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United States

Connecticut – The Constitution State

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General

A one day road trip in Connecticut

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Connecticut is one of the original 13 colonies of the United States of America. Connecticut is one among the six New England states with rich contributions to American culture. The state is famous for great history, beautiful scenery, autumn colors, pretty beaches, rolling hills of the countryside, prestigious universities, and much more. Even an unplanned short trip does not disappoint you. Then why wait, go for a day trip!

We decided to explore this beautiful state by car one fine morning. We were happy that we were able to cover some of the pretty places during our unplanned trip. These photos are from our short and sweet drive in the state of Connecticut on 22nd August, 2022.

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Best Things to do

  • Mystic Seaport, Mystic: This impressive place is filled with a large collection of historic boats, a working shipyard, planetarium, children’s museum, discovery barn, and re-created 19th-century seafaring village. 
  • Gillette Castle State Park, East Haddam: The Gillette Castle is a three storied stone structure, looks like a medieval fortress, decorated inside with the built-in couches, table trackway, and wood carvings. More info here.
  • Lighthouse Point Park, New Haven: Lighthouse Point Park is a pleasant park in the city of New Haven, Connecticut. The park offers impressive views of the 70 foot lighthouse, enjoyable beach and nature trails, and seasonally operated antique carousel and splash pads. It is a great place for an outdoor picnic. More info here.
  • Hammonasset Beach State Park, Madison: It is Connecticut’s largest shoreline park with a two mile soft sand beach front on the Long Island sound. More info here.
  • Meigs Point, Madison, Connecticut: Meigs Point is known as a Moraine, offering great panoramic views of glacier boulders along the Long Island Sound, and a family-friendly environmental learning center- Meigs Point Nature Center
  • Lynde Point Lighthouse: Lynde Point Lighthouse (Saybrook Inner Lighthouse) is located in Old Saybrook. This lighthouse is on the west side of the mouth of the Connecticut river on the Long Island Sound and offers beautiful views of the Connecticut River
  • Saybrook Point Marina: Features great views of both Long Island Sound and the mouth of the Connecticut River, wonderful yachts and boats, a beautiful Lighthouse Suite, nice restaurants, and a pleasant boardwalk.
  • Skyline of New London: A charming seaport city with rich maritime history and gorgeous seaside parks. 
  • Silver Sand State Park: It is a public park located on Long Island Sound in the city of Milford, Connecticut. The state park offers pleasant beaches and dunes, a bird sanctuary, and restored salt marshes.
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General

Gillette Castle State Park

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The Gillette Castle state park is located in East Haddam, about an hour drive from Hartford, Connecticut. The Gillette Castle is a three storied stone structure, looks like a medieval fortress, decorated inside with the built-in couches, table trackway, and wood carvings.  This splendid castle overlooking the Connecticut River was built by William Gillette, who is most famous for his acting role portraying Sherlock Holmes. The park features not just the fascinating architecture of Gillette Castle, but also offers impressive views of the Connecticut river and surroundings.

These photos are from a very short visit to the Gillette Castle State Park on 20th August, 2022.

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Quick Facts and Tips

  • The castle opens from 10 am to 4:30 pm from Memorial day through Labor’s Day. But the park grounds and restrooms are open daily from 8 am to sunset.
  • There will be an entry fee to enter the Castle; $6 for anyone 13+; $2 for kids 5-12; free for kids under 5.
  • Parking and access to the hikes/surrounding grounds are free.
  • Castle tours with a maximum 12 visitors are available for every 15 minutes from 10 am to 4 pm.
  • Tickets can be purchased at the visitors center as well as online (more info here).
  • The final Castle tour sold at the Visitor Center at 4 p.m and the last entry to the castle is at 4:15pm. 
  • Check the park’s official website for current status.
  • The park offers this charming historic building along with the beautiful views of the Connecticut River and scenic hiking trails
  • The historic Chester-Hadlyme ferry running from April through November can be reached by hiking down the trail near the Castle. Make sure to wear comfortable shoes and stay on the hiking trail.
  • The park amenities include the Visitor Center, Castle museum, Gift Shop, Restrooms, Vending Machines and picnic tables.