Wethersfield Cove is an inlet which connects to the Connecticut River. There were warehouses built…read morein the 1600s, to store goods such as food and lumber to be sent out to trade with places like the West Indies; products traded in return were rum, molasses, and sugar. The Cove Warehouse Museum still stands today and is open seasonally to the public. There is the heritage trail that runs through it, a boat ramp, rocky beach, picnic tables, porta potty, and a huge parking lot. As far as beach goes, I wouldn't advise swimming in it because of a huge sewage leak back in the 1990s. It is a beautiful spot to walk, picnic, and just enjoy the vista. I'm sure it's fun to go boating on it too. Overall, a nice little neighborhood park with tons of history.

This little hidden spot is a gem if you're looking to get away from the busy life. It is peaceful,…read morewith manicured grass, a little stream of the Connecticut River, and some geese staying cool in the water. It is super easy to access, just an easy drive down the road from Old Wethersfield and past the dreaded DMV. You can bring your lunch here and have it on the bench. Be sure to dispose of your litter in the trash can. There was a very kind older gentleman who was working to pick up the litter of the ground, he said "it gives me something to do". There's no reason for this, as there's a substantial amount of trash cans. This is a nice place to go on a boat ride down the Connecticut River, and to try to catch some fish. The Wethersfield Cove is a beautiful place to rest your mind and your eyes.

Who in their right mind pays a fee to use public land. Parking is one thing, but to seriously…read morecharge people to use a boat launch is beyond disappointing and I will not spend any money to do so. Your swimming/beach area isn't even open (and hasn't been in several years), so what are you doing with this money? You offer absolutely nothing and a boat launch should be free. Honestly pathetic.

This review is for the fishing aspect of Lake McDonough. The water in this lake is extremely clear…read moreand there are steep drop-offs, so naturally, the fishing can be very difficult. Also, the place seems to have a lot of bass in the 1# to 1.5# range. They can be fun to catch, but it would be nice to get some larger ones once in a while. Never caught a trout here, or seen one follow my lure, for that matter. On the positive side, the launch is great, your boat will come off easy. $6 to launch and another $6 to park. Lake is never crowded with boat traffic, no water skiers or jet skiers, which is also good. Very scenic too, just wish the fishing was better, because I only live 4 miles from here. FYI, alcohol is not allowed, they will search your cooler. Gate opens at 8am on weekends, 10am on weekdays (which I find a tad late being a fisherman, but it is what it is).

A park with a spectacular view!…read more Talcott Mountain State Park is a 574-acre park located in Simsbury. Parking was spacious. The trail to the Heublein Tower is 1.25-miles long. The Tower can be seen from various parts of the state. It's a beautiful, white, 165-foot high tower with 360 degrees view. The trail was wide and on gravel. There was recent heavy rains so some of the trails had some washout. The hike was mostly up hill with some flat areas; I'd say it's moderate but it was a little bit more challenging for me because I was baby-wearing my child. My toddler did great on it. There were a couple of benches and logs to sit on along the way; pet waste receptacles were seen. My only qualm were the bugs, so don't forget bug spray like we did. Once we got to the top, there were a couple of porta potties and a kiosk. The view of the tower up close was exhilarating, so much history. There was an informational movie on in the garage with benches. There was a huge picnic pavilion and picnic tables throughout; a giant BBQ pit and another small one. The Heublein Tower was beautiful and built in 1914; it can withstand 100-mph winds. The staircases going up and down were meant to be one way; this was a great way to reduce pedestrian congestion and a fire hazard. There were historic relics and rooms decorated the way it was back in the day. Informational signage throughout the space. The tower used to be the summer home for Gilbert Heublein; a successful businessman whose company acquired Smirnoff Vodka and A1 Steak Sauce. The view from the ballroom was amazing and breathtaking. They had signs showing what we can see based on the direction. The hike back down the trail was easier, becareful though, some of the gravel were slippery and I saw a kid fall. Overall, a great hike and the view was worth it!

Amazing and easy hike with the gals. The view is amazing from the top. It is a great hike to chat…read morewith people and too far from Hartford

Beautiful retreat of the daily grind and great staff. Nice area and fun memories. Can't wait to…read morereturn in the Summer.

Everything is nice but up until today my family and I never met anyone like DOMINIQUE! He was…read moreamazing and the sweetest !!!! Can't wait till next time so we can request him to help us out with whatever we need GO DOMINIQUE AKA DOM!

This is a great community swim and tennis club. A yearly membership is required. If you compare…read morecosts of going to the beach or parks like six flags or other Connecticut outdoor events the SWAT is well worth it. The staff is great. The pool is covered well with the lifeguard staff! You can bring your food or buy from the mobile snack shack.

It's been awhile since I last came here. And I have no intention of coming back…read more Lockers/showers area could be cleaner. unpleasant, rude workers at the pool. The cafe/food stall was pretty good.