Welcome!

Are you looking for a place where nature meets adventure? Hammonasset Beach State Park is your spot. It's close to Connecticut's city life but feels like a world away. Here, you'll find a two-mile sandy beach and the Meigs Point Nature Center, full of learning and fun.

This park is perfect for anyone wanting to enjoy Connecticut's natural beauty. It's a place where you can relax, learn, and have fun. Whether you're a nature lover or just looking for a peaceful spot, Hammonasset Beach State Park has something for you.

Key Takeaways

• Explore the expansive Hammonasset Beach, a prime destination for swimming, sunbathing, and beachcombing
• Discover the diverse wildlife and habitats of the region at the Meigs Point Nature Center
• Enjoy a variety of hiking trails, from easy strolls to more challenging routes
• Indulge in a picnic with a view at one of the park's rental shelters
• Immerse yourself in the tranquility of the great outdoors at Hammonasset Beach State Park

Explore the Sprawling Shoreline

Hammonasset's Two-Mile Sandy Beach

Hammonasset Beach State Park is home to a two-mile stretch of flat, sandy beach. It's the perfect place to relax, swim, and search for unique shells. The beach has clean restrooms and showers along the boardwalk, making it easy for visitors to enjoy their day.

Imagine a New England town that mixes old-world charm with modern comforts. That's Glastonbury, Connecticut. It sits on the Connecticut River's east bank, offering lots of attractions and activities. But what makes Glastonbury a top spot for visitors? Let's dive into the best things to do in this magical town.

Key Takeaways

• Glastonbury's historic district covers 128 acres and features 23 pre-1800s houses, some dating back to the 17th century.
• The annual Apple Harvest & Music Festival attracts over 25,000 people to Riverfront Park every October.
• The Rocky Hill-Glastonbury Ferry is the oldest continuously operating ferry service in the United States, dating back to 1655.
• Glastonbury's Historical Society museum offers free admission on select days of the week.
• Dondero Orchards and Rose's Berry Farm provide pick-your-own fruit options from spring to fall.

What hidden gems and captivating experiences await you in Glastonbury, Connecticut? Get ready to be charmed as we reveal the best things to see, do, and explore in this enchanting New England town.

Riverfront Park: A Scenic Oasis Along the Connecticut River

Glastonbury's Riverfront Park is a hidden gem along the Connecticut River. It offers a lot of fun activities and stunning natural beauty. This peaceful place is ideal for enjoying the calm of the waterfront and trying out various outdoor activities.

Are you ready to explore Danbury, Connecticut, a city praised by USA Today as one of the most livable in America? It's a small city near Candlewood Lake, full of hidden gems. From the Berkshire Mountains to the lively downtown, Danbury has lots to see and do.

Key Takeaways

• Danbury is a top-ranked livable city in America, praised by USA Today
• The city boasts a variety of outdoor recreational opportunities, including parks, lakes, and trails
• Danbury has a rich history and cultural heritage, with numerous museums and historic sites
• Downtown Danbury offers a vibrant shopping and dining experience, including the renowned Danbury Fair Mall
• Danbury provides family-friendly attractions and activities for all ages

Explore Danbury's Vibrant Outdoors

Danbury, Connecticut, is a dream spot for nature lovers. It has many outdoor activities. From the big Tarrywile Park & Mansion to the peaceful Candlewood Lake, there's something for everyone.

Tarrywile Park & Mansion

Tarrywile Park covers 722 acres and is more than just a city park. It was once a farm and orchard. Now, it has the beautiful Tarrywile Mansion from 1897 and the Hearthstone Castle from 1899.

Did you know Bristol, Connecticut, has one of the longest-running amusement parks in the U.S.? It's also famous for its clock and watch making history, with a museum dedicated to it. The city is full of outdoor adventures and historical sites, waiting for you to discover them. Get ready to explore the best spots in this charming New England city.

Key Takeaways

• Bristol, Connecticut, is a small city with a big heart, offering a diverse array of attractions and activities for visitors.
• The city's connection to the sports industry, particularly as the home of ESPN, adds to its unique character and appeal.
• From the American Clock & Watch Museum to the iconic Lake Compounce amusement park, Bristol's historical and recreational offerings are truly impressive.
• The city's natural spaces, such as the Harry C. Barnes Memorial Nature Center, provide opportunities for outdoor exploration and relaxation.
• Bristol's vibrant downtown, with its charming architecture and small businesses, adds to the overall appeal of the destination.

Introduction

Bristol, Connecticut, is a hidden gem in New England. It's full of interesting attractions and activities. You'll find everything from the American Clock & Watch Museum to the fun rides at Lake Compounce.

The city's history is everywhere, with landmarks and museums that tell its story. The American Clock & Watch Museum has over 5,500 clocks and watches from the 19th and early 20th centuries. It shows the town's industrial past.

Are you ready to explore Bridgeport, Connecticut's largest city? It's full of hidden gems, from its history to outdoor fun and family activities. Bridgeport is now a top spot in New England for anyone looking for a weekend or a longer trip. You'll find lots of things to do that will make you want to see more.

Key Takeaways

• Bridgeport, Connecticut's largest city, has reinvented itself as a diverse hub of creativity, culture, and outdoor recreation.
• The city celebrates its rich history, from the renowned Barnum Museum to the scenic Seaside Park and the world-class Housatonic Museum of Art.
• Bridgeport offers a variety of cultural experiences, outdoor adventures, and family-friendly activities to captivate every visitor.
• Explore the city's vibrant present-day offerings, from former factories now housing galleries and markets to the iconic Barnum Museum.
• Discover Bridgeport's transformation from its manufacturing past to a destination that celebrates its diverse attractions and natural beauty.

Exploring Yale University and New Haven

Bridgeport's neighbor, New Haven, is home to the famous Yale University. It's one of the oldest and most respected schools in the U.S. Visitors can see the beautiful Yale campus. It has historic buildings from the mid-18th century, public artworks, and the Tony Award-winning Yale Cabaret.

Yale University Art Gallery

The Yale University Art Gallery is the oldest college art museum in the U.S. It has over 300,000 works, from ancient Greek vases to modern art. Art lovers can see a wide range of paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts from different times and places.