The Sunbeam Fleet sails from Waterford where you can plan your next family or corporate outing on Long Island Sound. There are even public fishing day trips and overnight trips out on the water to the best spots for your big catch. If fishing isn't you thing, there are tours that you can participate in, such as the Lighthouse tour that takes you to Old Saybrook, Long Island and Cape Cod to see some of New England's finest lighthouses. Fans of sealife can enjoy the Harbor Seal Cruises, which offers three hours out on the water to see the creatures that inhabit the Sound. Or, climb aboard for a Fireworks Cruise to see some spectacular fireworks on one of the Sunbeam Fleet.
This tribal-owned and operated museum is housed in a striking building designed by famed architect James Stewart Polshek. Permanent and temporary exhibits focus on 300 years of Native American artistry and history. Don't miss the replica of an ancient Pequot village, replete with life-sized models and sound effects. The gift shop carries splendors from all Native American tribes. Expect at least an hour drive from New Haven and call the toll free number or check the Web site for directions. There is a shuttle to the museum from the Foxwoods Casino.
The Florence Griswold Museum spawned from the home of Florence Griswold, whose residence was the center of the Lyme Art Colony. The colony of American Impressionists used this home as their base as it was a boarding house for the region's budding artist community. Today, the house has been restored to how it appeared in 1910 and is one of the region's best-loved museums. Don't forget to stop by the gift shop for books on local art and images of Long Island Sound.
The Museum of America and the Sea is a great place to take the kids to teach them about the importance and effects of the whaling industry on the towns dotting the Connecticut shoreline. America's last wooden whaling ship, the Charles W. Morgan, resides at this fascinating living history museum in Mystic, a quaint seaside town about an hour outside of New Haven. Learn about the steps involved in making the perilous trip out to sea for fishing or whaling, admire the historic vessels on display here, and walk down memory lane as you explore a historic seafaring village. Scenes from Steven Spielberg's 1997 film Amistad were filmed here. Visitors can also participate in numerous hands-on activities, making a trip here an incredibly memorable one. The nation's leading maritime museum, Mystic Seaport is a must-see if visiting Connecticut.
Enjoying the distinction of being the oldest mill of its kind in the country, B.F. Clyde's Cider Mill catapults visitors to the past and offers a glimpse of life as it prevailed in the 1880s. Located just north of Olde Mistick Village, this popular attraction is best to visit during the beginning of fall when the apples are at their peak and the leaves are turning. Free tours are available and demonstrations are carried out on weekends during the mill's operational season. The facility also offers wine tastings. Drop by this quaint mill and soak in the historic atmosphere while you sip on their renowned cider and munch on savory doughnuts.
This lovely vineyard is located in the southeastern corner of the state, as part of Connecticut's Wine Trail. Stonington Vineyards is close to the picturesque village of Mystic, so for the parents this is a great getaway and experience if in the area. There are free, 25-minute tours of the vineyards every day at 2p as well as tastings of their red and white wines. The gift shop sells every variety of their special wines, not to mention handmade gift baskets with goodies for all occasions.
A place called home by the art students of Connecticut College, the Cummings Arts Center is a large facility with multiple provisions. The John C. Evans Hall and Olivia Hall are two venues located within the center that have state-of-the-art facilities for concerts, recording facilities and access to multimedia equipments. The Greer Music Library has a vast collection of music-related material, everything from books to recordings of performances. Wetmore Print Collection are galleries that feature American and Japanese art as well as European artists Rembrandt and Durer.
Hygienic Art Galleries aim is to provide a platform for new as well as established and resident artists. The present location at Bank Street earlier housed Hygienic Restaurant, which shut in 1985. After a lot of community activism, the historic building that was scheduled to be demolished, was saved. Finally, the same opened in the year 2000 and stands as a testimony of successful community development projects and amazing venue for arts. An extended gallery of Hygienic Art called the Carriage House on 35 Golden Street, also showcases some interesting artwork.
The Sunbeam Fleet sails from Waterford where you can plan your next family or corporate outing on Long Island Sound. There are even public fishing day trips and overnight trips out on the water to the best spots for your big catch. If fishing isn't you thing, there are tours that you can participate in, such as the Lighthouse tour that takes you to Old Saybrook, Long Island and Cape Cod to see some of New England's finest lighthouses. Fans of sealife can enjoy the Harbor Seal Cruises, which offers three hours out on the water to see the creatures that inhabit the Sound. Or, climb aboard for a Fireworks Cruise to see some spectacular fireworks on one of the Sunbeam Fleet.
The Garde Arts Center in New London is housed in what used to be a movie theater and traditional theater that comfortably seats 1475 guests. Tours of popular Broadway shows make brief stop-overs here, but you can also catch seasonal performances, classical music concerts and children's theater throughout the year.
Two historic buildings namely the Joshua Hempsted House and the Nathaniel Hempsted House make up the now famous Hempstead Houses. Joshua Hempsted House being older is most documented 17th-century house in America. The house was inhabited by Joshua Hempsted right from childhood till his death. The house is thus replete with a rich history that concerns the colonial age and also throws light on the abolitionist movement. The Nathaniel Hempsted House was built in 1758 by Joshua Hempsted for his grandson Nathaniel. The Hempstead Houses is a property of the Antiquarian & Landmarks Society. Normal tours will resume in May 2010; however, tours by appointment are still carried out.
This tribal-owned and operated museum is housed in a striking building designed by famed architect James Stewart Polshek. Permanent and temporary exhibits focus on 300 years of Native American artistry and history. Don't miss the replica of an ancient Pequot village, replete with life-sized models and sound effects. The gift shop carries splendors from all Native American tribes. Expect at least an hour drive from New Haven and call the toll free number or check the Web site for directions. There is a shuttle to the museum from the Foxwoods Casino.