Spring is here, and that means good things for Middlesex County and its residents: the beginning of some outstanding tourism activities and events.

This is a wonderful time of year to check out all of the fantastic things to do in our region. And with summer vacation just around the corner, you might be wondering how best to spend a week, a few days, or even a day-trip with your family.

As you plan a few days with your family, the Middlesex County Chamber of Commerce encourages our residents to take advantage of what we have in our own backyard. Middlesex County is home to a multitude of excellent recreational, cultural, and educational attractions.

Every day, people from all over the country as well as outside of the country stop in to the Chamber to take advantage of the many resources provided by the Connecticut’s Heritage River Valley Welcome Center operated by the Central Regional Tourism District. It is one of the region’s four Welcome Centers.

The Welcome Center is a tremendous asset to those planning trips or a day of sightseeing and the Chamber urges residents of Middlesex County to utilize this service. The Center houses a variety of brochures for attractions and accommodations throughout the state and a kiosk where visitors can access the district’s website.

In East Haddam, families can enjoy guided tours, picnicking, and hiking at Gillette Castle and Devil’s Hopyard State Park. In addition, there are 21 wooded campsites on the grounds of Devil’s Hopyard. In nearby Haddam, the 175-acre Haddam Meadows State Park provides areas for sports, picnicking and boating.

As the weather gets warmer, the hustle and bustle along the Connecticut River will pick up as everyone prepares their boats for the season. Marinas from Portland to Westbrook will be packed with river cruisers. There is a lot to do along the Connecticut River. The Essex Stream Train & Riverboat Ride gives passengers an old-time feel with a narration of sights along the way.

There are also numerous antique shops, historic museums and homes, theatres, and playhouses throughout all of our towns in Middlesex County.

I encourage you to take a stroll along our many quaint Main Streets within the county including Essex, Deep River, and Durham. Known for its nationally acclaimed musicals, Goodspeed Opera House in East Haddam is the diamond in the state for entertainment and sightseeing. And while you’re in East Haddam, be sure to visit the East Haddam Historical Society and Museum. The Ivoryton Playhouse also brings high quality entertainment to Connecticut residents and visitors.

There are many attractions for kids to enjoy throughout the county and right here in Middletown. Oddfellows Playhouse is the state’s oldest and largest theatre for children and KidCity Children’s Museum provides many hands-on exhibits for children to explore. A New World Lazer Tag on Main Street is sure to provide a lot of fun for kids and adults. Another excellent activity is to cruise on the Connecticut River upon the Lady Katharine Cruise Ship.  It’s a great way to relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery on the water.

Also in Middletown is the Center for the Arts at Wesleyan University which houses concert and music halls, art and dance studios, theatres and galleries. In addition, the Middletown’s Sports Hall of Fame & Museum and the Wadsworth Mansion at Long Hill Estates also provide nice family day trips. In nearby Middlefield, you can take a trip to Lyman Orchards, one of America’s oldest family-owned farms. The scenic views and delicious foods make Lyman’s a perfect family outing.

In addition to the many attractions, Middlesex County offers many excellent restaurants, hotels, and shops.

Tourism is one of the best economic generators for the county that provides our area with financial stability and growth. The dollars spent by visitors have strengthened our region’s economy by creating jobs, supporting local businesses from gas stations to retail stores, and creating greater tax revenues to support attractions to hotels and inns to restaurants in the towns they are located.

By visiting our different towns and attractions, we will not only be getting a view of what our region has to offer, but we will also be contributing to the economic well being of the county by pumping tourism dollars into our economy.

Some upcoming events in Middlesex County include: June 5 - Special Olympics Torch Run; June 7 - Connecticut Trails Day; June 13-15 – The Great CT Cajun Music & Arts Festival at Sunrise Resort in Moodus; June 16-22 - Annual Traveler’s Championship Golf Tournament in Cromwell; June 17 - Annual Cruise Night on Main; July 16 -  Fourth Annual Citizens Bank “Not Your Typical 5K” and Family Festival in Middletown; July 25-27 - 22nd Annual Great Connecticut Traditional Jazz Festival at the Sunrise Resort in Moodus; August 13 - Third Annual Middletown Motorcycle Mania.  Keep your eye out for details on all of these great events!

Middlesex County has many wonderful towns and attractions to explore. We are fortunate to be living in such a beautiful area. Tourists from all over take advantage of our region, and as citizens of Middlesex County we should be doing so too.

For information on area attractions, please visit the Connecticut’s Heritage River Valley Welcome Center, located in the Chamber on 393 Main Street, Middletown, CT, or you may call (860) 347-6924. You may also access the website at www.visitctriver.com.