Connecticut - Attractions

Farmington Valley Visitors Association
33 East Main Street
Avon, CT  06001
Phone: 860-676-8878
Toll-Free: 1-800-4-WELCOME

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Whatever the season, find your “Hidden Gem” in Connecticut’s Farmington Valley, a special wonderland just 2 hours from New York or Boston. First choose a season, then select a lodging property. Each property offers unique seasonal packages whether you’re looking for outdoor adventure, a romantic escape or family fun activities. Coupon books for seasonal discounts and surprises await you at check-in. Explore shops, galleries, antiques, restaurants and more. Visit historic houses & museums. Hike, bike, canoe, kayak, fly-fish, tube, ski or hot air balloon, depending on the season! Free brochures and getaway information.

Greater Hartford Convention & Visitors Bureau Inc.
One Civic Center Plaza
Hartford, CT  06103-1592
Phone: 860-728-6789

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Since 1974, the Greater Hartford Convention & Visitors Bureau, Inc. has marketed and promoted the Hartford region as a convention and meeting destination. The Bureau provides complimentary services to all convention and meeting planners. We can assist you in finding a meeting facility, provide promotional literature and much more. For more information, please call (860) 728-6789 or (860) 446-7811 (outside CT).

Harriet Beecher Stowe House
77 Forest Street
Hartford, CT  06105
Phone: 860-522-9258

Open: Tours: Tuesday-Saturday, 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Sunday, noon-4:30 p.m.; open on Mondays, Memorial Day to Columbus Day and December. Closed major holidays.

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Her words changed the world with "Uncle Tom's Cabin," the groundbreaking anti-slavery novel (1852). Tour the Victorian Gothic home (1871), the Katharine Seymour Day House (1884), and the Victorian grounds and gardens. Stowe Visitor Center showcases exhibitions, museum shop. Admission: Adults, $8; seniors,$7; children age 4-12, $4.

Connecticut College Arboretum
270 Mohegan Avenue
New London, CT  06320
Phone: 860-439-5020

Over 750 acres of beautifully preserved open space

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Connecticut College Arboretum's 750 acres include the college campus, plant collections, natural areas, and managed areas. Its three major plants collections for public enjoyment are the Campus Landscape with 120 acres of trees and shrubs from around the world; the Native Plant collection, with 20 acres of woody plants and wildflowers indigenous to North America with a pond, and walking trails; Caroline Black Garden with an exquisite display of diverse woody plants in a garden setting. Open every day from sunrise to sunset. Free public guided tours every Sunday afternoon May - October at 2 p.m. Call 860-439-5060 for more information. Private group tours can be arranged upon request.

Essex Steam Train & Riverboat
One Railroad Avenue
Essex, CT  06426
Phone: 860-767-0103
Toll-Free: 800-377-3987
Fax: 860-767-0104

Ride the Steam Train, Ride the Riverboat!

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The Essex Steam Train and Riverboat ride is a fun-filled trip for adults and children of all ages. We have two coal-fired locomotives available to pull our collection of lovingly restored railroad cars. From the exciting "All Aboard" to the clickety-clack of the tracks, you will experience an authentic journey back to the days of steam. We are pleased to take you through some of the most beautiful country in the state, where you’ll find forests and streams, beautiful vistas and nostalgic towns, and some gorgeous views of the Connecticut River, all year long. Winter is an exciting time to ride the train, as the Locomotive comes alive in the crisp winter air. In the spring and summer, you will see pristine meadows, picturesque farms, a millpond with a waterfall, and several bridges over rivers and creeks. And of course, in the Autumn, the colors of New England are an unforgettable sight. Come visit us anytime!

Florence Griswold Museum
96 Lyme Street
Old Lyme, CT  06371
Phone: 860-434-5542
Fax: 860-434-9778

Open: Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, 1-5 p.m.

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An 11-acre riverfront campus for lovers of art, architecture, nature, and history. The award-winning Krieble Gallery hosts changing exhibitions of American art. The permanent collection includes works by Church, Cole, Twachtman, Hassam, and others. Step into a 1910 artist colony through the historic Griswold House and see the famed dining room where artists painted directly on the walls. Opening this summer is the John and Dyanne Rafal Landscape Center, an original structure located in the Museum’s historic gardens, offering a self-guided exhibition as well as an array of special events, lectures and tours. There is also the Hartman Education Center and a restored 1920’s artist studio.

Admission: $9 adults, $8 seniors, and $7 students, Children 12 and under are free. For exhibition and program information visit

Mashantucket Pequot Museum & Research Center
110 Pequot Trail
Mashantucket, CT  06338
Phone: 800) 411-9671

Open: Daily, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., last admission at 3 p.m. Closed Thanksgiving Eve, Thanksgiving day, December 24 and 25, December 31 and January 1

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Permanent exhibits on the Native and natural history of southern New England include a cool descent into a glacial crevasse from 18,000 years ago. Walk through a 1550 Pequot Village. Interactive computer programs, films providing additional information and interpretation of the exhibits. Two research libraries, one for children. Museum store and restaurant. Admission: Adults, $15; seniors, $13; children age 6-15, $10; under 6 free.

