Hi all,

My son has a week of camp in the Bridgeport area this summer and I will be staying in the vicinity during that time. I'm bringing my 75 year-old mother and her friend as they both wanted to see the area. I am trying to sort through and make us a schedule during our 7 days there, whether it is just quaint town squares, small museums, nice shops, universities, restaurants - anything goes! As the ladies are from the northwest part of the US this will be their first time exploring the area. I have access to a car and everyone is in good walking condition if the pace isn't too fast. We fly into Hartford and they wanted to see Yale University but other than that, I would appreciate any suggestions from those of you in the know! I've been reading all the posts, but would appreciate any other guidance. Thanks, Jane

Bridgeport itself is not scenic, but most of the museums on the Connecticut art trail are withing striking distance of there. Check dates and hours since the college museums may be closed when there are no classes.
http://www.arttrail.org

Other places to consider , depending on interests
the casinos (Mohegan Sun and Foxwoods) . Both have good restaurants and a varied entertainment schedule
Newport , Rhode Island. Not too far a drive, and worth at least a full day and overnight, in my opinion

If you go to www.ctvisit.com you will get lots of suggestions on what is going on when you will be here. There are lots of nice museums on the site. My favorite is the Hillstead in Farmington, but in Hartford the Atheneum is not real small but is very nice, as are the Mark Twain House and Harriet Beacher Stow House. Mystic has Mystic Seaport and a great Aquarium, if you go to that area do visit Stonington Burough, lots of very old houses and some cute shops. New Britain has an excellent Museum of American Art. Lyme has a nice art museum with works of the school that was there 100 yrs ago. Near Foxwoods Casino, the Native Americans have a very interesting museum featuring the history of the tribes in the area. Both Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun casinos are interesting places to visit even if you don't gamble.

Yale has several museums, a couple of art ones and a Museum of Natural History. Bridgeport has a P T Barnum museum.

If you drive north to Litchfield or Kent you will find charming towns.

Have a nice time.

I'd definitely go to Mystic, CT and then over to see the mansions at Newport RI. I'm assuming he's not in day camp so you can wander for 7 days? If so, I'd then head over to Cape Cod and spend a few days there.

Hartford to Mystic to Newport to Orleans are just 1 hour drives for each leg. It's a leisurely route to take, stopping to spend the night and sightsee and wander.

If you are interested in that kind of week, we can offer all kinds of suggestions. It's where I'd go this summer if I could.

Another vote for Mystic Seaport, and for the Native American museum on the Foxwoods property-- it is really a gem -- and for Newport RI. The casinos are fun if you like that sort of thing.

You could take the train for a daytrip into NYC. You could also visit sites associated with the Hudson River Valley, like FDR's mansion and the Culinary Institute of America (CIA).

(I assume the boy is in day camp and thats why you are staying there for a week?)

Hi, No, he isn't in day camp, but as we are from across the country, I am using his 7-day camp as an opportunity to add a vacation for myself and my mother (and her friend!)

My husband thought that was a slick way to add in a vacation- Ha! Actually, we live so far away, I hated to be across the country from him. Anyway, Mystic sounds wonderful as well as the mansions in Newport. We go to NYC on vacation frequently but are so busy we don't get out of the city.

That is why I wanted to make the most of this time to explore. Are any of these towns a better option for staying the night than any others in your opinion?

Actually the casinos would be perfect for one evening anyway. Big blackjack players are with me!

I appreciate your help so much!

Jane

There is plenty to see and do in Connecticut!

"Connecticut, An Explorer's Guide" is a very comphrensive resource.

I would like to second sugg. of emalloy.
Go up Rte 25 out of B'port up to New Milford, Kent, Litchfield,
Warren, Washington, Southbury etc

Another vote for Mystic. If he is day camp, you dont want to be too far. If you guys like antiques, head up to Woodbury. Its all about antiquing

Oops sorry, he isnt in day camp. Still vote for mystic, kent, casinos too

When you go to Yale, make sure to see their British Museum. (closed Mons.) http://ycba.yale.edu/information/info_hours-dir.html

There are some sweet towns near New Haven that are much more picturesque towns like Branford, Ct. from which you can take a cruise of the Thimble Islands. http://www.thimbleislandcruise.com/tours.html

One "trick" to use is to map any location (like Bridgeport, Ct.) and then use the "search nearby" link for whatever you're looking for (ie museums, art galleries, restaurants etc.) You'll also find reviews linked to the listings. The Barnum Museum is in Bridgeport. Btw, I'm not sure Bridgeport is the nicest place to stay. The Inn at Fairfield Beach might be a nicer idea. http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Rev...nnecticut.html

The "map" I was talking about is maps.google.com

Here are some ideas. Mystic can easily be an overnight, if you include the casinos and Stonington (beautiful and historic).
Other short "Day" trips from Bridgeport:
Sono--South Norwalk area--sute shops, restaurants, and a nice Maritime center.
Westport & Greenwich--upscale shopping and dining.
Stew Leonards!! (look it up--a fab grocery store that is an experience in itself).
Ridgefield--Another pretty town.
New Haven--Great museums, Yale, and GREAT pizza!
Shoreline Towns--Milford, Branford, Guilford, Madison.
Further out-- Old Saybrook and Essex --Where there's a steam train, Gillette Castle and Goodspeed Opera House. Chester is adorable, too.
Northwest CT--Kent, Sherman, Washington & Litchfield County. This is CT as you imagined it to be.
Hartford--The Mark Twain House is great!
If you want to venture further--go to the Berkshires in MA. Great Barrington, Stockbridge and Lenox are all popular tourist areas. I think you may have to stay overnight here.

Have a great time and make sure to check out CT tourist websites for fairs, festivals, etc.

Can I suggest a couple of things? (Haven't read all the posts so this may have been mentioned already.)

Consider a couple of nights in Newport, RI and maybe a night in Mystic, CT. Newport is about 2 hours from Bridgeport. Easily enough there to occupy yourself for a couple of nights, especially if you wanted to do mansion tours.

There really isn't much in Bridgeport. In fact, parts can be a bit dicey.


I might suggest you head to Newport for at least two nights. Then, stop at Mystic for a night on the way back.

You might also consider that from Bridgeport you could easily head into NYC for the day. You can either take the train direct from Bridgeport or drive the 20 miles south to Stamford. The Stamford station will give you the option of connecting to trains that have limited stops to and from New York.