Connecticut Celebrates Annual Open House Day On June 8

HARTFORD, Conn., June 5, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- On Saturday, June 8^th, Connecticut's Office of Tourism invites residents of all ages to discover Connecticut's many inspiring attractions during the ninth annual Connecticut Open House Day. As part of the statewide event, 190+ destinations feature a variety of special offers for residents, from free admission at Gillette Castle in East Haddam, PEZ Visitor Center in Orange or a Chester/Hadlyme Ferry across the Connecticut River, to discounted outdoor activities like a Connecticut River cruise with RiverQuest, tubing and wakeboarding with Waterski CT or even special gifts at iconic destinations, such as the Governor's Residence, Lime Rock Park and more.

"Open House Day provides the perfect excuse for residents to see, explore and discover the inspiring places and spaces their state has to offer," said Randy Fiveash, Director, Office of Tourism. "With nearly 200 destinations to choose from, there is no better day to explore the cultural gems, historic landmarks and natural destinations throughout the state."

Open House Day provides a unique opportunity for residents to explore some of Connecticut's still revolutionary destinations and attractions at a discount rate or even for free. Residents can visit inspiring destinations across the state from the Yale University Art Gallery in New Haven, the Dinosaur State Park in Rocky Hill, the Glass House in New Canaan, the Essex Steam Train, Mystic Aquarium, to the Thomas Lee House in Niantic - Connecticut's recently voted still revolutionary Town of the Year.

There are 41 new participants this year, including:

• PEZ Visitor Center (Orange)
• Spa at Norwich Inn (Norwich)
• Sweet & Simple (Fairfield)
• Connecticut River Museum (Essex)
• Isham-Terry House (Hartford)
• Plus, the Washington-Rochambeau Revolutionary Route – a trail which includes historic properties and cultural attractions that George Washington's troops and French allies marched on when capturing the British in the summer of 1781
• And much more!

For a complete list of participating venues updated daily go to www.CTvisit.com.  More information, photos and news related to Open House can also be found on the Visit Connecticut Facebook page, @CTvisit Twitter channel or VisitCT Pinterest page.

SOURCE Connecticut Office of Tourism