Local residents can discover — and rediscover — the state’s arts, history and tourism offerings with a variety of special incentives during the 10th annual Connecticut Open House Day on June 14.
Almost 200 destinations are part of Open House Day, with many offering free or discounted admission and special activities for this one day only. The specials and hours of operation vary by property.
This is a chance for Connecticut residents to visit for free such places as the Bruce Museum in Greenwich, Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art in Hartford, Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum in Ridgefield, and Dinosaur State Park in Rocky Hill.
People also can take a free ride on Chester/Hadlyme Ferry across the Connecticut River, near Gillette Castle State Park.
Nearby participating venues
Close to Shelton, some of the participating venues are:
ANSONIA:
General David Humphreys House (Derby Historical Society)
37 Elm St., Ansonia
Free admission 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
DERBY:
Waterski Connecticut
1023-1/2 Roosevelt Drive (Route 34), Derby
One hour of discounted (25%) waterskiing, tubing, wakeboarding or boat ride (can only accommodate a group up to five at a time). Open 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Reservations recommended.
BRIDGEPORT:
Black Rock Antiques Center
1720 Fairfield Ave., Bridgeport
Bring items in for free appraisal by appraiser Kenneth Linsner, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Showroom open 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
NEST Arts Factory
1720 Fairfield Ave., Bridgeport
Beginning at 11 a.m., resident artists and musicians will do demonstrations; there also be a swap meet of art supplies, musical instruments and equipment, and a concert.
ORANGE:
PEZ Visitors Center
35 Prindle Hill Road, Orange
Free admission 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
FAIRFIELD:
Connecticut Audubon Society Center at Fairfield
2325 Burr St., Fairfield
Meet the animal ambassador and make a craft. Open 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Offering 10% off purchase in Nature Store.
www.ctaudubon.org/center-at-fairfield
Fairfield Museum and History Center
370 Beach Road, Fairfield
Free admission 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Ogden House (circa 1750)
1520 Bronson Road, Fairfield
Free admission 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
www.fairfieldhistory.org/visit/ogden-house
The annual Open House Day is coordinated by the Connecticut Office of Tourism, a division of the Department of Economic and Community Development.