Studio & Gallery Category: Museums & Galleries Description: Home of the Nutmeg Artists located in a rustic setting with constant activity inside and out with sculpture, pottery, paintings and pastels. Changing exhibits from local artists, classes available. Walking Tour of Plymouth Center Category: Walking Tours Description: Self-guided walking tour of the village of Plymouth Center, listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
REDDING Collis P. Huntington Category: Parks & Forests Putnam Memorial Category: Parks & Forests Putnam Memorial State Park Category: Parks & Forests Description: Site of the Continental Army's 1779 winter encampment under the command of General Israel Putnam. The site consists of remains of the encampment, reconstructed log buildings, and a museum.
RIDGEFIELD Garden of Ideas Category: Farms & Gardens Description: Ten acres of marsh, arboretum, sculpture gardens and farm lots coalesce to create a wonderland for people of all ages. A great diversity of plants and wildlife thrive here. Keeler Tavern Museum (c.1713) Category: Historic Site Description: Listed on the National Register of Historic Places. British cannonball embedded in its exterior, souvenir of 1777 battle. Late 18th-century furnishings. Gift shop. Ridgefield Golf Course Category: Golf Courses Description: Recommended annually by Golf Digest's "Place to Play," the Ridgefield Golf Course welcomes non-resident players, including walk-ons, seven days a week. The course, designed by noted architects George Ridgefield Guild of Artists Category: Museums & Galleries Description: Variety of exhibitions representing a wide selection in all media. Gift gallery, wide range of courses offered for all ages. Ridgefield Playhouse Category: Performing Arts Description: A performing art center providing live musical and dance performances, Arts in Education, comedy, lecture series, theater and children's series, and first-run movies. Ridgefield Theater Barn Category: Performing Arts Description: Community theater presenting musicals, improv, children's programs, plays and play readings. The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum Category: Museums & Galleries Description: Museum of contemporary art. Galleries include a screening room, sound gallery, performance space, museum shop; sculpture garden.
RIVERTON Greenwood Glass Blowing Studio Gallery & School Category: Museums & Galleries Description: Glass blowing studio school located inside the historic Union Church (1829). Gallery exhibits hand-blown glass, metal, wood, paintings and jewelry. Glass blowing workshops for ages 5 and up.
ROXBURY Maple Bank Farm Category: Farms & Gardens Mine Hill Preserve/Roxbury Land Trust Category: Science & Nature Description: A National Register of Historic Places site, a 19th century iron mining complex. Interpretive signs explain the history and the iron-making process. This 360-acre preserve includes six miles of hiking SANDY HOOK McLaughlin Vineyards Category: Wineries & Breweries Description: Multi-seasonal winery and vineyard on 160-acre estate. Picnic grounds, walking trails along the Housatonic River.
SEYMOUR Seymour Antiques Company Category: Shopping Description: Antiques offered by over 80 dealers in a complex of four historic buildings. SHARON Audubon Sharon Category: Science & Nature Description: Over 1,200-acre sanctuary; 11 miles of trails with gardens, raptor aviaries, picnic area, interpretive building, nature store. Ellsworth Hill Orchard & Berry Farm Category: Farms & Gardens Description: Family-owned and operated farm offer pick your own strawberries, cherries, raspberries, blueberries, peaches, plum, sweet corn, pears, apples, pumpkins and gourds. Housatonic Meadows Category: Parks & Forests Description: 95 sites in rustic setting near the Housatonic River, dumping station, bathrooms, showers, no swimming, no pets. Housatonic Meadows State Park Category: Parks & Forests Description: Hiking on Pine Knob Loop Trail, which joins the Appalachian Trail, picnicking, flyfishing (limited area, catch and release), canoeing and riverside camping (mid-Apr. to Dec.). Sharon Historical Society Category: Historic Site Description: Built in 1775, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, museum features changing history exhibits and an art gallery. Hands-on History room for family learning. TriArts Sharon Playhouse Category: Performing Arts Description: Summer theater that uses a unique blend of professional designers, directors, musicians, Equity actors, non-equity actors, and dedicated community performers and volunteers. Special events throughout
SHERMAN Sherman Historical Society Category: Historic Site Description: David Northrop House (c.1829) features local history. Old Store Museum (c.1810), 3 Rte. 37 Center; gallery, gift shop. Sherman Playhouse Category: Performing Arts Description: Community theater presents new and classic plays and musicals. White Silo Farm & Winery Category: Wineries & Breweries Description: Small specialty winery produces award-winning fruit and grape wines. Wine tastings, tours and art gallery features local artists. Pick-your-own blackberries and raspberries.
SOUTHBURY Audubon Center at Bent of the River Category: Science & Nature Description: 700-acre wildlife sanctuary, with 15 miles of trails. Nature walks and hikes are scheduled regularly. Gainfield Farms Golf Course Category: Golf Courses Description: Immaculately maintained 9-hole executive golf course located in Southbury. The course was built in 1994 on the owners' farmland. Holes measure from 94 yards to 261 yards. Gone Ballooning Category: Hot Air Balloons Description: Hotair balloon rides over scenic countryside, offering morning and evening champagne flights. Reservations required. Kettletown Category: Parks & Forests Description: 61 partly wooded and open sites. Dumping station, bathrooms, showers, fishing, swimming, no pets. Trailers and RV's may not exceed 28' in length. Southford Falls Category: Parks & Forests
TERRYVILLE Carriages & Country Weddings - Wood Acres Farm Category: Carriage/Sleigh Ride Description: Country carriage or sleigh rides on senic wooded trails. Group rides also available with bonfire. Horse drawn carriages and wagons for hire. Reservations required. Banquet barn and garden setting for Lock Museum of America Category: Museums & Galleries Description: Largest collection of locks, keys and ornate hardware in the U.S. Antique locks dating back to 1520, locks from banks and prisons.
