It’s spring! Time to get out, shake off that cabin fever, and explore the great places our state has to offer, from museums, historic sites and parks to adventure attractions and public gardens.
Many of Connecticut’s world-class museums and historic sites, including the 22 on the Connecticut Art Trail, are presenting new exhibitions this spring. Consider an Art Trail Passport if you’re planning multiple stops. There’s also several murals and sculpture grounds and trails to consider, like Studio 80 + Sculpture Grounds in Old Lyme and the Wall to Wall Mural Walk in New London. You can check out the MLK39 Racial Equity Mural Tour with completed works in Torrington, Manchester, West Hartford, Bloomfield, Southington and more.
“Spring is the perfect time to get out and find your vibe in Connecticut,” says Noelle Stevenson, director of the Connecticut Office of Tourism.
“As we get into spring and summer, you’ll find exhilarating experiences, from music concerts to various cultural arts shows, to attractions and sporting events, not to mention our incredible state parks and forests.
“For those adrenaline lovers, grab a hot air balloon or simply experience the rush of a skydive jump. For our diners and winers, get out and experience our vast culinary offerings—and don’t forget to check out our various wineries. You may just be surprised at what you discover in Connecticut this Spring.”
Here are just a few of the attractions the state tourism office recommends you visit this spring and summer.
Covered Bridge Electric Bike in West Cornwall offers electric bike rentals for 2 hours, a half day or full day to explore the beautiful Northwest Hills. Also located nearby is Backyard Adventure UTV Tours in Canaan, offering expert guided tours for all experience levels.
Explore The Last Green Valley, a National Heritage Corridor spanning 26 towns in Eastern Connecticut. LGV’s annual “Spring Outdoors” program, which features walks and other outdoor events, is scheduled for March 20 – June 21. Also consider exploring one of Connecticut’s 110 state parks and 32 state forests.
Wildlife and birding cruises on the Connecticut River and Long Island Sound return each spring aboard the RiverQuest (recently purchased by the Connecticut River Museum in Essex) and Maritime Aquarium’s R/V “Spirit of the Sound," among other vessels.
The Connecticut Wine Trail features 24 vineyards and wineries across the state, including Aquila’s Nest Vineyards in Newtown—one of the newest to open.
Locally, Crystal Ridge Winery at 257 Belltown Road offers stunning views of Glastonbury, the Hartford Skyline and local orchards along with food trucks and live music. In Colchester, Priam Vineyards serve up their award-winning wines on a lovely outdoor patio and lawn and the vineyard recently began serving local, craft beers as well. Arrigoni Winery on Route 66 in Portland serves up 30 speciality wines and has cider tastings as well.
Speaking of beers, you can visit the tap room at Hops on the Hill Farm Brewery at 275 Dug Road. The brewery grows its own hops and also hosts live music and special events throughout the year.
Fun for the whole family — explore Connecticut’s zip lines and aerial parks reopening this Spring, including Brownstone Adventure Park in Portland, HighFlyer Zip line at Foxwoods, and The Adventure Park at Storrs.
Hartford Blooms Garden Tours return this June — but this time with an open-top, double-decker bus! Five different opportunities to tour various sites around Hartford for great views of historic homes, gardens, parks, city artwork and the Connecticut River. There’s also the Meriden Daffodil Festival (April 30-May 1) and Dogwood Festival (May 7-8), among other flower-focused events across the state.
Refresh at one of Connecticut’s wellness destinations and spas, including THE WELL at Mayflower Inn & Spa in Washington and The Spa at Norwich Inn, among others. Connecticut has many lovely small inns where you can unwind for a weekend.
Performing arts venues across the state, including the Katherine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center (The Kate) in Old Saybrook, the Garde Arts Center in New London, Ridgefield Playhouse, Warner Theater in Torrington and Wall Street Theater in Norwalk, are featuring full theater, music and comedy lineups this spring.
Several Connecticut attractions and experiences reopen this spring, including Elm City Party Bike in New Haven, Connecticut’s first pedaled party and sightseeing bike, The Dinosaur Place at Nature’s Art Village in Montville, Hartford Yard Goats at Dunkin Donuts Park in Hartford (home opener April 8), Berkshire Balloons hot air ballooning, Skydive Danielson and the Railroad Museum of New England in Thomaston, among others.
