Finding Fun With Fewer Funds

By Nancy K. Crevier

Expensive vacations to faraway locales may be put on hold this year as residents wait out the economic storm. What better time is there to explore the many attractions and activities right here in our own state, many of which are free?

The 2009 Connecticut Vacation Guide is a wealth of information, breaking down the state into five regions, each offering its own special events. The guide lists hundreds of recreational, educational, and day trip possibilities, including many throughout Fairfield County.

Follow the trail that appeals to your family: the Farmers’ Market Trail, the Kids’ Play Trail, the Artists’ Trail, the Theatre Trail, or a Wine Trail. Connecticut has deep historical roots, and plenty of opportunities to delve into the past. From the Native Americans of the East and the American Revolution to the Civil War and Tall Ships, Connecticut historical societies and museums feature programs to educate and interact with days gone by.

City walking tours are a terrific way to find out about the hidden charms of several of Fairfield County’s major cities. Go to VisitFairfieldCountyCT.com for more information on seeing Norwalk, Greenwich, Bridgeport, or Stamford by foot.

Also at VisitFairfieldCountyCT.com, special coupons for discount rates at hotels in Stamford, Greenwich, or Norwalk, as well as for special family packages to nearby attractions, can be found. But don’t hesitate — a number of these special offers are good only through the end of April or May.

Beginning in April, the Bridgeport Bluefish are ready to put on a good ball game at Harbor Park. Tickets are only $3 to $18 for an afternoon or evening of fun for baseball fans.

With Earth Day right around the corner, April might be a good month to visit The Garbage Museum in Stratford, where the Trashosaurus, made from a ton of trash, will impress all from the littlest on up. Follow glass and plastic through the sorting process, and find out what happens to recyclables once they leave your curbside.

The CRRA Museum is not in Fairfield County, but it is just a quick drive up I-84 to Hartford. The new single stream processing equipment and a giant mural depicting the history of trash are two of this museum’s highlights.

For young nature lovers, Earthplace in Westport is a 62-acre wildlife sanctuary with trails, and a natural history museum. Find out about the programs scheduled throughout the year by visiting earthplace.org.

No visit to Norwalk would be complete without stopping by the Maritime Aquarium, where a new African penguins exhibit has been underway since February. When you are done viewing the antics of the penguins, sea turtles, and harbor seals, take a stroll through nearby SoNo for shopping and dining.

Still more ocean fun can be found at the Soundwaters Center in Stamford. From May to October, the center provides educational experiences aboard a sailing vessel. Learn about Long Island Sound and the environment out on the open waters. The Center is also open year around for presentations, concerts, and lectures. More information is found at soundwaters.org.

Museums take care of the “What to do on a rain day?” issue. In Stratford, fans of flying machines will want to visit the National Helicopter Museum, where a fully restored Sikorsky S-76 cockpit is on display. A photographic exhibit of the development of the rotary wing will have your head spinning. The museum is open May through October.

History buffs will enjoy the Putnam Cottage in Greenwich. This 1690 dwelling was known in Revolutionary times as Knapps Tavern, and yes, Washington did eat here. Find out about tours and special events at putnamcottage.org. 

Still wondering how to spend less and have a memorable vacation? Order a copy of The 2009 Connecticut Vacation Guide by calling 1-888-CTVISIT (888-288-4748), or visiting CTvisit.com. The guides are free of charge, and fun is just outside your door.