Years ago, friends moved to Connecticut from the Midwest. They were given a going-away present of a book Fun with the Family — Connecticut, by Doe Boyle, and a gift certificate for the Westport Country Playhouse. For this couple with three young children, the gifts were thoughtful and perfect.
Their date nights at the playhouse were lovely but it was the weekly family adventures that made them fall in love with Connecticut. Hiking, biking, rafting — even a twist on bowling was discovered in their new home state. We asked for some of their favorites…the list was long, so we picked just a few to get you started.
Riding along the Farmington Canal
Take a bike ride through some of New Haven County’s prettiest woodlands and explore the system of 25 locks that controlled travel along the man-made canal. After only 20 years in use, the Canal was replaced by a railroad, which was also subsequently abandoned. Now maintained by the non-profit groups Farmington Valley Trails Council and Rail-to-Trail, this is a wonderful, car-free trail to ride with children. The Farmington Canal Heritage Trail runs just about consistently from New Haven 54 miles north to Massachusetts, so there are plenty of sections to choose. Note: Sweet Claude’s Ice Cream Shop in Cheshire is pretty much a mandatory stop. Try their banana flavor of the day!
Tour the Castle
Getting to Gillette Castle is part of the fun! Cross the Connecticut River on the Chester-Hadlyme Ferry (one of the oldest in the country) that has been running continuously since 1769. The splendid, quirky fieldstone fortress will soon come into view. Built as a retirement home for William Gillette (famed Sherlock Holmes Actor), some of its unusual features include “47 carved doors, no two exactly the same. It also boasts thick stone walls, built in couches, a movable table on tracks, hand-hewn oak trim, strategically situated living room mirrors, a trick wooden lock to protect the bar, and Javanese raffia mats”, according to a 1998 Hartford Courant article.
The grounds are part of the state park, offering 3.5 miles of trails and breath-taking views of the river and valley. The Essex Stream Train and Riverboat offer other fun ways to view the beautiful river valley.
For Water Enthusiasts
In Western Connecticut you will find the second longest river in the state, the Housatonic. Starting at different points in the Berkshire Mountains and flowing into Long Island Sound, it is a great place for adventure! Raft, canoe, kayak or float — whatever your style we highly recommend the crew at Clarke Outdoors.
Old Fashioned Fun
If you are new to the area or the sport, you might not know there are different types of bowling. Duckpin, which originated on the east coast, uses short, stubby pins and small, light-weight balls. Easier for kids to handle — and a new challenge for adults used to traditional ten-pin bowling. As a sport in rapid decline, Duckpin lanes are not easy to find. We recommend Woodlawn Duckpin, where the owner Bob will be happy to get you started! If you become an enthusiast, head over the border to Massachusetts, where you will find Candlestick bowling using the same light-weight balls.
So much to see and do in Connecticut! Their advice — just pick something and go! It may or may not live up to your expectations but the journey will be fun and the time spent time together will be priceless. Get out and enjoy Connecticut this summer!