Get Local Deals on Connecticut Open House Day

More than 200 museums, attractions, cultural organizations, shops, lodging properties and performing artists will take part in this year’s annual Connecticut Open House Day on Saturday.

This year marks the 7^th annual Connecticut Open House Day, during which a variety of businesses and nonprofit organizations offer a variety of special icentives, including discounts, free admissions and gifts, or special activities and exhibits to lure visitors.

The one-day event is sponsored by the Connecticut Commission on Culture and Tourism and is undertaken in conjunction with the governor’s office. It helps raise the visibility of all the state has to offer – including world-class art, outdoor adventures, family activities and opportunities for rest and relaxation – and encourages visitors to become Connecticut Ambassadors and share their findings with family and friends.

Some of the local venues that will take part in the Open House Day include Lyman Orchards in Middlefield.

"We are happy to participate again this year. The timing of Open House Day is perfect for us as the state’s event always coincides with our Strawberry Fest.   We will be giving away, to the first 100 people, a complimentary ice cream sundae or strawberry shortcake – their choice," said Karen Augeri of Lyman Orchards.

Visitors will be given a coupon at the Apple Barrel and can redeem them from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Emily Brooks, founder of the Edibles Advocate Alliance and author of a recently published cookbook, "Connecticut Farmer & Feast" will also appear at the Apple Barrel from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. to sign copies of her new book.

Other locations include:

Colchester
Priam Vineyards 

Chester
EO Art Lab  
Beet Co-Op

East Haddam
Deep River Historical Society
The East Haddam Historical Society Museum
Gillette Castle State Park
Goodspeed Opera House
Hillside Sweet Shoppe
Nathan Hale Schoolhouse

Haddam
Connecticut River Expeditions

Kensington
New Britain Youth Museum at Hungerford Park 

Meriden
CaRo Art Studio & Gallery LLC 
Sandman Gallery

Middletown
General Mansfield House
Green Street Arts Center at Wesleyan University
North End Arts Rising / Buttonwood Tree Performing Arts & Cultural Center
Wesleyan Potters

Portland
Ruth Callander House Museum

“This is a great way to begin the busy summer tourism season,” said Gov. Dannel P. Malloy said in a prepared statement about the Open House program. “As we welcome visiting family and friends this summer, we hope residents will be excited about our world-renowned museums, attractions, galleries, theaters and historic properties. Our state offers so many memorable experiences – Connecticut Open House Day is a great way to offer something extra special to residents so they can get out and have fun right here at home.”

“Open House Day is the chance for Connecticut residents and customer-facing frontline workers to be engaged as brand evangelists, storytellers for our great state.  They truly embody the pride and spirit of an engaging destination, excited to welcome tourists and visiting friends and families and eager to support a growing tourism industry,” said Christopher “Kip” Bergstrom, executive director of the Connecticut Commission on Culture & Tourism.

Connecticut’s Open House Day has grown from 120 participating attractions in 2005 to more than 200 in 2011.  Participants in this year’s Open House Day event include museums, galleries, historic properties, artists’ studios, theaters, farms, vineyards, amusement parks, nature centers, shops, hotels, inns, B&Bs and 53 new participants including Lime Rock Park, Sunflower Farm, Tidewater Inn and Dinosaur State Park.

“With gas prices high this summer, the traveling public is planning seasonal getaways close to home,” said Randy Fiveash, director of tourism at the Commission. “This event provides the perfect opportunity for state residents to discover the exciting culture and attractions that are within a two-hour drive or less.”

Connecticut Open House Day offerings and hours of operation will vary by property. For more information, call 1-888-CTvisit (888-282-6863) or visit the state tourism commission’s website, for a complete list of participating venues updated daily or to sign up to become a Connecticut Ambassador.