1. The Mark Twain House Mark Twain remains one of America's most revered authors with works that enjoy a wide readership not only in the US but also around the world. The books featuring childhood friends Huckleberry Finn and Tom Sawyer are classic favorites that have been adapted to film and other media. Twain's old house in Hartford has been restored and converted into a museum for fans to see where he wrote and how he lived in his prime. It is a Gilded Age mansion with exotic interiors that are a sight to behold.
2. Yale University The sprawling campus in New Haven is home to an impressive art collection by famous masters. The Yale University Art Gallery merits a spot every art lover's itinerary when exploring the city. It is actually a network of buildings across the university that contains a mix of early Italian paintings, American decorative works, African sculpture, and modern art. Those who wish to see original pieces by Van Gogh, Picasso, Monet and others can do so here.
3. Mystic Aquarium To get a better appreciation of marine life, go to the Mystic Aquarium. It has exotic collections on display as well as live animal shows that are always a hit with the kids. Those who visit have a chance to see penguins, sea lions and beluga whales up close. There are also luminous jellyfish in massive tanks that inspire awe. The Titanic exhibit offers insight on the ship's discovery 12,450 feet below the surface of the sea.
4. Quassy Amusement Park This amusement part in Middlebury has been around for more than a century and is still entertaining families with its various attractions. Among them are the waterslides, the grand carousel, the wooden roller coaster, the boat rides, the bumper cars, and the arcades. After a thrilling day, visitors can relax at the beach and eat at the various restaurants inside the park.
5. The Connecticut Wine and Beer Trails The state has plenty of vineyards which produce award-winning wine. People can find Merlot, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and other varieties among them. Wine tasting is offered year-round in many of the vineyards which go along delicious New England delicacies. Those who are more into beers can also find a number of breweries that make local hand-crafted drinks. The Thomas Hooker Brewery, Sunset Meadow Vineyards, Haight-Brown Vineyard, and Sharpe Hill Vineyard all deserve a stop along the tour.