Top Rated Attractions in Orange

Home of the renown conservationist and businesswoman, Frances Osborne Kellogg, this grand Colonial Revival style mansion was built in 1840. Surrounding the majestic house are the formal gardens, awash in vibrant colors from spring through autumn when the flowers are in full bloom. Today, the Osborne Homestead is not only a popular house museum that showcases the life of its historic residents, but is also a member of the Connecticut Historic Gardens and the Connecticut Women's Heritage Trail. Guided tours of the house and gardens are organized for those who wish to delve into the life and work of the esteemed Frances Osborne Kellogg. Although the museum itself is open only from May through October, the groups are open year round from 9a to 4p Monday through Saturday, and from 12p to 4p on Sundays as well from May through October.

Nestled in the Yale University Campus, Battell Chapel was built in the late 19th Century and is one of the largest chapels on campus. The chapel boasts of beautiful Victorian Gothic style of architecture and was designed by Russell Sturgis, a famed architect of the country. This chapel has gone several renovations and sees architectural elements by Josiah Cleaveland Cady. The interiors of this charming chapel include a beautiful altar, chapel clock with five bells, an apse, magnificent stained-glass windows and more. Besides being a religious place, the chapel is also used as an event venue and hosts several concerts and music events regularly.

Famously known as the "most beautiful street in America," the Hillhouse Avenue Historic District is a site that spreads over 18 acres of land. With several traditional homes located here dating to the 19th-century, the site also features homes of some renowned people. The site is worth a visit to watch the beautiful elite constructions of New Haven.

St. Mary's Church is charming church housed near the Yale University. The history of this church dates back to 1834 when it was originally built. However, a massive fire destroyed the structure in 1848. The present structure was only built in 1874 and boasts of designs by the famed architect, James Murphy. The church has stone masonry built, while the charming interiors feature beautiful relics and stained-glass windows.

The Congregational United Church of Christ, as it is more formally known, has stood on the New Haven Green since 1639. The current Georgian structure dates to 1812. Architect Ithiel Town incorporated large windows into the design to capture sunshine, as there was no heating system. A beautiful Tiffany window, installed in 1890, depicts the Rev. John Davenport leading the first service in the new colony. The historic crypt contains the remains of Benedict Arnold's first wife. There is a small burial ground behind the church, where regicide John Dixwell is laid to rest.

Built in 1785, the Allis-Bushnell House once served as the home of the Scranton and Bushnell families. The historic house has been lovingly restored by the Madison Historical Society and is maintained as a museum that chronicles life in Madison across five different eras. Inside, each room has been furnished to mimic the style of a different time period with antique furnishings, artwork and domestic implements that illustrate the lives of Madison's early residents. The long shed outside is the Annex where farm implements, fishing equipment, and other tools are on display. Another intriguing featureis the beautiful herb garden just behind the house. Visits to the house are permitted by prior appointment only and the rooms may be rented for meetings, parties and other private events. Plan a visit to the Allis-Bushnell House for a glimpse into Madison's past.