THOMASTON Cricket Hill Garden Category: Farms & Gardens Description: 7-acre display garden and nursery specializing in peonies, noted for their collection of more than 300 different types of peony trees from China, Japan and American. Best viewing in early May until mi Railroad Museum of New England / Naugatuck Railroad Company Category: Museums & Galleries Description: A 20-mile round-trip scenic train ride through history next to old factories, through a state forest, along the Naugatuck River and across the face of a dam. Thomaston Opera House Category: Performing Arts Description: Offers annually five main stage productions including comedies, musicals and holiday favorites.
TORRINGTON Angel of Hope Category: Historic Site Description: The Christmas Box Angel Statue was introduced to the world in the book "The Christmas Box," written by Richard Paul Evans. Artwell Gallery & Community Arts Center Category: Museums & Galleries Description: Changing art exhibits featuring contemporary artworks by various artists from the region. Solo-mini shows by artist members, poetry readings, and other adult and children-friendly performances. Burr Pond Category: Parks & Forests Burr Pond State Park Category: Parks & Forests Description: Wooded area with lake swimming, canoeing, sailing, kayaking, pedal boating, hiking trail, picnicking, fishing, ice skating. Canoe and kayak rentals. Eastwood Country Club Category: Golf Courses John A. Minetto Category: Parks & Forests KidsPlay Children's Museum Category: Museums & Galleries Description: Museum offers a variety of hands-on and multi-sensory activities with the theme of "Our Town." Studio 59 Category: Performing Arts Description: Performance gallery offers intimate concerts, art exhibits and unique cultural events. The studio is housed in an historic church, transformed into the ambiance of an 18th century European drawing roo Torrington Historical Society Category: Historic Site Description: Hotchkiss-Fyler House (1900) house contains original furnishings, elaborate woodwork, stenciled walls. Carriage house features an operational machine shop. Torrington History Museum, 208 Main St., hol Warner Theatre Category: Performing Arts Description: Restored to its 1931 Art Deco design, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Presents professional performers, family entertainment, original plays, and musicals. WARREN Strawberry Ridge Vineyards Category: Wineries & Breweries Description: Five acres of Chardonnay planted in 1993.
WASHINGTON Gunn Memorial Library & Museum Category: Museums & Galleries Description: Local history museum, 1908 library with state, local, and geneological books. H.O.R.S.E. of Connecticut Category: Tours Description: Non-profit rescue organization offers daily tours to view and feed horses. Hollister House Garden Category: Farms & Gardens Description: Situated in the Litchfield Hills, a classic garden designed in an English manner with a loosely formal structure and informally planted in reckless abundance. Institute for American Indian Studies Category: Museums & Galleries Description: American Indian artifacts and art from over 10,000 years ago to the present; Six exhibit rooms, gift shop, simulated archaeological site, gardens and outdoor replica of a Algonkian village.
WASHINGTON DEPOT Averill Farm Category: Farms & Gardens Description: 9th generation family farm on a scenic hilltop. Pick your own or picked fruit and related fall items such as pumpkins, mums, gourds. Fresh apple cider and apple cider donuts. Starberry Farm Category: Farms & Gardens
WATERBURY Connecticut Dance Theatre Category: Performing Arts Description: Provides quality training, education and performance of dance and other related performaning arts. East Mountain Golf Course Category: Golf Courses Fine Arts Center Category: Performing Arts Description: Multi-purpose theater fine arts facility. Mattatuck Museum Category: Museums & Galleries Description: New exhibit brings to life the region's workers, innovators and neighborhoods with interactive displays, oral histories, and historic movie clips. Permanent and changing exhibits of American artists. Palace Theater Category: Performing Arts Description: Built in a Renaissance Revival-style, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the theater showcases a calendar of professional programming, including national touring Broadway productions, Seven Angels Theatre Category: Performing Arts Description: Professional regional Equity theater present over 200 shows annually, including world premieres, comedies, musicals, dramas, cabaret, comedy nights, youth programs. Timexpo - Timex Group Museum Category: Museums & Galleries Description: Unique museum showcases the history of the Waterbury Clock Company and it's evolution; journey the ocean currents with Thor Heyerdahl; continue into the future with the "2154" exhibit, timepieces of t Western Hills Golf Course Category: Golf Courses
WATERTOWN Black Rock Category: Parks & Forests Description: 78 wooded and open sites. Dumping station, bathrooms, showers, fishing, swimming, no pets. Crestbrook Park Golf Course Category: Golf Courses Southwind Farms Category: Farms & Gardens Description: A 27-acre alpaca farm with 50 alpacas. Watertown Historical Society Museum Category: Museums & Galleries Description: Chronicles industrial, social and cultural history of the town.
WEST CORNWALL Clarke Outdoors Category: Boat Rides Description: Canoe, raft and kayak trips on the Housatonic River. Guided whitewater rafting available during spring's high water. Reservations recommended. Cornwall Bridge Pottery Category: Shopping Description: First floor displays pots, lamps and tiles made on-site and other crafts from around the world. Second floor showcases fine Shaker furniture and changing display of exhibition pottery. The Wish House Category: Museums & Galleries Description: A gallery and shop exhibiting local artists and author events for Cornwall authors and illustrators. Host of the Cornwall Farmers Market, Saturdays 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. during mid-May through October. West Cornwall Covered Bridge Category: Historic Site Description: Designed by Ithiel Town, in continuous service since 1864.
