Take a break from your hectic schedule and enjoy a few moments of relaxation at Elizabeth Park Conservancy. Operating since 1897, this beautiful park has been a place of interest for the locals as well as the tourists due to its charming gardens. The property spans an area of 102 acres (41 hectares) and is home to a heritage rose garden, horticultural garden, shade garden and four other gardens. Besides the lush greenery, it features four century-old Greenhouses verdant pathways, lawns and many more things to do on a sunny day. It also provides facilities for recreational activities like tennis courts, basket ball courts, picnic groves and many others. All in all you are sure to enjoy your time here.
This home on Farmington Avenue is where Mark Twain lived from 1874 until he moved to Europe (due to bankruptcy) in 1891. It is also the place where Twain wrote some of his most famous works, such as Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court. The estate is in constant renovation and the curating team is always looking to restore it as it was when Twain lived here. Nonetheless, the adjacent Museum offers an exclusive documentary about the writer by director Ken Burns and the home was one of the first 100 architectural sites to be registered as a National Historic Landmark in the United States.
The Harriet Beecher Stowe Center is dedicated to the author of Uncle Tom's Cabin and it offers a profound insight into the life and times of this suffragette. This is the home in which Stowe lived from 1873 until her death in 1893. The house includes authentic, restored furniture pieces as well as souvenirs from her journeys around the world. A library, located on the grounds of the nearby Day House contains books, manuscripts, images and more. Visitors can also view eight Victorian gardens on the grounds of the estate as well as several special events held throughout the year.
Springfield's Museum of Fine Arts includes collections of fine works by some of the world's greatest painters and sculptors. Highlights of the permanent collection include works by Monet, Gauguin, Degas, Pissarro, and Renoir, 19th-and 20th-century Japanese prints, and modern artworks by O'Keefe. The Fine Arts Museum also boasts the only permanent collection of Currier & Ives lithographs.
Located in the downtown area, the Butler-McCook House & Garden is one of the oldest structures in Hartford. Established in 1782, the home was designed by Jacob Weidenman in a Victorian style, and everything reflects this era, from the pretty garden that surrounds the home to the interior details. The home was owned by the Butler and McCook family for two centuries and now it functions as a museum, with exhibits reflecting the four generations that lived in this house, and the changes that the neighborhood saw over the years.
Five Points Gallery is a non-profit art exhibition center situated in the Historic Downtown of Torrington. The gallery is set at the corner of Water and Main Street, and is administered by Judith McElhone, who led this place to success in less than two years of its inception. The objective of this gallery is to understand, endorse and encourage new talent. Contemporary artwork of natives and noted artists of the country that reflects history, culture and education of Torrington is displayed at Five Points Gallery. The exhibitions are a platform for new talent to meet artists and share in-depth knowledge on their artwork. For latest details on upcoming exhibitions, visit their website.
Located to the east of Wethersfield, the Buttolph-Williams House is one of the oldest structures in the city. Established in 1711, this house was constructed in the Puritan style. Its facade features wooden clapboards and casement windows with diamond-shaped panes. The house was renovated in the 1940s by Frederick C. Palmer, who restored it to its former glory. Managed by the Connecticut Landmarks, Buttolph-Williams House opened as a museum in 1951. Elizabeth George Speare's historical fiction, "The Witch of Blackbird Pond," was set around this house, making it a popular visitation spot amongst fans of this novel.
The Solomon Goffe House is a historic building that is an important landmark of the Meriden region. Erected in 1711, it is one of the foremost houses and is still intact and well-preserved. Included in the U.S. National Register of Historic Places, it now serves as living museum.
Step into the embrace of nature's tranquility at Bolton Notch State Park, a serene Connecticut haven. This park brings together rich natural beauty, historical significance, and opportunities for outdoor adventure. The park's defining feature is its picturesque gorge, carved by centuries of flowing waters. The rugged terrain is a delight for hikers and nature enthusiasts, offering paths that lead to hidden oases, rocky outcrops with panoramic views, and shaded glens perfect for picnics. Explore this fascinating piece of history as you imagine the locomotives that once passed through, their echoes replaced by the rustling leaves and the gentle murmur of the streams.
Named in honor of the American Legion, a veterans' organization dedicated to supporting veterans and their communities, American Legion State Forest features rolling hills, valleys, and streams that create a diverse and scenic landscape. Hiking is a popular activity here, and the forest offers several well-marked trails that allow visitors to explore the natural beauty of the area. The forest's serene atmosphere and lush surroundings make it an excellent spot for family outings and gatherings. Whether it's hiking the trails, having a picnic amidst the trees, or observing the local wildlife, visitors will find a sense of connection and appreciation for the natural wonders of this forested area.
Salmon River State Forest is a scenic natural area in Connecticut. The Salmon River provides opportunities for fishing, as it is stocked with trout, making it a popular destination for anglers looking for a day of fishing. The forest features a network of well-maintained hiking trails that wind through the wooded hills and along the riverbanks. These trails offer varying levels of difficulty, making it suitable for hikers of all ages and abilities. Along the trails, hikers may encounter diverse flora and fauna, making it an enjoyable experience for nature enthusiasts and wildlife observers.
Springfield's Museum of Fine Arts includes collections of fine works by some of the world's greatest painters and sculptors. Highlights of the permanent collection include works by Monet, Gauguin, Degas, Pissarro, and Renoir, 19th-and 20th-century Japanese prints, and modern artworks by O'Keefe. The Fine Arts Museum also boasts the only permanent collection of Currier & Ives lithographs.