1. On day one, explore Connecticut’s capital city, Hartford, including the State Capitol Building, Bushnell Park and the Wadsworth Atheneum art museum.
2. Visit the Mark Twain House and the Harriet Beecher Stowe House at Nook Farm, just west of downtown Hartford on day two. Plan an early evening picnic in Elizabeth Park’s fragrant rose gardens.
3. From your base in Hartford, take a trip on day three to Bristol, where you can explore the New England Carousel Museum and spend the rest of the day playing at Lake Compounce, one of America’s oldest amusement parks.
4. Set out on day four toward the state’s northeast corner, where you’ll find antique shops in Putnam, the Nathan Hale Homestead and Nutmeg Vineyards Farm Winery in Coventry, and the Ballard Institute and Museum of Puppetry in Storrs.
5. On day five, plan another day trip by bus or by car from Hartford to Foxwoods Resort Casino or Mohegan Sun Casino.
   

1. Choose the Ride All Day admission pass at Lake Compounce or, unlike many amusement parks, the park also offers a much more affordable general admission pass for those who would rather not jostle their internal organs.
2. Putnam in northeastern Connecticut’s “Quiet Corner” is truly a town for antique lovers, featuring more than 450 dealers in 17 shops within the town’s Antique District.
3. For your free Connecticut Vacation Kit, call toll free, 800 CT BOUND (800 282-6863).
   

Related Features:

• Connecticut Links
• About.com: Hartford, Connecticut
• Foxwoods Casino: A Complete Guide
• Fall Foliage Driving Tours: Connecticut
• America's Oldest Amusement Park: Lake Compounce