See the historical sites; boat, kayak, and camp on the beautiful river; and visit the splendid parks and gardens!

The Connecticut River is the largest river in New England, runs from Northern New Hampshire to Long Island Sound, and is home to bald eagle habitats. The river has a long history with local Abenaki Indian settlements, early colonial villages, and acts as a logging byway as well as an agricultural haven for its neighboring fertile lands. Its farming heritage coupled with its unparalleled beauty is what draws people to its scenic recreational activities.

A day trip from Boston along Rte 93 to Rte 89 and a perfect drive from either Connecticut or New York up Rte 91, this location is pristine in its natural beauty.

Activities are plentiful, from a historical visit to Fort at Number Four in Charlestown, which depicts a stockaded village of pre-revolutionary frontier life with costumed interpreters, to St Gaudens national park (http://sgnhs.org/), which is an artists colony on the grounds and gardens of the famous St Gaudens sculptor’s mansion with picturesque views of Mt Ascutney. Boating and kayaking activities meander along the river valley through farmlands and under the Cornish-Windsor covered bridge, which is the longest active covered bridge in the United States.

It is a paddlers dream among a waterway that is free and open, with little boating activity. A great way to explore is to rent kayaks or canoes (www.kayak-canoe.com/) for either a half or full day. There are also opportunities to stay in campsites further upstream.

With the Harpoon Brewery adjacent to the river in Vermont, it is possible to begin your kayak entry from that point after a great lunch in their beer garden (http://www.harpoonbrewery.com/). Explore the nooks and crannies in your backyard!