Arts & Entertainment
Great Deals On 240 Tourist Attractions In Clinton And CT
Residents can take advantage of special discounts and unique promotions that will be offered at over 240 tourist destinations across CT.
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CLINTON, CT — Governor Dannel P. Malloy is encouraging residents and visitors to take advantage of the special discounts and unique promotions that will be offered at over 240 tourist destinations across Connecticut this Saturday, June 9, 2018 as part of the state's 14th annual Connecticut Open House Day.
Coordinated by the Connecticut Office of Tourism, the one-day event is designed to showcase Connecticut's diverse mix of history, art, culture, and excitement. Residents can look forward to free admission at over 85 attractions, free tours at over 25 properties, and special offers and giveaways at over 100 businesses.
"Connecticut has an incredible array of museum, galleries, theaters, vineyards, shops, restaurants, historic properties, and other locations that make our state so unique, and we are proud to showcase all of them during this special event on Saturday," Malloy said in a release.
Find out what's happening in Clintonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Here are all of the available deals across Connecticut, presented alphabetically:
Ansonia
- General David Humphreys House Free admission from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m.
Ashford
- Willow Tree Pottery Open from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Visit the pottery studio, kiln shed and gardens (weather permitting) and enjoy light refreshments and clay amulets. Property part of the Arts & Garden Tour of northeast Connecticut.
Barkhamsted
- Squire’s Tavern Free admission from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m., offering a special photo slide show on Barkhamsted’s history.
Bethel
- Bethel Historical Society Free admission noon until 4 p.m.
- Molten Java Open from 7 a.m. until 10 p.m., offering 50% off all retail (excludes Liz Davis Designs).
Bethlehem
- Bellamy-Ferriday House & Garden Purchase one regular admission and receive a second one for free, from noon until 4 p.m.
Bloomfield
- Old Farm School Free tours from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. of the 1796 schoolhouse which was used until 1922, and the History Center.
Branford
- Stony Creek Museum Visitors can enjoy musical entertainment from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.
Bridgeport
- Arcade Mall Mall opens at 10 a.m. Open house mall tenants include BPT Creates, Paradox INK, Criss Dam Studios, Phyte Haas and Murroquin Weavings. Moe’s Burger Joint offing 15% your meal and Artist & Craftsman Supply Store offering a 10% discount on your purchase.
- Barnum Museum Free admission from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m., along with free Barnum bookmarks, guided tours, post cards and red noses (while supply lasts).
Bristol
- American Clock & Watch Museum Free admission from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m.
- Bristol Historical Society Free admission from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m.
- Harry C. Barnes Memorial Nature Center Free admission from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m., featuring special activities for the entire family.
- Imagine Nation, A Museum Early Learning Center Free admission for the first 100 visitors (sponsored by the City of Bristol), from 9:30 a.m. until 5 p.m. Special program from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.: “Meet the Chefs,” featuring cooking demonstrations and the unveiling of the new mobile teaching kitchen.
- Memorial Military Museum Free admission from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. World War I Canteen serves free complimentary and donuts with stories of Salvation Army “Donuts Girls.” Children’s World War I related activities and hands-on artifacts, live World War I music performance, a scavenger hunt and live music entertainment.
- New England Carousel Museum Free admission from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m.
Brookfield
- Brookfield Craft Center Open from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. with an exhibit of ceramic art pieces and a concert celebration of the recent re-opening of the refurbished pottery studio.
- Brookfield Museum & Historical Society Free admission from noon until 4 p.m., providing complimentary Brookfield mug and historic postcards to all visitors.
Brooklyn
- Brooklyn Meeting House (1771) Free admission from 10 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.
- Creamery Brook Bison Half off price day with wagon rides to see the bison there they roam from 2 p.m. until 4 p.m. Make and taste your own butter from 2:45 p.m. until 3:15 p.m. Cost per person $5.
Burlington
- Elton Tavern & Center Schoolhouse Open from 1 p.m. until 5 p.m. Visit with costumed interpreters in the Federal-style tavern or try your hand at school lessons and games in the one-room schoolhouse.
Canterbury
- Finnish American Heritage Society Free admission from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m., with a birch bark weaving display and workshop for visitors along with free tours of the museum.
- Green District Schoolhouse Free admission from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m.
Canton
- Collinsville Canoe & Kayak From 9 a.m. until 1 p.m., visitors receive half off rentals.
Centerbrook
- Spectrum Gallery & Artisan Store Open from noon until 6 p.m., offering visitors receive a 10% discount off select store items; members receive 20% off.
Chaplin
- Jane Collins Studio Open from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m., offering free tours of the studio and gardens, along with herbal tea served on the patio. Property part of the Arts & Garden Tour of northeast Connecticut.
