Pinching pennies never felt so good! Check out our picks for the best bargains in Connecticut for 2015.
Best BYOF (Bring Your Own Food)
Firefly Hollow Brewing, Bristol
Brewmaster Dana Bourque, who started homebrewing with his dad and “couldn’t stop,” has concocted more than 30 different beers since he and 10 partners opened this 10-barrel microbrewery in an old warehouse in October 2013. The taproom’s hyperfocus on pouring what’s fresh from the tanks means that you’re encouraged to bring whatever food pairings you crave. The trendy BYOF policy will save you money on food and tips, so you can bring a growler of beer home.
139 Center St. 860-845-8977;
fireflyhollowbrewing.com
Best Free Ride
Simsbury Free Bike, Simsbury
Launched with six loaners in 2011, Connecticut’s largest bike share now offers more than 50 bicycles at 14 locations in five Farmington Valley towns, with access to a vast network of paved trails. A $10 refundable deposit lets riders 18 and up borrow bikes, helmets, and locks for up to 24 hours.
simsbury.bike
Best Free Animal Attraction
Ray of Light Farm, East Haddam
Ever felt an instant bond with a shelter cat or dog? The same sense of joy and attachment fuels repeat visits to this nonprofit haven for hard-luck livestock. Wander among the rescued horses and barnyard menagerie (daily except Wednesday); there’s no admission, not even fistfuls of food to buy. Donations and $10 kids’ pony rides (Thursday to Saturday) fund the farm’s rehab and adoption efforts and therapeutic riding programs.
232 Town St. 860-873-1895;
rayoflightfarm.org
Best Affordable Antiques
Prime Finds, Salisbury
Attractive window displays lure curious browsers, and once inside, the price tags make their eyes pop. This is a thrift shop—but stocked with antiques—where generous homeowners’ fine castoffs are sold at bargain prices to fund Prime Time House, a nonprofit that helps individuals with serious mental illness regain independence.
2 Main St. 860-435-9709;
primetimehouse.org/prime_finds.asp
Best Free Concerts
Mohegan Sun Wolf Den, Uncasville
Ask anyone in Connecticut to share ultimate concert experiences, and you’ll likely hear about the Wolf Den. The list of recording stars who’ve played this cave-like, 300-seat venue at the heart of Mohegan Sun’s original Casino of the Earth is astounding, considering that nightly shows are free. Alums include Frankie Valli, Peter Frampton, Duran Duran, Blake Shelton, and Matt Nathanson.
1 Mohegan Sun Blvd. 888-226-7711;
mohegansun.com/poi/venues/wolf-den.html
