City: Windsor Locks, CT

Category: Getting Here, Getting Around

Telephone: (860) 292-2000

Address: 06096

Description: Bradley International Airport (BDL) is Connecticut’s primary airport. Located in Windsor Locks—11 miles northwest of Hartford, via I-91 (exit 40) and the Airport Connector, Route 20—this airport is easy to get to, making the first or last legs of your trip relatively comfortable, and hopefully hassle-free. The complex is smaller than its counterparts in New York City or Boston, so it is a good alternative, especially for Fairfield County travelers who might otherwise choose the city’s airports. As you arrive near the terminal, look for signage to direct you to arrivals and departures. Outside, a pergola-type structure of tinted glass curves high above the entranceway to departing flights. Ticket counters, security, and departures are located on the main floor, while arrivals come in on the lower level, where you’ll find baggage claim. The interior is spacious, bright, and welcoming, with high ceilings and glass facades. Business as well as leisure travelers find nonstop and regional connection service to all major US markets, Canada, and San Juan, Puerto Rico. Charter service to Mexico is presently the only international connection. Thirteen major airlines, including Air Canada (888-247-2262), American (800-433-7300), Continental (800-525-0280), Delta (800-221-1212), Jet Blue (800-538-2583), Southwest (800-435-9792), United (800-241-6522), and US Airways (800-428-4322) operate out of Bradley. You’ll find all commercial flights in the main hub, designated Terminal A, with access to 12 gates on Concourse C and another 10 on Concourse E. Services at the airport include customs, Wi-Fi, executive clubs, ADA-accessible passenger drop-off and pickup, wheelchairs, a Commuter Carrier Lift, telecommunication devices for the speech and hearing impaired, luggage carts, and, of course, shoe shines. Restrooms are wheelchair accessible and located throughout the terminal. Within, you’ll find a number of gift shops, various eateries, and a food court.

City: Windsor Locks, CT

Category: Tours & Attractions

Telephone: (860) 623-3305

Address: 36 Perimeter Rd.

Description: There are only four museums of any size in the US dedicated to aviation, and this is one of them. They have a Bleriot monoplane from 1909, a huge collection of World War II fighters and bombers, and modern jet fighters. Fifty airplanes are housed inside the facility, and there are many more outside, some of which are being restored. They have more than airplanes, too, like the control car of the Goodyear blimp and an 1870 balloon basket, the oldest surviving one in the US. The smaller items owned by the museum are even more spectacular, since Connecticut was and is a center for US aviation, and the local companies like Pratt and Whitney and Sikorsky have donated some amazing stuff. In the spring and summer they have open cockpit days and car shows here, too, a huge treat for kids of all ages.