Pachaug State Forest in Connecticut is known for its lush vegetation, outdoor activities, and paranormal folklore.
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Times are tough, and if you're looking for free things to do in Connecticut, a visit to Meriden's Hubbard Park is a must.
Times are tough, and I know I'm not alone when I say that when I'm out exploring, I (unfortunately!) have to try to stick to a budget. It can be tough to find free or cheap things to do, whether I'm in my local area or straying far from home. One wonderful option for affordable fun at any time of year is to spend time outdoors. Connecticut is an amazingly beautiful place with so much diverse scenery. From our hilly areas to our sandy shoreline, there's endless adventure waiting to be had outside - and much of it is free or very cheap. One of our favorite free things to do in Meriden, CT is to pay a visit to the magnificent Hubbard Park. The annual Christmas light show here is a huge hit, but the park is wonderful at any time of year and features some of the Nutmeg State's best views.
The 1,800-acre park is made up of 51 parcels of land. Much of the land's interesting topography was formed by volcanic eruptions that occurred more than 200 million years ago. Over time, the sediment has worn away to form cliffs, valleys, and other unique features.
There's no shortage of trails here, and colored blazes allow you to follow your intended trail without getting lost. Experienced hikers will adore the difficult 4.4-mile Mirror Lake, Castle Craig, and Merimere Reservoir Loop, which offers up some of the park's most incredible views. If you're not up for a challenge, there are some great shorter trails, too.
One of the park's most notable features is the beautiful Castle Craig Tower. This 32-foot-tall observation tower was constructed in 1900 and sits atop the 976-foot East Peak. All that altitude means the top of the tower is more than 1,000 feet above sea level.
Climb the stairs here and you'll have access to an observation deck that has some really remarkable views. On a clear day, you can see all the way to the Berkshires of Southern Massachusetts and the Long Island Sound.
This is such a beautiful area to explore the outdoors, whether you're heading out solo, with the entire family, or on a romantic date for two. The lack of entrance fee means the only cost you'll incur is the gas to get here.
Looking for more information about Hubbard Park? Check out the City of Meriden website or our friends at AllTrails. If you're a regular hiker in Connecticut, you don't want to miss out on a free trial of AllTrails+. Even the free accounts are an invaluable resource for nature lovers, but the affordable subscription allows you to enjoy live-sharing of activities, turn-by-turn directions, and even 3D flyover maps.
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Hollister House Garden in Litchfield County offers a serene, English-style garden experience perfect for leisurely outdoor exploration.
With its rich history and fabulous architecture, it's no surprise that our state is home to some equally majestic botanical and estate gardens. Tucked away in Litchfield County is a tiny town with a not-so-tiny garden. Open only three days per week, this serene escape in Washington, CT is nothing short of magical. If you love the idea of strolling lazily through a storybook setting, past bright and vibrant flowers, the Hollister House Garden in Connecticut is calling your name! This secret garden in Connecticut offers seclusion, beauty, and is a fun way to explore the outdoors for folks who aren't interested in the stress of hiking. Check it out.
Hollister House Garden is a classic, English-style garden surrounding a quaint 18th century style home. The red house is dripping with charm, but it disappears into the background when compared to its vibrant surroundings. The house sits on twenty-five acres of countryside so you'll definitely feel like you're in a secluded paradise.
"Informally planted in generous abundance" is how the garden is described by the owners. And with such lush, yet beautifully maintained grounds, we're inclined to agree!
As one of the prettiest gardens to visit in Connecticut, this stunning spot highlights the lush natural beauty that the Litchfield Hills is known for and takes it to the next level. Walled, multi-level gardens, art installations, and ponds are scattered about this enchanting location.
A horticultural maze, you'll find flowers of every color and a wide variety of plants hidden here.
Getting lost in this garden will remind you of summer spent outside and help you shed the stress of a busy week.
Wander aimlessly and see where the rock paths take you. No matter which turns you make, you're sure to be delighted by what you find. It's a great way to spend an afternoon.
Modeled after impressive English gardens, this locale is a feat of love and nature at demands to be seen.
The land that surrounds the garden is nearly as scenic as the garden itself, creating a perfect backdrop for a perfect site. You have to see this place for yourself.
Hollister House Garden in Connecticut is a bit of a hidden gem, but a darling one, that's for sure! What more could you expect from a historic house built all the way back in the 1770s? Hours at Hollister House are limited, so learn more about days and fees on the Hollister House website.
Have you ever been here?
For more Connecticut places that are loaded with beauty, check out our list of gorgeous, fascinating spots. Or, make a weekend of strolling through even more of the best gardens in Connecticut!
https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/connecticut/fascinating-spots-ct/
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