Wethersfield Cove is an inlet which connects to the Connecticut River. There were warehouses built…read morein the 1600s, to store goods such as food and lumber to be sent out to trade with places like the West Indies; products traded in return were rum, molasses, and sugar. The Cove Warehouse Museum still stands today and is open seasonally to the public. There is the heritage trail that runs through it, a boat ramp, rocky beach, picnic tables, porta potty, and a huge parking lot. As far as beach goes, I wouldn't advise swimming in it because of a huge sewage leak back in the 1990s. It is a beautiful spot to walk, picnic, and just enjoy the vista. I'm sure it's fun to go boating on it too. Overall, a nice little neighborhood park with tons of history.

This little hidden spot is a gem if you're looking to get away from the busy life. It is peaceful,…read morewith manicured grass, a little stream of the Connecticut River, and some geese staying cool in the water. It is super easy to access, just an easy drive down the road from Old Wethersfield and past the dreaded DMV. You can bring your lunch here and have it on the bench. Be sure to dispose of your litter in the trash can. There was a very kind older gentleman who was working to pick up the litter of the ground, he said "it gives me something to do". There's no reason for this, as there's a substantial amount of trash cans. This is a nice place to go on a boat ride down the Connecticut River, and to try to catch some fish. The Wethersfield Cove is a beautiful place to rest your mind and your eyes.

I come here quite frequently and enjoy sitting on the second story of the boathouse. I also enjoy…read moresitting on the docks, waking on the paved waking paths, and walking on the unpaved trails to the dog park with my pup! I've been a regular here for ages! There are public bathrooms at the boathouse and note that there are often events (like weddings) at the actual structure. This happens all nights of the year (or so it seems and by that I mean random weeknights is when I often stumble upon a wedding). It used to be PACKED during COVID. You will almost always find parking in the main lot but occasionally if there are kids sport games on the fields, and lots of kids on the playground, and boats being launched (boats plus trailers take up two spots)... well then you will maybe need to park in the overflow lot. I'm not sure if both of those lots are ever simultaneously full but there is a little parking garage a tiny way up the road by the Glastonbury library (if needed). It's a quick walk up to town & there are some little free libraries (and Poke-stops) nearby! Thank you :)

This beautiful park in Glastonbury is located right on the Connecticut River. It's not far from the…read moretown center and has many amenities. There's a dog park, boat ramp, picnic pavilion, athletic fields, trail, playground to name a few. There were plenty of parking. There are multiple access points. We walked through a trail which was located off Main Street and past the dog park. Then we walked towards the main entrance which was where the picnic pavilion was located. We also explored the playground and boat ramp area. This was a large and beautifully maintained park.

And we're rolling, rolling, rolling on the river Listen to…read morethe story Sooo yeah.. About that... Another yelp event which didn't include just eating but burning off the calories from other events. Service from the phone call to when we left was A++++ They set my son, ferret and myself up with two paddle board or SUP boards.. They also have canoes, and kayaks as well. Amazing rental price of 20 an hour and 10.00 for each extra hour..which is very reasonably priced. They also include a life jacket and if you would like a waterproof case for your phone at no additional charges. The staff were warm and friendly. And they just adored my ferret named Francis. We all headed out and ready to tackle the mighty CT river. Which I feel with all the wacky weather and rain that we've had the currents are a little stronger than normal. Due to my own personal health issues I gave up before the hour my son stayed out a little bit longer than I did but closer to the area where we started off. And Francis was over it too and took an swim. We did actually have Sunshine for once!! Overall we had an amazing experience. When I do go back I would most likely try a canoe or kayak. I do love supporting family owned and run small businesses here in Connecticut this is one of those hidden gems that you definitely have to try out before the summer ends!!!!

