Keeler Tavern Museum
Ridgefield

The Keeler Tavern has served many roles: It has been a farmhouse, tavern, stagecoach stop, post office, hotel, home of a noted architect, and now it is a museum that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Nicknamed the "Cannonball House" because there is a cannonball from the Revolutionary War "embedded in the side of the building," it is in "an attractive setting tied closely to local history." The museum's collection includes "period tools, clothing, and record-keeping materials." Plus, there is "a lovely garden house, designed by one-time resident and renowned architect Cass Gilbert." Ideal for weddings and other events, it is festively decorated at Christmastime. Read more.

Rose's Berry Farm
Glastonbury

Weather permitting, Roses Berry Farm "is the best place to have Sunday brunch." During picking season, you can sit outside, take in the "tremendous views," and sample traditional breakfast food--all served with the farm's freshest berries. They offer pick-your-own baskets for fruits and berries, such as "apples, blueberries, raspberries, and pumpkins," or you can pick up fruit, jams, pies, and other homemade treats in its farm store. Come here to pick or for Sunday brunch, both are "relaxing and rewarding experiences." Read more.

Airline Rail Trail
East Hampton

The Air Line Rail Trail "runs from East Hampton to the Massachusetts border" and is "excellent for hiking or biking," especially the section from East Hampton to Windham, which is mostly gravel and crushed stone. It's "very scenic, with overlooks, streams and ponds, and there is even at least one beaver lodge that you can see from the trail." The wildlife is abundant too: turkeys, fox, and deer can all be spotted along the trail. During the fall, when the leaves are in color, the views are unbelievable. The trail attracts families and nearby residents; there are even picnic tables and benches set up along the trail for people to enjoy.

The Mystic Stroll
Historic Downtown Mystic

The Mystic Stroll and Tree Lighting is a festive holiday ritual. Each year, the "entire Main Street is decorated with luminaries and the stores are open late." Merchants host the carolers and residents and serve hot cider and cookies. Clowns and carolers parade the streets to get everyone in the holiday spirit. At night, there is the lighting of the Christmas tree near Mystic River, "where they also have a boat parade." Read more.

Vintage Baseball
Bushnell Park

The vintage baseball series takes place every Fourth of July weekend and is always "an old-fashioned goodtime." Each player wears "vintage uniforms and follows the rules" from the nineteenth century. Clubs come from all over the northeast to compete and win the Capital City Cup. Plus, a river festival is held nearby "with music and food, of course." Read more.

Adeptus Arts
Washington Depot

Tim Hochstetter, artist and studio owner, strives to further the realm of cultural arts with his work. A visit to Adeptus Arts is "a double joy" because you can appreciate the "great pieces produced and for sale" there. Plus you can also witness, first-hand, Tim's expertise with "molten glass" as he creates his sculptures. His work is "an act of art in its execution," and the studio offers lessons and workshops as well. Open since 2001, the sculptures, vessels, and jewelry are made of blown glass and metal. Read more.

Skappo Italian Wine Bar
New Haven

Skappo Italian Wine Bar is "not only a restaurant, but also pure entertainment." With only 26 seats, it is "very quaint," and customers often "start chatting with each other thanks to the cozy atmosphere." Family-owned and operated, the "Sincavages cook everything, and they entertain you--Italian style. They sing and dance?and encourage audience participation." The food is "delicious," and the wine selection is "great." With "reasonable prices" that some would call inexpensive. This spot is a hit. Read more.

Beach Rock
Barkhamsted

Beach Rock, overlooking the Barkhamsted reservoir, inspires quiet reflection. It is "a very short hike form the main road to this huge rock." For at least three seasons, it's the ideal place to go to get away from it all; be careful in the winter, when the rock is slick. During the fall, "the foliage is spectacular." Come spring, several nearby churches assemble for an "ecumenical Easter sunrise service; it is breathtaking to watch the sun peep over the water." Finally, during the summer, it offers "a quiet place to sit and read or meditate."

Caprilands Herb Farm
North Coventry

Located near Coventry, a colonial village that was incorporated during the reign of Queen Anne, Caprilands Herb Farm was opened in 1930. A visit here is "a lovely, relaxing experience" that "offers education, good food, and a gift shop." The gift shop is in a red barn, plus there's a greenhouse, bookstore, teashop, and more housed on the grounds. In the "Quiet Corner," Connecticut's northeast quadrant, you'll also find "many antique stores and the Nathaniel Hawthorne house."

Elizabeth Park
West Hartford

Elizabeth Park is "well-known for its 100-year-old rose garden." What started as 100 rose bushes has grown to about 15,000; needless to say, "it's beautiful, especially when the roses are in bloom." The park has expansive "garden areas, pathways, greenhouses, lawns, a picnic grove, a pond, and more." It is "a great place for anyone who enjoys the beauty of nature to relax and take in the fantastic scenery." Lots of events are held here, including weddings--"you will often see brides having their pictures taken" here. The environment is calm and "tranquil." Read more.