WINCHESTER Soldiers' Monument & Memorial Park Category: Historic Site Description: Gothic Revival style monument, built by local artisans and craftsmen, a standing reminder for all citizens of every age of the dedication of all those who have served our country in armed conflicts. Winchester Historical Society Category: Museums & Galleries Description: Solomon Rockwell House (c.1813), a classical Revival Colonial mansion, displays Victorian fashions, doll house, military collection, extensive collection of Civil War memorabilia. Fire museum.
WOLCOTT Farmingbury Hills Golf Course Category: Golf Courses
WOODBURY Connecticut Antiques Trail Category: Special Interest Trails Description: Between any Wednesday and Sunday, spend a couple of relaxing days in the quaint hamlet of Woodbury and browse the Connecticut antique trail that features more than 35 diverse shops. Fine Line Art Gallery Category: Museums & Galleries Description: Art gallery featuring award-winning paintings, prints, sculpture, pottery, jewelry, and photography. Flanders Nature Center/Land Trust Category: Science & Nature Description: Van Vleck Farm, Hetzel and Whittemore sanctuaries have hiking trails, nature center, seasonal farm and garden and educational programs, Christmas tree farm, maple syrup. Glebe House Museum & Gertrude Jekyll Garden Category: Historic Site Description: 18th-century (c.1750) gambrel-roofed house; period furniture; birthplace of the American Episcopal Church; only Gertrude Jekyll garden in the U.S. Gift shop. Mooney Time Category: Hot Air Balloons Description: Hot-air balloon champagne flights over the beautiful Litchfield Hills. Walker Road Vineyard Category: Wineries & Breweries Description: A small family-owned winery dedicated to growing grapes and making wine. Woodbury Ski & Skate Park Category: Ski Areas Description: **Lights and snowmaking on cross-country trails. Summer recreation includes outdoor concerts, camping, skateboarding, swimming, ziplining , climbing wall, aqua and junior zorbing.
BARKHAMSTED American Legion Category: Parks & Forests Description: Nature museum, hiking trails, historical and cultural sites, picnicking, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing. Access to the Farmington River for fishing, canoeing. American Legion/Peoples State Forests Category: Parks & Forests Description: Peoples State Forest offers a nature museum, hiking trails, picnicking. Access to the Farmington River for fishing, canoeing. Camping nearby at the American Legion State Forest. Lake McDonough Category: Parks & Forests Description: Boating, fishing, picnicking, hiking including Braille nature trail, and swimming; boat launch. Peoples Category: Parks & Forests
BETHEL Blue Jay Orchards Category: Farms & Gardens Description: 140-acre apple orchard with a farm market, pick-your-own apples and weekday tours of the working farm in Sept. and Oct. Hayrides to pumpkin patch during Oct. (weekends only). Picnic area, observation
BETHLEHEM Bellamy-Ferriday House & Garden Category: Historic Site Description: A Connecticut Landmark. Embodies the dramatically different passions of two extraordinary individuals: Pastor Joseph Bellamy, renowned leader of the Great Awakening and actress Caroline Ferriday. Feat March Farm Category: Farms & Gardens Description: Located in the beautiful rolling hills of Litchfield County, offering acres pf pick-your-own fruit and berries, country market, hayloft playscape, animal yard, hiking trails and picnic pavilion.
BRISTOL American Clock & Watch Museum Category: Museums & Galleries Description: Promoting the history of American-made clocks and watches, the museum houses the largest display of American production clocks in the world. Special emphasis is placed on Connecticut clockmaking. H.C. Barnes Memorial Nature Center Category: Science & Nature Description: 70-acre nature center with marked trails, interpretive center, nature library, animal exhibits and gift shop. Imagine Nation Children's Museum Category: Museums & Galleries Description: Explore a world of wonder and imagination at this hands-on interactive museum for children age 10 and under. Kids Market Square shop offers many toys and educational games. Lake Compounce Theme Park Category: Entertainment Description: New England's Family Theme Park has more than 50 thrilling rides and attractions, including Connecticut's largest waterpark and Boulder Dash, voted the #1 wooden coaster in the world. New England Carousel Museum Category: Museums & Galleries Description: Exhibits represent the finest pieces of antique carousel art in existence. The Bristol Center for Arts and Culture features three galleries,Museum of Fire History, displays fire memorabilia.
BROOKFIELD Brookfield Theater for the Arts Category: Performing Arts Description: Quality community theater and arts education since 1957. DiGrazia Vineyard & Winery Category: Wineries & Breweries Description: Guided winery tours and tastings, picnic area. Golf Quest Family Sports Center Category: Sport Venues Description: Golf driving range, miniature golf, batting cages. Mother Earth Gallery & Mining Company Category: Science & Nature Description: Indoor, re-created mine where children dig for real gemstones and fossils. Gift gallery offering minerals, crystals, fossils, handcrafted jewelry, nature toys.
BURLINGTON Burlington State Fish Hatchery Category: Science & Nature Description: Fish production facility where 100,000 pounds of trout and salmon are raised each year to stock state waters; hiking trails in nearby state forest. Lamothe's Sugar House Category: Farms & Gardens Description: Family owned maple sugar house. Watch how maple syrup is made. Country store features maple syrup, jams, honey and more. Sessions Woods Wildlife Management Area Category: Science & Nature Description: Exhibit area with displays about Connecticut's wildlife. Demonstrations of wildlife and habitat management practices. Hiking trails, beaver marsh, waterfall, observation tower.
