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CONNECTICUT ART TRAIL OFFERS ‘STAYCATIONS’ THROUGH LABOR DAY

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CONNECTICUT — For Connecticut residents not wanting to venture far from home for their summer vacation, the Connecticut Art Trail offers 15 world-class museums and historic sites as the centerpiece of vacation experiences. From bucolic farms, art studios and former artists’ boarding houses to grand and modern art museums in vibrant downtowns, discover the diverse, quality collections rich in history and heritage, including European masterpieces, American Impressionism, ancient art and contemporary culture, all within Connecticut’s borders.

Connecticut Art Trail offers enticing “Staycation” options and special offers that are valid through Labor Day. In all cases, mention the Staycation vacation and show proof of Connecticut residency and the following venues will have specials for visitors.

In the Connecticut River valley, the Hill-Stead Museum, Farmington, offers $1 off admission and the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art, Hartford, will give a free gift with a Museum Shop purchase and $2 off admission for adults and seniors on Tuesdays.

In the Litchfield Hills, the Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum, Ridgefield, has a “Contemporary Art Meets History Package,” giving 20 percent off a two-night stay at the West Lane Inn, two tickets to the Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum, Weir Farm National Historic Site and the Keeler Tavern Museum, plus a free glass of wine with purchase of dinner at Luc’s Café and Restaurant.

In Greenwich/Cos Cob, the Bush-Holley Historic Site will give each person $1 off admission to the Visitor Center and Gallery for groups of four or more; this includes a house tour and ten percent off in the gift shop.

The Weir Farm National Historic Site, Wilton and Ridgefield, has a “Take Part in Art” program, offering a chance to create a watercolor painting en plein air. Painting supplies are provided on Saturdays and Sundays only, 1 to 4 pm.

The Florence Griswold Museum, Old Lyme, offers $1 off regular admission, and the Slater Memorial Museum, Norwich, will provide a hands-on activity for families with prize to all participants.

In New Haven, the Yale University Art Gallery offers a “Starry Nights” hotel package at the four-star Omni New Haven Hotel at Yale, including: overnight accommodation with breakfast, welcome gift, reservations to Van Gogh’s “Cypresses” and “The Starry Night” at Yale University Art Gallery, shopping coupons, drinks at the hotel’s rooftop bar, $50 gift certificate for Zinc or Chow Restaurant, self-parking for $299/night, double occupancy, valid through September 7.

The following museums are offering free admission on given days through the Staycation program: The New Britain Museum of American Art, free Saturdays 10 am to noon; the Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum, Ridgefield, free on Tuesdays; Mattatuck Museum Arts & History Museum, Waterbury, free under ages 16; Bruce Museum, Greenwich, free on Tuesdays; Bush-Holley Historic Site, Cos Cob/Greenwich, free on Tuesdays; Center for Contemporary Printmaking, Norwalk, always free.

Also, the Weir Farm National Historic Site, Wilton and Ridgefield, always free; the William Benton Museum of Art, University of Connecticut, Mansfield/Storrs, always free; Lyman Allyn Art Museum, New London, New London residents always free with ID; Yale Center for British Art, New Haven, always free; Yale University Art Gallery, New Haven, always free.

Visit www.arttrail.org for a detailed description of each museum, Trail Getaway itineraries, lodging packages and recommended lodging, dining and area attractions near each museum.