Location: Bristol
Top Things to do in Bristol
The 10 Best Things to do in Bristol, Connecticut (CT)
Bristol is a suburban city located in Hartford County, Connecticut, United States, 20 miles (32 km) southwest of Hartford. As of the 2010 census, the population of the city was 60,477. Bristol is best known as the home of ESPN, whose central studios are in the city. Bristol is also home to Lake Compounce, America's oldest continuously operating theme park. Bristol was known as a clock-making city in the 19th century, and is home to the American Clock & Watch Museum. Bristol's nicknames include the "Bell City", because of a history manufacturing innovative spring-driven doorbells, and the "Mum City", because it was once a leader in chrysanthemum production and still holds an annual Bristol Mum Festival. In 2010, Bristol was ranked 84th on Money Magazine's "Best Places to Live". In 2013, Hartford Magazine ranked Bristol as Greater Hartford's top municipality in the "Best Bang for the Buck" category.
Restaurants in Bristol
1. L & D Designs
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4 reviews
Rocks, Minerals, Jewelery, Crystals and Healing Gifts. Jewelery Making.
2. Harry C. Barnes Memorial Nature Center
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 5 reviews
Trails open 365 days a year, dawn to dusk. Visitor Center open Thursday, Friday, Saturday 10-4 & Sunday 12-4. New exhibits and activities, view our extensive collection of reptiles and amphibians, meet live birds of prey, try your hand at one of our many interactive exhibits, and by all means, explore our trails!
3. Indian Rock Nature Preserve
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3 reviews
280-acres of varied habitat, a lake, streams and miles of nature trails. School programs are taught here and it is the home of Indian Rock Summer Camp. The trails and facilities, including two authentic wigwams, provide the perfect setting for all ages to learn about our natural and historic heritage. Onsite demonstration farm with an apple orchard, flock of sheep, a cow, chickens and turkeys.
4. American Clock & Watch Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 107 reviews
Join us for a fascinating trip back in time. Learn about American clock & watch making with particular emphasis on Connecticut, once the clock capital of the country. Over 1500 timekeepers are on display and many chime & strike on the hour. The museum boasts one of the largest displays of American-made timepieces in the world. Designated as one of Connecticut's cultural treasures, the museum has been a destination in Connecticut for over 60 years. The museum is housed in an 1801 home with an authentic American sundial garden. The museum gift shop has a wide variety of clock-related gifts and books. The museum is open seven days a week, 10:00a.m. To 5:00p.m. Museum members admitted FREE, Adults $6, Seniors $5, Children 8-17 $3, Children under 8 admitted FREE. Group tour rates available for 10 or more visitors. Call for details.
Reviewed By NYBike - Wappingers Falls, United States
This is a chock full display of all kinds of time-pieces ... various sized grandfather clocks, old "calendar clocks" (never saw anything like it), as well as smaller clocks. We really enjoyed walking around the exhibits, admiring the craftmanship that went into every clock cabinet - in many cases, true works of art
5. Bristol Public Library
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 25 reviews
6. New England Carousel Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 113 reviews
This 33,000 sq. ft. restored hosiery factory is the home of the New England Carousel Museum nestled in the heart of downtown Bristol, Connecticut, half way between NY City and Boston. This magnificent, unique Museum is worth the visit. In addition to antique, wooden carousel pieces the Museum has an indoor working carousel, carousel restoration workshop,a Museum of Fire History, and a hands on early learning lab and art studio. The Museum is a great place to host a wedding, bar mitzvahs, receptions, performances, dances, meetings and much more with many options that accommodate everything from a bridal shower for 30 people to a sit down dinner for 230 people in our banquet hall.
Reviewed By NYBike - Wappingers Falls, United States
This is an awesome place to visit! We've been facinated by carousel horses - the artistry and workmanship that goes into constructing them, and the brilliant results! After having read about this museum in Bristol CT, we finally got to visit! Hundreds of carousel horses and other figures (cats, zebra, giraffe, pigs) are on display, along with a little carousel for kids and a very loud calliope providing a circus atmosphere. This museum is like no other, and definitely worth visiting
7. Imagine Nation
8. Spare Time Bristol
9. St. Stanislaus Church
10. Lake Compounce
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 799 reviews
With over 402 acres of fun, Lake Compounce is the oldest continuously operating amusement park in North America, welcoming families since 1846. Lake Compounce has ten cozy catering pavilions and plenty of room to host your next birthday, party, family reunion, and corporate event! Lake Compounce combines unique and exciting thrill rides and coasters for all ages with a full-sized water park—all for one low price. As the park continues to delight families from all around the New England area and beyond, the balance of evolution and tradition continues to play an important role at the nation’s first amusement park.
Reviewed By Jetset124 - Southington, United States
Lake Compounce is a wonderful theme park. Boulder Dash is a unique coaster - the longest wooden roller coaster - and it goes through the woods and mountain. It’s really fun and the views are spectacular. The Haunted Graveyard is thrilling and I recommend it. The park has free soda and plenty of places to eat, relax, a water park, and rides for all ages. The bungee jump ride is terrifying and absolutely phenomenal.
