Great spaces to meet and great opportunities for play For a compact state, Connecticut offers huge advantages for meeting and event planners. From our high-tech cities and high-energy entertainment centers to our miles of picturesque coastline, waterways, and scenic countrysides, Connecticut offers visitors and attendees a diverse array of venues and a rich blend of experiences — all within close proximity to each other.

Attractions Fairfield County Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo (1875 Noble Ave., Bridgeport, CT), One of Connecticut’s top family attractions, spend an hour or the whole day and see more than 300 animals representing primarily North and South American species. 203-394-6565, www.beardsleyzoo.org The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk (10 North Water St., Norwalk, CT), The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk offers visitors of all ages the opportunity to have a good time while learning about the vital natural resource just off our shore: Long Island Sound. 203-852-0700, www.maritimeaquarium.org The Philip Johnson Glass House (199 Elm St., New Canaan, CT), The Glass House, built by architect Philip Johnson, is a National Trust Historic Site located in New Canaan, Connecticut. The pastoral 49-acre landscape comprises fourteen structures, including the Glass House (1949), and features a permanent collection of 20th-century painting and sculpture, along with temporary exhibitions. 203-594-9884, www.theglasshouse.org

Hartford County The Bushnell Center for the Performing Arts (166 Capitol Ave.) (3,707 ppl.) Connecticut’s premier performing arts center presents Broadway tours, symphony orchestras, family presentations, children’s theater, off-Broadway jazz, blues, cabaret, comedy. Tours available. 860-987-6000 • www.bushnell.org Hartford Stage (50 Church St.) (489 ppl.) Renowned for productions of American classics, masterpieces of world theater, premieres of new plays by today’s finest playwrights. Tony Award-winning professional company presents plays year-round. Group tours by appt., call 860-525-5601. Tickets 860-527-5151 • www.hartfordstage.org TheaterWorks (233 Pearl St.) (198 ppl.) Professional regional theater performing contemporary American plays. Performances Tue.-Sun. Box Office open Mon.-Fri. 10am-5pm. 860-527-7838 • www.theaterworkshartford.org Hartford Symphony Orchestra (180 ppl.) Connecticut’s premier musical organization presents 100+ concerts annually including Masterworks series, POPS!, Sunday Serenades, Jazz and Strings, and the Talcott Mountain Music Festival. 860-244-2999 • www.hartfordsymphony.org Infinity Music Hall & Bistro Hartford (32 Front St.) City’s newest musical venue offers intimate concerts and creative cuisine. Up to 500 seats with a wide variety of performances from all genres. Dine in the bistro or in premier mezzanine seats during shows. Toll-free 866-666-6306 • www.infinityhall.com The Webster Theatre (31 Webster St.) Live music from national acts in all genres, from rock to reggae, samba to soul. 860-525-5553 • www.webstertheater.com Xfinity Theatre (61 Savitt Way) Indoor/outdoor concert and event amphitheatre with a capacity of 30,000. 860-548-7370 • www.ticketmaster.com

Hartford County Bushnell Park (Elm & Jewell Sts.) 40 acres in Downtown Hartford. Civil War Arch, children’s play area, sculptures, antique carousel. Free tours of Arch/notable trees. Thursdays from May-Oct. Annual Winterfest celebration and ice skating rink. 860-232-6710 • www.bushnellpark.org Elizabeth Park & Gardens (1561 Asylum Ave. at corner of Prospect Ave.) Nation’s oldest and third largest public rose garden at its peak in the month of June. Diverse horticultural park. Year-round, sunrise sunset. Free. 860-231-9443 • Events schedule at www.elizabethparkct.org Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Arch (Bushnell Park) 116-ft.-tall brownstone memorial designed by architect George Keller. Erected in 1886, dedicated to 4,000 Hartford citizens who served in Civil War. Free tours Thursdays, May-Oct. from 12pm-1:30pm. 860-232-6710 • www.bushnellpark.org Butler-McCook House & Garden and Amos Bull House (396 Main St.) 1782 home chronicles Hartford’s transformation to a modern urban city. Apr. 1-Dec. 31. Group tours available. 860-522-1806 • www.ctlandmarks.org Noah Webster House/West Hartford Historical Society (227 South Main St., West Hartford) Birthplace of creator of first American dictionary. Tours, educational programs, exhibits, shop. Call for hours. 860-521-5362 • www.noahwebsterhouse.org

