Beat the heat in Connecticut
Summer in New England is short and sweet, so don't waste a minute of it. Here are 20 ways to enjoy the warm weather in Connecticut.
By Lidia Ryan
on May 27, 2016 9:42 AM
One of the benefits of living in Fairfield County, is the Long Island Sound is a quick drive away (or walk if you're lucky enough). Here's a list of local beaches.
One of the benefits of living in Fairfield County, is the Long Island Sound is a quick drive away (or walk if you're lucky enough). Here's a list of local beaches.
Photo: Nuria Ryan
Candlewood Lake is a popular boating spot; it spans five towns and is the largest lake in the state. It's certainly not the only option, though. Here's a list of the state's marinas.
Candlewood Lake is a popular boating spot; it spans five towns and is the largest lake in the state. It's certainly not the only option, though. Here's a list of the state's marinas.
Photo: Michael Duffy
If a day at the beach isn't enough, rent a cottage and spend a whole week (or more) on one of Connecticut's beaches. Check out some popular spots for beach rentals in the state.
Or go on a weekend getaway to one of Connecticut's neighboring states:
Summer events on Cape Cod
Summer events in Rhode Island
Summer events at Lake George
Summer events in NYC
Explore Newport, RI
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Or go on a weekend getaway to one of Connecticut's neighboring states:
Summer events on Cape Cod
Summer events in Rhode Island
Summer events at Lake George
Summer events in NYC
Explore Newport, RI
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If a day at the beach isn't enough, rent a cottage and spend a whole week (or more) on one of Connecticut's beaches. Check out some popular spots for beach rentals in the state.
Or go on a weekend getaway to ... more
Photo: Autumn Driscoll
Or go on a weekend getaway to ... more
Many of SW Connecticut's state parks happen to be beaches, but if you're not a sand person there are other options. Kent Falls in Kent offers hiking trails, a picnic area and of course a waterfall you can either enjoy from afar or cool off under. Check out the many Connecticut state parks.
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Many of SW Connecticut's state parks happen to be beaches, but if you're not a sand person there are other options. Kent Falls in Kent offers hiking trails, a picnic area and of course a waterfall you can ... more
Photo: Contributed
You don't have to brave the LIE to take a mini vacation to Long Island - take a relaxing ferry ride instead. You can also grab a boat to Block Island.
Ferry from Bridgeport to Port Jefferson, Long Island
Ferry from New London to Orient Point, Long Island
Ferry from New London to Block Island
Ferry from Bridgeport to Port Jefferson, Long Island
Ferry from New London to Orient Point, Long Island
Ferry from New London to Block Island
You don't have to brave the LIE to take a mini vacation to Long Island - take a relaxing ferry ride instead. You can also grab a boat to Block Island.
Ferry from Bridgeport to Port Jefferson, Long Island
Ferry ... more
Ferry from Bridgeport to Port Jefferson, Long Island
Ferry ... more
Summer is all about enjoying the fresh air, and listening to great music. Connecticut has no shortage of summer concerts.
Alive@Five 2016 lineup
Milford Oyster Fest 2016 lineup
Norwalk Oyster Fest lineup
Summer concert lineup 2016
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Alive@Five 2016 lineup
Milford Oyster Fest 2016 lineup
Norwalk Oyster Fest lineup
Summer concert lineup 2016
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Summer is all about enjoying the fresh air, and listening to great music. Connecticut has no shortage of summer concerts.
Alive@Five 2016 lineup
Milford Oyster Fest 2016 lineup
Norwalk Oyster Fest lineup
Summer ... more
Alive@Five 2016 lineup
Milford Oyster Fest 2016 lineup
Norwalk Oyster Fest lineup
Summer ... more
If you prefer more classical entertainment, there is plenty of live theater and music to enjoy al fresco this summer:
Tanglewood Music Center
Live musicals at the Richter
Connecticut Free Shakespeare
Caramoor Center for Music and the Arts
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Tanglewood Music Center
Live musicals at the Richter
Connecticut Free Shakespeare
Caramoor Center for Music and the Arts
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If you prefer more classical entertainment, there is plenty of live theater and music to enjoy al fresco this summer:
Tanglewood Music Center
Live musicals at the Richter
Connecticut Free Shakespeare
Caramoor ... more
Photo: Connecticut Free Shakespeare/Contributed
Tanglewood Music Center
Live musicals at the Richter
Connecticut Free Shakespeare
Caramoor ... more
Ice cream is a summertime staple, but not all ice cream is created equal. Here's a guide to the best ice cream in the area.
Ice cream is a summertime staple, but not all ice cream is created equal. Here's a guide to the best ice cream in the area.
