Connecticut

Sponsored by:
Aces High RV Park
www.aceshighrvpark.com
(860)739-8858
[email protected]
The Constitution State makes a fantastic getaway destination, whether it’s just for a few short days or an extended stay. No matter what time of year you plan your visit, you’ll be treated to delights for the eyes. In spring and summer the trees burst with virtually every color of the rainbow, in autumn the leaves turn rich, deep red, brown and gold, and in winter the snowfall casts its fresh, clean blanket across the countryside. This is a place where enjoyment of the great outdoors is part of daily life, but there’s so much more to it than that. Museums, historical sites, and art galleries are almost everywhere you look, and if shopping for antiques is your thing, you’ve definitely picked the right place to visit!
The city of Putnam has a rich history which it showcases to this day with restored cotton mills and mansions of early landowners, and is known as the Antiques Capital of the Northeast. With more than 400 antique dealers in the area, you can easily spend quite a bit of time puttering around the various shops; no doubt, you’ll find some trinket or knick-knack to add to your collection. And there are fairs and festivals, herb gardens, and hiking trails, for those looking for non-antique activities.
Traveling south on the I-395 for 20 miles will bring you into Jewett City, a small borough in New London County. Jewett City’s quaint atmosphere evokes a feeling of a small town from the 50s. Life is peaceful here, and reminiscent of something Norman Rockwell might paint. It makes a fine staging area for a trip to the nearby Foxwoods Resort Casino, located on tribal land in the adjacent town of Ledyard. Foxwoods has every style of gaming you’d expect to find in a Vegas casino, and boasts the largest floor space of any casino in the world. There are several restaurants and retail outlets on the grounds as well, so you’ll find no shortage of things to keep you well entertained!
Upon leaving Jewett City, take the southbound Highway 12 for 25 miles down to Groton, which has an impressive number of attractions and outdoor goings-on. Local parks spread out over 800 acres of land, providing tourists with plenty of chances to hike, ride bikes along the many trails, or just sit and enjoy nature. One of the many interesting things to see here is the USS Nautilus, located at the U.S. Navy Submarine Force Museum. The Nautilus is the first nuclear-powered vessel and the first ship to venture to the North Pole. The tour allows you access to all areas, including the living quarters, galley, bridge, and engine room.
A short eight-mile drive on the eastbound Highway 1 takes you to the final stop on our trip, the town of Mystic. If you’re looking for an authentic, old-world New England experience, there are few places better to find it than this charming community. Among the many points of interest, one of the most popular is the Mystic Seaport Museum, a brick-for-brick reproduction of a whaling village circa the 1800s. Another favorite is the Olde Mistick Village, which is as close to stepping into a time machine as you’re likely to get. The Village provides an authentic experience of what it was like to walk through the shops and streets of Colonial times, and is a favorite stop of history buffs from all around.
The Mashantucket Pequot Research Center is only a short drive away, and despite being fairly new (barely 10 years old), it remains one of Connecticut’s most prestigious natural history attractions. The five-story facility spans more than 300,000 square feet, and features exhibits dedicated to illustrating what it was like to dwell on the sheer ice cliffs during the Ice Age, as well as telling the tale of the Mashantucket Pequot Native People, for whom the center is named. Even those who don’t find museums interesting have been enthralled by the many lifelike displays of caribou hunting and daily life in Native villages. Of all places, this is one of the don’t-miss sights to see.
When you consider the blend of natural beauty and opportunities to enjoy arts and culture, it’s easy to understand the fondness that return travelers have for the state of Connecticut.
Other Area Sponsors in Connecticut: Odetah Camping Resort Strawberry Park Resort Campground