CORNWALL Discover Northwest Connecticut Category: Region/Town Information Description: Nestled between the Berkshires of Massachusetts and the Hudson Valley of New York, the northwest corner of the state is a cluster of historic, unspoiled towns connected by breathtaking rural scenery. Housatonic Anglers Category: Fishing Description: Fly-fishing guide service providing full or half day and wade trips as well as float trips on the Housatonic and Farmington Rivers, for both trout and bass. Lunch, flies and all equipment provided. Mohawk Category: Parks & Forests Mohawk Mountain Ski Area Category: Ski Areas
CORNWALL BRIDGE Guided Flyfishing Trips-Housatonic River Outfitters Category: Fishing Description: Fly-fishing guides and instructions. Gourmet lunch provided for full-day trips. Reservations required. Fly-fishing collectibles and antiques. Housatonic Meadows Fly Shop & Lodge Category: Fishing Description: Full or half-day trout fishing guide service on the Housatonic River, equipment and lunch (full-day trips) provided, license and flies extra fee. Cabins located on site.
DANBURY Danbury Fair Category: Shopping Description: One of the largest shopping malls in Connecticut offering 200 retailers and eateries. Home to retail favorites Apple, Abercrombie & Fitch, Coach, J. Crew and many more. Located off I-84 and Rte. 7. Danbury Museum & Historical Society Category: Historic Site Description: John and Mary Rider House (1785). Hatting industry exhibits in John Dodd Shop (1790). Birthplace (5 Mountainville Rd., c.1829) of Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Charles Ives. Contralto Marion Anderso Danbury Railway Museum Category: Museums & Galleries Description: Vintage locomotives and other rolling stock in railroad yard. Seasonal local train rides, restored 1903 Station with model railroads, displays, gift shop. Gallery at Still River Editions Category: Museums & Galleries Description: A small, contemporary art gallery offering new exhibitions on a quarterly basis. Ives Concert Park Category: Performing Arts Description: Outdoor amphitheater featuring rock and roll, jazz, blues, Motown and classical music. Military Museum of Southern New England Category: Museums & Galleries Description: Life-size interior dioramas with military vehicles and equipment. Large collection of models and dioramas depicting World War II scenes. Outdoor exhibits of tanks and heavy material. Gift shop. Musicals at Richter Category: Performing Arts Description: Outdoor theater presenting three full-scale mainstage musicals along with cabaret evenings and dayti Sport Flying of Connecticut Category: In the Air Description: Seaplane rides, choose between a Piper Cub on Floats or Wheels. These nostalgic airplanes bring us back to an era in aviation that most have forgotten. Tarrywile Park & Mansion Category: Parks & Forests Description: Recreation park on 722 acres with hiking trails, horseback trails, special events, cross-country skiing. Mansion is a community center. Theatre at WestConn Category: Performing Arts Westside Nature Preserve Category: Science & Nature Description: 33 acres of woodland and wetland located on the campus of Western Connecticut State University. Nature trail with a diverse collection of fauna and flora. DERBY Kellogg Environmental Center Category: Science & Nature Description: Contemporary environmental center located in a landscaped rural setting, with nature trails, interactive displays, workshops. Osborndale Category: Parks & Forests Osborne Homestead Museum Category: Historic Site Description: Former estate of Frances Osborne Kellogg. Elegant Colonial Revival home (1850). Listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
EAST CANAAN Beckley Iron Furnace & Educational Center Category: Historic Site Description: Focal point of the Iron Heritage Trail, celebrating the 1734-1923 era when local furnaces and forges made iron for cannons and weapons and railroad machinery. Designated Industrial Monument. Land of Nod Winery Category: Wineries & Breweries Description: Situated in the Berkshire foothills, on land steeped in early American history, the winery continues the American tradition excellence craftsmanship. Tours, tastings, farm products. EAST
HARTLAND Sweet Wind Farm Sugarhouse & Farm Stand Category: Farms & Gardens FALLS VILLAGE Music Mountain Category: Performing Arts Description: America's oldest continuing summer chamber music festival located on 120 acres with concert hall. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
GAYLORDSVILLE Gaylordsville Historical Society Category: Historic Site Description: Brown's Forge, Brown's Forge Rd., an authentic blacksmith shop (1871), Little Red Schoolhouse, Gaylord Rd., authentic 1-room schoolhouse (1740) in continuous use until 1967. Merwinsville Hotel Category: Historic Site Description: Built in 1843, museum rooms contain hotel memorabilia.
GOSHEN Action Wildlife Foundation Category: Science & Nature Description: Wildlife sanctuary featuring over 350 exotic animals. Petting zoo, museum, exploration center, gift shop, picnic area, hay rides in the fall. Visit the Safari Drive-thru. Litchfield Performing Arts, Inc. Category: Performing Arts Description: Litchfield Jazz Festival in Goshen held annually second weekend in August. Litchfield Jazz Camp, music training for students with professional jazz musicians, and Project Poetry Live, an arts program. Miranda Vineyard Category: Wineries & Breweries Description: Located in the rolling Litchfield Hills with a tasting room and large exterior deck, a great place to sit and relax and enjoy the company of good friends, picnics are welcome. Sunset Meadow Vineyards Category: Wineries & Breweries Description: A 50-acre family operated vineyard and winery located in the picturesque Litchfield Hills. Offering award-winning estate wines from the sustainably farmed vineyards.
