Unique things to do in Connecticut

Guests will be greeted at my sunny home studio by me! Everyone will get a smock and and a stool and I'll introduce you to some of my work, then get you started on your own piece. Using acrylic paints, paint medium (thickener) and palette knives, you will choose your own colors and subject as I guide you through my method of abstract palette knife painting. Whether you create a landscape, a sunset or a color field, the process is soothing, meditative and an overall fun experience. Your end result will be uniquely yours and something to remember your visit by. Other things to note PLEASE NOTE: Class time are flexible -please contact me to set up a different time. ***Travel classes will have an additional 20% gratuity***

I’ll introduce you to each horse in the barn, you’ll learn their stories and feed them treats. Then we’ll select several and groom them slowly while listening to peaceful music that calms not only the horse but also you. By giving the horse love and attention you will learn to trust them, as they will learn to trust you. After they have been groomed we will take them for a short walk on a lead line either inside the indoor arena or out on the state park that connects with Hidden Springs Farm, depending on the weather. We’ll end the walk by returning to the barn and you’ll leave the farm feeling connected to nature and horses and feeling refreshed. Other things to note These horses are used to people but that doesn’t mean that they don’t get nervous. Ways to avoid nervous horses is to approach slowly, make no sudden movements and speak in a quiet, even voice. A lot of our horses have been through traumatic situations so this is important!

Join us for an in person or virtual tour! During this tour you will get the unique opportunity to have one on one experience with one of our biologists and get a behind the scenes look at how the New York Marine Rescue Center rehabilitates our seal and sea turtle patients. You will get to see the different areas of our hospital, look at x-rays of interesting animal cases, and see our in-house patients to learn about their individual stories. While learning about these animals you will have the opportunity to ask any questions you have. We hope that with each of these tour guests can learn more about seals and sea turtles and get involved in helping to protect them. This tour provides an immersive experience as get a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to rescue and rehabilitate local sea turtle and seal species. We will explore the different areas in our hospital including the rescue center, lab, treatment room, and animal rehabilitation areas (patient numbers vary depending on the time of year). We will discuss the different species that we see in our local waters, common natural behaviors of these animals, their protection status, and the best practices for observing these animals in their natural habitat. We will expand on the reasons that these animals need our help, the care they receive, and what we can do to protect them in the wild!

Guests will arrive at Hidden Springs Farm, a 20 acre horse rescue that is also home to other farm animals like chickens, ducks, cats as well as cows. After parking at our farm store guests will head into the barn and learn the story of each rescue horse. Currently there are 10 rescues being housed in our barn and they all have unique and different stories that represent all aspects of the equine industry. The guest will then be introduced to the horse that they will learn to ride on and will learn how to clean the horse and then tack them up with a saddle. The guest will then be led down to an indoor arena where they will safely mount their horse. Guest will receive an introductory lesson on riding the horse. They will learn how to steer the horse, how to stop and go as well as successfully navigate. Upon completion of the riding lesson the guest will be led back to the barn and finish off with giving the horse they rode a treat!

This farm tour will lead guests on an authentic day in the life on the farm and give guests an inside look on how we grow veggies in our organic garden, care for our nine rescue horses and give them a chance to view our dairy and beef cows as they graze in the field, a luxury that not many cows this day in age are afforded. After meeting the animals, including the friendly barn cats, guests will be shown the garden, the pond where wildlife is plentiful and the hayfield that allows beautiful views of Hidden Springs Farm. After the activities are finished guests will enjoy a picnic down by the pond, cozy with blankets and a fire pit! Refreshments will change depending on the season but may include our dairy products (milk, cheese, etc), beef and vegetables from the garden. Come learn the ins and outs of organic farm life and connect with animals and nature.

Come visit Hidden Springs Farm, nestled in the Quiet Corner and enjoy a relaxing trail ride with our calm and happy horses. You'll learn how to connect with the horses while taking in gorgeous scenery through the Natchaug State Forest. *Please keep in mind that there is a weigh limit of 175 lbs* This trail ride is tailored to beginners, but also can be enjoyed by any level of rider. Typically we will walk alongside those riders with zero to little experience in order to ensure maximum safety and to make sure that the rider feels comfortable. The ride will go for 45 minutes down to the local Hampton reservoir and back. We start with tacking the horses up, brushing them and introducing them to you so you can get to know your ride. In order to enjoy this ride to the fullest, we ask that you remain calm and ask plenty of questions! Our horses love taking new people for rides and showing off the beauty that is Connecticut. On the trail ride you'll witness nature at a relaxed pace. Make sure you bring your appreciation for nature! Depending on the weather, please bring appropriate outerwear. Always bring an extra coat or a sweater as we trail ride outside and it can be chilly! *If for some reason your trail ride is cancelled due to bad weather, we can either refund you within a month of your booking or reschedule for better weather within 6 months*

Join us for a tour! Upon arriving, you will be greeted at the entrance by your guide who will take you on a private tour. You will see all of the animals at the sanctuary - many horses and two goats. You will also have a backstage pass to see where the animals' meals are prepared & how the animals are cared for. Every animal has a story & you will get to learn about each one! ***Please note, we are unable to offer any horseback riding. ***Tours are given by dedicated volunteers. The listed times are what are available based on volunteer availability and horse feeding schedules. We cannot accommodate special schedules. Thank you for understanding!