Cheshire
- Cheshire Historical Society Open from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m.; with free craft workshops including pressed dried flower art, doll house miniatures, crochet, embroidery and knitting. Visitors keep the craft they made. Or, visitors receive a free booklet on the history of the Farmington Canal in Cheshire.
- Cheshire Strawberry Festival & Craft Fair Festival runs from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m., offering 15 free tickets ($10 value) to the events showcase raffle to Connecticut Open House visitors.
Chester
- Blackkat Leather Open from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m., offering visitors a 15% off all leather good.
- Museum at the Mill Open from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m., and offering visitors light refreshments.
Clinton
- Adam Stanton House Free admission from noon until 4 p.m., with guided tours throughout the 18th century house and general store.
- Clinton Art Gallery Open from noon until 4 p.m., offering a free lottery drawing and refreshments.
- Elisha White House Free house tours from noon until 4 p.m. of the oldest brick building on the Boston Post Road, also known as “Old Brick.”
Colchester
- Colchester Historical Society Free admission from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m., with special tours of the newly-reconstructed Historic School for Colored Children.
- Priam Vineyards Complimentary level one wine tasting from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. to those who say Connecticut Open House Day offer. Vineyard open from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m.
Coventry
- Barbara Timberman Watercolor Paintings Demonstration of watercolor painting from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m., along with self-guided garden tours. Participant in the Art & Garden Tour.
- Nathan Hale Homestead Free admission from noon until 4 p.m.
Collinsville
- Canton Historical Museum Free admission from noon until 4 p.m.
Danbury
- Art & Frame of Danbury LLC Gallery open from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m., with an art opening of “Abstracted Thoughts,” from 5 p.m.-7 p.m. with live music, food and drink.
- Cultural Alliance of Western Connecticut + Workspace Collective Enjoy light refreshments and browse the art gallery from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m.
- Gallery at Still River Editions Open from 2 p.m. until 4 p.m., featuring an opening reception for the exhibit, “Flux and Flow: Unique Techniques and Collaborations.” Enjoy art, conversation and light refreshments.
Derby
- Osborne Homestead Museum Museum open from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. with a special presentation on the Japanese art form ukiyo-e, a crafts workshop, and free tours of the museum featuring Japanese woodblock prints and Asian art.
East Granby
- Expressions Pottery Workshop Open from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m., offering studio tours and demonstrations, along with the 9th annual Perennials and Pots sale.
- Old New-Gate Prison & Copper Mine Free admission from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. Opening to the public after major renovations over the past few years.
East Haddam
- East Haddam Historical Society Museum Free admission and tours from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.
- Goodspeed Opera House From 9 a.m. until 1 p.m., enjoy free tours of the historic Victorian theater built in 1876.
- Staehly Farm Winery Free concert (1:30 p.m. until 4 p.m.), along with discounted wine and cider tastings (noon until 6 p.m.), food truck on-site with farm-to-table foods (1 p.m. until 5 p.m).
East Hartford
- Futtner’s Family Farm LLC Free prize drawing every half hour from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. Prizes valued at $15 to $20 each, include flats of plants and vegetables, potted herbs, hanging baskets, and more. Must be present for drawing and limited one prize per customer.
- Huguenot House Museum Open from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m., take the opportunity to visit this site which is rarely open to the public and offering a complimentary brochure on historic sites.
East Windsor
- Connecticut Trolley Museum From 10 a.m. until 4:30 p.m., purchase one admission and receive the second admission free (higher price prevails). For Connecticut residents only, must show valid proof of residency.
- Museums on the Green Free admission from 9 a.m. until noon.
Ellington
- Nellie McKnight Museum Free admission from 10 am. until 4 p.m., along with weaving demonstrations and guest participation, and demonstration and music on an authentic Edison phonograph.
Essex
- Connecticut River Museum Everyone is a “kid” on June 9th. Adults pay children’s rate and children are free from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.; museum open until 5 p.m
- Essex Steam Train & Riverboat Open from 10:30 a.m. until 5 p.m. Children ride the train and boat free all day.
- Pratt House Free admission from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m.
Fairfield
- Connecticut Audubon Society Center at Fairfield Open from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m., with a free birding program (10:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m.) lead by a Naturalist and includes a walk in a sanctuary. Visitors receive 10% off feeders and field guides in the Nature Store
- Fairfield Museum and History Center Free admission from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.
- Walsh Gallery at Fairfield University Art Museum Open from noon until 4 p.m. All visitors receive a complimentary museum notecard.
Farmington
- Hill-Stead Museum Buy one admission ticket and get one free, from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m.
