Children's hands-on learning workshop located on Eli Whitney's armory site. The Eli Whitney Museum and Workshop is an experimental learning workshop for students, teachers, and families. We collect, interpret, and teach experiments that are the roots of design and invention. The museu reaches schools in over 65 towns and cities in Connecticut with its curriculum based programming, and holds summer and vacation programs. The museum sees roughly 35,000 children each year, and produces more than 72,000 projects each year. Tour time: 45 minutes Photo: Kindra Clineff/Connecticut Office of Tourism

It looks like a medieval fortress, but a step inside the stone castle reveals built-in couches, table trackway and woodcarvings that all point to the creative genius that was William Gillette. The unique fieldstone castle was home to legendary stage actor. The 184 acre park is situated on a hill overlooking the Connecticut River. Gillette best known for his portrayal of Sherlock Holmes on stage, designed his house with intricately carved locks and wood doors. Hiking trails, picnic spots, food concession, gift shop. Riverside camping available. Tour time: 1 hour Other amenities: Dining Nearby

Colonial saltbox (c.1774) furnished in the style of early 19th-century period. Occupied by the same family from 1695-1958. Restored blacksmith shop and Colonial garden, changing exhibits, museum shop. Tour time: 45 minutes

This is the historic site where, on September 6, 1781, British Forces, commanded by the infamous Benedict Arnold, captured the Fort and massacred 88 of the 165 defenders stationed there. The Ebenezer Avery House which sheltered the wounded after the battle has been restored on the grounds. The Monument House Museum has displays of Groton’s history. The Groton Monument offers sweeping views of the fort and surrounding area. Picnic area. Built in 1775, Fort Griswold still has its original ravelin, ramparts, and stonework. The site of the Sept. 6, 1781 Battle of Groton Heights where 165 American

Known as Knapp's Tavern during the Revolutionary War, Putnam Cottage was a meeting place for leaders including General Israel Putnam. It features scalloped shingles, fieldstone fireplaces and an herb garden.

Bush-Holley House Museum presents visitors with two distinct time periods. The New Nation (1790–1825) period is the era following the American Revolution when our country was literally a new nation. This was a transitional period for the new states and specifically the Cos Cob household of David Bush and his family. During the Cos Cob Art Colony (1890–1920) period the house was run as a boarding house and was a gathering place for artists, writers and editors. Hundreds of art students came to study with leading American Impressionists John Henry Twachtman, J. Alden Weir, Theodore Robinson and

The Audubon Center in Greenwich opened in 1942 as the National Audubon Society's first environmental education center in the United States on land donated by Eleanor Clovis Reese and H. Hall Clovis. The 295 acre sanctuary has approximately seven miles of trails that lead to a hardwood forest, old fields, lake, streams and vernal ponds. Reminders of the past are the stone walks, an old apple orchard and original New England homestead buildings. Audubon Greenwich's main sanctuary is located at 613 Riversville Road, which is comprised of 295 acres, with 7 miles of walking trails. There you will

Granby, Connecticut has retained the village atmosphere of earlier days. A leisurely Sunday afternoon drive down the Rte. 10 & 202, showcases 18th and 19th century houses which are set back from the wide, tree-lined street. Stop at the Salmon Brook Historical Society complex for a tour of its four museum buildings and a glimpse into Granby's past. The Weed-Enders House built in 1790 in West Granby and moved to the site. It houses the visitor's entry and the museum store. Also, an elegant Victorian parlor depicts in cluttered splendor, a view of the past where visitors can look through a

As a guest, you will be greeted by a costumed docent and given a tour of what was considered a mansion in its day. The house originally owned by John Welles, a Glastonbury shipyard owner, features the largest known period kitchen fire place in Connecticut, gorgeous unique antiques including one of two High Back Queen Anne Corner Chairs known to exist, a loom, weaving and spinning equipment. You will walk through the kitchen garden on your way to tour the backyard property which includes four barns and sheds, a privy, a smokehouse, and historic grape vines and maple trees. The recently

Museum highlights Native Americans, local industries, "Glastonbury Goes to War," important town citizens described using artifacts, paintings and clothing. Changing exhibit that utilizes private collections and collections not normally seen by the general public. Property is available for special event rentals.