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Spotlight on Bristol
Enjoy the sporting life in Connecticut’s biggest city
This charming colonial town might be the home of sports broadcasting giant ESPN, but it’s also where vacationers and fun-loving locals find outdoor recreation and historical charm at every turn.
Get ready for a day of old-fashioned fun at Lake Compounce, the nation’s oldest continually operating amusement park. This family-friendly destination has been enticing both the young and old since 1846 with rides and live shows, and today it’s home to the state’s largest water park, Crocodile Cove. During summer, these venues swell with fun seekers.
Catch a the autumn breeze on the Boulder Dash, voted the world’s Number One roller coaster, and stroll through the park during winter holidays for a spectacular displays of lights.
John Phelan
Keeping Time
Pop into the American Clock & Watch Museum to find out how Connecticut became the clock capital of the U.S. in the late 1700s. Eight galleries showcase the technology and artistry that went into pre-Apple Watch timepieces, which are all carefully maintained so that they chime or strike on the hour with accuracy.
The New England Carousel museum focuses on preserving and maintaining ornate wooden carousels, including a 1914 Stein and Goldstein carousel with 48 hand-carved wooden horses and two chariots that turn to the sounds of a Wurlitzer band organ.
At the Memorial Military Museum, visitors can browse memorabilia devoted to the hometown hero, Brigadier General Edward Wozenkski, who participated in three major operations in World War II.
Experience the wild beauty of Connecticut in Mattatuck State Forest, west of Bristol, and the adjacent Black Rock State Park. These well-maintained state lands are home to a variety of wildlife and are open to exploration by hikers and mountain bikers.