Connecticut’s Old State House (800 Main St.) Interactive exhibit, Curiousity Museum, restored historic chambers, guided and self-guided tours and family fun! Hours/admission on website. Gift shop of Connecticut items. 860-522-6766 • www.ctoldstatehouse.org Harriet Beecher Stowe Center (77 Forest St.) A 21st-century museum, the Center uses the author’s story to inspire social justice and positive change. Stowe wrote the best-selling anti-slavery novel Uncle Tom’s Cabin. Stowe House tours, plus discounted tours with Mark Twain House & Museum. Museum Store. 860-522-9258 ext.317 • www.harrietbeecherstowe.org Mark Twain House & Museum (351 Farmington Ave.) Victorian mansion where author lived from 1874 to 1891 when he created Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn. Museum Center features galleries, film, store and café. Year-round. 860-247-0998 • www.marktwainhouse.org New England Air Museum (Bradley International Airport, 36 Perimeter Rd. off Rt. 75) 80+ aircraft in three large hangars. Exciting aircraft, exhibits and programs perfect for all ages! 10am-5pm. 860-623-3305 • www.neam.org Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art (600 Main St.) Take a break and visit the nation's oldest continuously-operating public art museum, just two blocks from the Convention Center! Present your convention badge at the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art to receive your discounted admission of only $5. Café and Museum Shop. Open Wed.-Sun. 860-278-2670 • www.thewadsworth.org Cabela’s (475 East Hartford Blvd. North) Next to Rentschler Field stadium. 185,000-sq.-ft. retail showroom, educational/entertainment attraction with huge aquariums and trophy animals in recreations of natural habitats. 860-290-6200 • www.cabelas.com Connecticut Science Center (250 Columbus Blvd.) Hands-on fun for all ages, 165+ interactive exhibits, thrilling 3D movies, live science, gift shop and Subway. Convenient onsite parking. 860-SCIENCE • www.CTScienceCenter.org Front Street District (39 Front St.) Dining and entertainment complex located in Adriaen’s Landing, across from the Connecticut Convention Center. Features Spotlight Theatres, Infinity Music Hall Hartford, and growing number of restaurants. 860-527-0100 • www.frontstreetdistrict.com Hartford Belle Cruises (Charter Oak Landing and Riverfront Plaza) (49 ppl.) 90-minute scenic cruises along the Connecticut River. Three cruises a day, May-Oct. Group fares. Beverages, snacks available. 860-665-9428 • www.hartfordbelle.com Lady Katharine Cruises (Charter Oak Landing) (200ppl) Elegant riverboat featuring dinner, lunch, Sunday brunch, entertainment cruises. Public cruises, private charters. 1-866-86RIVER • www.ladykatecruises.com Riverfront Recapture (50 Columbus Blvd.) Non-profit organization produces public & private events along the Connecticut Riverfront in Hartford and East Hartford. Festivals, rowing, ropes, fishing, youth programs, concerts, trails, more. 860-713-3131 • www.riverfront.org Hartford Yard Goats (Dunkin Donuts Park, 1214 Main St.) New AA baseball affiliate of the Colorado Rockies (former New Britain Rock Cats). New stadium, many special events. 860-246-GOAT • www.yardgoatsbaseball.com

