Romantic getaways in Connecticut

One of the most urban of the New England states, Connecticut nevertheless has wide open lands, making up for around two-thirds of the state. The Connecticut River divides the state in half and all of these make the state the perfect destination for lovers with its beaches, state parks, forests, lakes and arbors.

Hartford

When in Hartford, one of the most romantic things you can do is take a cruise on the Connecticut River. You can hire a boat from Charter Oak Landing from where you will sail past classic New England towns and fishing villages, waterfront mansions and wetland preserves. then again if you wish to woo your beloved what better places to do than in Hartford’s Elizabeth Park Rose Garden has more than 15,000 rose bushes in bloom, representing some 900 different varieties, an antique rose garden, perennial and annual gardens, and rock and herb gardens. If you can time your romantic vacation during the summer months, you can enjoy the full glory of the blooms with your beloved and perhaps even partake of the Greater Hartford’s Rose & Garden Weekend. However don’t leave before dropping in at the house of house of Samuel L. Clemens, better known by his pen name, Mark Twain. The 19-room, High-Victorian mansion where Twain raised his family between 1874 and 1891 is now a National Historic Landmark. In this grand home, the author penned several of his finest works, including Tom Sawyer and The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. Also the Twain house features the only remaining domestic interiors by Louis-Comfort Tiffany. The most impressive objects in the house include the Clemens’ ornately carved Venetian bed and a mantle salvaged from a Scottish castle. Daily tours offer insights into the life and works of America’s great story-teller, outspoken critic, and social commentator. Local poetry readings, concerts, the Connecticut Rose Show, self-guided tours, an art show, an herbal cooking demonstration, and talks at the gardens surrounding Harriet Beecher Stowe’s Victorian home are only some of the other attractions that are sure to make this romantic getaway memorable for you and your partner.

Mystic Seaport

Connecticut's 250-mile-long coastline is marked by sandy coves and marinas; little wonder then that Mystic Seaport figures as one of the favorite getaways for lovers. During the 19th century, Mystic was one of the busiest ports on the eastern seaboard. Now it is the world's largest Maritime Museum. Visitors wander through restored homes and shops where blacksmiths, candle makers, woodcarvers, and sail makers demonstrate these old-fashioned trades. On the waterfront, the Charles W. Morgan, last of the wooden whaling vessels (built 1841) is open for touring. You must take a peek at the nearby Mystic Aquarium which is home to Penguins, whales, sharks, and other fishy friends. Apart from featuring both indoor and outdoor exhibits, the aquarium adds new programs each season.

Casinos

One of the prime attractions of Connecticut’s nightlife is its casinos. So after you have done your share of sightseeing, rope in your partner to check out two of the state’s mega-casinos, Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun, which are located fairly close to one another. While Foxwoods has far more extensive offerings, being the second largest casino in the country, it is Mohegan Sun with its phantasmagoric decor that you are sure to find one of Connecticut's most fun and spirited environment.

Woodstock offers the comforts and charms of Connecticut's Quiet Corner to its visiting couples. Apart from strolling through the beautiful environs of Rosleand Park hand in hand, you can also partake of several outdoor activities at Camp Nahaco and Town Beach. You can wind up your Woodstock visit by signing up with a bottling tour or wine tastings at any nearby wineries, of which one of the best known is the Taylor Brook Winery. Other romantic spots to keep in mind this month include various quaint inns as well as pretty B&Bs on the waterfront in Westport.

New Haven

While New Haven may be best known to the world for the highly prestigious Yale University, the town has a lot to offer its visitors and particular those on a romantic vacation. The city's parks are sylvan retreats and both the Black Rock Fort as well as Fort Nathan Hale are frequented for their panoramic views of New Haven Harbor. The largest park in the city, East Rock is famous for its rose gardens and you are sure to be rewarded by the magnificent of its full bloom if you can time your trip around June and July. East Rock also has a bird sanctuary, nature trails, and tennis courts where you can unwind with your beloved. And even though Connecticut area's 40-acre zoo may seem more suitable for families, don’t discount the romantic appeal of West Rock Nature Center which the zoo is part of. On the Long Island Sound, Lighthouse Point Park has places to swim and picnic. Inside its beach pavilion there's an old-fashioned, turn-of-the-century carousel that still spins magic for lovers like you.

Other than its scenic beauty, New Haven is also well known for its cultural scene. High-quality theater, opera, and ballet performances abound throughout the year. The Green is a National Historic Landmark surrounded by magnificent churches built during the early 1800s. here weekend summer jazz concerts attract thousands of music lovers. Along the Connecticut city's Theater Row, the renovated halls put up musicals and Broadway shows. For Experimental productions though you can head to the Yale Repertory Theater. Yet another respected university institution is the Yale University Art Gallery, designed by Louis Kahn. It displays American and European work and has a sculpture garden with amazing exhibits.

Danbury

Finally what spells romance more than a picturesque train ride? To experience this, head for Danbury which is home to the famous Danbury Railway Museum. The Museum, located in the historic station and rail yard in downtown Danbury, Connecticut, offers railroad history, tours, a collection of original and restored rolling stock, and even opportunities for hands-on railroad work at "12 inches to the foot" scale, should you or your partner be so inclined. Whether or not you are interested in rail history, don’t forget to take your sweetheart on a train ride for one of the most romantic time of your lives.