- Stanley-Whitman House Free admission from noon until 4 p.m., along with complimentary refreshments
Franklin
- Ashbel Woodward House Museum Free admission from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Experience World War I through exhibits and re-enactors inside and out of the museum. The Blue Slope Museum, Ashbel Woodward Museum, Leffingwell House Museum, and the Slater Memorial Museum is having a special card program during the Connecticut Open House Day. Collect all four stamps on the card and your will be eligible for a drawing for a basket of goodies donated by each museum.
- Blue Slope Country Museum Free admission from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. have fun with and “I Spy” activity. The Blue Slope Museum, Ashbel Woodward Museum, Leffingwell House Museum, and the Slater Memorial Museum is having a special card program during the Connecticut Open House Day. Collect all four stamps on the card and your will be eligible for a drawing for a basket of goodies donated by each museum.
Gaylordsville
- Merwinsville Hotel Restoration Free tours including the historic ballroom from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m.
Glastonbury
- Museum on the Green Open from noon until 4 p.m., offering free booklet on a walking tour of the trees of Glastonbury.
Goshen
- Sunset Meadows Vineyards Open 11 a.m. until 5 p.m., offering a 10% discount of six bottles of wine and 15% discount of twelve bottles.
Greenwich
- Bruce Museum Free admission from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m.
- Greenwich Historical Society Free admission from noon until 4 p.m.
Groton
- Avery-Copp House Museum Free admission from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m., with free tours, children’s games, and historic re-enactors.
- Bill Memorial Library Open from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Day long outdoor art show and sale, along with crafts, interactive activities, food, music and book sale.
- Ebenezer Avery House Free admission and tours from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.
Guilford
- Dudley Farm Museum Free admission from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m., with farm and farmhouse tours, light refreshments and educational materials. Guilford Art Center Open from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Enter to win Roz Chast, an award winning New Yorker cartoonists, merchandise (calendar, mug, book).
- Guilford Information Kiosk A free walking tours and gift bags for participants from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m
- Henry Whitfield State Museum Free admission from 10 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.
- Hyland House Museum Free admission from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m.
- Medad Stone Tavern Museum Free admission from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m.
- Thomas Griswold House Museum Free admission from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m.
- Witness Stones African American History Walking Tour Free walking tour at 9 a.m. Departs from the Visitors Kiosk, located at 32 Church Street.
Haddam
- Connecticut River Expeditions -RiverQuest Take a special 40-minute cruise for a special price of $5, for all ages. Begins at 9 a.m., when RiverQuest meets capacity, will leave the dock. Return and reload with last boat departing at 12:30 p.m. First come, first serve, no reservations. No credit cards, cash only.
- Thankful Arnold House Museum Free admission from noon until 4 p.m.
Hamden
- Ireland’s Great Hunger Museum Free admission from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m., offering a genealogy activty for families and a children’s craft dealing with themes of immigration.i
- Jonathan Dickerman House Free admission from noon until 4 p.m.
Hartford
- Amistad Center for Art & Culture at the Wadsworth Atheneum Free admission from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m.
- Butler-McCook House & Garden Free admission from noon until 4 p.m.
- Connecticut Historical Society Museum & Library Free admission to the galleries from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m.
- Connecticut Science Center Center open from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. Receive a $2 off general admission to Connecticut residents.
- Connecticut’s Old State House Free admission from noon until 4 p.m.
- Connecticut State Library Open for visitors from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. to see all of the wonderful exhibits on display in the Museum of Connecticut History. Also, be sure to pick up a free frisbee along with brochures and handouts.
- Harriet Beecher Stowe Center Free admission from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m
- Hartford Stage Enjoy a 25% discount on tickets to see ###em for either the 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. performances. Call the box office at (860) 527-5151 to purchase tickets and use code ctopenhouse. Offer is valid for Saturday, June 9, performances only. Discount cannot be applied to previous purchases.
- ###a href="http://www.ctlandmarks.org/">Isham-Terry House From 10 a.m. until noon, buy one admission and get one admission for free.
- Mark Twain House & Museum Reduced admission from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Activities surrounding the next “Tails of Twain” exhibit.
- Real Art Ways Member movie pricing for the general public and free small popcorn for members.
- Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art Free admission from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m.
Harwinton
- Harwinton Historical Society Free admission from noon until 4 p.m. to the barn museum and 1840s schoolhouse.
- Theadore A. Hungerford Memorial Museum Free admission from noon until 4 p.m.
Ivoryton
- Company of Fifers & Drummers Museum Free admission from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.
- Ivoryton Playhouse From 9 a.m. until noon, offering complimentary backstage tours of the historic theater and historic memorabilia. Half price ticket for 2 p.m. matinee of “A Night with Janis Joplin.” Book tickets at the box office on the day of June 9th. Limited four tickets per person. Ticket subject to availability.
Kensington
- New Britain Youth Museum at Hungerford Park Free admission from 10 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.
