Community Corner

Connecticut Office of Tourism Recommends Getaways

Before back-to-school, check out some of these Connecticut spots.

Before the new school year begins Aug. 26, you may be trying to fit in one last family getaway. Here are the Connecticut Office of Tourism's five spots to visit before the summer ends.

  1. The Wildcat at Lake Compounce: This rollercoaster opened in 1927 and was part of the reason Lake Compounce became one of the best amusement parks in New England. There are also two other rollercoasters and a variety of other rides. Tickets are $30.99 for adults and $28.99 for kids online.
  2. The Chester-Hadlyme Ferry: The ferry has been transporting people since 1769 – that's more than 240 years. Today, the ferry is the 65-footer Selden III and can accomodate nine cars and 49 passengers. Though the trip is only about four minutes long, it's scenic and historic. It's $4 per vehicle on weekdays and $5 on the weekends, but walking on only costs $2. See its website for hours of operation.
  3. Cornwall Bridge: The red, covered bridge reaches across the Housetonic River between Sharon and West Cornwall. It will hit its 150th anniversary next year – it was built in 1864, painted red in 1957 and has held up against floods, ice and traffic ever since. See this website for more information about the bridge.
  4. Hammonasset Beach: The beach opened in 1919 after Connecticut paid nearly $131,000 for 75 parcels of Madison land, including 565 acres near or adjacent to the shore. Now, the beach has 919 acres, more than 2 miles of beach. See the website for details about parking.
  5. Gillette Castle: Stage actor William Gillette, best known for his part as Sherlock Holmes, built the castle in 1919 on more than 100 acres above the Connecticut River. There are trails and a three-mile railroad on the property as well. The castle has 24 rooms with parapets, a turret, a tower, secret rooms, 47 interior oak doors of various sizes and a dining table on tracks. For more information about the castle, see its website.
For more details about each spot, visit the Office of Tourism's website.


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