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Community Corner

Budget-Friendly Day Trips

Enjoy these unique and affordable attractions in our state.

Written by Lisa S. Lenkiewicz

Fill up the tank and head out to explore these unique places. Take any of seven scenic routes to discover Connecticut’s historic barns or head to a public observatory in hopes of seeing Saturn—all budget-friendly and easily accessible adventures. The best part? All are a tank of gas (or less) away.

Connecticut Barns Trail

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Connecticut Trust for Historic Preservation

940 Whitney Ave., Hamden

Find out what's happening in Southburywith free, real-time updates from Patch.

(203) 562-6312 

Why Go? Did you know there are more than 8,500 historic barns in Connecticut? To connect its residents with the state’s rich agricultural past, the Connecticut Trust for Historic Preservation recently organized a Connecticut Barns Trail, the first such routes in the nation, says Helen Higgins, the trust’s executive director. The Connecticut Barns Trail comprises seven routes throughout the state, with 75 sites open to the public and many more that may be viewed from scenic trails.

Insider Tip: Not all of the barns are open to the public. And while day-trippers cannot trespass on private property, photography is allowed from public rights-of-way.

Must Do: Stop by Rose Orchards in North Branford, where a converted, gambrel-roof dairy barn features a farmer’s market and ice cream stand. Farm animals roam the property and kids can climb up on tractors. Or, you can pose for a photo next to the classic New England-style barn with a water wheel.

The Fine Print: Free maps for the seven routes are available by emailing barns@cttrust.org. They are also available at Connecticut Welcome Centers, state libraries and at barn sites. For more information, visit www.cttrust.org or www.connecticutbarns.org.

 

Wolf Den

Mohegan Sun Casino

1 Mohegan Sun Blvd., Uncasville

(888) 226-7711

Why Go? The 300-seat Wolf Den is the scene of free nightly entertainment. Enjoy listening to talented performers from every musical genre in an intimate setting.  

Insider Tip: You must be 21 to enter the Wolf Den. Reservations are not accepted and lines form early. Seats are offered on a first-come, first-served basis.  One person can hold as many as four places in line. But seats will only be given to those present at the time of seating.

Must Do: Go on a Friday (“Diva Friday”) with great savings for women at the casino’s restaurants and shops in the concourse.

The Fine Print: For more information on Mohegan Sun nightlife and upcoming events visit www.mohegansun.com/nightlife.

 

Noah Webster House

227 S. Main St.

West Hartford

(860) 521-5362 

Why Go? This gem of a museum is the restored 19th-century birthplace and childhood home of Noah Webster, creator of the first American dictionary and the “Blue-Backed Speller,” a widely used schoolbook for children. It’s a wonderfully interactive place for children to learn about a time in American history.

Insider Tip: If you have a West Hartford library card, free same-day museum passes are available at the Noah Webster Library on Main Street.  You can pick up passes for up to four people at the children’s desk. For more information, click here. 

Must Do: Before the tour, make sure to take a step inside the schoolhouse theater, located in the foyer. Visitors can watch a short film about Noah Webster from a seat in a 19th-century style school desk.

The Fine Print: The Noah Webster House is open Thursday to Monday, from 1 to 4 p.m. It is closed Tuesdays, Wednesdays and major holidays, as well as the first five weekdays in January. It’s a good idea to call ahead to ensure it is open and not closed for private parties. Chris Dobbs, executive director, points out the Noah Webster House sponsors a Kids’ First Saturday program on the first Saturday of each month. For adults, don’t miss the popular Tavern Nights of food, drink, folk music and colonial games. Admission for adults is $7; AAA members and seniors, $5; youths 6 to 18, $4; college students with ID, $4; ages 5 and younger are free.

 

Van Vleck Observatory

Wesleyan University

96 Foss Hill, Middletown

(860) 685-2130 

Why Go? Wesleyan University’s state-of-the-art telescopes allow stargazers to see our moon, nearby planets and far-away galaxies—all free of charge.

Insider Tip: Clear skies are necessary for viewing. Check to make sure the observatory isn’t closed due to clouds, rain or high winds. The observatory is not heated during the winter. Dress warmly.

Must Do: Take a peek inside a well-kept secret—the observatory library. Light boxes hold photos of celestial subjects: fires, moons, stars and planets. Globes and models of the solar system grace the peaceful room.

The Fine Print: Weather permitting, weekly public observations are held on Wednesdays, 8 to 9 p.m., during the Wesleyan academic semester. Wednesday night observations will not be held during university holidays or final exams. Viewings are free and open to all. All year long, the Astronomical Society of Greater Hartford sponsors monthly Saturday night observances. Upcoming dates are Dec. 7 and Jan. 4, from 8 to 10 p.m. Visit www.asgh.org/observe to ensure the observatory is open. 

 

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