Between the art and amusement parks, you won’t know what to do first this summer in Connecticut. Visit Fairfield – a New England town is full of historical sites, museums, and most importantly, miles of beautiful beaches along the Long Island Sound. Looking for more excitement? Try the Lake Compounce Amusement Park in Bristol for thrillers like Zoomerange and the wooden coaster Boulder Dash. Then head to Mystic for the Mystic Arts Center – a place of live music, cocktails, classes and of course, fabulous art. Whether spending a beautiful evening on the water, or zooming down the water slides at Lake Compounce – treat yourself to a summer in Connecticut.

Make your way to Lake Compounce Amusement Park in Bristol for family fun in Connecticut. Known as America's First Family Theme Park, Lake Compounce packs some coaster heat with Boulder Dash – reaching over 60 miles per hour – or the thrilling Zoomerang. Beat the heat this summer with water rides like Lights Out – zipping you down a darkened waterslide – or the Lake Plunge. Take on other Lake Compounce thrill rides like the Sky Coaster, the Twister, or the 185-foot drop of Down Time. Get your kicks at the Lake Compounce Amusement Park this summer – less than 20 miles from the Best Western hotel in Berlin.

Head to Fairfield – about 50 miles southwest of Berlin – and stretch out on city beaches like Sasco Beach or Jennings Beach. Be sure to catch the 2011 summer season from May 28th to June 19th, and dry off at the Best Western hotel in Fairfield. Get some more sun in southern Connecticut with a hike along the Cascades waterfalls at Lake Mohegan – set in the heart of town – or rent a boat from the South Benson Marina for a day on the water. Try the fairways at the public H. Smith Richardson Golf Course for 18 holes, or the South Pine Creek Par 3 for a quicker game in the beautiful summer weather of Connecticut.

Art lovers find haven in Connecticut towns along the Long Island Sound thanks to the Mystic Arts Center. Mark your calendars for Off The Wall 2011 – the center’s annual fundraiser happening July 22nd. Relish in an evening at this beautiful cultural center on the water, complete with cocktails, dancing and a live auction. Don’t miss monthly events like Art in the Evening on First Thursdays, Art After Dark on the waterfront deck – complete with live music and refreshments – and Artini Hour, where you learn a different craft with some martini assistance. Enjoy your time at this lively arts center – less than seven miles from the Best Western hotel in Groton – and get all you can out of summer in Connecticut.