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There's Still Loads Of Fun To Squeeze Out Of The Summer Of '16

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If you are The Connecticut Department of Tourism has come to the rescue with a comprehensive package of late summer getaways and day trips perfect for families, couples, and singles who are looking to squeeze just a little more fun out of the summer of '16.ctvisit.com, updated its list of things to do, and it includes Newtown's Rowanwood Farm. The site, tucked into the southeastern corner of town near the Monroe border, is offering visitors Connecticut's only USDA licensed and approved Llama Hiking Adventures.rowanwoodfarm.com.Sherwood Island. Have a leisurely lunch in the shade of the picnic grove, swim in Long Island Sound, relax on the sandy beach or view marsh life from the observation platform.westportbikerentals.com) And if you're planning to take a swim, please note: lifeguards are only on duty on Wednesday through Sunday.lymanorchards.com).branfordriverpaddlesports.com), which offers paddleboards, kayaks, and fishing kayak rentals, beginner instructions, SUP yoga, and guided tours for all ages.Kent Falls, just a 40-minute jaunt up Route 7 from Brookfield. And if lolling isn't your thing, there's fishing, hiking, and plenty of secluded picnic areas throughout the adjacent state park.clubgetaway.com) provides an adults-only respite located on 300 acres overlooking a sparkling lake, and includes all meals, sports and activities with pro instructor, sports equipment, nightly entertainment, and lodging.winvian.com). Set on an 113-acre estate with 18 individual cottages and one master suite, this unique Relais & Chateaux property looks to lure with surprises and charm. Rated as a AAA 5-Diamond Hotel & Restaurant.farmingtonrivertubing.com) - you'll put in at Satan's Kingdom Recreation Area and bob southward for three miles through three sets of wild rapids.ctriverquest.com) out of Haddam. The company offers relaxing narrated public cruises that run daily in season, with sunset cruises most evenings. Special cruises and private outings are also available February to October.naturesartvillage.com), home to more than 40 life-sized dinosaurs that are on display along 1.5 miles of pristine nature trails.www.neam.org), the largest aviation museum in the northeastern United States with 80 aircraft featured in three display buildings.ctvisit.com.

not on vacation this week, then you will probably be glad you picked up this feature.

The last couple of weeks ahead of another school year can be particularly challenging, or frustrating, depending on which end of the station wagon you are sitting.

Virtually all the camps sessions are over, most of the college students are heading back to campus, and many of the kids' younger friends who might be hanging around the neighborhood looking for a video game partner or a pick-up game of hoops - sadly - are on vacation.

What is a parent or caregiver to do when there are two weeks worth of "wanna do something" left, and there is seemingly nothing going on?

On August 16, the state tourism website,

Owner AJ Collier will introduce you to her flock of miniature llamas, Nigerian Dwarf and Pygora goats that not only make fun hiking companions, but produce gorgeous fiber for spinning and felting, hand spun yarn and goat milk soaps all available in the farm shop. Call 203-270-8346, or visit:

If you know the "back way" down to Westport from Newtown, you can enjoy a relatively quick ride to Connecticut's first state park,

You can even take a bike ride along the shore. BYOB (bring your own bike) or rent one by the hour or the day at Westport Bike Rentals at 15 Cross Highway (

In just a few weeks, Newtowners will be heading out for pumpkin picking, hot cider, and the corn maze at Castle Hill Farm. But the end of summer offers a cool alternative in the Sunflower Maze at Lyman Orchards in Middlefield (

The Lyman family is celebrating 275 years serving up some of the sweetest apples and delicious pies around, or maybe drop off dad - or mom - to play a round of golf at one of the three Lyman courses while the kids explore the farm.Have you kayaked every nook and inlet along Lakes Zoar and Lillinonah?

Then pack up your gear and head for Branford and the picturesque Thimble Islands. You can out your kayak or canoe in at Stony Creek Beach, or rent your watercraft of choice at Branford River Paddlesports (

If cooling out by a refreshing waterfall, or just lolling around beside a crystal clear natural pool sounds like heaven right about now, set your sights on

Sure, everybody goes camping, but what about glamping? The concept incorporates the best aspects of camping, while providing a glamorously luxurious amenities. Kent is among the destinations for glamping that the state's tourism website is highlighting.

The closely proximate Club Getaway (

Or about the same drive will get you to Winivan Farm in Morris (

If you've done tubing on the upper Housatonic in Litchfield County and you think you've seen all there is to see, then head to Waterbury and take Route 8 North to New Hartford and check out the state's "other" great tubing experience on the Farmington River. Hook up with the folks at Farmington River Tubing (

Bird lovers, and especially those who long to see the magical patterns of flocking Starlings darting through the twilight, can do so on one of the daily RiverQuest cruises (

Have you got kids who love dinosaurs? Then it's time to head to The Dinosaur Place in Montville at Nature's Art Village (

Kids of all ages can also visit the Discovery Depot on site to dig for crystals and minerals in The Jackpot Mine, pan for "gold" at Thunder Creek and keep everything you find, or unearth dinosaur fossils in The Bone Zone and take home a kit of real fossils.

Maybe the magic of flight is more your speed? Then cool your jets at the New England Air Museum (

Located adjacent to Bradley International Airport, the air museum offers single-day passes as well as a huge variety of events including its popular "open Cockpit" day for members.

For the month of August, the air museum is working in partnership with The Children's Museum of West Hartford. Just show your NEAM membership card and up to two adults and four children can get half-off general admission.

There's only a couple of weeks left before school begins, but there are still many, many adventures to be had just a short ride away. Check out details on these and dozens of other sites and activities at

Newtown's Rowanwood Farm and owner AJ Collier is among myriad destinations perfect for late summer day trips being touted on the CT Dept of Tourism website CTVisit.com. Ms Collier provides visitors Connecticut's only USDA licensed and approved Llama Hiking Adventures, and she will happily introduce visitors to her flock of miniature llamas, Nigerian Dwarf and Pygora goats. (Bee file)
There is still plenty of fun left before the summer of 2016 is over. The state's tourism website, ctvisit.com, is packed with day trips and out of the ordinary attractions perfect for anyone looking for a couple more adventures before the school bells toll. The New England Air Museum in Windsor Locks, The Dinosaur Place in Montville, and the pristine coolness of Kent Falls are among the dozens of sites waiting for your late summer visit. (Courtesy CTVisit.com)
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