So cool. Fun summer place to catch some awesome family experiences! I would highly recommendread more

Just up stream on the Connecticut and East Haddam lies the Salmon River State DEEP boat launch. In…read morea beautiful and historic section of Connecticut River valley. Facilities are rough gravel parking lot with plenty of space for vehicles and boat trailers. There gender neutral "if you dare" port-a-potties and a well maintained boat ramp and temporary docking. We use the small carry in launch. Always susceptible to the tide. From the launches: South and northward the Connecticut River. To the right, North the inlet to the Salmon River. A quiet tidal wetland with an abounding wiz of wildlife. Just to name a few: Pods of Swan, Bald Eagle, Heron, turtle, and a mix of fish. You ca journey upstream for about 5 miles if my memory is correct to a dam and fish ladder.

We love this spot to rent kayaks on the Farmington river. They rent by the hour so get there early…read moreas they are slammed in the summer months. Easy check in and send off. Floating on the river is so relaxing and a great workout for the arms They also have bike rentals and kayak sales

I did not rent anything, so keep that in mind. It was rather impressive though, you could never…read moretell driving by how much stuff there is to buy and rent. There store has three sectionsnfor different sales, and very professional. Parking lot is a good size, and you can enter the river (I believe) by the store or further down the street at the boat launch. The side by the garden center is closed. The other side by the town buildings is open, and fairly picturesque to see everyone go by on the river.

Stunning park! I've always heard such great things about this area and it was nice to finally check…read moreit out for myself. I went for a picnic and sat for a bit in the grass near Lot E. I would say this was the most peaceful part of the park as it seemed most people didn't really come out that far or if they did it was just to turn around. After we took a nice stroll through the Irish, English, and Oriental gardens. My favorite parts had to be the tree maze and hydrangea garden. I also got the chance to touch lamb ears for the first time... What an interesting experience! Can't wait to return to this park to explore more of the gardens and finally see the view of Hartford that everyone is always talking about.

I thought this would be a great place for a date, and it is beautiful, however some areas are not…read morevery well kept. The museum/nature center was very dirty, dead bugs in most of the exhibits. The gardens were beautiful, however three of the main ones I wanted to see were reserved on the day we went. I wish it was advertised somewhere which gardens are available on which day, I assume they get reserved weeks or months in advance, so it was disappointing when we assumed they were open to the public right up until we almost walked in on someone's party. Some of the other areas are very worn and need work. In addition the birds are kept is very small cages, and it broke my heart :/

The Riverquest previously operated by Captain Mark & his side kick Mindy is now operated by the…read moreConnecticut River Museum in Essex CT. But have no fear, the operation is run flawlessly by professionals that love what they do & it shows. We have been enjoying the Connecticut river journeys on the Riverquest for several years now & learn something new every trip. Any cruise is a fun outing but we give high marks to the Old Saybrook lighthouse cruise & the Swallow migration cruises offered late summer, early fall. Several cruises do have tables set up where you can bring food & libations on board for a DIY onboard picnic while you cast a keen eye for vultures, osprey, eagles, cormorants & other water fowl, nesting hunting & feeding on the river. The scenery is wonderful. The ship is comfortable. 5 well earned stars.

My wife, a friend, and I partook the sunset cruise. It was a more personalized experience because…read moreit was small. We went on a steamboat ride and it felt like a ferry ride, crowded and loud. We were only 18 people in the riverboat so each group had our own table where we brought our own food. They provided binoculars for us to see things. We saw bald eagles, swallows, egrets, swan, etc. The crew was really knowledgeable. He taught us why the mute swan is an invasive species and how they damage the ecosystem. The ride was quite smooth and the breeze at the end of the day was really soothing. We didn't see the sunset unfortunately. The neighborhood in the area is very quaint and cute. People are extremely nice when compared to NYC. They say hi all the time. There is parking nearby but you had to pay attention to the signs. I didn't so I had to look further which I didn't revert because we got to explore the neighborhood.

This is such a beautiful lake with hiking trails. It is part of the Regional Water Authority (RWA)…read moreRecreation Area, so a special permit is required to park and hike around the reservoir. There are 10 miles of trails around the reservoir. The lake is on the boundary of Madison and Killingworth. The hikes are considered easy to moderate. It's very peaceful and quiet. Highly recommend you visit!