1. Visit Downtown Mystic

If you love history then downtown Mystic should be on your must-see list. This Connecticut seaside village is focused on its glorious maritime history. Visitors can explore the Mystic Seaport, a beautifully recreated 19th-century village or visit the Mystic Aquarium which is home to a wide variety of sea life.

If shopping is more your style, then Olde Mistick Village may be for you. An outdoor mall designed to represent a 19th-century New England Village, this village is filled with era themed stores for you to browse and buy. With many restaurants within Olde Mistick Village, this is one of the best places in Connecticut to visit for lunch or dinner.

2. Visit The New England Air Museum

The New England Air Museum, at Bradley International Airport, is the largest aviation museum in the northeastern US with 80 aircrafts featured in multiple display buildings. The three hangars of the museum display different eras, from the pioneering flight era to modern planes, as well as helicopters. There is an exhibit of aircraft engines showing the history of flight, another display highlighting commercial flight, and educational videos for all ages.



With interactive exhibits at this air museum there is something for everyone! Visitors are entertained with a flight simulator and interactive games for children. You can even watch the aircraft restoration process! Be sure to stop by the gift shop so you can pick up your souvenir!

3. Essex Steam Train And Riverboat

Want a relaxing sightseeing adventure? Find a seat and get ready to relax on the Essex Steam Train. An antique train pulled by an original steam locomotive featuring vintage coaches, this ride allows visitors to roll their way along the lovely Connecticut River.

A lively conductor and tour guide will entertain you with historical facts while traveling from Essex Station on this 12-mile round-trip journey. Along the way, you will pass the towns of Chester and Deep River.

We suggest also purchasing a Riverboat tour to prolong your breathtaking adventure. The MV Becky Thatcher is a 70′ Mississippi-style riverboat that comfortably holds 150 passengers. Inquire about a cocktail reception or sit-down dinner for the relaxation you have been craving. This riverboat will take you on a stunning cruise highlighted by glimpses of incredible wildlife (even a bald eagle if you take this trip during February and March), mesmerizing shoreline, and other historic sites on this list like Gillette Castle.

4. The Gillette Castle

Gillette Castle was originally a private residence commissioned and designed by William Gillette, an American actor, most famously known for his portrayal of Sherlock Holmes. Gillette lived at this estate from 1919 to 1937. The estate was purchased by the state of Connecticut in 1943 for a price of $5,000!

The castle re-opened in 2002 after a four-year, $11 million restoration. It now includes a visitors' center and museum, hiking trails, and a picnic area. Gillette Castle now receives 350,000 visitors annually.

This 184-acre estate displays stunning views of the Connecticut river. Inside, the medieval Gothic castle contains secret passages, intricate locking mechanisms, and other fascinating treasures that all point to the creative genius of William Gillette.

5. Volunteer At The Connecticut Humane Society

If you are looking to give back and love animals, then you should consider volunteering at the Connecticut Humane Society to have the best of both worlds. With multiple locations needing help, volunteering includes cuddling with cats, cleaning cages, and dog walking. Don’t worry about becoming too attached, as the Humane Society offers fostering and adoption opportunities.

6. Visit The Yale University Art Gallery

If you have an appreciation for the arts, then The Yale University Art Gallery is a must see. Home to nearly 300,000 artistic pieces, this art gallery has something for everyone. Founded in 1832 when patriot-artist John Trumbull donated more than 100 paintings of the American Revolution, this is the oldest university art museum in America and is filled to the brim with history from all regions of the world and across time.

You will find works by the likes of Degas, Monet, and Manet within this art gallery. The gallery features timeless art and artifacts on display from regions such as Asia, Europe, and the Indo-Pacific.

If you prefer more modern art, Yale boasts an impressive collection of modern and contemporary art pieces to keep you entertained. The gallery is open to everyone and completely free to visitors.

7. Visit Arethusa Farm

Arethusa Farm is a dairy farm in Bantam, originally opened by the Webster family in 1868 and named after the region's pink orchard. In 1999, the farm was purchased by Anthony Yurgaitis and George Malkemus, who have maintained a dairy storefront and stunning restaurant at the site since 2013.

Visitors can stop in at the dairy's open barn hours on Saturday to meet-and-greet with farm cows and learn about milking and bottling operations. The company's ultra-pasteurized milk is sold year-round and is designed to maintain as much of its natural flavor as possible. If your grandchildren are with you, then you must try their homemade ice cream. If ice cream is not your thing, then you can try their farm-fresh yogurt, European-style cheeses, butter, and seasonal eggnog made with cage-free eggs.



The dairy farm's restaurant, Arethusa Al Tavolo (opened in 2013), prides itself on exclusively using the farm’s dairy products and for procuring only the finest locally sourced ingredients for its daily menu. Executive chef Dan Magill looks forward to serving you.

8. Visit Candlewood Lake

What can beat a lake on a hot day? Candlewood lake is an impressive 8.4 square miles in size, the largest lake in Connecticut. Created by the Connecticut Light & Power company in 1928, this man-made reservoir is a hot spot for summer fun. Swimming, boating, fishing, kayaking, and all types of water activities top the list of things to do. Candlewood lake also included a total of twelve islands!

Did you know a small village by the name of Jerusalem was also buried under the waters? Jerusalem included a grist mill, a school, and a few homes. Many homes were burned down to the foundations before they filled the lake with water, although the foundations themselves were left which can make for quite the surprise when scuba diving!  

Creating memories with your children and grandchildren, having purpose, and trying new things can be the foundation of a fulfilling retirement. We want you to do more of what you love with the people you love.

The first step to a fulfilling retirement is preparing. Depending on how you prepare, retirement can be the most rewarding or stressful times of your life.

Contact us to learn how the Retire Safety First Approach allows you to have the peace of mind you deserve or call us at 860-757-3644.

At Retire Safety First we believe everyone has a right to a safe, secure and predictable retirement. Our goal is to remove the fear and uncertainty out of retirement, to provide peace of mind for retirement.