Kent
- Connecticut Antique Machinery Association Museum Open from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m., visitors receive a complimentary Connecticut mineral specimen from the Mining Museum.
- Eric Sloane Museum Free admission from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m., with demonstrations on splitting shingles and logs.
Lebanon
- Jonathan Trumbull Jr. House Museum Free admission from noon until 4 p.m., with the Lebanon Garden Club on hand to dedicate the Pollinator Garden. Free seeds and plants for sale. Beehive on display along with honey for sale.
- Lebanon Historical Society Museum From 10 a.m. until 3 p.m., visitors can take a ride in a Model T and antique cars around the Lebanon Green. There will be a variety of craft demonstrations and hands-on craft activities for both adults and children. The museum and other historic buildings will be open to tour.
Ledyard
- Abbey’s Lantern Hill Inn From 11 a.m. until 4 p.m., enjoy a free guided hike of the Inn’s trail and adjoining Pequot trail and receive a 10% discount mid-week stay voucher.https://www.amazon.com/ulp?zipcode=06268
Madison
- Allis-Bushnell House Free docent guided tours from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m., serving light refreshments. View a World War I exhibit opening at Lee’s Academy at 14 Meetinghouse Lane in Madison.
- Deacon John Grave House The 1685 house open from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. with free guided tours and hearth cooking demonstrations preparing tasty dishes. Also, take a garden tour of the grounds with the Garden Club of Madison.
- Madison Bike Share Locations in Madison: • Creations, 712 Boston Post Road (10 a.m.-5 p.m.) • Madison Beach Hotel, 94 West Wharf Road (9 a.m.-5 p.m.) • Scranton Seahorse Inn, 818 Boston Post Road (9 a.m.-5 p.m.) • Tidewater Inn, 949 Boston Post Road (9 a.m.-5 p.m.) Individuals must be 18 or older to rent a bike or accompanied by an adult.
- The Aububon Shop Bird walk at 7:50 a.m., carpooling from the Audubon Shop to Hammonasset Beach State Park. Complimentary refreshments back at the shop, special author book signing until 1 p.m.
Manchester
- Cheney Homestead Open from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m., offering tours and special programs.
- Cheney Silk Storage Vault Open from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. with tours of the 1919 silk vaults.
- Lutz Children’s Museum Free admission from noon until 5 p.m., with “Touch-a-Truck” where visitors can climb inside big trucks and heavy equipment.
- Manchester History Center Open from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m., with tours of the loom exhibit and the machine shop of the Silk Mills.
- Old Manchester Museum Open from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. with tours and special programs.
- Woodbridge Farmstead Property listed National Register of Historic Places and former Meadowbrook Dairy Farm with original farmhouse, barns, vegetable and perennial gardens. Open from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m.
Mansfield
- Atwood Farm Museum at Joshua’s Trust Free admission from noon until 4 p.m., with many farm buildings open including the blacksmith shop, along with demonstrations.
- Downtown Storrs Highlights: • Ballard Institute and Museum of Puppetry, offering from tours of their exhibitions at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. (open 11 a.m.-7 p.m.). • Mansfield Library Express (Nash-Zimmer Transportation Center), offering bookmarks and reusable bags (open 10 a.m.-3 p.m.). • Oaks on the Square Apartments, offering promotional items (open 10 a.m.-5 p.m.). • AmazonCampus, offering t-shirts, water bottles, reusable tote bags and ten $5 gift cards at random (open 9 a.m.-9 p.m.).
Mashantucket
- Cedars Steakhouse & Oyster Bar at Foxwoods Resort Casino Offer from 5 p.m. until 11 p.m.; Connecticut residents will receive a free appetizer (up to $14 value) with the purchase of two entrees when you show your Connecticut license.
- G Spa & Salon at Foxwoods Resort Casino From 6:30 a.m. until 9 p.m., receive 25% off one full-priced retail item. Purchasers will receive a 15% off coupon for a full-priced service to be used Sunday through Thursday through the end of June. Cannot be combined with other offers. Must have a valid Connecticut ID.
- Guy Fieri’s Foxwoods Kitchen + Bar From 11 a.m. until midnight, Connecticut residents receive 10% off of food (cannot be combined with other offers). Must have a valid Connecticut ID.
- High Rollers Luxury Lanes & Lounge From 12 p.m. until 11 p.m., Connecticut residents receive 10% off of food (cannot be combined with other offers). Must have a valid Connecticut ID.
- HighFlyer Zipline at Foxwoods Resort Casino From noon until midnight, Connecticut residents can ride on the zipline for $49 ((cannot be combined with other offers).
- Mashantucket Pequot Museum & Research Center Open from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m., offering 20% off general admission and free educational demonstrations from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m.
