Your Summer Guide To Connecticut's Best In 2017

Everyone enjoys a little day trip during the summer.

Yankee Magazine knows that, so its editors compiled an extensive list of their top choices for the "Best of" what Connecticut has to offer in 2017.

"Need a reason to travel this summer? From dining and lodging to attractions that are well worth the drive, here are nearly 40 of our editors’ picks for the best of Connecticut," wrote the editors.

We're not going to list all 40 (you should visit the Yankee Magazine site to read the editors' wonderful picks), but here are 10 to whet your appetite:

• Bird-Watching Spot: Connecticut River Expeditions (Eagle Landing State Park, Little Meadow Road, Haddam. 860-662-0577; ctriverquest.com)
• General Store: Old Wethersfield Country Store (Main St., Wethersfield. 860-436-3782; owcsct.com)
• Multi-Use Trail: Larkin State Park Trail (From Kettletown Road, Southbury, to Whittemore Glen State Park, Naugatuck. 203-938-2285; ct.gov/deep/larkin)
• Paddling Outfitter: Downunder (575 Riverside Ave., Westport. 203-956-6217; downunderct.com)
• Vineyard: Gouveia Vineyards (1339 Whirlwind Hill Road, Wallingford. 203-265-5526; gouveiavineyards.com)
• Dog-Friendly Hotel: Madison Beach Hotel (94 W. Wharf Road, Madison. 203-245-1404; madisonbeachhotel.com)
• Oceanside Bed & Breakfast: Thimble Islands Bed & Breakfast (28 West Point Road, Branford. 203-927-5167; thimbleislandsbb.com)
• Brunch: Bella's Cafe: (896 Whalley Ave., New Haven. 203-387-7107; bellascafect.com)
• Coffee: Neat (20 Grove St., Darien. 203-202-7215; neatcoffee.com)
• Pizza: Krust (686 Main St., Middletown. 860-358-9816; krustpizzabar.com)

To read the other 30 (and what Yankee Magazine has to say about the choices), click here.

Photo credit: Thimble Islands Bed & Breakfast, Branford