Camping Gems - Places to Eat in Connecticut
Stoggy Hollow General Store and Restaurant, Woodstock Valley Carmen Anthony Fishhouse (for the seafood and clam chowder), Woodbury, (203) 266-0011
Nicholas Roberts, Norwalk First & Last Tavern (Italian Food), Hartford, Avon, Guilford and Middletown.
The Cookhouse (for the barbecue), New Milford, (860) 355-4111, East Hartford, (860) 289-0053, and Darien, (203) 655-6663. Vazzy's (Italian Food), Bridgeport, (203) 371-8046
Nardelli's Grinder Shoppe (a grinder is a large sandwich made of a long crusty roll split lengthwise and filled with meats and cheese, tomato, onion, and lettuce), Waterbury, (203) 754-5600 and (203) 753-7400, and Naugatuck, (203) 729-9470
Great Hot Dog and Burger Joints
Al's Hot Dog Stand, Naugatuck
Super Duper Weenie, Fairfield, (203) 334-DOGS, and Monroe, (203) 261-3648.
Traveler Restaurant, Union
Blackie's, Cheshire
Bakeries
Chabaso Bakery, New Haven, (203) 562-9007
Panera Bread, Multiple locations
Lyman Orchards (for the apple pie), Middlefield, (860) 349-1793
Sweet Maria's Cookies, Waterbury, (203) 755-3804
Connecticut Muffin, New Canaan, (203) 972-7557 |
Camping Gems - ConnecticutBushnell Park in Hartford
Started in 1854, this lovely 37-acre park features over 600 trees, some of which were planted over 100 years ago. As you stroll the grounds, you'll also find the 116-foot tall Soldiers & Sailors Civil War Memorial, a mini-public art gallery, and a hand carved Carousel built in 1914. (Off I-84 between Elm and Jewel Streets, downtown, 860-522-6400)
Ansonia Nature and Recreation Center (10 Deerfield Rd., Route 243 or Route 115, Ansonia, CT, 203-736-9360) As you stroll around this 104-acre park, you'll find native fern and wildflower gardens, a hummingbird-butterfly garden, and more than 2 miles of nature trails. Before you head out you might want to grab your fishing license, rod and reel, and loaded picnic basket because they also have great places for a lazy lunch and fishing.
Deep River
Ride a riverboat on the Connecticut River or take a ferry ride to Gillette Castle, built by William Gillette, the actor who played Sherlock Holmes for many years. The river is a great spot to enjoy kayaking, canoeing, or boating. Afterward, tour the quaint antique shops and stop off for afternoon tea.
Audubon Center at Bent of the River
This phenomenal, 700-acre nature center and wildlife sanctuary is set on the Pomperaug River, near the Housatonic River. With a wide variety of eco-systems within its boarders, the Bent's 15 miles of trails will lead you though forests, grasslands, pools, red maple swamps, and old meadows. You'll spot a number of birds, animals, and native plants on your tour.
Literary Travels
Mark Twain - To see where the famous author lived, head to 351 Farmington Ave and the Mark Twain House, 860-493-6411. Built by Twain in 1874, this 19-room Victorian mansion was decorated by Tiffany and Associated Artist in 1881. During the 17 years he lived here, Twain wrote seven major works. In fact it was in this home that the very popular Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn sprang to life.
Noah Webster - If you've ever depended on a Webster dictionary to get you out of a spelling jam, you'll want to tour the Noah Webster House, 227 South Main Street, West Hartford, 860-521-5362. As costumed docents take you through Noah's birthplace, you will learn about the life of the author of the Blue-Backed Speller and first American Dictionary. |
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Camping Gems - Things to Do in Connecticut
Paddle down the Farmington River (a National Wild and Scenic River)
Hike a stretch of the Appalachian Trail
Go fishing, swimming, or play on the beach at Hammonasset Beach State Park
Shop at the Bethlehem Flea Market near Litchfield Hills, Connecticut
Take a walking tour of Hartford
Stroll along the birding trails at Rocky Neck State Park, watching for hawks and eagles
Ride the historic Essex Steam Train
See the waterfalls at Kent Falls in the Litchfield Hills
Try your hand at the tables at Foxwoods Casino, Ledyard, Connecticut
Climb Talcott Mountain (and watch for deer, fox, rabbits, and bald eagles)
Pick your own strawberries, apples, and pumpkins at Lyman Orchards in Middlefield
Tour the Gillette Castle, built by the Hollywood actor who played Sherlock Holmes. Gillette Castle State Park, East Haddam, Connecticut
Watch for whales and hunt for crabs and lobsters at Bluff Point State Park and Coastal Reserve
Eat pizza, seafood, and ice cream in Mystic
Climb to the top of the lighthouse at Lighthouse Point Park near New Haven
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Camping Gems - Places to Go in ConnecticutWEST
Litchfield Hills
Kent Falls
Take a hike past the largest waterfall in the State! A 1/4 mile trail takes you to see this 250-foot beauty. This is also a designated Trout Park.
White Memorial Foundation
Pay a visit to this Environmental Education Center in Western Connecticut and get in touch with CT nature. You can explore 4,000 acres of woods, fields, and water, enjoying the hiking trails and boating facilities. Afterward, swing by the Nature Museum to learn a little more.
Farmington River
Designated as a National Wild and Scenic River, the Farmington River is famous for its beauty. Come watch for otters and bald eagles as you canoe, kayak and fish the waters of the Farmington. A number of state parks, forests, and historic mills dot the river's edge.
Appalachian Trail
For 52 miles, the Appalachian Trail (a trail that follows the mountain ranges of the East Coast from Mexico to Canada) cuts through Northwestern Connecticut. You can hike the trail for a day, a weekend, or a week.
CENTRAL
Connecticut River Valley
Soak in the beauty of New England in this river-and-sea region of Connecticut. This is the place to tour historic inns, taste fresh lobster, and take part in a Revolutionary War re-enactment>
Hartford
From jazz clubs to Vietnamese restaurants, Hartford is a true melting pot. Take in the art galleries, performances at the Meadows Music Centre, and much more in Hartford.
Talcott Mountain State Park
On top of Talcott Mountain, you'll find an elegant historic house, built by Gilbert Heublein in 1914. Hikers may encounter a variety of wildlife including deer, fox, and rabbits in the sanctuary. Bird watchers should keep their eyes peeled for turkey vultures, bald eagles, and pileated woodpeckers.Lighthouse Point Park, New Haven
Explore a gorgeous stretch of beach as you walk to the 73-year-old lighthouse. This is a great place to swim, enjoy water sports, look for sea shells, take a picnic lunch, or watch for birds and butterflies. Over 20,000 raptors visit the park each year. Watch for eagles swooping down the Connecticut River from Canada between January and March.
Audubon Coastal Center Bird Sanctuary at Milford Point
An 8.4 acre bird sanctuary and wildlife refuge on Long Island Sound located at the mouth of the Housatonic River.
EAST
Bluff Point State Park and Coastal Reserve
Wade into the sea for saltwater fishing (for bluefish, sturgeon, bass, and cod), pluck oysters and mussels off coastal rocks, or hunt for lobster and crab. Wooded trails are perfect for hiking, mountain biking, and wildlife viewing, and the shore gives you a lovely view of Long Island Sound. Keep on the lookout for whales, seals, and migratory birds!
Mystic
This historic seaport, founded in 1654, is famous for its New-England charm, hospitality, and fabulous array of shops, antique stores, and restaurants. Visit Mystic for the ambiance, the views, the food, and to tour the Mystic Seaport (the world's largest maritime museum) and the Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration. |
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Connecticut
