Issues → May/June 2009 → Travel → Attractions in New England: Yankee's Best →
Connecticut Attractions 2009
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Best Extreme Makeover:
BROWNSTONE EXPLORATION & DISCOVERY PARK, Portland
Three enterprising brothers have turned a 29-acre filled-in quarry into a site for swimming, scuba diving, canoeing, kayaking, wakeboarding, rock climbing, rappelling, zip lines, challenge courses, and family fun. 161 Brownstone Ave. 860-633-0377; brownstonepark.com
Best Old-Time Theater:
GOODSPEED OPERA HOUSE, East Haddam
Downriver from Gillette Castle is this Victorian bandbox of a venue, where Annie and Man of La Mancha opened and there's still something magical about seeing a production. 42nd Street runs April 17-June 28, Camelot July 10-Sept. 18 this year. Call or visit the Web site for ticket prices, performance schedules, and more. Route 82. 860-873-8668; goodspeed.org
Best 40,000 Square Feet of Shopping:
SAYBROOK COUNTRY BARN, Old Saybrook
Perhaps heralding a trend--mild-mannered store transforms itself into super shopping and dining destination--this old house and barn have grown up into a full-sized building complex, adding not only more furniture, reproduction lighting, accessories, and gifts, but a snazzy women's shop and a stylish new American restaurant, Aspen, whose grilled flatbreads, lobster mac-and-cheese, and seared Stonington scallops are winning raves. 2 Main St. 860-388-0891; Aspen, 860-395-5888; saybrookcountrybarn.com
Best Full-Service Shorefront:
HAMMONASSET BEACH STATE PARK, Madison
This two-mile strand on Long Island Sound is as close to the Caribbean as you can get in Connecticut. Plus, you can do lots of things on the 1,000 shorefront acres--picnic, hike, skate, play ball, check out the nature center and concessions. 1288 Boston Post Road. 203-245-2785; ct.gov/dep
Best 'Into the Deep' Twofer:
MYSTIC AQUARIUM & INSTITUTE FOR EXPLORATION, Mystic
The place not only to flip for belugas, seals, sea lions, and penguins, as well as reach into a touch tank, but also to dig for sea fossils, watch footage of Titanic discoverer Dr. Robert Ballard's daring expeditions, and go down into the deep, virtually, via a live link to NOAA's new ship, Okeanos Explorer. Next door is Olde Mistick Village; a mile away, Mystic Seaport. 55 Coogan Blvd. 860-572-5955; mysticaquarium.org
Best Wine-Tasting Venue:
SHARPE HILL VINEYARD, Pomfret
Off the beaten track, but here distance does lend enchantment. Pair your tasting (love "Ballet of Angels") with a meal on the terrace or in the charming upstairs dining room (wood-grilled items are featured), both overlooking the picture-book hilltop vineyard. Call for hours and reservations. Entrées: from $28. 108 Wade Road. 860-974-3549; sharpehill.com
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