Connecticut
Enjoy fishing, hiking and swimming in Connecticut's second-largest state forest.
The trail around Pattaconk Reservoir (beginning about 200 yards down the road from the parking lot, where the reservoir has created an artificial waterfall) has rocks, roots and minor stream crossings but will take you on a nice 4-mile trip along the shoreline, following the blue/yellow and blue/red blazes. In season, you'll encounter campers, too.
25.75 MILES
In 2015 the nation's oldest public art museum completed a five-year, $33-million renovation, renewing 32 galleries and 15 public spaces. The Wadsworth…
22.15 MILES
Reopened in 2016 after extensive restoration, this fabulous gallery was architect Louis Kahn’s last commission and is the setting for the largest…
22.16 MILES
This outstanding museum was architect Louis Kahn's first commission and houses the oldest university art collection in the country; it includes Vincent…
29.28 MILES
More than a museum, Mystic Seaport is a re-creation of an entire New England whaling village spread over 17 acres of the former George Greenman & Co…
26.42 MILES
For 17 years, encompassing the most productive period of his life, Samuel Langhorne Clemens (1835–1910) and his family lived in this striking orange-and…
21.88 MILES
Each year, thousands of high-school students make pilgrimages to Yale, nursing dreams of attending the country's third-oldest university, which boasts…
New Britain Museum of American Art
22.45 MILES
Moved to its present, modern premises in 2003 in honor of its centenary, the impressive yet little-known New Britain Museum of American Art houses a stand…
25.75 MILES
Designed by Argentinian architect Cesar Pelli, the Connecticut Science Center is both an exciting architectural space and an absorbing museum for adults…
4.63 MILES
Nathan Hale (1755–76) is famous for his (alleged) patriotic statement, 'I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country,' as he was about to…
5.13 MILES
Inaugurated in 1944 with a gift of 154 acres from the Hazen Foundation, this park features a pretty meadow dotted with picnic tables, and offers seasonal…
5.18 MILES
Built in 1919 by actor William Hooker Gillette, who made his fortune playing Sherlock Holmes, this gaudy, medieval-style 'castle' is an eccentric turreted…
7.78 MILES
This heavily forested state park has walking and biking trails and offers basic camping facilities for the exclusive use of those boating along the…
7.93 MILES
The association hosts at least four different public shows during the high season and rents the space for other art showings the rest of the year. Located…
8.06 MILES
This beautiful shoreline park is centered on a gazebo and features an illustration explaining the 25 tree species lining the perimeter. You can launch…
8.3 MILES
Adjacent to Essex's Steamboat Dock, this museum's meticulously presented exhibits recount regional history and include a reproduction of the world's first…
8. Hammonasset Beach State Park
10.13 MILES
Though not off the beaten path by any means, the two full miles of flat, sandy beach at Hammonasset Beach State Park handily accommodate summer crowds…