Most people love three-day weekends. Not only is there an extra day off, but the following school and work weeks are one day shorter. But after cooking, cleaning and hosting for much of the holiday season, I admit that I'm feeling a little anxious about the six of us spending three days inside with nothing to do.
But there are two words that cure every form of cabin fever: road trip. And with the unseasonable lack of snow (remember last year?), there's no excuse to stay sequestered inside during this holiday weekend. Here are several suggestions of easy day trips that interest a variety of travelers.
Connecticut Science Center, Hartford
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This modern science complex opened in 2009 and has more than 150 exhibits, most of which invite visitors to interact. Wear sneakers and clothes that aren't too fancy because many of the exhibits require movement and some use water, so you may get wet. The museum has a ski simulator, as well as an animation exhibit, where kids can create their own cartoon and learn about the science behind animation. There is a gift shop with a large variety of interesting items. The museum is open daily from 10am - 5pm. Tickets are $12 through January 16; children 3 and younger are free.
Where to eat. Catch lunch at the museum cafe, which tries to source most of its food regionally. Check out the menu by clicking here.
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New England Air Museum, Windsor Locks
Every child dreams of flying. And this weekend, the New England Air Museum can help that imagination take flight with its open cockpit day on Sunday, January 15. In addition to flight simulators, visitors can sit in the cockpit of 12 vintage planes and helicopters. This museum has activities set up for children as well as a variety of educational displays. There will be food for sale. Hours are 10am - 4pm for the open cockpit. Admission: adults (12 and older), $11; younger than 12, $6; 3 and younger, free; seniors 65 and older, $10.
Where to eat. The NE Air Museum provides a food vendor for the holiday weekend, but for a sit-down feel try eating off-site. There are several fast food places on Route 75 right outside the airport entrance. Or stop in West Hartford on the way home and eat at The Cheesecake Factory.
Yale Peabody Museum, New Haven
In addition to its marvelous displays of everything from bugs to dinosaurs, the Peabody Museum hosts special events on Sunday and Monday to honor Martin Luther King, Jr. Events include multiple dance performances (e.g., African dance, breakdance), music concerts (steel drums, African drumming) and biographical films. Also scheduled are storytelling sessions and poetry readings. Admission: adults, $9; senior citizens 65 years and older, $8; children ages 3 - 18, $5; college students with ID, $4. Hours are Sunday, noon - 4:30pm; Monday, January 16, 10am - 4:30pm.
Where to eat. Whenever I visit New Haven, my favorite lunch spot is Claire's. The menu is vegetarian, but don't let that deter you. The food is homemade, fresh and delicious. And the best part is the array of cakes, muffins and cookies for dessert. Banana chocolate chip cake with buttercream frosting anyone?
