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.
Connecticut has world-class museums and historic sites including our own Noah Webster House & West Hartford Historical Society, at 227 South Main St. Located in the restored 18th-century birthplace and childhood home of Noah Webster, the creator of the first American dictionary, the museum and grounds are open to the public. Visit Noahwebsterhouse.org for information and hours.
There are 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 and West Hartford.
“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," says Noelle Stevenson, director of the Connecticut Office of Tourism.
Locally, you can also take in a show at Playhouse on Park, 244 Park Road, greater Hartford's renowned professional theatre, offering a wide range of thought provoking and inspiring productions.
Here are a few other attractions the state tourism office recommends:
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, starting in March. Also consider exploring one of Connecticut’s 110 state parks and 32 state forests, including Talcott Mountain in Simsbury and Horse Guard State Park in Avon.
There's also the West Hartford Reservoir recreation area off Farmington Avenue that comprises several small reservoirs and more than 3,000 acres of beautiful woodlands and trails. There are more than 30 miles of paved and gravel roads for joggers and bicyclists, hiking trails, wheel-chair accessible picnic groves.
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 dozens of picturesque vineyards and wineries across the state, from the northwest hills to the shoreline in Stonington, including Rosedale Farms & Vineyards in Simsbury. You can download the winery trail passport and chart your journey among the state's vineyard's at the wine trail website, CTwine.com.
Looking for fun for the whole family? Explore Connecticut’s zip lines and aerial parks, including Brownstone Adventure Park in Portland, HighFlyer Zipline at Foxwoods, and The Adventure Park in Storrs.
Hartford Blooms Garden Tours return this June and there are 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 and Dogwood Festival among other flower-focused events across the state.
Closer to home, Elizabeth Park Conservancy on the Hartford/West Hartford border is a nationally-registered historic landmark, With over 100 acres of formal gardens, green space, recreational facilities, walking loops, and the Pond House Café.
Need a refresh? Visit 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 abound in Connecticut, including Playhouse on Park here in West Hartford. There's also the Katherine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center in Old Saybrook, the Garde Arts Center in New London, Ridgefield Playhouse, Warner Theater in Torrington and Wall Street Theater in Norwalk, all featuring full theater, music and comedy lineups.
There are several Connecticut attractions and experiences that open for the season in 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, Berkshire Balloons hot air ballooning, Skydive Danielson and the Railroad Museum of New England in Thomaston, among others.
For more information on Connecticut's adventure and exploration scene, visit CTVisit.com.
“Spring is the perfect time to get out and find your vibe in Connecticut. 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." Noelle Stevenson, director of the Connecticut Office of Tourism.