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Cockaponset State Forest makes up nearly one-third of Chester, offering picnicking, camping, and swimming. Cedar Lake is the location of the YMCA Camp Hazen for boys and girls. The Chester Fair has been celebrated since 1891 on the town's fairgrounds the last weekend of August, and the town itself is easily strollable with a number of specialty shops, informal restaurants and Connecticut Magazine's only four star restaurant recipient. A bed and breakfast, convenient country inns and a comfortable pastoral setting add to the charm of Chester.
The town bustles when the annual Durham Agricultural Fair is held in late September. One of the largest and oldest major fairs in New England, exhibitors and visitors can enjoy old time horse pulls, rides, 4H displays and contests to challenge a variety of skills.
Nathan Hale, the patriot who gave his life during the Revolutionary War, taught school in East Haddam from 1773-1774 and his schoolhouse is open to the public.
Tradition has it that the bell hanging in St. Stephen's Church was cast for a Spanish monastery in 814 A.D. and is probably the oldest bell in the New World.
Gillette Castle is another place of interest in Hadlyme, as the home of Mr. William Gillette, an American actor who was renowned for his portrayal of Sherlock Holmes. The castle overlooks the Connecticut River and has 25 rooms of unusual style.
In addition to the historical and cultural sites, East Haddam has a number of shops and restaurants catering to visitors from all over New England.
The Connecticut River Museum is a perfect place to explore the heritage and experience the wonders of New England's Great River. Enjoy the beauty of its unspoiled marshlands, view bald eagles, migratory birds and a wide variety of waterfowl. Student programs and river tours are also available at this great and historic museum.
The Valley Railroad operates a steam train of traditional vintage, taking tourists along the scenic route to the Deep River station to meet the boat which provides an upriver water tour of the beautiful homes and historic buildings on the river's banks.
The villages of Ivoryton and Centerbrook are also part of Essex, and the Museum of Fife and Drum in Ivoryton showcases memorabilia from those who often led soldiers to free our country. In the summer, the Ivoryton Playhouse offers professional theater as it has since 1930.
Each August the Quinnehtukqut Rendezvous and Native American Festival transports Haddam Meadows State Park back to the early 1800's, complete with colonial encampment and Native American village. Haddam Meadows is also the terminating point of the annual Raft Race each modeled after 17th and 18th century designs. There is also an herb shop and afternoon teas are scheduled from June through mid-October.
Taking advantage of the picturesque country side view, the Lyman Meadow golf courses designed by Robert Trent Jones are open to the public and offers challenges to golfers of all levels. The ski slopes of Powder Ridge provide winter activities for skiers from Connecticut and surrounding states.
Founded in 1831, Wesleyan University and its Center for the Arts boasts a music hall, theater, cinema and galleries providing public performances and exhibitions throughout the year. The Davison Art Center in the Alsop House contains one of America's finest print collections.
In and about Middletown's broad Main Street thoroughfare, dozens of shops and stores cater to a wide variety of shopping tastes. Each year in September, Main Street is closed to traffic as a festive air to shopping is provided by the Spirit of Middletown Festival. The June City Fest and the Fourth of July Bike Criterium make Main Street and the South Green a visitor's delight.
Historical-minded visitors can stop at the Submarine Museum on Washington Street, or enjoy the 17th and 18th century furnishings and changing exhibitions provided by the Middlesex County Historical Society at the General Mansfield House on Main Street. Walking enthusiasts can view historic buildings by following the Greater Middletown Preservation Trust tour guide and nature buffs can walk the botanical trail at Middlesex Community College.
Old Saybrook - A large part of the appeal of the Old Saybrook area is the gentleness of scenery in all seasons of the year. It remains a popular vacation center offering a number of attractions, including beaches, marinas and the Fort Saybrook Monument Park.
For those on the antiques trail, we have more than 400 merchants, from large dealers to small private shops, where you are sure to find something special.
When fall blows in, there is no need to go north to enjoy the foliage; it's splendid right here in Old Saybrook! No matter what the season, visitors love the quiet lifestyle and many attractions.
Westbrook is located about 30 minutes away from New Haven CT, home of Yale University and several major Museums. Nearby in the opposite direction, you will find historic Mystic CT, home of Mystic Seaport and the Mystic Marinelife Aquarium. A little bit northeast are world famous resorts and casinos.
* The above listed information was obtained from the Middlesex Chamber of Commerce website and can be referenced directly by clicking on the following link:
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