Hit the Jackpot

Looking for a “Wow, I never knew this place was here!” moment? Begin your getaway with a bit of misdirection: a visit to the Mashantucket Pequot Museum and Research Center, (seasonal) easily one of Connecticut’s best museums. This state-of-the-art facility focuses on the history and culture of the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation and other indigenous people in North America. Among the wow factors: an amazingly realistic walk through a 16th-century Indian village complete with the aroma of a campfire and sounds of woodland animals.

When you enter Foxwoods, you enter a world unto itself, with a stunning variety of dining, entertainment, shopping and gaming options. Choose a restaurant and parlay it with a show. Dance 'til late, try your hand at blackjack, bowl a string or two, or shop at the casino’s brand new Tanger Outlets – the casino’s got you covered. Spend the night at one of the resort’s four hotels – the views from the upper floors of the Fox Tower seem to encompass all of southeastern Connecticut.

Now it’s on to Mohegan Sun Casino. Check in to your room and begin your stay with a visit to the Elemis Spa to work out the kinks from your night of dancing. Many dining options await at Mohegan Sun. Entertainment might include everything from a big-time concert, to a standup comedian to a WNBA basketball game or a free concert in the Wolf Den.

Still feeling lucky? On the way home, stop and look for bargains at two Connecticut outlet centers, both right off I-95. In Clinton, Clinton Crossing offers 70 designer outlets, including Kate Spade New York, Under Armour and J. Crew. In neighboring Westbrook, Tanger Outlet Center includes Rockport, Timberland and Williams-Sonoma among its dozens of stores. You can also shop Tanger’s newest outlet center at Foxwoods.