- Red Lantern at Foxwoods Resort Casino Offering 10% off of food from 5 p.m. until 10:30 p.m. Cannot be combined with other offers. Must have a valid Connecticut ID.
- Scorpion Bar at Foxwoods Resort Casino Offering 10% off of food from 12 p.m. until 10 p.m. Cannot be combined with other offers. Must have a valid Connecticut ID.
- Sugar Factory American Brasserie at Foxwoods Resort Casino Offering 20% off you entire bill, excluding drinks from 9 a.m. until 2 a.m. Valid in the restaurant only. Must have a valid Connecticut ID.
- Tanger Outlets at Foxwoods Open from 10 a.m. until 11 p.m., offering free Tanger Outlets coupon book. Must show a valid Connecticut ID at the Shopper Services to receive the coupon book.
- Veranda Cafe at Foxwoods Resort Casino Offer from 7 a.m. until 3 a.m.; Connecticut residents will receive a free appetizer (up to $10.99 value) with the purchase of two entrees when you show your Connecticut license.
Meriden
- Andrews Homestead Free admission from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. In additional to their permanent exhibits, visitors can view tea sets made by International Silver Company and other Meriden manufacturers on display.
- Gallery 53 Gallery open from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m., offering complimentary refreshments.
Middlefield
- Powder Ridge Mountain Park & Resort Open from noon until 6 p.m., offering 10% off on all passes.
Middletown
- Buttonwood Tree Performing Art Center Free morning workshop “Aligned with Source: An Interactive Workshop & Meditation,” from 10:30 a.m. until noon. Free admission to afternoon event from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m.
- Wesleyan Potters From 12 noon until 4 p.m. the center will have free tours and demonstrations, and the opportunity to try weaving, pottery or jewelry making for adults and children ages 5 and older.
Milford
- Milford Historical Society Free docent-lead tours of three historic house from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m., along with an on-site tag sale.
Mystic
- Denison Homestead Museum Free admission from noon until 4 p.m.
- Mystic & Noank Library Make a complimentary craft in the Children’s Room from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m.
- Mystic AquariumOpen from 9 a.m. until 5:50 p.m. Offering $6 off general admission, good up to four guests when you mention Connecticut Open House Day at the admission gate. Discount available at the time of purchase; cannot be combined with any other offers. Good for general admission only.
New Haven
- East Street Arts Open from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m., with interactive demonstrations, tours of art studios, complimentary refreshments, and a free mug to the first 50 visitors.
- Pardee-Morris House Free admission from noon until 4 p.m. Celebrate the people and history of Mom’s Cove, a community in the heart of New Haven’s East Shore with all day activities.
- Yale Center for British Art Open 10 a.m. until 5 p.m., offering free introductory tour (11 a.m.), a tour of the special exhibition “Celia Paul” (1 p.m.), and an architecture tour (3 p.m.). In addition, the Museum Shop is offering 10% off visitors’ entire purchase.
New London
- Custom House Maritime Museum Free admission from 1 p.m. until 5 p.m., and offering 10% discount in the Museum Shop.
- Hempsted Houses Free admission from noon until 4 p.m.
- Lyman Allyn Art Museum Two for one admission from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m.
- Monte Cristo Cottage Free tours from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m., to the boyhood home of Nobel Prize-winning playwright Eugene O'Neill.
- Old Town Mill Open from noon until 4 p.m., offering complimentary refreshments.
- Shaw Mansion Free admission from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m., offering reduced membership (10%) and 10% discount off merchandise.
New Milford
- Gallery 25 & Creative Arts Studio Open from noon until 8 p.m. The New England Watercolor Society and other will be painting plein air for a visual arts event. Fri. 4 p.m. until 7 p.m., Gallery 25 will host a public reception with refreshments.
- Village Center for the Arts Open from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. During this time, the Center will be demonstrating on what programs and activities they offer. Demonstrations the pottery wheel, cartooning, drawing, and painting. Also, showcasing the Open Studio, Summer Camp and the adult programs. Refreshments will be provided as well.
Newington
- Deming-Young Farm Tour this historic farmhouse from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. with reduced admission. Also, a Revolutionary War soldier presentation and bake sale.
Newtown
- EverWonder Children’s Museum Half off admission from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m.
Niantic
- Children’s Museum of Southeastern Connecticut From 9:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. (last admission at 4 p.m.), visitors receive $1 off regular admission.
- Smith-Harris House Museum From 10 a.m. until 3 p.m., enjoy historic-inspired refreshments and meet the 19th century home’s residents. Games on the lawn for the young and the young at heart.
- Thomas Lee HouseFree admission from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m., with house and schoolhouse tours, hands-on activities and historical exhibits.
