Best Things To Do In Connecticut For The Exciting Holiday
The small coastal state of Connecticut is usually not included in the bucket list of many travelers. And that is why this hidden gem is surprisingly a treat to explore. From some of the popular tourist attractions and many of the lesser-known points, you will come across interesting things to do in Connecticut. From leisure and entertainment to art and outdoors, the combination of activities is exciting. So, to make things easier, we are here with some of the best things to do in Connecticut!
1. Place your bet at casinos in Connecticut
Image Source: flickr.com
Be it the popular Mohegan Sun in Uncasville or the famous Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket, you will find different casinos in Connecticut catering to gambling enthusiasts. Places like Casino Of The Sky in Montville are also available. So, when it comes to leisure and entertainment activities in Connecticut, your vacation here is bound to be a thrilling one.
2. Step back in time at Mystic Seaport Museum
Image Source: flickr.com
Mystic Seaport is proud to be one of the largest maritime museums in the USA. established in 1929, this 90-year-old museum has an expansive collection of sailing ships and boats. The highlight of this place is the recreated crafts and fabric of an entire 19th-century seafaring village. For fun things to do in Connecticut, head off to Mystic Seaport Museum and buildings, and craftsmen here will give you a glimpse of the bygone era.
3. Combine nature & architecture at Gillette Castle State Park
Image Source: needpix.com
Once a private residence of the famous actor William Gillette, the Gillette Castle State Park has turned into one of the interesting landmarks over the years. Perched on the hill and covering more than 180 acres, the state of Connecticut has transformed the estate into an interesting site. From a visitors' center and museum to several hiking trails and a picnic area, it has everything on the premises. Do visit Gillette Castle State Park and witness its unique architectural style.
4. Know more about the writer at the Mark Twain House
Image Source: wikimedia.org
For those looking for things to do in Hartford, Connecticut, Mark Twain House is the best place to stop by. One of the top tourist attractions in Connecticut with historical importance, this house has been turned into a museum. It is also declared as a National Historic Landmark and is influenced by Victorian Gothic Revival architecture. Taking a tour of this house-cum-museum will give you a chance to see different period furnishings and understand more about the life of the famous Mark Twain and his family.
5. Have fun at Lake Compounce
Image Source: wikimedia.org
A beach, a water park, and an amusement park, all rolled into one, create an exciting Lake Compounce. Opened in 1846 and spread over 332 acres, this is one of the oldest as well as the largest amusement parks in the USA. For fun things to do with kids in Connecticut, Lake Compounce is the ideal place to be. The Boulder dash and Zoomerang have become popular amongst visitors of all age groups, whereas the Caterpillar train and the fantasy carousel are loved by kids.
6. Tour the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art
Image Source: wikimedia.org
Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art is a treat for history buffs and art lovers. As it was established in the 1840s, it is proud to be USA’s oldest continually operating public art museum. It’s exhibition space spans over 75,000 square feet, making it one of the largest art museums in Connecticut. The collection combines contemporary works as well as modernist masterpieces. You will also get to see ancient Egyptian works, European Baroque art pieces, French and American Impressionist paintings, and furniture and decorative arts here.
7. Spend a day with kids at Beardsley Zoo
Image Source: wikimedia.org
Beardsley Zoo is one of the family-friendly tourist attractions in Connecticut that is visited by thousands of people each year. You will find 9 different exhibits on the zoo premises along with a carousel as well as a huge greenhouse. Its rainforest building, alligator alley, predators, New England farmhouse are some of the exhibits that will introduce you to a variety of animals. It also hosts temporary exhibits a couple of times every year and is also part of different conservation programs.
8. Explore what Thimble Islands have to offer
Image Source: pixabay.com
The archipelago of small islands in Long Island Sound is known as Thimble Islands and is one of Connecticut’s hidden gems. You will find more than 300 buildings on the island that are part of the Stony Creek–Thimble Islands Historic District and represent Georgian architecture. A plethora of summer cottages and guesthouses cater to a steady flow of visitors. Keep in mind that even though some islands are well-developed, it is not exactly a tourist attraction. Treat it as an interesting place to explore and you are in for a surprise.
9. Plan your trip around the wine trail
Image Source: needpix.com
The state of Connecticut is home to several wineries and vineyards that attract wine-connoisseurs. Land of Nod Vineyard & Winery in East Canaan, Paradise Hills Vineyard & Winery in Wallingford, Saltwater Farm Vineyard in Stonington, and Taylor Brooke Winery in Woodstock are some of the places where you can combine refreshing views and delicious wines. So, when it comes to outdoor things to do in Connecticut, now you know where you can go to make the most of your time.
10. Mine the fossils at Dinosaur State Park
Image Source: wikimedia.org
Dinosaur State Park in Rocky Hill is a natural history preserve that kids, as well as adults, find exciting. Considered to be amongst some of the largest dinosaur track sites in North America, this park also has an arboretum on the premises. The highlight of this site includes Jurassic-era sandstone-embedded fossil tracks. Some of the cool things to do in Connecticut are organized in the Dinosaur State Park. You will find different activities like guided trail walks, footprint track casting, mining for gems and fossils along with regular lectures and educational films.
Apart from that, do not miss a chance to catch a tan while visiting Hammonasset Beach State Park. If you are looking forward to a beach-y vacation, we recommend reading more about the best beaches in Connecticut.
