[LaMadden]

Originally Posted by michelehanah

My family and I recently went camping at Devil's Hopyard. It's a smaller campground, but the hiking was great. There is a picnic area near the falls that you can just spend the day at. Gillette Castle is nearby so you can do both in one day. Two places that I would definitely recommend.

How does the Gillette Castle compare to the Biltmore Estate in Asheville NC?

[JViello]

Originally Posted by Cruikshl

How does the Gillette Castle compare to the Biltmore Estate in Asheville NC?

Totally different type of place. The Biltmore would more compare to the Newport RI Mansions.

Gillette Castle has been turned into a state park and the castle itself is more like a museum. It's very beautiful and you can go inside etc but it's not a "mansion" so to speak.

[CTyankee54]

Great idea for this thread. Here are a few more:

The Carousel in Bushnell Park (downtown Hartford). Very old, very beautiful and well maintained.

Tubing down the Farmington River

The Mark Twain House - Hartford

Gillette Castle - Haddam (absolutely amazing to walk through this architectural gem that overlooks the CT river.)

Ride the ferry across the CT River from Rocky Hill to Glastonbury.

Pick your own produce (berries in summer, apples & pumpkins in the fall) at one of the many local farms such as Rose's Berry Farm in Glastonbury or Lyman Orchards in Middlefield.

Cultural events (professional and amateur) are HUGE in CT. You can see Broadway shows, take in phenomenal concerts, etc, at:
The Bushnell - Hartford
Hartford Stage - Hartford
Long Wharf Theatre - New Haven
The Shubert Theatre - New Haven
The Jorgensen Theatre & Ct. Repertory Theatre - UCONN
The Academy for the Performing Arts - Hartford
Hole in the Wall Theatre - New Britain
CT Cabaret Theatre - Berlin
Chevrolet Theatre - Wallingford (formerly the Oakdale)
Theatreworks - Hartford
The Goodspeed Opera House - Tony-award winning theatre (not just opera)
The Newington Children's Theatre Co - Newington (theatre for children, performed by children (ages 10-18). This is the oldest true touring children's theatre in the state and maybe the nation.

Film events at Trinity College

Museums:
Wadsworth Atheneum
Peabody at Yale
New Britain Museum of Art
Mashantucket Pequot Museum (amazing**)

Sporting events:
UCONN football & basketball (National Champs)
Hockey
WNBA - The CT Sun at Mohegan Sun
baseball - Rock Cats (Yeah - these cats rock)

Amusement Parks:
Quassy Amusement
Lake Compounce (ride Boulder Dash - roller coaster that hugs the rocks around the mountain plus the water park)

Guided tours of the state capitol building and legislative office building.

The list of Things to Do in Connecticut could go on and on.

[uctalum01]

if anyone's looking for anything to do this weekend the Branford Festival is in full swing. check out the schedule at Welcome to The Branford Festival - Branford CT. USA

[johnmike59]

Simple joys:

Crossing the Connecticut River at Rocky Hill over to Glastonbury and then visiting Belltown - pick whatever is in season.

Old Wethersfield Historic District - absolutely gorgeous!

Riverton (Litchfield Cty) formerly Hitchcocksville - very lovely and a veritable Cupcake Connecticut post card.

[enxuto]

Does anyone have any free suggestions? Maybe some great local parks with playgrounds and natural features?

We've gone to:

Mikey's Place in Wethersfield
Mill Pond in Newington
Addison Park in Glastonbury
Bushnell Park in Hartford
Wadsworth Falls in Middlefield
I can't think of the name but its a water pad down the street from the Mall in West Hartford.
There's the all wood playscape in West Hartford at the Jewish Center better for the little ones

We've also biked or hiked at:

MDC in Farmington 3.5 mi paved trail loop and hiking or mountain biking in back
Farmington River Valley paved trail section up through Colinsville (biking or walking, it's to cracked for rollerblading for us)
Cheshire paved trail down to Sleepy Hollow (it goes all the way to New Haven) No bathrooms - a problem we found out the hard way!
Airline Trail - Start in East Haddam and go through the forest (railroad bridges, gorge view, state forest, waterfall, brooks) no bathrooms again.

These are all free access just pay for the gas!

I've got 3 kids and not a lot of money so a trip to the park with a packed lunch picnic is our treat however going to the same places too many times takes the thrill away.

Thanks for sharing

[JoeYanxfan]

Everyone should go see the Van Gogh paintings "Cypresses" and "Starry Night" at the Yale Museum in New Haven. Spectacular. I have never been so near to something so priceless in my life.

[MikefromCT]

Don't know if anyone mentioned it yet, but here's a few more to add to the list:

Simsbury CT:
> Simsbury Center - a landmarked area that includes the library, a cemetery, churches, restaurants, bars & shops. Very modest, very quaint, very nice.
> Hubeliein Tower - take a hike up here sometime in the autumn. You'll love it!

Farmington CT
> Main Street - another autumn treat. Lots of history, lovely historic homes.

West Hartford
> Elizabeth Park - In June you'll see the historic rose arches. In late September thru early November, beautiful fall foliage.
> Metropolitan District - reservoir area with many lovely walking paths, bike trails, picnic areas. Very relaxing
> Rockledge Golf Club - If you like to golf, this place is a treat!
> Noah Webster House - a neat little tourist attraction
> West Hartford Center - dining and shopping

[elysesyle]

Hi! I'll be going to Stamford in Dec and will be there for 3 weeks. Any recommendations for places to visit or things to do during Winter? Or any nearby states that I must not give it a miss?

[sspl04]

hi, guys I think abiout List Of Things To Do and See in CT The Essex Steam Train is operated by the Valley Railroad Company. As a tourist excursion, it will take you through some of the most beautiful country in the state. You will find forests and streams, beautiful vistas and nostalgic towns, and some gorgeous views of the Connecticut River.
The steam train operates through december and has different trips for the season..
You can also take a river boat cruise up the connecticut river viewing some of the states best scenery.

rocky