More than 80 vintage aircraft are available for viewing at The New England Air Museum in Windsor Locks and the Old Newgate Prison and Copper Mine in East Granby. Visitors should plan to attend daily cannon-firing ceremonies at the Old State House, site of George Washington's Revolutionary War meeting with the French.

For a trip farther back in time, check out Dinosaur State Park in Rocky Hill, where more than 2,000 early Jurassic Period dinosaur footprints have been discovered. A museum, built directly over the tracks, displays 500 footprints for up-close viewing. Don't miss the casting area, where visitors who bring their own materials may make plaster casts of a life-sized dinosaur footprint to take home. Call (860) 529-5816 for more information.

Visit the Essex Steam Train and Riverboat exhibit, where train and riverboat rides are available. For details, call (860) 767-0103, or log on to valley.railroad@snet.net.

Or pick up the pace with weekly NASCAR auto racing at Stafford Motor Speedway in Stafford Springs. Cockaponset State Forest in Haddam is the second-largest state forest in the state, covering 15,652 acres. Fishing, hiking, swimming and a picnic area are all available to the public. Call (860) 566-2304.

Devil's Hopyard State Park, in East Haddam, is worth the trip to see 60-foot Chapman Falls. The park is also popular for its hiking, freshwater fishing and scenic picnic spots.

In Canton, the Roaring Brook Nature Center has walking trails, live animals and an Indian longhouse. Call (860) 693-0263 for more information. Or visit the Connecticut Audubon Center, next to Earle Park in Glastonbury. This science and nature center offers exhibits on area wildlife and plants, a hands-on area for kids, educational programs and a gift shop. Call (860) 633-8402 for additional information.

For more on places to eat and stay in Connecticut, plus even more things to do, visit www.tourism.state.ct.us.

MAINE
Boothbay Bound
The Boothbay region offers great saltwater fishing opportunities and plenty of diversions for the vacationing family. Shoreline anglers will find plenty of tinker mackerel and schoolie striped bass. Venture out to deeper seas for a chance to land big stripers, tuna, cod, haddock and sharks.

Like any coastal Maine town in summer, things can be crowded, with parking spots few and far between. If the family is up for a 10-minute walk and there's not too much gear to lug, park for free in the spacious lot behind Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church. A short jaunt up the street and across the walking bridge brings travelers back into the downtown area.

For deep-sea angling action, take to the seas aboard The Blackjack with Captain Dan Stevens at (207) 633-6445), or try your luck with the crew at Sweet Action Charters at (207) 633-4741.

Or put the rod away for a while and enjoy one of the many other cruises offered, like Cap'n Fish's Nature Cruises at (207) 633-3244, Balmy Days Cruises at 1-800-298-2284, or Boothbay Whale Watch at (207) 633-3500. Spend some time on the water here, and harbor seals, dolphins, finback and humpback whales will reveal themselves.