Connecticuts Best Attractions 2012

Yankee Magazine chooses Connecticut’s best attractions for 2012.

BEST ART & HISTORY MUSEUM
Bush-Holley Historic Site,Cos Cob
Roam the harbor-view hill where American Impressionist artists found inspiration. View their works on the walls of their boarding house; step further back in rooms that reflect the house’s 18th-century origins. 39 Strickland Road. 203-869-6899; hstg.org/visit_bh.php

BEST AIRCRAFT EXHIBITION
New England Air Museum, Windsor Locks
Not just for the aeronautically inclined: Three hangers are filled with high-flying aircraft, engines, and artifacts of airborne awe. Climb into a jet fighter or flight simulator. 36 Perimeter Road. 860-623-3305; neam.org

BEST ISLAND-VIEW CRUISE
Thimble Islands Cruise, Stony Creek
Captain Bob Milne spins stories about Tom Thumb’s girlfriend and a tenacious mother-in-law as he steers his classic vessel around tiny islands crowned with modern and Victorian architecture. 4 Indian Point Road. 203-481-3345; thimbleislands.com

BEST INDOOR ADVENTURES
Kidcity Children’s Museum,Middletown
Imagination is all that’s required as children sail ships, catch fish, shop for groceries, manage a farm, run a diner, and make music. Colorful rooms also include model-train layouts. Great rainy-day escape. 119 Washington St. 860-347-0495; kidcitymuseum.com

BEST BEACH BEACON
Sheffield Island Lighthouse,South Norwalk
Begin with a 30-minute ferry out to this historic 1868 lighthouse. Hike the island’s wildlife refuge; sign up for clambakes and birdwatching walks. On a clear day, view New York’s skyline. 10 North Water St. 800-838-3006 (tickets), 203-838-9444 (office); seaport.org

BEST REVIVED THEATER
Palace Theater,Waterbury
The Renaissance is definitely alive at this city theater, which hosts Broadway breakouts, major Motown sounds, and community collaborations. The sparkling, restored interior includes plush places for pre-theater dining. 100 East Main St. 203-346-2000; palacetheaterct.org

BEST ART GLASS
Studio Jeffrey P’an,Mystic
Gracefully patterned colors flow in the art glass here, the centerpiece of this multimedia gallery. Observe the molten materials as they’re formed into vases, lamps, and sculptures at the glassblower’s studio nearby. 44 West Main St. 860-536-9274; studiojeffreypan.com

BEST CLOTHING & ACCESSORIES
Idiom Boutique,New Haven
Fashion finds in women’s wear, handbags, bath and body products–all chosen with care and flair. Hit the room dedicated to jewelry, or aim for the unique on hangers and shelves. 1014 Chapel St. 203-782-2280; idiomboutique.com

BEST LAVENDER PATCH PLUS
Fort Hill Farms,Thompson
Feel calm after circling the lavender mazes. Sample fresh ice cream topped with blooms harvested each June. Skip around the corn maze, take a peek in the calf barn, or pick black currants. 260 Quaddick Road. 860-923-3439; forthillfarms.com

BEST FARMERS’ MARKET
Coventry Regional Farmers’ Market, Coventry
The state’s largest opportunity for fresh food and fun: From June to October, booths line the grounds of the Nathan Hale Homestead, showcasing weekly themes such as wine, art, honey, and salsa 2299 South St. 860-742-1419; coventryfarmersmarket.com

BEST ANTIQUES
Nathan Liverant & Son Antiques,Colchester
Once a Baptist meetinghouse, now filled with stellar 18th- and 19th-century American furniture, silver, paintings, and glass. Rare finds such as a sewing box owned by Herman Melville’s mother reflect this family’s decades of experience. 168 South Main St. 860-537-2409; liverantantiques.com