Hartford County Rentschler Field (615 Silver Ln., East Hartford) 40,000-seat sports & entertainment stadium. Home to UConn Huskies football, concerts, special events and more. 860-610-4700 • www.rentschlerfield.com Spotlight Theatre & Front Street Bistro (39 Front St.) Revolutionary cinema experience combining latest feature films and old favorites with stylish dining experience. 860-422-7712 • www.spotlighttheatres.com XL Center (formerly Hartford Civic Center) (1 Civic Center Plaza) State’s largest indoor premier sports and entertainment facility, Veterans Memorial Coliseum and Exhibition Center. Box Office weekdays 12pm-5pm. Event Info 860-249-6333, Ticketmaster 800-745-3000 • www.xlcenter.com

New Haven County CoCo Key Water Resort Hotel & Convention Center (3580 East Main St., Waterbury, CT), Casual hotel, indoor water park and conference complex. 203-706-1000, www.cocokeywaterbury.com Ireland’s Great Hunger Museum At Quinnipiac University (3011 Whitney Ave., Hamden, CT), Collection of art, artifacts and literature relating to the Irish Famine/Great Hunger that occurred from 1845–52. 203-582-6500, www.ighm.org It™ Adventure Indoor Ropes Course at Jordan’s Furniture (40 Sargent Dr., New Haven, CT), The largest indoor ropes course in the world – with over 100 activities like zig zag swinging beams, crisscross angle rope ladders, cargo nets, bridges, and plank-walking! 203-812-9981, www.jordans.com/attractions/it Thimble Island Cruise/Volsunga IV (The Town Dock, Stony Creek, CT), Treat yourself and your family to a special day on the water. We’ve got some beautiful islands to show you! Feel the sea breezes, hear the shore birds and soak in the sights aboard our comfy 48 passenger boat Volsunga IV. 203-481-3345, www.thimbleislands.com Thimble Island Cruise/Sea Mist (The Town Dock, Stony Creek, CT), Relax and enjoy a 45 minute narrated cruise around The Thimble Islands. After the sightseeing tours, we transform our vessel into a private charter boat for a party or dinner cruise. 203-488-8905, www.thimbleislandcruise.com Toyota Presents Oakdale Theatre (95 South Turnpike Rd., Wallingford, CT), A 4600-seat theatre with a proscenium stage that rivals any entertainment center in the Northeast. 203-265-1501, www.oakdale.com Yale University, Museums & Galleries (Visitor Center: 149 Elm St., New Haven, CT), Check out an exhibit or see a play – there are dozens of events happening daily. 203-432-2300, www.yale.edu Knights of Columbus Museum (1 State St., New Haven, CT), Features world-class exhibitions of artwork and history, particularly those representing the heritage of Catholicism. 203-865-0400, www.kofcmuseum.org PEZ Candy Visitors Center (35 Prindle Hill Rd., Orange, CT), Come see and experience the PEZ brand in person. Over 4,000 square feet dedicated to all things PEZ! 203-298-0201, www.pez.com

 New London County The Dinosaur Place at Nature’s Art Village

(1650 Hartford-New London Tpke., Montville, CT), Experience an Outdoor Adventure of Prehistoric Proportions. 860-443-4367, www.naturesartvillage.com/thedinosaurplace Florence Griswold Museum (96 Lyme St., Old Lyme, CT), This museum of art and history tells the story of how Connecticut played a pivotal role in fostering an authentic American art. 860-434-5542, www.flogris.org Foxwoods Resort Casino & Tanger Outlets (Route 2, Mashantucket, CT), Foxwoods Resort Casino is one of the premier hotel, gaming, shopping and entertainment destinations in the Northeast. 800-FOXWOODS, www.foxwoods.com Mashantucket Pequot Museum (110 Pequot Trail Mashantucket, CT), The Museum brings to life the story of the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation. It serves as a major resource on the histories and cultures of Native Americans in the northeast and on the region's rich natural history. 800-411-9671, www.pequotmuseum.org