Photo: Autumn Driscoll
For many people, hot days = cold beers. Don't just go for the usual choice, try one of Connecticut's many locally brewed choices - or try all of them on the Connecticut Beer Trail.
For many people, hot days = cold beers. Don't just go for the usual choice, try one of Connecticut's many locally brewed choices - or try all of them on the Connecticut Beer Trail.
Photo: Lindsay Niegelberg
More of a wine person? Check out the Connecticut Wine Trail and enjoy the fresh air while tasting wine at one of the state's wineries. Take a look at all the locations.
More of a wine person? Check out the Connecticut Wine Trail and enjoy the fresh air while tasting wine at one of the state's wineries. Take a look at all the locations.
Photo: Kevin N. Hume, The Chronicle
Trying to skip sweets and carbs during beach season? Join the juice craze. A freshly-made fruit and/or vegetable juice is a healthy way to cool off. Try one of these local juice bars.
Trying to skip sweets and carbs during beach season? Join the juice craze. A freshly-made fruit and/or vegetable juice is a healthy way to cool off. Try one of these local juice bars.
Photo: Helen Neafsey
You may gravitate towards an air-conditioned restaurant on a hot day, but a nice breeze can be even better - especially near the water. Try Down the Hatch in Brookfield. It's the only restaurant on the Candlewood Lake, and you can get to it by car or boat. Click here for a full list of outdoor restaurants in SW CT.
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You may gravitate towards an air-conditioned restaurant on a hot day, but a nice breeze can be even better - especially near the water. Try Down the Hatch in Brookfield. It's the only restaurant on the ... more
Photo: Chris Ware
Nothing says summer in New England like an outdoor clambake. Here in Connecticut, there are plenty of options whether you want to host a catered affair yourself or go out and let someone else do the work. Click here for your guide to local clambakes and pig roasts.
If lobster rolls are more your thing, check out one of Connecticut's great lobster roll joints.
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If lobster rolls are more your thing, check out one of Connecticut's great lobster roll joints.
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If you don't want to go out for dinner, catch your own. With so many lakes, rivers and beaches in Connecticut, there are plenty of fishing opportunities. Click here for Connecticut's fishing rules before you head out.
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If you don't want to go out for dinner, catch your own. With so many lakes, rivers and beaches in Connecticut, there are plenty of fishing opportunities. Click here for Connecticut's fishing rules before you ... more
Photo: Brian A. Pounds
If you're in need of a cool breeze, make one by zip lining - or even
skydiving. Check out some places in Connecticut where thrill seekers
can do both. Click here to see where you can find adventure in Connecticut.
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If you're in need of a cool breeze, make one by zip lining - or even skydiving. Check out some places in Connecticut where thrill seekers can do both. Click here to see where you can find adventure in ... more
Photo: Brian A. Pounds
When it's too hot to hit a hiking trail, try a water one. Connecticut is
home to water trails where you can kayak or canoe your way through the
wooded landscape. Click here for a list of water trails.
When it's too hot to hit a hiking trail, try a water one. Connecticut is home to water trails where you can kayak or canoe your way through the wooded landscape. Click here for a list of water trails.
Photo: Brian A. Pounds
Take a three-mile tube ride down the Farmington River. Farmington River Tubing rents out specially designed river tubes and life jackets. Find out more.
Take a three-mile tube ride down the Farmington River. Farmington River Tubing rents out specially designed river tubes and life jackets. Find out more.
Photo: TOM REEL, SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS
Cool off on a water slide or make some breeze on a roller coaster. Quassy Amusement Park in Middlebury and Lake Compounce Family Theme Park in Bristol are two of the most popular amusement parks in the state. They aren't the only options though. Check out five water theme parks in and around Connecticut.
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Cool off on a water slide or make some breeze on a roller coaster. Quassy Amusement Park in Middlebury and Lake Compounce Family Theme Park in Bristol are two of the most popular amusement parks in the state. ... more
Photo: Brian Koonz
A clear summer day is perfect for aerial sightseeing - in a plane or a balloon.
Adventure Balloon Ride
Sport Flying of Connecticut
Adventure Balloon Ride
Sport Flying of Connecticut
A clear summer day is perfect for aerial sightseeing - in a plane or a balloon.
Adventure Balloon Ride
Sport Flying of Connecticut
Photo: Neil Barris, Associated Press
Adventure Balloon Ride
Sport Flying of Connecticut
Take a ferry ride to Sheffield Island off Norwalk or around the Thimble Islands just off the shore of Stony Creek. There are 365 islands in the chain. Find out more about Connecticut island cruises.
Take a ferry ride to Sheffield Island off Norwalk or around the Thimble Islands just off the shore of Stony Creek. There are 365 islands in the chain. Find out more about Connecticut island cruises.
Photo: Shoreline Aerial Photography, Getty Images