CONNECTICUT

Attractions

ADVENTURE PARK

IT ADVENTURE ROPES COURSE

The world’s largest indoor ropes course has a peculiar name and an even zanier location— inside the New Haven outpost of Jordan’s Furniture. Brave tightropes, rope bridges, climbing walls, and a 50-foot free fall, or zip-line high above music-synced liquid fireworks, all while safely harnessed. 40 Sargent Dr., New Haven. 203-812-9981; jordans.com/attractions/it

ART MUSEUM

WADSWORTH ATHENEUM MUSEUM OF ART

America’s oldest continuously operating public art museum has been growing its collection since the brushstrokes on Hudson River School landscapes were barely dry. A $33 million renovation completed in 2015 has expanded and revitalized exhibit spaces for holdings that now exceed 50,000 works spanning 5,000 years of human creativity. 600 Main St., Hartford. 860278-2670; thewadsworth.org

BIRD-WATCHING SPOT

CONNECTICUT RIVER EXPEDITIONS

The area around the lower Connecticut River teems with birdlife, and aboard the RiverQuest you can play paparazzo as you spot and photograph raptors and waterfowl in their nests. In late summer and early fall, captain Mark Yuknat will ensure that you have a front-row seat to the spectacle of nearly half a million tree swallows, swirling in sync, plummeting to earth to roost on a marshy island for the night. Eagle Landing State Park, Little Meadow Road, Haddam. 860-662-0577; ctriverquest.com

Bookstore The Book Barn

Want proof that people still go gaga for the printed word? Head to Niantic, the coastal village at the nucleus of New England’s book trade, where the business that Randi and Maureen White founded in 1988 with three bookshelves and a yard sale couch has exploded to four locations packed with 500,000-plus used volumes. The Main Barn complex, with its cats and free coffee, gardens and picnic tables, is the best place to start—and to linger. 41 W. Main St., Niantic. 860-739-5715; bookbarnniantic.com

Collectibles Shop

WILD BILL’S NOSTALGIA

In the 18 years since Bill Ziegler moved his shop to this 45-acre site in Middletown, he’s built a hippie wonderland as renowned for roadside psychedelia and carnival kitsch as it is for quirky treasures. You can spend hours browsing records and books in the Fun House, or roam among photo ops such as Boathenge (think Stonehenge with motorboats) and the world’s largest Tonka truck. Seasonal flea markets add to the thrill of the hunt. 1003 Newfield St., Middletown. 860635-1226; wildbillsonline.com

GENERAL STORE

OLD WETHERSFIELD COUNTRY STORE

This 2-year-old shop in the heart of Wethersfield takes the hit-and-miss out of finding locally made goodies and gifts. More than 60 in-state vendors’ creations—including such temptations as NoRA cupcakes and Divine Treasures truffles—make this the place to build a Connecticut-themed gift basket. A cheese counter and jars filled with penny candy lend nostalgia, while kombucha on tap provides a new-age twist. 221 Main St., Wethersfield. 860436-3782; owcsct.com

HISTORICAL EXPERIENCE

THAMES RIVER HERITAGE PARK

It’s been envisioned since the 1960s. It was legislated into existence in 1987. And last year, Connecticut’s first state park without boundaries became a reality. The key to linking Fort Trumbull, Fort Griswold, and more than a dozen smaller historic attractions along the Thames River was a water taxi service, which relaunches Memorial Day weekend. Friday through Sunday you can park your car, board a restored Navy vessel, and plot your sightseeing adventure with a stop for lunch or dinner on New London’s historic waterfront. Groton and New London. thamesriverheritagepark.org

MINIATURE GOLF

MATTERHORN MINI GOLF

Yes, that’s yodeling you’ll hear as you putt at this 18-hole course in Canton. And that’s owner Autumn Sutherland in an embroidered Swiss dress, greeting the guests. Thoughtful details like a misting station and shade canopies enhance the experience, but it’s the Swiss landmark–inspired holes—tricky even for pros, yet fun for kids—that will make you want to golf another round after reenergizing with Swiss swirl ice cream. 10 Dyer Cemetery Road, Canton. 860-795-0234; matterhornminigolf.com

Paddling Outfitter Downunder

Want to kayak to Cockenoe Island for a clambake, sneak up on birds in the Bermuda Lagoon, or learn to paddleboard with your pup? One-ofa-kind on-the-water experiences don’t require a trek to northern New England. This year-round surf shop with a “no worries, mate” vibe instilled by its New Zealand–born owner is steps from Westport’s train station. Its backyard is the beginner-friendly Saugatuck River; more challenging island-hopping lies downriver in Long Island Sound. A seasonal satellite location on Five Mile River in Rowayton offers rentals, lessons, and guided tours, too. 575 Riverside Ave., Westport. 203-956-6217; downunderct.com

SAILING CRUISE

ARGIA MYSTIC CRUISES

Don’t miss your chance to sail out of the fabled port where more than 600 vessels were built during America’s seafaring age. Aboard the Argia , you’ll motor down the “Missituck” (“wavy river”), as it was christened by native peoples, then the crew will invite you to help hoist the sails. You’re bound for sheltered Fishers Island Sound on a voyage that showcases islands, lighthouses, and local lore. Sunset trips are the most popular of three daily sails: Pack a picnic, and leave every care on shore. 12 Steamboat Wharf, Mystic. 860-536-0416; argiamystic.com

Lodging

DOG-FRIENDLY HOTEL

MADISON BEACH HOTEL

A toy to take home and a snuggly bed are just the start at this inviting hotel, where dog-friendly ground-floor rooms have verandas for easy access to the outdoors. Although the beach is closed to canines Memorial Day through October, you’ll find in your room a map of dog-walk routes. And while you savor locally inspired cuisine on the porch, your pup can join you … and be a locavore, too: The hotel dispenses Vista Vittles, made in Connecticut by young adults with disabilities. 94 W. Wharf Road, Madison. 203-245-1404; madisonbeachhotel.com

Inn For Foodies

THE COPPER BEECH INN

It’s natural to mourn the centuries-old, roadside copper beech tree that symbolized this 1889 mansion turned inn until the fall of 2016. But consider its demise your reminder that life’s too short not to indulge. Chef Carlos Cassar helms the kitchen at this Ivoryton classic, where you can design the ideal gourmet getaway. With 22 spacious, distinctly different rooms in three buildings; four indoor and garden-view outdoor dining spaces; seasonally and locally

Spending the a ernoon at the Florence Griswold Museum means memories for a lifetime. Imagine the lives of artists who created history here, explore galleries to discover your favorite painting, and then create your own art, inspired by the tranquil surroundings. A little shopping and lunch make the day complete.

FlorenceGriswoldMuseum.org for current exhibitions and special events.