The Windsor Historical Society, founded in 1921, invites visitors to explore the people, places, and events that have shaped Windsor for nearly four centuries. The Society’s museum includes changing and permanent exhibition galleries; a research library and manuscript collection housing Windsor photographs, documents, ephemera, and genealogical materials, a museum shop and two historic houses open to the public -- the 1758 Strong-Howard House and the 1767 Dr. Hezekiah Chaffee House. Tour time: 1.5 hours

Located on the Wilton/Ridgefield border, the Woodcock Nature Center's 149 acres is a haven for aquatic life and a remarkable variety of birds. Visitors to the Woodcock Nature Center can find miles of easy hiking trails beside historic stone walls and stands of old maple, beech, oak and hickory. An Everglades-style boardwalk allows rare access through part of the rich, abundant wetlands nestled in these prime, New England woods. Woodcock Nature Center is a private, non-profit institute. 35 Years of Trailside Education: Woodcock Nature Center has been a source of environmental education since

Visitors are welcome at the Wilton Historical Society Museum Complex (Historic District #5), which consists of the Betts-Sturgis-Blackmar House (red) built on-site c.1740; the c.1840 Burt Barn Gallery (yellow); the Sloan-Raymond-Fitch House (gray) built c.1770; the c. 1860 Abbott Barn, c. 1890 Blacksmith Shop , plus a c.1895 two-seat privy . Making connections between objects, places and stories to ensure that history is relevant to everyone, the History is Here permanent exhibition presents a compelling timeline of “Connecticut’s History, Wilton’s Story”. Kids and adults alike love the award

Weir Farm National Historic Site, the only National Park Service site dedicated to American painting, was home to three generations of American artists including Julian Alden Weir, a leading figure in American art and the development of American Impressionism. Today, the 60-acre park, which includes the Weir House, Weir and Young Studios, barns, gardens, and Weir Pond, is one of the nation’s finest remaining landscapes of American art. Other amenities: Dining Nearby, Gift Shop, Parking, Parking, Printed Guides, Self-guided tours

Wethersfield Museum at Keeney Memorial (1893), 200 Main St., contains permanent and changing exhibits, museum shop, visitor’s center. Mon.-Sat. 10-4, Sun. 1-4, closed holidays. $5. Hurlbut-Dunham House (c.1790), 212 Main St., elegant brick Georgian, updated in Victorian style. Mid-May-mid-Oct., Sat. 10-4, Sun. 1-4. $5. Cove Warehouse, Main St. at Cove Park, maritime exhibits. Mid-May-mid-Oct., Sat. 10-4, Sun. 1-4. Donation $1. The Kenney Memorial Cultural Center at 200 Main Street, operated by Wethersfield Historical Society, offers spacious grounds for receptions, photos, or a cocktail party

Located in the center of one of Connecticut's oldest historic districts, the Webb Deane Stevens Museum’s three historic houses tell stories of national and statewide significance. The Joseph Webb House served as George Washington’s headquarters in May 1781 and is where he met with French commander the Comte de Rochambeau to plan the joint military campaign that led to the victory at Yorktown and the end of the American Revolution. The Deane House was the built by Silas Deane, our nation’s first diplomat whose efforts in Paris led France to become the first country to recognize the United

A Connecticut Landmark. Dating from the 1690s, this 17th century style "mansion house" is the best-restored museum house of its period in the Connecticut River Valley. Built for local glove maker, David Buttloph, the home exemplifies the early Colonial period with its slightly medieval feel. The home contains period furnishings that include an excellent collection of cooking implements and enormous open hearth kitchen fireplace as well as a room designed and decorated by Katherine Prentis Murphy, one of the 20th century's most famous antiques collectors. Operated in cooperation with the Webb

Connecticut's first state park is still one of its finest. Have a leisurely lunch in the shade of the picnic grove, swim in Long Island Sound, relax on the sandy beach or view marsh life from the observation platform. There are also interpretive programs and a nature center. Note: Lifeguards on duty on Wednesday through Sunday. Surf and shore fishing is allowed anywhere on the shoreline outside of swimming areas. Contains Connecticut's 9-11 Living Memorial. Other amenities: Dining nearby, parking, picnicking

Spend a day of nature discovery at Earthplace! Visitors can connect with the natural world through trail walks, Natureplace exhibit space, Animal Hall, and the Connecticut Birds of Prey Exhibit. Daily and weekly public programs include: Story and Animal Time - Monday through Friday, 10 - 10:15 am - Listen to a story and meet one of the Earthplace species ambassadors up close. Animal Feeding - Monday through Friday, 10:30 am - Q & A with the Earthplace naturalists as they feed our indoor animals. Birds of Prey Feeding - Saturdays, 3 pm, rain or shine - Observe the naturalists feed our birds of

A friendly hotel close to Waterbury attractions and Lake Compounce, all rooms include free Wi-Fi and cable TV, plus mini-fridges and microwaves. Rooms with whirlpool tubs are also available. 30 units (including 10 efficiencies, 5 suites), TV, Jacuzzi and picnic area. Offers complimentary continental breakfast is offered and there’s free parking for large vehicles.