ROUTE I-95, CONNECTICUT
By Golda Turner
Family outings not only teach history, geography, science, and culture. They are a wonderful way to bring siblings closer together and create wonderful memories that last a lifetime. Though many of our children are now grown with families of their own, at family gatherings the conversation invariably comes around to “Do you remember when we went to…” And every so often, we take down the photo albums or show the old family movies and slides of when we all piled into the station wagon (or van or trailer) and went off to explore the world…
And explore it we did! Our children quickly became experts at planning, packing, and having fun on a shoestring budget. And those that now have families of their own are continuing the tradition.
Though it is exciting to travel to distant states, we would often plan an ‘overnight trip’---something that is far enough to be called ‘getting away’, yet close enough that we don’t lose much time traveling.
We typically head out early in the morning to our first destination and treat the kids to the experience of a night at a reasonably-priced motel. Then we spend most of the next day enjoying another attraction, heading back home in time for maariv and bedtime.
Route 95 in Connecticut is one of our old-time favorites. There is much to see and do for all ages and tastes, all within a couple of hours traveling time.
Traveling Jewish---Being in commuting range to New York City, there are religious Jewish communities in Stamford, New Haven, and other areas in lower Connecticut. This is a major plus for the Jewish traveler. There are also numerous Chabad shluchim located in towns all along Route I-95. See www.Chabad.org for a complete listing.
Maritime Aquarium---(203-852-0700, Exits 14-N / 15-S) The Norwalk Maritime Aquarium features much of the sea life that inhabit Long Island Sound, including sharks, seals, otters, jellies, sea turtles and other amazing animals. Year-round study cruises take visitors out onto the Sound to experience its amazing animals in their own environment. Other features include changing exhibits, special events, three hands-on touch tanks and Connecticut's largest IMAX theater. Wheelchair accessible.
Beardsley Zoo---( 203-394-6565, Exit 27 A) All children love a zoo, and this one is no exception. See more than 300 animals residing primarily in North and South America. Enjoy walking between the birds in the free-flight aviary, pop up into glass ‘bubbles’ in a prairie dog exhibit, and meet farmyard friends. Wheelchair accessible.
Silver Sands State Park--- (203-735-4311, Exit 35-- Milford) This is a gem of a water front park on the edge of Long Island Sound. There was a grassy area for picnics and plenty of room for kite flying. The expansive beach is divided into sections for various activities. Our children enjoyed the section that was not cleaned for swimmers---the sand was packed with shells of various shapes and sizes—a veritable treasure chest for kids! This section also had an outcropping of large stones stretching out into the water with thousands of little fish swimming in its shade. I can still picture my kids trying to catch tiny fish in their cups and soda bottles… Though it is difficult to push a wheelchair on a sandy beach, we managed to pull Meir Efraim’s wheelchair all the way to the water’s edge for him to feel the splash and pull of the waves.
Essex Steam Train and Riverboat---(860-767-0103, 800-377-3987, Exit 69 to Rt 9 Exit 3) Travel back in time and enjoy the ride in vintage cars pulled by a real old-fashioned steam engine. Journey through the countryside to the Deep River Landing where a paddlewheel riverboat awaits to take you on a lazy 1-hour cruise up river. Round trip takes about 2½ hours. The antique train itself is not wheelchair accessible, but we managed to get Meir Efraim up the few steps and into a seat. The conductor stored away his folding wheelchair until needed. The boat does have ramp access.
U S Coast Guard Academy---( 860-444-8270, Exit 78) One of the four national military academies, graduates become officers in the US Coast Guard. Visit the museum’s exhibits to learn the history of the Coast Guard. Board a tall masted ship to learn about sailing. Wheelchair accessible.
Groton—USS Nautilus & Submarine Museum---(800-343-0079, Exit 86) This museum is located on a real Navy base. Visitors can go down into an actual nuclear powered submarine, USS Nautilus, to learn how Navy sailors live and work below the seas. Though the museum building is wheelchair accessible, the submarine itself is not. Be aware that space is quite tight on a submarine—it is not advisable for those with mobility impairments or claustrophobia.
Mystic Aquarium---(860-572-5955, Exit 90) See over 6,000 creatures of the sea, including whales, sea lions, penguins, many exotic fishes. Enjoy a sea lion show or touch a shark or ray. ‘Visit’ the Titanic in a hands-on exhibit, and view the 4-D theater. Join the Encounter Program for a chance to get really close-up with marine animals. Wheelchair accessible.
Mystic Seaport---(888-SEAPORT, Exit 90) Ship Ahoy! Mystic Seaport is a living maritime museum, a recreation of the early American seaport towns. Clamber aboard for a ride on a schooner, steamboat, or tall masted ship, visit craftsmen at work, explore the planetarium and many buildings full of artifacts. This is a wonderful way to enjoy learning about American history. Wheelchair accessible.
For more information about Connecticut destinations, see www.CTVISIT.com or call 888-CT-VISIT (888-288-4748) or 800-CT-BOUND (800-282-6863).