FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Sandra Betner Public Relations
CONNECTICUT ART TRAIL “STAYCATIONS”
July 24, 2008, Connecticut --- For Connecticut residents not wanting to venture far from home for their summer vacation, the Connecticut Art Trail offers enticing “Staycation” options.
Make the Connecticut Art Trail the centerpiece of your next travel experience, whether a day trip or overnight getaway. Explore diverse, quality collections rich in history and heritage at the fifteen world-class museums and historic sites along the Trail.
For “Staycation” special offers, which are valid through Labor Day*, visit http://www.arttrail.org/museums.htm to link to the following participating museums and historic sites. In all cases, mention the Staycation vacation and show proof of Connecticut residency.
*unless otherwise stated.
RIVER VALLEY
Hill-Stead Museum, Farmington
$1 off admission (not including special programs) when Connecticut residents show proof of residency.
Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art, Hartford
Free gift with purchase in Museum Shop any day and $2 off admission for adults and seniors, Tuesday only. Must have a printout of Staycation page from the museum's website.
LITCHFIELD HILLS
The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum, Ridgefield
Contemporary Art Meets History Package: 20% off a two-night stay at the West Lane Inn, two tickets to the Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum, Weir Farm National Historic Site, and the Keeler Tavern Museum, plus a free glass of wine with purchase of dinner at Luc's Café and Restaurant.
Valid through December 30, 2008. Visit
http://www.arttrail.org/packages.htm to reserve or for more information.
FAIRFIELD COUNTY
Bush-Holley Historic Site, Cos Cob/Greenwich
$1 off admission per person to the Visitor Center and Gallery for groups of four or more for Connecticut residents. Includes Bush-Holley House tour. 10% off in Gift Shop.
Weir Farm National Historic Site, Wilton & Ridgefield
"Take Part in Art" Program, Paint “en plein air” as part of our “Take Part in Art” program. Make your own watercolor painting, free. Painting supplies provided. Saturdays and Sundays only 1-4 p.m. through October. Also see Contemporary Art Meets History Package above, under The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum.
MYSTIC COUNTRY
Florence Griswold Museum, Old Lyme
$1.00 off regular admission for Connecticut residents when they mention the Staycation program and show proof of residency. Cannot be combined with any other offers.
The Slater Memorial Museum, Norwich
"Eye Spy" hands-on activity for families with prize to all participants. (Offer not posted on museum's website.)
GREATER NEW HAVEN
Yale University Art Gallery, New Haven
“Starry Nights” hotel package at the four-star Omni New Haven Hotel at Yale: overnight accommodation with breakfast, welcome gift, reservations to Van Gogh's
Cypresses and
The Starry Night at Yale University Art Gallery, shopping coupons, drinks at the hotel's rooftop bar, $50 gift certificate for Zinc or Chow Restaurant, self-parking. $299/night, double occupancy.
Valid through September 7, 2008. Visit
http://www.arttrail.org/packages.htm to reserve or for more information.
In addition to the "Staycation" offers, the following museums offer FREE admission:
RIVER VALLEY
New Britain Museum of American Art, New Britain – free Saturdays 10:00-Noon
LITCHFIELD HILLS
The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum, Ridgefield – free on Tuesdays
Mattatuck Museum Arts & History Museum, Waterbury - free under agae 16
FAIRFIELD COUNTY
Bruce Museum, Greenwich – free on Tuesdays
Bush-Holley Historic Site, Cos Cob/Greenwich – free on Tuesdays
Center for Contemporary Printmaking, Norwalk – always free
Weir Farm National Historic Site, Wilton & Ridgefield – always free
MYSTIC COUNTRY
The William Benton Museum of Art, University of Connecticut, Mansfield/Storrs – always free
Lyman Allyn Art Museum, New London – New London residents always free with ID
NEW HAVEN COUNTY
Yale Center for British Art, New Haven – always free
Yale University Art Gallery, New Haven – always free
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The Connecticut Art Trail offers fifteen world-class museums and historic sites as the centerpiece of vacation experiences, from bucolic farms, art studios and former artists' boarding houses to grand and modern art museums in vibrant downtowns. Discover diverse, quality collections rich in history and heritage, including European masterpieces, American Impressionism, ancient art and contemporary culture…all within Connecticut's borders.
Visit http://www.arttrail.org/ for a detailed description of each museum, Trail Getaway itineraries, Lodging Packages and recommended lodging, dining and area attractions near each museum.