You will be greeted at our entrance and will be guided on a private tour by the founder and executive director, Deanna Mancuso. You will learn how LOHR began, the programs offered now and what the goals are for the future. You will see all the animals at the sanctuary, all the horses and the goats. You will also have a back stage pass to see where the animals' meals are prepared and how the animals are cared for. Other things to note Please wear comfortable shoes. We will be on a farm; if it's sunny, bring sunblock; if it's been rainy, it will be muddy. Please be prepared so you can have the most enjoyable experience possible.

Enjoy your very own private chef experience at your place! Take advantage of our group discounts: ★ 15% OFF — groups from 4 to 5 guests ★ 20% OFF — groups of +6 guests To have a closer look at my menus, check the What's Included section below. You can also have this Experience in New York City, Long Island, and Westchester. Learn the secrets hidden within each dish, and enjoy a delicious multi-course meal. Get ready to discover the taste of The Hamptons without leaving your own dining room! I will arrive around 60 minutes before your preferred dining time in order to begin preparing the meal. I won't arrive empty-handed! No-no, I will show up at your doorstep equipped with every ingredient needed in order to prepare your meal. Eat, share, drink, laugh, and explore Hamptons dining scene from your own table. Oh and don’t worry about tidying up, everything will be left spotless for you to continue to enjoy! I let the seasons control the plates so my guests can experience this beautiful place as it changes. If you have any questions please send me a direct message and I will be happy to answer them.

From May 1- Columbus Day weekend we offer folks a chance to get out on the water and enjoy the beauty of Twin Lakes, Salisbury, Connecticut (not MA as in the link below the title...Airbnb won't fix!) with views of the mountains on our Captained Aquarius sailboat, we take a maximum of four people and supply life jackets and comfy dry seating. Guests can bring food but no alcohol. Cruises are 2 hours and start at 11 am and run through sunset. These are private charters so you will be with your own family and friends. We are the only sailboat charter in the tri-state (CT/MA/NY) southern Berkshires and Litchfield Hills. Other things to note Children under 4 may not enjoy the experience as it is not real active ... actually very relaxing.

My menus are a mix of unique global flavors of different cuisines, always prepared with the best ingredients I can find. To have a closer look at my menus check the What's Included section below. Take advantage of our group discounts: 10% OFF — groups from 4 to 5 guests 15% OFF — groups of +6 guests Learn the secrets hidden within each dish, and enjoy a delicious multi-course meal. Get ready to discover the taste of the Hamptons without leaving your own dining room! I will arrive 90 minutes before your preferred dining time in order to begin working my magic. I won't arrive empty-handed! No-no, I will show up at your doorstep equipped with every ingredient needed in order to prepare your meal. Feel free to put your apron on and cook some of the dishes with me! I am eager to share with you the secrets behind my recipes and the Hamptons' local hidden treasures. Not in the mood? Well then lay down, relax, enjoy a few appetizers and allow me and my team to take care of you. Eat, share, drink, laugh, and explore the Hamptons' dining scene from your own table. Oh and don’t worry about tidying up, everything will be left spotless for you to continue to enjoy! Please note that to book an experience there is a minimum of 2 guests required.

Formerly home to thousands of acres of potato fields and later on a quiet retreat for artists and writers, Sagaponack is surrounded by bucolic landscapes and is now as well known for its tony atmosphere and architecture as it is for its storied farm stands. Our sunset electric bike ride to the beach begins when you check-in and meet our eBike team for a riders’ meeting in the Village Parking Lot at 99 School Street (behind the Candy Kitchen; look for our GO GO Van), and to be properly fitted and oriented to your Royal Dutch Gazelle electric bike. Our 15 mile guided tour experience will be a thoroughly enjoyable ride to the pavilion at Sagg Main Beach, and follows much of the historic street racing route of the vintage Bridgehampton Sports Car Races, but at a relaxing, no-rush pace on a modern Class 1 electric bike. Don’t miss out on the best activity in the Hamptons! Please message me if you have questions. Thank You! Feel free to check out our other tours and options at electricbikesagogo . com

The surf lesson is 1.5 hours long. We'll do 10 minutes of instruction on the beach and the remaining 80 minutes surfing in the water. We'll meet at the beach, which ever is good for you. Talk surf and safety, practice paddling and pop-ups on the beach, then get in the water and put it all together. I'll swim out with you, put you into position, and push you into some waves. You'll be surfing your very first wave in no time! Other things to note Surf lessons are available everyday from 8am-8pm. Just let me know me know when you would like to go. Transportation is available for a small fee.

Depending on your preference we'll begin our journey on either North Fork (north shore) or South Fork (south shore) of Long Island. If you have no preference we will meet at the North Fork County Park in Northville, NY. We'll walk through the woods past ponds and estuaries in search of lighthouses and other natural beauty and eventually end up on the beach. Well walk along massive drift wood trees and crawl on large boulders (if you like). We'll talk about the area we are in, take some pics, catch the sun set and maybe even go for a swim in the warmer months. Bring a snack or lunch for a picnic in the woods or on the beach. When we've concluded our hike we'll head back to our cars, pack up, and be on our way home. Other things to note This 2 hour guided tour is available from 8am-8pm on weekdays and 8am-8pm on weekends. Just let me know when you would like to go.

Join David and Karen Etchells, along with their 3 Standard Poodles, as they take you on a 2-mile guided hike on Mount Misery Trail. Located in the enchanted Pachaug Forest, it feels like an entirely different world under a thick canopy of trees. You'll learn tidbits of local history while navigating a relatively easy climb - roughly 232 feet in elevation. When you reach the peak of this loop trail, you will be able to take it all in at once: breathtaking views stretch before your eyes for miles. You won't find anything miserable about this scenery; it's truly magnificent!