Top 10 Attractions

Our Top Ten Connecticut Attractions

From the 19^th-century buildings and homes of downtown to the iconic brick factories along the Housatonic River, the quaint charm of Shelton is an attraction enough in itself, but that's not to say there aren't plenty of things to do in Shelton and Fairfield County. Highlight your Connecticut vacations and getaways by staying at Holiday Inn Express Shelton - Trumbull, CT Hotel, always a rewarding choice in Fairfield County hotels.

During your stay, get the most of our Top Ten Connecticut Attractions!

10. Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk

Renowned regional aquarium is known for close encounters of the animal kind, with incredible collections of sand tiger sharks, jellyfish, sea turtles, river otters, harbor seals and dozes of other species that inhabit the extraordinarily diverse Long Island Sound. Finish your trip with an adventure for the eyes with a feature presentation on the six-story high IMAX®.

Open daily, seasonal hours. Aquarium-only admission: $11.75. Learn more.

9. Boothe Memorial Park & Museum

Connecticut is brimming with fascinating historical attractions, and Boothe Memorial Park & Museum in Stratford is among the best. Resting on 32 pristine acres, Boothe Park is home to the oldest homestead in America, the house having a foundation from 1663. Today, the park features several historical and iconic buildings, as well fabulous nature-walking and family events. Rental space is also available.

Open daily, guided tours seasonally. Admission free. Learn more.

8. Barnum Museum

Named for one of America's most emblematic figures, P. T. Barnum, and exhibiting a good deal about his life, the Barnum Museum is a favorite of families, students and history buffs traveling New England. The Barnum Museum was establish in 1893 and along with a large collection about Barnum himself features exhibits on the history of Bridgeport and Connecticut, American fashion, American opera and many more.

Open Tue-Sun, closed many holidays. Adult admission: $7.00. Learn more.

7. Cannondale Village

Another classic New England experience, visiting Cannondale Village in Wilton, Connecticut is like stepping 150 years into the past. This traditional 19^th-century village several antique shops, an art gallery, authentic 1800's flower stand and a ceramics workshop. Highlight the day with a meal at The Schoolhouse, a phenomenal restaurant specializing in upscale cuisine made with local ingredients.

Open daily. No admission fee. Restaurant Web site.

6. Discovery Museum and Planetarium

Family fun begins now! This world-class science museum features over 100 hands-on and interactive exhibits that make learning as much fun as playing a game. Visitors can learn about space exploration, watch robots in action, manipulate electricity, "see" sound, play with magnetism and more. Don't miss a show at the Henry B. DuPont Planetarium.

Open Tue-Sun, seasonal hours. Adult admission: $8.50. Learn more.

5. Shoreline Star Greyhound Park

Get away from the hustle and bustle of normal live and spend a relaxed day at the track. This full-service greyhound racing facility features live pari-mutuel racing from May to October and year-round simulcasting for thoroughbred horseracing and Jai Alai, the once-popular court sport. Whether attending for a live or televised event, complete the day with a satisfy meal at one of three delicious dining options.

Open daily, racing schedule varies. No admittance fee. Learn more.

4. Captain Cove's Seaport

One of the most popular tourist attractions in Fairfield County is just a few miles our from our Shelton, CT hotel. Located at famous Black Rock Harbor, Captain Cove's Seaport is a multipurpose family amusement center and marina. There's tons to see and do, from the charming mini-shops offering every possible gift or sundry to the historic buildings to explore to the harbor cruises. Don't miss a tasty seafood dinner at The Restaurant.

Open daily. No admission. Learn more.

3. Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo

This nationally-accredited park is the only zoo in Connecticut, and it does the state proud with beautifully-maintained grounds and, of course, a collection of healthy, happy and fascinating animals. Once you've had your fill of the ocelots, whistling ducks, spectacled bears, snakes, dart frogs, tigers and the hundreds of other animals, visit the humongous greenhouse and take a ride on the historic carousel.

Open daily. Adult admission: $11.00. Free parking. Learn more.

2. Jones Family Farms

Berry-picking at the Jones Family Farms is an annual favorite, a tradition shared by hundreds of families in Fairfield County and surrounding areas, and now you have the chance to experience the fun. During the summer, roughly June through August, you can pick strawberries and blueberries straight from the plant. Picking are sold by the pound. During the fall, the Farms are a great place to get that Halloween pumpkin. Come December, harvest-your-own Christmas Trees are still a huge draw. There is also a wine tasting room and seasonal cooking classes.

Open seasonally. Prices vary by attraction. Learn more.

1. SportsCenter of Connecticut

Holiday Inn Express Shelton - Trumbull is one of the best Shelton hotels because we're only two miles out from the SportsCenter of Connecticut, our #1 attraction! Sure to satisfy the craving of any family member, the center is a massive multi-sport complex featuring a golf range, mini-golf, batting cages, bowling lanes, lazer tag, ice skating, ice hockey, inline hockey and a video arcade. Promising days of fun, and open late every day of the year, the SportsCenter of Connecticut is a guaranteed good time!

Open daily, hours vary by season. No admission, priced by attraction. Learn more.