Connecticuts Best Bargains 2012

Yankee Magazine chooses Connecticut’s best bargains for 2012.

BEST BROAD BEACH
Silver Sands State Park,Milford
Tread across the salt-marsh boardwalk to the wide-open strand. At low tide, carefully cross the sandbar to Charles Island. Lucky visitors may even find Captain Kidd’s rumored treasure. Silver Sands Park Way. 203-735-4311; www.ct.gov/dep/silversands

BEST HISTORY AT HALF PRICE
Prudence Crandall Museum,Canterbury
Courageous Miss Crandall established a school for African American women in this two-story Federalist house. One of four state history museums; admission (just $6) to one entitles visitors to half-price at the others. 1 South Canterbury Road. 860-546-7800; www.ct.gov/cct

BEST RIDES
Quassy Amusement Park,Middlebury
Spotting names like “Frog Hopper,” “Big Flush Water Coaster,” and “Grand Carousel,” you and your kids will easily want to make a day of it here. Before you leave, the low ride-ticket prices and plentiful specials (see the Web site for details) will have you already thinking about a return visit. 2132 Middlebury Road (Route 64), 800-367-7275, 203-758-2913; quassy.com

BEST BIRCH BEER
Glenwood Drive-In, Hamden
No trees were sacrificed to make this cool refreshment, but the birch-beer syrup comes from a local source. Sweet and sassy, it goes perfectly with hot dogs, burgers, and lobster rolls. 2538 Whitney Ave. 203-281-0604; glenwooddrivein.com

BEST SMALL THEATER
Hole In The Wall Theater, New Britain
Established in the early 1970s in the founder’s bookstore, this three-decades-old, non-Equity company features improvisation, Shakespeare done differently, and news-related plays. A tiny space, but a mighty theater experience. Tickets: from $10. 116 Main St. 860-223-9665 (info), 860-229-3049 (tickets); hitw.org