Located just thirty minutes from Hartford is the charming little town of Mansfield, Connecticut. Home to America’s first silk mill, the town has since grown into a hip and vibrant community. Today, with its annual Celebrate Mansfield Festival (bringing in more than 4,000 visitors a year!), the arts have threaded their way through the cultural heartbeat of Mansfield. 

Settled in 1686, Mansfield was incorporated into Hartford County in 1702. The town sits on Mansfield Hollow Lake which serves as a border between Mansfield and Willimantic.
Town of Mansfield, Connecticut/Facebook
Visit the Ballard Institute and Museum of Puppetry, a unique museum in conjunction with UConn’s Puppet Arts Program.
Ballard Institute and Museum of Puppetry 20160403/Michael Rodriguez
With a rotation of intriguing exhibitions from around the world, the museum displays over 3,000 puppets. It houses the largest historical puppetry archive in the United States.
Ballard Institute and Museum of Puppetry/Facebook
Being a college town has its advantages! The Contemporary Art Galleries in the Village of Storrs in Mansfield is part of the University of Connecticut.
UConn Contemporary Art Galleries/Facebook

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Why not catch a world-class performance while in town? The Jorgensen Center for the Performing Arts has hosted acclaimed artists from the Russian National Ballet to Gladys Knight, drawing more than 65,000 visitors a year.
Jorgensen Center for the Performing Arts/Facebook
New England is known for its comfortable summers, flowery springs, and crisp autumns. When the weather is nice, there’s no better time to reach for the Adventure Park at Storrs.
Adventure Park at Storrs/Facebook
Feel free to bring the entire family for a day of outdoor fun. Activities include climbing, hiking, and even axe throwing among other programs. Dress comfortably and check the company’s website for all kinds of useful information.
Feeling hungry? No matter the month of the year, welcome to the Storrs Farmers Market.
Storrs Farmers Market/Facebook
Established in 1994, the market has since dished out locally grown fresh produce, dairy, meats, desserts, and much more.
There is plenty of accommodation options in Mansfield, Connecticut; however, history buffs will appreciate Spring Hill Inn. Built in 1734, this award-winning inn is a perfectly cozy spot to rest after a day of fun.
Spring Hill Inn/Tripadvisor

 

Whether you are ready for a weekend of exploring museums and shows or heading outside to hang in the trees (literally!), the quaint town of Mansfield is an inviting place to see. 

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