North Haven
- North Haven Historical Society From 1 p.m. until 5 p.m., features a presentation on the 75th anniversary of the founding of the North Haven Police Department along with complimentary refreshments. Also, free access to research materials including up to five copies made.
Norwich
- Leffingwell House Museum Free self-guided tours of the first floor of the historic Colonial house from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. (last tour 3 p.m.). The Blue Slope Museum, Ashbel Woodward Museum, Leffingwell House Museum, and the Slater Memorial Museum is having a special card program during the Connecticut Open House Day. Collect all four stamps on the card and your will be eligible for a drawing for a basket of goodies donated by each museum.
- Norwich Heritage & Regional Visitors’ Center Join historian Dave Oat on a free tour through the old Colonial burial grounds at 10:30 a.m. The Center, open from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m., will have Colonial toys available for children to play with and learn what life was like in the 18th century.
- Slater Memorial Museum Free admission from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m., with a exhibit opening along with refreshments.The Blue Slope Museum, Ashbel Woodward Museum, Leffingwell House Museum, and the Slater Memorial Museum is having a special card program during the Connecticut Open House Day. Collect all four stamps on the card and your will be eligible for a drawing for a basket of goodies donated by each museum.
Old Lyme
- Black Hall Outfitters Open from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m., offering rental of any kayak or paddleboard and get second one free.
Old Mystic
- Indian and Colonial Research Center Free admission from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m., with tours of collections and resources.
Old Saybrook
- Saybrook Point Inn, Marina & Spa Activities include: * 9 a.m.-11 a.m.: Be their guest and enjoy complimentary use of the indoor and outdoor pools, sauna, steam room and health club. * 11 a.m.: Coffee, treats, and giveaways on the docks. * 11:15 a.m.: Raffle drawing. * 11:30 a.m.: Enjoy a drink special at the on-site waterfront restaurant.
Orange
- PEZ Visitor Center Free admission from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m.
Plymouth
- Plymouth Historical Society Free admission from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m., with an exhibit of historic items, along with a working 1852 steam engine.
Portland
- Brownstone Exploration & Discovery Park Open from noon until 6 p.m., offering 10% off on all passes.
- Ruth Callander House Museum Free admission from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m.
Prospect
- Hotchkiss House Museum Free tours of the historic house from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m.
Ridgefield
- Suzanne Benton Studio & Art Showcase Open artist studio from 1 p.m. until 5 p.m. View artworks along with live classical piano entertainment, and refreshments will be served.
Riverton
- Greenwood Glass Blowing Studio/Gallery Studio open from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. Enter to win a free glass blown ornament workshop. Glass blowing workshops available throughout the day, for ages 5 and up (no experience necessary). Workshop: $48.
Rocky Hill
- Academy Hall Museum At 10 a.m. meet in the parking lot on Old Main Street, then go for a hike to the Rocky Hill Quarry. At 1 p.m., at the museum, watch the new video by Wick Griswold on the Connecticut River ferries followed by a Q&A session.
- Dinosaur State Park Free admission from 9 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.
Seymour
- Lizzie’s Corner Home Consignment & Gifts Open from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. Visitors receive 10% off their entire purchase, refreshments served, and activities fro adults and children.
Scotland
- Huntington Homestead Museum Open from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. with free house tours and popped corn.
Sharon
- Ellsworth Hill Orchard & Berry Farm Open from 8 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. Visitors will receive special discount on pick-your-own strawberries (must pick 10 pounds in container).
Shelton
- Shelton History Center Free admission from noon until 4 p.m.
- SportsCenter of Connecticut One free activity per person from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m.
Sherman
- Northrop House & Old Store The Northrop House will be opened from noon until 3 p.m., with the opening of the Roger Sherman Learning Center and 2 p.m. and the exhibit “The Way You Wear Your Hat - A Collection of Hats Through the Decades.” The Old Store Gift Shop will be open from noon until 4 p.m. Both locations serving light refreshments.
Simsbury
- Red Stone Pub Open for tours from noon until 3 p.m. of the historic stable and carriage house now the Red Stone Pub. Any tour groups will receive a $1 off beverages. In the evening, support the VFW’s “Adopt a Vet” with live music, raffles, and more.
- Simsbury Historical Society Free admission from noon until 4 p.m.
- Simsbury Public Library The historic house, Joseph R. Ensign House has new owners, beginning at noon, come hear a presentation on their goals to restore this Simsbury mansion.
- Simsbury Visitors Center Serving complimentary lemonade, cookies and coffee from noon until 4 p.m. Guests receive three free postcards.
- Storyteller’s Cottage Open from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Meet local authors throughout the house and have the opportunity to buy signed books, enjoy house tours, and complimentary refreshments.
- Old Drake Hill Flower Bridge From 10 a.m. until 2 p.m., offering complimentary lemonade and free Seward Johnson sculpture tour hroughout the town.