New London County Mohegan Sun Casino (One Mohegan Sun Blvd., Uncasville, CT), Mohegan Sun is one of the world's most amazing destinations with some of New England's finest dining, hotel accommodations, retail shopping, live entertainment and sporting events. 888-226-7711, www.mohegansun.com Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration (55 Coogan Blvd., Mystic, CT), At Mystic Aquarium, close encounters of the incredible kind happen every day! Whether you’re touching a ray, feeling the splash of a beluga whale, going break-to-nose with a penguin or exploring the five most extreme habitats of our ocean planet, you’ll learn more and “sea” more than you ever thought possible! 860-572-5955, www.mysticaquarium.org Mystic Seaport (75 Greenmanville Ave., Mystic, CT), Mystic Seaport is the nation’s leading maritime museum. 888-9-SEAPORT, www.mysticseaport.org U.S. Navy’s Submarine Force Museum (Home of U.S.S. Nautilus), (1 Crystal Lake Rd., Groton, CT), Submarines have fascinated people from Alexander the Great to the Beatles, from Jules Verne to John Holland. You'll find out why when you visit the nation's finest displays and collections of America's submarine heritage. 800-343-0079, www.ussnautilus.org

Tolland County University of Connecticut UConn Dairy & Farm Tour (Lodewick Visitors Center, 115 N. Eagleville Rd., Storrs, CT), The picturesque rolling peaks of Horsebarn Hill are the centerpiece of UConn's founding department, the College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources. You can't beat the view, and the nearby floriculture greenhouses, animal barns, and famed Dairy Bar are worth a visit. 860-486-2000, www.uconn.edu

 Statewide Blue-Blazed Hiking Trails (825 Miles of Public Footpaths Across Connecticut), 860-346-TREE, www.ctwoodlands.org Connecticut Antiques Trail (Shops and Eateries), www.ctvisit.com/antiquestrail Connecticut Art Trail (Area Museums), 860-425-5560, www.arttrail.org Connecticut Beer Trail (Microbreweries and Pubs), www.CTbeertrail.net Connecticut Chocolate Trail (Chocolatiers, Artisans), www.ctvisit.com/dontmiss/details/206 Connecticut Garden & Landscape Trail (Gardens, Nurseries), www.CTGardenTrail.com Connecticut Wine Trail (Vineyards/Wine Tastings), 860-677-5467, www.ctwine.com

Nearby Massachusetts Magic Wings Butterfly (281 Greenfield Rd., Rtes. 5 & 10, South Deerfield, MA), Featuring an 8,000-square foot indoor conservatory home to nearly 4,000 exotic and domestic butterflies in a tropical environment, Magic Wings focuses on butterfly-related education, recreation, entertainment and gardening needs. 413-665-2805, www.magicwings.net Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame (1000 Hall of Fame Ave., Springfield, MA), The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame is home to more than three hundred inductees and more than 40,000 square feet of basketball history. Located on the picturesque banks of the Connecticut River, the new museum is a fitting shrine to the game Dr. Naismith invented more than a century ago. 877-4HOOPLA, www.hoophall.com Old Sturbridge Village (1 Old Sturbridge Village Rd., Sturbridge, MA), A living museum which re-creates life in rural New England during the 1790s through 1830s. 508-347-3362, www.osv.org The Quadrangle Museums (State and Chestnut Streets, Springfield, MA), The Springfield Museums offers access to four world-class museums and the Dr. Seuss National Memorial Sculpture Garden, 413-263-6800, www.springfieldmuseums.org

Nearby Massachusetts Six Flags New England Springfield (1623 Main St., Rt. 159, Agawam, MA), Amusement Park, 413-786-9300, www.sixflags.com/parks/newengland Yankee Candle Village (25 Greenfield Rd., South Deerfield, MA), A special place where magic comes to life. From watching animated, singing characters to celebrating Christmas year 'round, a place where your whole family can experience an enchanting mix of shopping and entertainment. 877-636-7707, www.yankeecandle.com