Founded in 1976, Farmington Valley Arts Center is a not-for-profit organization that caters to the public and artists by featuring viewing galleries and offering studios for rent. FVAC strives to create a strong, vibrant and diverse community where artists can explore their individual inspirations and create, create, create.
Best recognized as the red house on the Post Road, Putnam Cottage is a historic site built around 1690. Originally called Knapp's Tavern during the American Revolution, the house became known as the place from which General Israel Putnam made his famous escape from the invading British. In 1906, the house was turned into a museum. Although it underwent various renovations during the 19th century, today the building has been restored to its original design. On Sunday afternoons visitors can tour the inside to experience true colonial living conditions.
Canton Historical Museum is located in the heart of Collinsville, in the old Collins Company Plow building. It offers artifacts and memorabilia in three floors of the building. Some of the collections are in rooms such as bridal parlor, general store and an actual library. In addition, there is a barber shop, which was also a dentist shop, back in the day! It has been directed by Paul Therrien, since 2000.
The Historical Society of Glastonbury was established in 1936 to preserve the town's historical heritage and to display it in an educational and entertaining manner. Its museum, located in the former town hall at 1944 Main Street, houses exhibits ranging from Native American artifacts to early 20th century items. The society maintains an extensive schedule of house tours and walking tours, and hosts the annual Farm Festival and Antiques Festival.
Barker Animation Art Gallery offers artwork from Disney, Warner Brothers and 20th Century Fox. There is also a location for this gallery in Hallandale Beach, Florida.
The Westport Arts Center is a visual and performing arts organization that offers arts experiences to the entire community. The center has been in the community since the 1960s, when it was incorporated as the Westport-Weston Arts Council in 1969. Since that time, the center has worked to preserve Westport's cultural heritage and tradition of supporting the arts.
The Westport Arts Center offices and galleries are located on the banks of the Saugatuck River in downtown Westport. In addition to presenting exhibitions, concerts, lectures and film screenings in its 2000 square-foot gallery, the center also has a studio where children's workshops are held as well as a smaller Studio Gallery annex.
Established in 2001, Nature’s Art: The Dinosaur Place is a family-owned and operated enterprise with a mission of providing a quality educational and entertainment experience for visitors of all ages. Located in Oakdale, Connecticut (less than 17 miles from Mystic), The Dinosaur Place is a member of the Mystic Tourism Consortium and the newly formed Dinosaur Trail, offering affordable guest packages through these partnerships. For further updates, a real-time calendar of hours/activities and current promotions, be sure to visit: www.TheDinosaurPlace.com or connect at facebook.com/thedinosaurplace.
One good reason to visit Stamford Museum and Nature Center is simply to appreciate the beauty of the nature trails, tree specimens and farm animals juxtaposed with old world sophistication. Once the country estate of fashion magnate Henri Bendel, the property opened as a nature center to the public in 1955. Surprisingly large at 118 acres, the park includes an impressive lake (Bendel's Pond) with a waterfall at the majestic entrance and an otter pond. An organic vegetable garden is seasonally maintained by staff members. Hekscher Barn, just next door, is a farm animal mecca with goats, chickens, turkeys and other fowl. There is also a planetarium on the premises, which has a public show each 2nd Sunday of the month at 3pm.
This is the perfect place to bring the whole family, or just yourself, to explore history, art and nature.
A drive inland from Stamford brings you to private park with history. The Bartlett Arboretum offers great diversity of flora and fauna and even a spooky cemetery. There are organized events that take advantage of arts and crafts, plant sales, guided tours of the trails, fall foliage walks and children's events; this is a great place to get away. Private group tours also available. Dog-walking is allowed, but dogs must be leashed at all times and owner must pick up after the dog.
