Hill Stead Museum - (860) 677-4787

Beautiful mansion and grounds, friendly staff, fascinating history, and an amazing collection of artwork. I visited with my 4th through 6th grade art students and toured with a focus on impressionism, and the staff was very knowledgeable and attentive to the group. They also offer teacher workshops. Collection includes work by Edgar Degas, Claude Monet, and Mary Cassatt.

This mansion is so interesting and beautiful inside. I was not sure what to expect, but thoroughly enjoyed the tour and reading about the family. It's off of busy Route 4, but once you are on the property, you won't know the cars are flying by. It's a lovely place to spend an afternoon or day, and bring a picnic. The gift shop has a unique assortment of goods, not just normally find at those stores.