.Things to do while visiting New England
Check this page frequently as it will be updating continually until June 2006
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While you are visiting Connecticut, there are so many things to do and places to see that your could literally spend weeks exploring the area. Below are some suggestions for you to consider:
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New London/Groton/Mystic Seaport
A favorite area of Connecticut for many travelers is the New London/Groton/Mystic Seaport area located along Interstate 95 just West of the state of Rhode Island. This area abounds in history that is presented in a manner that is sure to please adults as well as children.
The Mystic Seaport is a recreation of a colonial-era Connecticut Seaport town in the finest of detail. All aspects of life in Colonial America and what it took for the settlers to survive and thrive are presented here. Complete with sailing ships of the era, this is a must-see for the first time visitor to New England.
Just west of Mystic Seaport on interstate 95 are the towns of Groton and New London. Groton is where one of the United States Nuclear Submarine bases is located and the first nuclear powered submarine - Nautilus is docked there. Tours of the Nautilus are permitted. If you are into submarines and ocean going vessels in general, this is a good place to stop.
New London is located just across the Thames river from Groton and has many activities of interest. The US Coast Guard Academy is located in New London and this school maintains an outstanding museum celebrating its history. From art to business, New London has a little bit of everything.
Foxwoods Resort and Casino/ Mohegan Sun Casino
If you are looking for some night-life, quality entertainment, shows, and gambling, Foxwoods is the place to go. Check with their website to find out who is performing there as well as information on getting tickets before the USFT Nationals. Also, close by is the Mohegan Sun Resort and Casino which is also an exciting place to visit. Look for the town of Uncasville, CT and you can't miss Mohegan Sun.
Hartford, CT
Hartford, the capitol of Connecticut is rich in history and culture and is located just north of Wolcott/Waterbury.. The Charter Oak Cultural Center hosts concerts throughout the year and tours of the Old State House and State capitol are very educational. Being home to much of America's firearms production history, Hartford and the surrounding area is a must see for shooting enthusiasts. The Colt Firearms museum has an extensive collection of their historical firearms. The Connecticut Civil War tour is also something not to be missed as it contains many firearms of that era. Also, as much of America's industrial revolution started in and around Hartford, there are many additional museums in the area that are worthy of a visit. The Bradley Air Museum also has a good display of vintage airplanes and is worth a visit.
Springfield Armory (Mass)
The Springfield Armory is a must see. It takes about 45 minutes to get there from Wolcott/Waterbury. The Armory was established by George Washington and supplied America's armed forces with an array of weaponry for over 200 years until it was closed in 1968 and declared a national historic landmark. If you are into shooting history, and do nothing else (other than shoot in the USFT Nationals) this is the place to go. Also in Springfield is the Basketball Hall of Fame. You can't miss it as you are driving up interstate 95 into Springfield.
Leaf Watchers
New England is know for its fall foliage, but mother nature is unpredictable and the quality of the colors is very dependent on late summer and early autumn weather. So, the leaves may be pretty good in Connecticut at the time of the USFT Nationals. Then again, things could still be pretty green in our part of New England in early October. As a rule, the leaf viewing will get better the more you drive North toward Vermont and New Hampshire. If you are interested in leaf watching, the best thing to do is monitor the fall colors progress on Yahoo starting in late September.
For the Kids
Just a short 15-20 minute ride from Waterbury is Lake Compounce Theme Park in Bristol, CT. This is a complete theme park with rides and a lot of other activities to keep the kids (and adults) busy all day long. One really interesting attraction at the park is the chair lift to the top of Mount Southington. If mother nature cooperates, the view of the fall colors should be spectacular from this ride.
New Haven and Bridgeport
Home to Yale University, there are a lot of things to see and do on and around the campus there. The Peabody Museum of Natural History gives a good perspective on New England from far far ago, and exhibits are constantly updated. Also, in New Haven is the Schubert Theatre where one can take in a variety of evening entertainment events. Just a 15 minute drive south of New Haven, one can visit Seaside Park in Bridgeport where a very good view of Long Island Sound can be had.
NewPort, Rhode Island
Want to see how the rich lived at the turn of the last century in America? If so, then the Newport Mansions are the place to visit. Although this will require about a 3 hour drive, it is well worth it for people who are into the Vanderbildts etc. There is also a lot of good food and shopping in the tourist section of Newport. And if you are there overnight, the Newport Ghost tour is really entertaining and gives a different perspective on this old New England coastal town.