South Windsor
- Wood Memorial Library Open from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. with two special interactive presentations on: clockmaker, Eli Terry; and one on the artists of Main Street, Albertus Jones and the Watson sisters Amelia and Edith.
Southbury
- Bullet Hill School Free admission from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m., with children’s games and light refreshments.
- Old Town Hall Museum Open from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m., offering visitors a free package of Wallace Nutting notecards.
Southport
- Pequot Library In conjunction with the summer reading program, visitors can “check out” indoor and outdoor games from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Sign up for the summer reading challenge for all ages.
Stamford
- Stamford Museum & Nature Center Free admission for the first 100 visitors from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. Must mention “Connecticut Open House Day.”
Storrs
- Ballard Institute & Museum of Puppetry Open from 11 a.m.-7 p.m., with a free guided tours at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. of the current exhibitions.
- Fenton River Garden & Studio Visitors have the chance to win half off any painting and tour the whimsical garden, weather permitting.Property part of the Art & Garden Tour of northeast Connecticut.
Stratford
- Beach House Grill Open from 11 a.m. until 9:30 p.m., offering guests 10% off all food and alcohol beverages (tax and gratuity does not apply).
- Boothe Memorial Park & Museum Open from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m., offering the first 100 visitors complimentary refreshments. All buildings will be open, along with guided tours of the Homestead House.
- Christ Episcopal Church Burying Ground William Samuel Johnson, a framer of the Constitution and first president of Columbia lies buried in Christ Church Cemetery. Costumes guides will interpret his life as well as others who are interred in the historic cemetery from noon until 3 p.m.
- Fairfield Craft Ales From 1 p.m. until 9 p.m., guests receive two flights of beer for $13 ($18 value).
- Goody Bassett’s Olde Fashioned Ice Cream Shoppe From 2 p.m. until 9:30 p.m., visitors receive 10% off any order of $10 or more.
- Homewood Suites by Hilton Stratford Guests recieve 15% off best available rate on June 9 and June 10 (based on availability).
- Mellow Monkey Open from 9 a.m. until 7 p.m. Offering: * Free gift to the first 100 visitors (no purchase necessary). * Raffle prizes. * 25% off any one item*. * Free ice cream (courtesy of Connecticut Ice Cream Trucks), * Potter’s wheel demonstrations by Nichols Pottery CT
- National Helicopter Museum Free admission from 1 p.m. until 5 p.m.
- Open Door Tea Activities include: * 9:30 a.m.-10 a.m.: Tea Tasting * 11 a.m.-11:30 a.m.: Tea 101 Class * 3:30 p.m.-4 p.m.: Learn about the benefits of herbal teas.
- Paradice Cream From noon until 10 p.m. buy one get one free slushee.
- Sterling House Community Center Open from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. Enjoy tours on the hour (10 a.m., 11 a.m., noon, 1 p.m.), participants of the tours receive a tote bag, and light refreshments offered throughout the day.
- Stratford Historical Society Free admission from noon until 3 p.m.
- Stratford Library Open from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m., offering a variety of events for all ages.
- Two Roads Brewing Company Open from noon until 9 p.m., and offering $1 off tours and a 15% off Connecticut-themed merchandise.
- William Perry House Open from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m., with free historical tours of the 1697 Colonial home.
Suffield
- King House Museum Open from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m., will complimentary guided tours and refreshments.
- Phelps-Hatheway House & Garden Free admission from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m.
Terryville
- Lock Museum of America Free admission from noon until 4 p.m.
Thomaston
- Railroad Museum of New England Offering free tours of the restored train station and train rides for $10, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Shuttles to Facia’s Chocolates in Waterbury, departing 10 a.m., noon, and 2 p.m.
- Seth Thomas-Bradstreet House Free tours from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m., with a quilt exhibit by local women.
Torrington
- KidsPlay Children’s Museum Half price admission from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.
- Torrington Historical Society Free admission from noon until 4 p.m. with self-guided tours.
- Torrington Library Open from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. with a Mural Scavenger Hunt. First 150 people who complete receive tickets to the “Strawberry Patch Ride” at the Strawberry Festival at Coe Park on the same day. Also, self-guided library tours and giveaways.
Uncasville
- Tantaquidgeon Museum Open from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m., take a tour of the oldest Indian-owned and -operated museum in America and receive a complimentary giveaway.
Vernon
- Strong Family Farm Open from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. The farm is hosting Vernon’s historical society’s antiques farm tools exhibit and the Vernon Garden Club members will be available for gardening questions. Free seeds available while supplies last and a special sale on dahlia tubers. Visitors can also make a recycled seedpod and plant a sunflower see in it to take home. Tours of the historic barn will take place every hour on the hour.