HARWINTON Fairview Farm Golf Course Category: Golf Courses KENT Bicycle Tour Company Category: Biking Tour Cos. Description: Bicycle rentals and cycling routes for all levels, self-guided tours, and custom trips, groups welcome. Bulls Bridge Category: Historic Site Description: Covered bridge spanning the Housatonic River continues to serve traffic between the local community and the New York state line. Connecticut Antique Machinery Association Museum Category: Museums & Galleries Description: Dedicated to the industrial and agricultural heritage of the United States. Connecticut Museum of Mining and Mineral Science, dedicated to the state's rich mining and mineral heritage. Eric Sloane Museum and Kent Furnace Category: Historic Site Description: Exhibits the early American hand tool collection and artwork of Eric Sloane including his re-created studio. Adjacent ruins of 19th-century Kent Iron Furnace. Kent Falls Category: Parks & Forests Kent Falls State Park Category: Parks & Forests Description: Cascading waterfalls with stair pathway adjacent to the Falls, provides views of all levels; picnic area, three observation decks, fishing. Macedonia Brook Category: Parks & Forests Description: 51 sites in rustic setting. Stream fishing, excellent hiking, no swimming, no pets.
LAKEVILLE Lime Rock Park Category: Sport Venues Description: Professional and amateur road racing, car shows and auto festivals. Major professional races on Memorial Day weekend, July 4th weekend and Labor Day weekend.
LITCHFIELD Aer Blarney Balloons, LLC Category: Hot Air Balloons Description: Hot air balloon services including champagne charter flights over Litchfield countryside, spectacular fall foliage flights and winter excursions. Flight instructions available. Reservations required. Haight-Brown Vineyard Category: Wineries & Breweries Description: Connecticut's first established winery set on 10 pastoral acres. Winery tours, self-guided vineyard walks and wine tasting. Wine and gift shop, cafe offering light fare on weekends. Lee's Riding Stable Category: Horse Rides Description: Horseback riding on quiet well-mannered horses. Pony rides available, indoor ring for rainy days. Litchfield History Museum Category: Museums & Galleries Description: Seven galleries of furniture, fine arts, textiles and household objects depicting the evolution of a small New England town. Lourdes in Litchfield Shrine Grotto Category: Historic Site Description: Replica of the Lourdes Grotto in France, this 170 acre shrine was built by the Montfort Missionaries and dedicated as a place of peace, prayer and pilgrimage. Hillside Stations of the Cross path, gift Mt. Tom Category: Parks & Forests Description: Summit is 1,325 feet above sea level with stone tower on top. Hiking trail, lake swimming, picnicking, fishing, boating (non-motor), scuba diving. Mt. Tom State Park Category: Parks & Forests Description: Summit is 1,325 feet above sea level with stone tower on top. Hiking trail, lake swimming, picnicking, fishing, boating (non-motor), scuba diving. Stonybrook Golf Course Category: Golf Courses Summer Concert Series on the Green Category: Performing Arts Description: Entertainment for the entire family. Tapping Reeve House & Litchfield Law School Category: Historic Site Description: America's first law school (1773); graduates include over 100 member of Congress. Journey through the life of a student from the early 19th-century. Topsmead Category: Parks & Forests Topsmead State Forest Category: Parks & Forests Description: English tudor cottage, former summer home of Edith M. Chase, formal gardens. Western Connecticut Convention & Visitors Bureau Category: Region/Town Information Description: Provides visitor and meeting information for 64 cities and towns for the Western region of the state. Western Connecticut Convention & Visitors Bureau Category: Region/Town Information Description: Provides visitor and meeting information for 64 cities and towns for the Western region of the state. White Flower Farm Category: Science & Nature Description: Ten acres of display gardens, peak bloom June-Sept., nationally known English Tuberous Begonias; garden store. White Memorial Conservation Center Museum Category: Science & Nature Description: Nature trail, special displays, nature and hands-on exhibits, live animals, outdoor bird sanctuary, gift store. White Memorial Foundation Category: Science & Nature Description: State's largest nature center and wildlife sanctuary. 4,000 acres, 35 miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, fishing, cross-country skiing; bird observation platforms; camping. White Memorial Foundation Category: Ski Areas Description: 35 miles of trails for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, free and open to the public.
MIDDLEBURY Quassy Amusement Park Category: Entertainment Description: Traditional family amusement park with a wooden roller coaster, "Splash Away Bay" interactive water play area, and other rides and attractions. Beach, boat rides, food, arcade, entertainment.
NAUGATUCK Hop Brook Golf Course Category: Golf Courses Naugatuck Historical Society Museum Category: Museums & Galleries Description: Depicts the industrial, educational and family life of the Naugatuck valley and surrounding area. Summer Music Festival Category: Performing Arts Description: Concerts located on scenic and historic town green, offering music ranging from jazz, country to polka.
NEW FAIRFIELD Squantz Pond Category: Parks & Forests Squantz Pond State Park Category: Parks & Forests Description: Seasonal activities include swimming, boating, hiking, picnicking, fishing, ice skating.
