Connecticuts Best Attractions 2012
Yankee Magazine chooses Connecticut’s best attractions for 2012.
BEST ART & HISTORY MUSEUM
Bush-Holley Historic Site, Cos Cob
Roam the harbor-view hill where American Impressionist artists found inspiration. View their works on the walls of their boarding house; step further back in rooms that reflect the house’s 18th-century origins. 39 Strickland Road. 203-869-6899; hstg.org/visit_bh.php
BEST AIRCRAFT EXHIBITION
New England Air Museum, Windsor Locks
Not just for the aeronautically inclined: Three hangers are filled with high-flying aircraft, engines, and artifacts of airborne awe. Climb into a jet fighter or flight simulator. 36 Perimeter Road. 860-623-3305; neam.org
BEST ISLAND-VIEW CRUISE
Thimble Islands Cruise, Stony Creek
Captain Bob Milne spins stories about Tom Thumb’s girlfriend and a tenacious mother-in-law as he steers his classic vessel around tiny islands crowned with modern and Victorian architecture. 4 Indian Point Road. 203-481-3345; thimbleislands.com
BEST INDOOR ADVENTURES
Kidcity Children’s Museum, Middletown
Imagination is all that’s required as children sail ships, catch fish, shop for groceries, manage a farm, run a diner, and make music. Colorful rooms also include model-train layouts. Great rainy-day escape. 119 Washington St. 860-347-0495; kidcitymuseum.com
BEST BEACH BEACON
Sheffield Island Lighthouse, South Norwalk
Begin with a 30-minute ferry out to this historic 1868 lighthouse. Hike the island’s wildlife refuge; sign up for clambakes and birdwatching walks. On a clear day, view New York’s skyline. 10 North Water St. 800-838-3006 (tickets), 203-838-9444 (office); seaport.org
BEST REVIVED THEATER
Palace Theater, Waterbury
The Renaissance is definitely alive at this city theater, which hosts Broadway breakouts, major Motown sounds, and community collaborations. The sparkling, restored interior includes plush places for pre-theater dining. 100 East Main St. 203-346-2000; palacetheaterct.org
BEST ART GLASS
Studio Jeffrey P’an, Mystic
Gracefully patterned colors flow in the art glass here, the centerpiece of this multimedia gallery. Observe the molten materials as they’re formed into vases, lamps, and sculptures at the glassblower’s studio nearby. 44 West Main St. 860-536-9274; studiojeffreypan.com
BEST CLOTHING & ACCESSORIES
Idiom Boutique, New Haven
Fashion finds in women’s wear, handbags, bath and body products–all chosen with care and flair. Hit the room dedicated to jewelry, or aim for the unique on hangers and shelves. 1014 Chapel St. 203-782-2280; idiomboutique.com
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Keeler Tavern in Ridgefield, a colonial gem preserved and its history — as stagecoach stopover, post office for the town, private home, Cass Gilbert’s summer home in the 20th century — colorfully related by costumed guides on Wed. Sat. and Sun. from 1-4 p.m. Closed during the month of January, Keeler Tavern also contains a small gift shop in the space where family member Timothy Keeler once sold a few items and the contents of the three-story former Inn include many original pieces as well as reproductions. Well worth a visit by history buffs, students of colonial or CT history, and guests from around the U.S. as well as from abroad — particularly England as the Brits love to see the unexploded cannonball stuck in the south side wall of the tavern! Office personnel and volunteers would welcome a visit by Yankee Magazine “researchers” too!