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When you go on vacation, you can do a couple of things. You could travel from state to state and see what everything has to offer. It’s a fantastic way to hit the highlights that our country has to offer. After all, every state has something to see. From national monuments and beautiful sights to amazing theme parks, you can spend a while seeing everything our country has to see. The only issue is that you might miss a few things.

That brings us to the second option—staying in one state and doing everything there is to do. We’re a fan of doing this because it means a lot less traveling. Today, we’re looking at one of America’s oldest states: Connecticut.

This state is a popular destination beyond simply Northeast travelers. Many people travel there every year to taste its fresh, fresh fish or sail to feel the wind on their face. With its gorgeous harbors and lush forests, this New England state is an inviting break from life’s pressures. While our state has plenty of places to relax, Connecticut is easily one of the best places to get your R&R on. Here’s our bucket list of must-see attractions as you pass through the Constitution State.

10. Beinecke Rare Book & Manuscript Library

the interior of the Beinecke Rare Book & Manuscript Library

(image via Flickr)

Located at Yale University in New Haven, this amazing library is sure to entertain all bookworms and history buffs. The Beinecke Rare Book & Manuscript Library hosts irreplaceable artifacts, but it is probably best known for its unique translucent marble-paneled walls.

9. Pick Your Own Produce at Jones Family Farms

a young girl has picked her own strawberries in a basket sitting next to her

(image via Facebook)

Known for its delicious berries in the summer and thick Christmas trees in the winter, Jones Family Farms have supplied crops to the area for over 150 years. This is fun for the whole family, making for a great afternoon trip with the kids.

8. CT Beer Trail Bus Tour

cans of beer held in front of a beer tour bus

(image via Facebook)

Who wouldn’t want to take a road trip to five different local breweries? For maximum convenience and safety, the bus tours will actually pick you up at your house, so you don’t have to drive after you’ve tried all of those craft beers. Make sure you book tickets in advance because the tours tend to sell out.

7. Bear Mountain

a hiker sits nexts to a river that winds its way through the dense forest of bear mountain CT

(image via Instagram)

Come say that you’ve hiked the tallest mountain in the state of Connecticut. Located in the Taconic Mountains, this peak is known for its beautiful views and wild blueberries. Enjoy the native wildlife, but be on the lookout for snakes if you go in late summer.

6. Gillette Castle

an exterior view of gillette castle sitting on a hill

(image via Facebook)

Located in the state park of the same name, this medieval-style castle was originally the home of William Gillette, an actor best known for the role of Sherlock Holmes. Known for being eccentric, the performer designed the house to be unusual, which adds to its widespread appeal.

5. Mark Twain House

the sun sets behind the mark twain house exterior

(image via Facebook)

While the famous novelist lived in many places throughout his life, there was a 17-year period during which Mark Twain called Hartford, Connecticut, home. Some of his best-known works were written during his time here, including ‘The Prince and the Pauper’ and ‘The Adventures of Tom Sawyer.’

4. Mystic Seaport

a view of mythic seaport with boats filling the harbour

(image via Facebook)

The largest maritime museum in the world, Mystic Seaport offers a vast overview of the history of sailing. The estate holds many iconic ships, four of which have been declared national historic landmarks.

3. Adventure Park at the Discovery Museum

a view upward from the ground of the platforms and connecting ropes in the tops of trees at adventure park

(image via Facebook)

One of the most interactive amusement parks in the country, Adventure Park is a great way to bring out your adventurous side. With ropes courses and zip-lines, it is hard to be bored in this outdoor wonderland.

2. Philip Johnson’s Glass House

an exterior view showing the entirety of philip johnson's architectural glass house

(image via Flickr)

Since its construction in 1949, Johnson’s home has intrigued guests with it parameters made of glass. Visit this architectural landmark of modern design and ponder Philip Johnson’s views on personal privacy.

1. Woodbury Ski Area

a family learns how to ski at woodbury ski area

(image via Facebook)

New England is home to many famous ski resorts. What makes Woodbury stand out is its intimate atmosphere and its long seasons; it is famously the first ski resort to open each year. If you aren’t a skier, join the patrons as they slide inner tubes down the slopes.