NEW HARTFORD Connecticut Valley Winery Category: Wineries & Breweries Description: Enjoy award-winning wines in an old world setting. Winery with tasting room, gift shop and scenic vineyard. Farmington River Tubing Category: Boat Rides Description: Excursions start at Satan's Kingdom State Recreation Area, Rte. 44. Spend a few hours tubing on the Farmington River. Rentals include tube, personal flotation device and a ride back. Age restrictions Hayward Farm Category: Farms & Gardens Jerram Winery Category: Wineries & Breweries Description: Vineyard and winery. Winery tours and tastings, self-guided vineyard tours. Wine patio and picnics. Perennial gardens, art gallery. Main Stream Canoe & Kayaks Category: Boat Rides Description: Since 1975, Main Stream Canoes and Kayaks has provided different types of river adventures for all levels of experience, providing paddlers with gear, rides and instruction. Ski Sundown Category: Ski Areas Description: Day and night skiing and snowboarding from early December through late March. Fifteen trails serviced by 5 lifts with one hundred percent snowmaking coverage offering varied terrain choices for skiers
NEW MILFORD Candlewood Valley Country Club Category: Golf Courses Harris Hill Farm Category: Farms & Gardens Description: Family-owned farm located in the scenic Litchfield Hills. Great place for the entire family with hay rides, small hay maze, pick your own pumpkin patch, farm animals. Hunt Hill Farm Trust/Silo Category: Museums & Galleries Description: Listed on the National Register and an affiliate of the Smithsonian. Silo Gallery, store, cooking school, and Skitch Henderson Museum. Lover's Leap Category: Parks & Forests Lover's Leap State Park Category: Parks & Forests Description: 140 acre park divided by the scenic Housatonic River with magnificent views, hiking trails, restored 1895 lenticular truss iron bridge, which is part of the trail system. Merryall Center for the Arts Category: Performing Arts Description: Intimate, rural theater providing entertainment and enlightenment in a social surrounding. New Milford Historical Society Museum Category: Historic Site Description: Museum complex includes main gallery building connected to the Knapp House (c.1815), first bank in town c.1822, 1796 Mercantile Store. TheatreWorks Category: Performing Arts Description: Performances focuse on the presentation of professionally produced shows with one goal in mind, a great night out.
NEW PRESTON Hopkins Vineyard Category: Wineries & Breweries Description: 35-acre vineyard and winery. Wine tasting, wine bar, picnic area, shop. Lake Waramaug Category: Parks & Forests Description: 78 wooded and open sites overlooking lake, concession, dumping station, bathrooms, showers, fishing, swimming, no pets.
NEWTOWN Ferris Acres Creamery Category: Farms & Gardens Second Company Governor's Horse Guard Category: Tours Description: One of the last active cavalry militia units in the United States in service since 1808. NORFOLK Campbell Falls Category: Parks & Forests Dennis Hill Category: Parks & Forests Haystack Mountain Category: Parks & Forests Infinity Music Hall & Bistro Category: Performing Arts Description: Built in 1830, this award-winning concert hall and restaurant is an intimate music, dining and entertainment destination. Offering more than 250 shows annually. Loon Meadow Farm Category: Carriage/Sleigh Ride Description: Horsedrawn carriage rides from a restaurant or inn in historic district, or from our farm. Tours include Buttermilk Falls, Revolutionary era homes. In winter, sleigh rides in old-fashioned antique sle Norfolk Chamber Music Festival Category: Performing Arts Description: Performances by renowned musical artists and ensembles, amid the spectacular beauty of the Litchfield Hills. Art gallery, bring a picnic.
NORTH CANAAN Beckley Furnace Industrial Monument Category: Parks & Forests OAKVILLE Clockwork Repertory Theatre Category: Performing Arts Description: Celebrating over 31 years as an award-winning live theater featuring comedy, drama, mystery and new plays.
OXFORD Oxford Flight Training, LLC Category: In the Air Description: Scenic sightseeing plane rides, tours and charters. Professional flight instructions. Summer Concerts Category: Performing Arts Description: Entertainment for the entire family.
PLYMOUTH Adventure Balloon Rides Category: Hot Air Balloons Description: Hot air balloon rides, sightseeing flights and private charters in the Litchfield Hills, Farmington and Connecticut River Valley areas. Ballooning Year-round. Reservation suggested. Artworks Art Studio & Gallery Category: Museums & Galleries Description: Home of the Nutmeg Artists located in a rustic setting with constant activity inside and out with sculpture, pottery, paintings and pastels. Changing exhibits from local artists, classes available. Walking Tour of Plymouth Center Category: Walking Tours Description: Self-guided walking tour of the village of Plymouth Center, listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
REDDING Collis P. Huntington Category: Parks & Forests Putnam Memorial Category: Parks & Forests Putnam Memorial State Park Category: Parks & Forests Description: Site of the Continental Army's 1779 winter encampment under the command of General Israel Putnam. The site consists of remains of the encampment, reconstructed log buildings, and a museum.
RIDGEFIELD Garden of Ideas Category: Farms & Gardens Description: Ten acres of marsh, arboretum, sculpture gardens and farm lots coalesce to create a wonderland for people of all ages. A great diversity of plants and wildlife thrive here. Keeler Tavern Museum (c.1713) Category: Historic Site Description: Listed on the National Register of Historic Places. British cannonball embedded in its exterior, souvenir of 1777 battle. Late 18th-century furnishings. Gift shop. Ridgefield Golf Course Category: Golf Courses Description: Recommended annually by Golf Digest's "Place to Play," the Ridgefield Golf Course welcomes non-resident players, including walk-ons, seven days a week. The course, designed by noted architects George Ridgefield Guild of Artists Category: Museums & Galleries Description: Variety of exhibitions representing a wide selection in all media. Gift gallery, wide range of courses offered for all ages. Ridgefield Playhouse Category: Performing Arts Description: A performing art center providing live musical and dance performances, Arts in Education, comedy, lecture series, theater and children's series, and first-run movies. Ridgefield Theater Barn Category: Performing Arts Description: Community theater presenting musicals, improv, children's programs, plays and play readings. The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum Category: Museums & Galleries Description: Museum of contemporary art. Galleries include a screening room, sound gallery, performance space, museum shop; sculpture garden.
