Fall is a wonderful time for family, fun and fantastic views. Here in New England, we enjoy the spectacular autumn array of colors and cool temperatures as well as major historical landmarks, making Fall perfect for time with loved ones. Perhaps for you, Fall provides the perfect time of year to get away from it all and enjoy a little personal peace and reflection before the hustle of the holidays. Maybe you’re a nature enthusiast, or perhaps more of a history buff. Lucky for you, Connecticut is bursting with both. In my column this month I’m going to give you just a small snapshot of the possibilities waiting to be discovered right in your own backyard with a trip to our state parks, forests or very own state Capitol building.
If you are thinking of enjoying some time at a state park or state forest during this fall, visit the Department of Environmental Protection’s (DEP’s) website at www.ct.gov/dep and search for state parks and forests to plan your visit. The website provides information such as swimming or camping facilities, trails, park highlights and any possible fees associated with the park. For Connecticut residents 65 years of age or older, the Charter Oak Pass provides free access to the state parks and forests, and can be obtained through the DEP.
If you enjoy letterboxing at the state forests, a commemorative stamp marking Connecticut’s 375th anniversary is located in the letterboxes of state forests this year. Letterboxes are plastic containers hidden in specific natural locations within the state forest. A set of clues is given to visitors in search of a location. Once found, a stamp and stamp pad are located inside the plastic container for visitors to stamp into their personal record books. For more information about letterboxing, or to receive clues, visit the Department of Environmental Protection’s website at www.ct.gov/dep and search for Forestry.
Our state is full of interesting historic places including the landing of the Amistad, Mark Twain’s home, the Eli Whitney museum, and even much older history going back to the age of the dinosaurs! But no place captures both our rich history and present day affairs quite like our very own state Capitol building. Built in 1878 at the highest point in Bushnell Park, crowned with a spectacular gold leaf dome, our Capitol is a beauty to behold. It is dressed in marble, granite and red slate, almost entirely from Connecticut. Tours are free and open to the public every Monday through Friday at 15 past the hour starting at 9:15 AM until the last tour at 1:15 PM. Saturday tours are also available at 15 past the hour starting from 10:15 AM until 2:15 PM. While in the Capitol, you can visit the Hall of Flags where famous battle-scarred flags are displayed that were carried by Connecticut soldiers. There is also the Connecticut Hall of Fame and historical statuary to enjoy.
As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please call me at home (860-528 3564), email me (bill.aman@cga.ct.gov), stop and see me during my office hours at the library, take my online survey at www.RepAman.com, or speak up if you see me around town. I’d really like to hear from you.