- Vernon Historical Society Free admission from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.
Wallingford
- Gouveia Vineyards Open from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m. Activities include scavenger hunt and “count the corks” in a jar, both for adults and with prizes. For children, there will be temporary tattoos, ring toss games with a prize. And, discount coupon for the restaurant for the first 50 groups.
Washington
- H.O.R.S.E. of CT The farm will be open from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m., with free hourly tours until 2 p.m.
- Institute for American Indian Studies Free admission from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m., last admission at 4:30 p.m.; along with demonstrations in the outdoor replica Algonkian Village.
Waterbury
- Fascia’s Chocolates Free special chocolate tours from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. (reservations recommended, sign up online), make your own chocolate bar ($7 fee, regularly $10). Outdoor festival with artisans, crafts and exhibits. Partnered with the Railroad Museum of New England (Thomaston) to offer tours for their 10 a.m., noon, 2 p.m.
- Mattatuck Museum Free admission from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m.
- Palace Theater From 9 a.m. until 11 p.m., the public is invited to attend previews of the Miss Connecticut and Miss Connecticut Outstanding Teen pageants for $10. At 1 p.m. and 7 p.m., are the actual pageants (regular admission applies).aterford
Waterford
- Eugene O’Neill Theater Center Visitors receive a ticket vouchers - buy one, get one free for any National Playwrights Conference or the National Music Theater Conference. Open to visitors from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.
Watertown
- Southwind Farms LLC Free admission and farm tours of an alpaca farm from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.
West Hartford
- Noah Webster House & West Hartford Historical Society Free admission from noon until 4 p.m.
- Vintage HiFi Museum Free admission from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m.
West Haven
- West Haven Historical Society Free admission from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. View photography exhibit of 19th and 20th century schools, teachers and students.
Westbrook
- Black Hall Outfitters Open from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m., offering rental of any kayak or paddleboard and get second one free.
Wethersfield
- Webb-Deane-Stevens Museum Visitors receive half off admission for tours from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.
- Wethersfield Historical Society * Captain James Francis House (120 Hartford Ave.). Tour the historic home that is very rarely open to the public, from noon until 4 p.m. * Cove Warehouse Maritime Museum (Cove Park at Main St.). Open noon until 4 p.m. * Hurlbut-Dunham House (150 Main St.). Open from noon until 4 p.m. * Keeney Memorial Cultural Center (200 Main St.). Offering coupons for 10% off in the gift shop for the first 100 visitors. Open 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.
Willimantic
- Windham Textile and History Museum Open from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. with free admission for children. Activities include children’s games, and a special event at 2 p.m.
Willington
- Moosemeadow Camping Resort From 9 a.m. until 4 p.m., visitors has free use of the campground’s amenities.
- TBG Accessories LLC Open from 10 a.m. until noon, offering a 10% discount off one item per customer. Property part of the Arts & Garden Tour of northeast Connecticut.
Windsor
- Oliver Ellsworth Homestead Free admission from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m.
- Vintage Radio & Communications Museum of Connecticut Free admission from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m.
- Windsor Historical Society Free admission from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m., along with Colonial hearth cooking demonstrations, see a working model of the Windsor Locks Canal in operation and more.
Windsor Locks
- New England Air Museum Open from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m., offering free admission from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.
Winsted
- Always Remember Me Bears Open from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m., mention Connecticut Open House Day and receive 10% off your total purchase.
- Raven’s Edge LLC Open from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m., visitors receive a free gift with a regular purchase.
Wolcott
- Wolcott Historical Society Open from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Visitors receive a free bookmarks, children’s coloring books, and a brochure on a walking tour of the town’s historic green.
Woodbury
- Abrash Galleries Rugs and Antiquities Offering 25% off storewide from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m. Stop in for some complimentary refreshments and free identification of oriental rugs.
- Ace Hardware of Woodbury Open from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m., offering free popcorn for all visitors.
- Glebe House Museum & Gertrude Jekyll Garden Free admission from noon until 4 p.m.
- Jewelry Cafe Artist Co-Op Learn how to paint glass with alcohol inks from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Free workshop where everyone can create a small glass item for just $5. Workshop is on a first come, first serve basis and only while supplies last. In addition, visitors receive 20% discount on items in the store.
- Leroy Anderson House Free admission from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. The Leroy Anderson House retains most of its original Danish Modern furnishings and contains an exhibit about Leroy Anderson. The house is occasionally open to the public.
Discounts and special offers, as well as hours of operation, vary by attraction. More information can be found on the state’s official tourism website atwww.CTVisit.com. Also, follow @CTvisit on Twitter and Instagram, post photos and comments using the hashtag #CTOpenHouse, and RSVP to the event on Facebook.
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