Mystic & Shoreline Visitor Information Center
Olde Mistick Village, Coogan Blvd.
Mystic, CT  06355
Phone: 860-536-1641

Your Gateway to New England

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The Mystic & Shoreline Visitor Information Center is located off I-95 at Exit 90 in Olde Mistick Village. Upon arriving in Mystic make us your first stop for:

• Discount tickets to area attractions.
• Hotels/B&Bs - 24-hour on-site reservations.
• Brochures on over 225 area attractions and businesses.
• Menus on display.
• Maps, Postcards, Souvenirs.

Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration
55 Coogan Boulevard
Mystic, CT
Phone: 860-572-5955
Fax: 860-572-5969

Get closer than you ever thought possible!

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Encounter ocean animals in an exciting new way – no scuba gear required! Reach in and touch a ray, go beak-to-nose with a penguin and feel the splash of a beluga whale. Through spring 2009, see the seven belugas (including two calves!) and four Pacific white-sided dolphins visiting from Shedd Aquarium in Chicago. Watch our California sea lions – including Boomerang, the sea lion pup – strut their stuff during a live show, and meet a variety of animals, from African penguins and Steller sea lions to sharks and blue-tongued skinks. Take a ride in the XD Motion Theater “Deep Sea 3D.” Explore the deep ocean with the world’s only exhibits on Dr. Robert Ballard’s fascinating expeditions, including his discovery of the R.M.S. Titanic and visit his newest exhibit, “Exploring Your National Marine Sanctuaries,” which takes you live into some of the country’s sanctuaries to discover shipwrecks and see colorful corals – all without ever leaving the aquarium!

Mystic Country
12 Roosevelt Avenue
Mystic, CT  06355
Phone: 860-536-1205
Fax: 860-536-1480

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Explore the Mystic Country region of Eastern Connecticut and Southwestern Rhode Island. This link provides a guide to local attractions, family activities, lodging, dining, outdoor adventures, entertainment, shopping, and events.Explore the Mystic Country region of Eastern Connecticut and Southwestern Rhode Island. This link provides a guide to local attractions, family activities, lodging, dining, outdoor adventures, entertainment, shopping, and events.

Mystic Seaport
75 Greenmanville Avenue
Mystic, CT  06355-0990
Phone: 860-572-5315
Toll-Free: 888-973-2767

Open: Daily April through October, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., and November through March, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Closed Christmas Day.

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Mystic Seaport – The Museum of America and the Sea – is the nation’s leading maritime museum. Climb aboard historic tall ships, stroll through a re-created 19th-century coastal village, discover stars in the planetarium, see a working preservation shipyard in action, explore exhilarating exhibits and marvel at gardens and daily demonstrations of maritime trades. The Museum is located one mile south of exit 90 off I-95 in Mystic, CT.

Olde Mistick Village
Coogan Boulevard (Just off I-95 at Exit 90)
Mystic, CT  06355
Phone: 860-536-4941

Open Year Round

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A world apart from the ordinary mall experience, Olde Mistick Village, with its unique collection of over 60 shoppes, stores and restaurants, has become a favorite shopping center for local residents as well as the many visitors who come into the Mystic area from around the world. A day at Olde Mistick Village is more than simply a day of shopping -- The village is colorful year 'round and features easy strolls and duck pond as well as many special events and entertainment in our Gazebo. Few places offer as many gift shopping opportunities as does Olde Mistick Village. Many one-of-a-kind, handmade items are imported from throughout the world. A great selection of brand-name gifts is always available at competitive prices.

The Dinosaur Place
1650 Route 85
Montville, CT  06370
Phone: 860-443-4367

Discover an interactive science and nature adventure

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At the Dinosaur Place, outdoor adventure can be found with over 25 life-sized dinosaurs nestled along 1 mile of easy walking trails. The nature trails include hands-on discovery stations and educational signs. During the summer, cool off on New England’s largest SPLASHPAD. Indoor activities include digging for gems, panning for “gold” or unearthing a dinosaur skeleton. The world-class gift shop is a must stop on your visit whether you are looking for mineral and fossil specimens, fine jewelry, gourmet foods, educational toys, or unique giftware. Plus, treat yourself and your family to a tasty lunch or snack at Cobalt Café. Picnic areas, snack bar, ice cream shop, and playground onsite. Visit our website for hours, rates, and directions.

Westerly/Pawcatuck Chamber of Commerce
Misquamicut/Watch Hill/Historic Downtown
Westerly, RI
Phone: 401-596-7761

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Enjoy the perfect family vacation with a visit to Westerly, RI. Discover Westerly's seven miles of beaches, including Misquamicut, a mecca of family fun and activities that include water slides, mini-golf, night clubs, and more. Explore the picturesque village of Watch Hill, a charming Victorian seaside resort with a lighthouse and famous flying horse carousel. Take a walking tour of historic downtown Westerly-Pawcatuck, a two-state downtown named one of the 12 Most Distincitve Destinations by the National Trust For Historic Preservation. You'll find a 14-acre park, quaint shops, superb restaurants, and a river walk. The area features six golf courses, 40 restaurants, more than 50 hotels and bed and breakfasts, and hundreds of retail shops just eight miles from Mystic, Connecticut, and 30 miles from Newport. Call today for a free Go Westerly Magazine.