RIVERTON Greenwood Glass Blowing Studio Gallery & School Category: Museums & Galleries Description: Glass blowing studio school located inside the historic Union Church (1829). Gallery exhibits hand-blown glass, metal, wood, paintings and jewelry. Glass blowing workshops for ages 5 and up.
ROXBURY Maple Bank Farm Category: Farms & Gardens Mine Hill Preserve/Roxbury Land Trust Category: Science & Nature Description: A National Register of Historic Places site, a 19th century iron mining complex. Interpretive signs explain the history and the iron-making process. This 360-acre preserve includes six miles of hiking SANDY HOOK McLaughlin Vineyards Category: Wineries & Breweries Description: Multi-seasonal winery and vineyard on 160-acre estate. Picnic grounds, walking trails along the Housatonic River.
SEYMOUR Seymour Antiques Company Category: Shopping Description: Antiques offered by over 80 dealers in a complex of four historic buildings. SHARON Audubon Sharon Category: Science & Nature Description: Over 1,200-acre sanctuary; 11 miles of trails with gardens, raptor aviaries, picnic area, interpretive building, nature store. Ellsworth Hill Orchard & Berry Farm Category: Farms & Gardens Description: Family-owned and operated farm offer pick your own strawberries, cherries, raspberries, blueberries, peaches, plum, sweet corn, pears, apples, pumpkins and gourds. Housatonic Meadows Category: Parks & Forests Description: 95 sites in rustic setting near the Housatonic River, dumping station, bathrooms, showers, no swimming, no pets. Housatonic Meadows State Park Category: Parks & Forests Description: Hiking on Pine Knob Loop Trail, which joins the Appalachian Trail, picnicking, flyfishing (limited area, catch and release), canoeing and riverside camping (mid-Apr. to Dec.). Sharon Historical Society Category: Historic Site Description: Built in 1775, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, museum features changing history exhibits and an art gallery. Hands-on History room for family learning. TriArts Sharon Playhouse Category: Performing Arts Description: Summer theater that uses a unique blend of professional designers, directors, musicians, Equity actors, non-equity actors, and dedicated community performers and volunteers. Special events throughout
SHERMAN Sherman Historical Society Category: Historic Site Description: David Northrop House (c.1829) features local history. Old Store Museum (c.1810), 3 Rte. 37 Center; gallery, gift shop. Sherman Playhouse Category: Performing Arts Description: Community theater presents new and classic plays and musicals. White Silo Farm & Winery Category: Wineries & Breweries Description: Small specialty winery produces award-winning fruit and grape wines. Wine tastings, tours and art gallery features local artists. Pick-your-own blackberries and raspberries.
SOUTHBURY Audubon Center at Bent of the River Category: Science & Nature Description: 700-acre wildlife sanctuary, with 15 miles of trails. Nature walks and hikes are scheduled regularly. Gainfield Farms Golf Course Category: Golf Courses Description: Immaculately maintained 9-hole executive golf course located in Southbury. The course was built in 1994 on the owners' farmland. Holes measure from 94 yards to 261 yards. Gone Ballooning Category: Hot Air Balloons Description: Hotair balloon rides over scenic countryside, offering morning and evening champagne flights. Reservations required. Kettletown Category: Parks & Forests Description: 61 partly wooded and open sites. Dumping station, bathrooms, showers, fishing, swimming, no pets. Trailers and RV's may not exceed 28' in length. Southford Falls Category: Parks & Forests
TERRYVILLE Carriages & Country Weddings - Wood Acres Farm Category: Carriage/Sleigh Ride Description: Country carriage or sleigh rides on senic wooded trails. Group rides also available with bonfire. Horse drawn carriages and wagons for hire. Reservations required. Banquet barn and garden setting for Lock Museum of America Category: Museums & Galleries Description: Largest collection of locks, keys and ornate hardware in the U.S. Antique locks dating back to 1520, locks from banks and prisons.
THOMASTON Cricket Hill Garden Category: Farms & Gardens Description: 7-acre display garden and nursery specializing in peonies, noted for their collection of more than 300 different types of peony trees from China, Japan and American. Best viewing in early May until mi Railroad Museum of New England / Naugatuck Railroad Company Category: Museums & Galleries Description: A 20-mile round-trip scenic train ride through history next to old factories, through a state forest, along the Naugatuck River and across the face of a dam. Thomaston Opera House Category: Performing Arts Description: Offers annually five main stage productions including comedies, musicals and holiday favorites.
TORRINGTON Angel of Hope Category: Historic Site Description: The Christmas Box Angel Statue was introduced to the world in the book "The Christmas Box," written by Richard Paul Evans. Artwell Gallery & Community Arts Center Category: Museums & Galleries Description: Changing art exhibits featuring contemporary artworks by various artists from the region. Solo-mini shows by artist members, poetry readings, and other adult and children-friendly performances. Burr Pond Category: Parks & Forests Burr Pond State Park Category: Parks & Forests Description: Wooded area with lake swimming, canoeing, sailing, kayaking, pedal boating, hiking trail, picnicking, fishing, ice skating. Canoe and kayak rentals. Eastwood Country Club Category: Golf Courses John A. Minetto Category: Parks & Forests KidsPlay Children's Museum Category: Museums & Galleries Description: Museum offers a variety of hands-on and multi-sensory activities with the theme of "Our Town." Studio 59 Category: Performing Arts Description: Performance gallery offers intimate concerts, art exhibits and unique cultural events. The studio is housed in an historic church, transformed into the ambiance of an 18th century European drawing roo Torrington Historical Society Category: Historic Site Description: Hotchkiss-Fyler House (1900) house contains original furnishings, elaborate woodwork, stenciled walls. Carriage house features an operational machine shop. Torrington History Museum, 208 Main St., hol Warner Theatre Category: Performing Arts Description: Restored to its 1931 Art Deco design, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Presents professional performers, family entertainment, original plays, and musicals. WARREN Strawberry Ridge Vineyards Category: Wineries & Breweries Description: Five acres of Chardonnay planted in 1993.
