HARTFORD, Conn., May 21, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- On Saturday, June 13, Connecticut's Office of Tourism is inviting residents to celebrate the summer season by visiting the unique places and spaces in their own backyard at this year's annual Connecticut Open House Day. The popular statewide event, celebrating its 11th year, encourages residents to explore the diverse blend of experiences through special offers for locals at destinations across the state. During the one-day-only event, attractions from beloved historical sites and museums to renowned theatre and unique foodie stops, will offer free or discounted admission and special activities.
"Connecticut Open House Day is the perfect way for residents to enjoy the start of the summer season by revisiting their most cherished places or finding new favorites," said Randy Fiveash, director of the Connecticut Office of Tourism. "This year we have more than 165 destinations across every region of the state participating, including 30 new properties, giving residents the opportunity to explore Connecticut's variety of experiences within a short drive."
Participating locations include:
- Adventure Park at Storrs: All visitors will receive a 10 percent ticket discount from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m. where beginners to advanced climbers will be able to experience an "adventure in the trees."
- American Clock & Watch Museum in Bristol: Free admission from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m.
- Avery-Coop House in Groton: Free admission from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m., with costumed interpreters, old fashioned children's games and complimentary refreshments.
- Bishop's Orchards Farm Market & Winery in Guilford: Open from 8 a.m. until 7 p.m., offering complimentary apple cider donuts and balloons for children.
- Dinosaur State Park in Rocky Hill: Free admission from 9 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.
- Fairfield Museum and History Center in Fairfield: Free admission from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.
- Fascia's Chocolates in Waterbury: Free behind-the-scenes tours every hour from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m.
- Governor's Residence in Hartford: Open from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m., with a special treat of lemon ice served on the outside patio.
- Stamford Museum & Nature Center in Stamford: Free admission for the first 100 visitors from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m.
- Hartford Stage in Hartford: $10 off tickets for the "Kiss Me, Kate" performance at 2 p.m. Use code CTOPEN15 online (hartfordstage.org) or call (860) 527-5151. Offer not valid on supersaver tickets or previous purchases.
- High Meadow Bed & Breakfast in Wallingford: Offering house and garden tours from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Tours will include architectural features of the 18th century center chimney house and refreshments, such as hot and ice tea, homemade bread and jam.
- Westford Hill Distillers in Ashford: Free guided tours of the distillery, generally not open to the public, from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.
Each year Open House Day attracts new destinations, as well as returning favorites, such as Goodspeed Opera House, Henry Whitfield State Museum and Prudence Crandall House, participating since the annual event began in 2004. New attractions this year include: Anita Holmes Home & Studio, Art & Garden Tour of Northeast Connecticut, Atwood Farm Museum, Ball & Socket Arts, Bethel Artspace, Bullet Hill School, Clinton Arts Project Art Gallery, Cork & Brew, Deming-Young Farmhouse, Feinberg English Silver, Flying Dragon Farm Studio, For the Love of Pets, High Meadow Bed & Breakfast, In Sheep's Clothing Yarn Shop, Indian and Colonial Research Center, Jane Penfield Fine Art – Art & Garden Tour, Lauralton Hall (Pond-Taylor Mansion), NC Bunnell Studio, Nina Ritson Home & Studio, Pat's Glass, Sand Hill Pottery, Smith Stitch Studio, Storrs Center, Susan Dorazio Studio, Susan Rood Studio, TBG Beads & Accessories LLC, The Oaks on the Square, Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park, Tom Hlas, Artist and UConn Co-op Bookstore at Storrs Center.
For a complete list of participating venues visit CTvisit.com. More information can also be found at the Visit Connecticut Facebook invite, Visit Connecticut Open House Day Pinterest map and @CTvisit Twitter channel by following the hashtag #CTOpenHouse.
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SOURCE Connecticut Office of Tourism
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