East Haddam - Pet-Friendly Places

There is a large variety of stories that give the Devil's Hopyard State Park its name. One revolved around a man named Dibble who brewed beer there, and eventually Dibble's Hopyard became Devil's Hopyard. There are also numerous pothole stone formations in this section of the country that are perfectly cylindrical and range from inches to several feet in diameter and depth. The story was that the Devil passed by the falls, accidentally getting his tail wet. This made him so mad he burned holes in the stones with his hooves as he bounded away. Whatever the story, this is a wonderful place to hike with your dog along 15 miles of trails, the most beautiful of which is the Vista Trail. It starts at a covered bridge and finishes at Chapman Falls. The park is also known for birding and great fly fishing. Dogs can swim in Eight Mile River and there is also a beach downstream from the falls.

Fantasy takes flight when you step back to the past at The Connecticut Renaissance Faire. It's a time to play and unwind, to feast and drink, and a tine to celebrate the old-fashioned way. Watch shows on numerous stages around the faire, listen to minstrels playing in the streets, and experience the ageless, old-world charm of a 16th century village filled with laughter, romance, and good, old-fashioned family fun in Connecticut. WHAT: The Connecticut Renaissance Faire WHERE: Lebanon County Fairgrounds, 122 Mack Road, Lebanon, CT 06249 WHEN: Saturday, Sunday, Labor Day and Columbus Day - September 2 - October 9 TICKETS: General admission is $15, Youth admission (ages 7-15) is $10, and children six and under are FREE. Guests can purchase tickets at the Faire box office on all days it is open or online at ctfaire.com. Parking is free. INFO: ctfaire.com, fb.com/ctfaire, (860)478-5954