WASHINGTON Gunn Memorial Library & Museum Category: Museums & Galleries Description: Local history museum, 1908 library with state, local, and geneological books. H.O.R.S.E. of Connecticut Category: Tours Description: Non-profit rescue organization offers daily tours to view and feed horses. Hollister House Garden Category: Farms & Gardens Description: Situated in the Litchfield Hills, a classic garden designed in an English manner with a loosely formal structure and informally planted in reckless abundance. Institute for American Indian Studies Category: Museums & Galleries Description: American Indian artifacts and art from over 10,000 years ago to the present; Six exhibit rooms, gift shop, simulated archaeological site, gardens and outdoor replica of a Algonkian village.
WASHINGTON DEPOT Averill Farm Category: Farms & Gardens Description: 9th generation family farm on a scenic hilltop. Pick your own or picked fruit and related fall items such as pumpkins, mums, gourds. Fresh apple cider and apple cider donuts. Starberry Farm Category: Farms & Gardens
WATERBURY Connecticut Dance Theatre Category: Performing Arts Description: Provides quality training, education and performance of dance and other related performaning arts. East Mountain Golf Course Category: Golf Courses Fine Arts Center Category: Performing Arts Description: Multi-purpose theater fine arts facility. Mattatuck Museum Category: Museums & Galleries Description: New exhibit brings to life the region's workers, innovators and neighborhoods with interactive displays, oral histories, and historic movie clips. Permanent and changing exhibits of American artists. Palace Theater Category: Performing Arts Description: Built in a Renaissance Revival-style, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the theater showcases a calendar of professional programming, including national touring Broadway productions, Seven Angels Theatre Category: Performing Arts Description: Professional regional Equity theater present over 200 shows annually, including world premieres, comedies, musicals, dramas, cabaret, comedy nights, youth programs. Timexpo - Timex Group Museum Category: Museums & Galleries Description: Unique museum showcases the history of the Waterbury Clock Company and it's evolution; journey the ocean currents with Thor Heyerdahl; continue into the future with the "2154" exhibit, timepieces of t Western Hills Golf Course Category: Golf Courses
WATERTOWN Black Rock Category: Parks & Forests Description: 78 wooded and open sites. Dumping station, bathrooms, showers, fishing, swimming, no pets. Crestbrook Park Golf Course Category: Golf Courses Southwind Farms Category: Farms & Gardens Description: A 27-acre alpaca farm with 50 alpacas. Watertown Historical Society Museum Category: Museums & Galleries Description: Chronicles industrial, social and cultural history of the town.
WEST CORNWALL Clarke Outdoors Category: Boat Rides Description: Canoe, raft and kayak trips on the Housatonic River. Guided whitewater rafting available during spring's high water. Reservations recommended. Cornwall Bridge Pottery Category: Shopping Description: First floor displays pots, lamps and tiles made on-site and other crafts from around the world. Second floor showcases fine Shaker furniture and changing display of exhibition pottery. The Wish House Category: Museums & Galleries Description: A gallery and shop exhibiting local artists and author events for Cornwall authors and illustrators. Host of the Cornwall Farmers Market, Saturdays 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. during mid-May through October. West Cornwall Covered Bridge Category: Historic Site Description: Designed by Ithiel Town, in continuous service since 1864.
WINCHESTER Soldiers' Monument & Memorial Park Category: Historic Site Description: Gothic Revival style monument, built by local artisans and craftsmen, a standing reminder for all citizens of every age of the dedication of all those who have served our country in armed conflicts. Winchester Historical Society Category: Museums & Galleries Description: Solomon Rockwell House (c.1813), a classical Revival Colonial mansion, displays Victorian fashions, doll house, military collection, extensive collection of Civil War memorabilia. Fire museum.
WOLCOTT Farmingbury Hills Golf Course Category: Golf Courses
WOODBURY Connecticut Antiques Trail Category: Special Interest Trails Description: Between any Wednesday and Sunday, spend a couple of relaxing days in the quaint hamlet of Woodbury and browse the Connecticut antique trail that features more than 35 diverse shops. Fine Line Art Gallery Category: Museums & Galleries Description: Art gallery featuring award-winning paintings, prints, sculpture, pottery, jewelry, and photography. Flanders Nature Center/Land Trust Category: Science & Nature Description: Van Vleck Farm, Hetzel and Whittemore sanctuaries have hiking trails, nature center, seasonal farm and garden and educational programs, Christmas tree farm, maple syrup. Glebe House Museum & Gertrude Jekyll Garden Category: Historic Site Description: 18th-century (c.1750) gambrel-roofed house; period furniture; birthplace of the American Episcopal Church; only Gertrude Jekyll garden in the U.S. Gift shop. Mooney Time Category: Hot Air Balloons Description: Hot-air balloon champagne flights over the beautiful Litchfield Hills. Walker Road Vineyard Category: Wineries & Breweries Description: A small family-owned winery dedicated to growing grapes and making wine. Woodbury Ski & Skate Park Category: Ski Areas Description: **Lights and snowmaking on cross-country trails. Summer recreation includes outdoor concerts, camping, skateboarding, swimming, ziplining , climbing wall, aqua and junior zorbing.
