8 Of The Best Activities For Retirees In Connecticut

Despite being one of the smallest states in the US, Connecticut is filled to the brim with classic New England charm.

A beautiful place to see all four seasons, Connecticut offers flourishing landscapes, sandy beaches, and stunning lakefronts.

Now that you are transitioning into retirement, you have the time to do what you love with the people you love. You can create memories with your children and grandchildren as Connecticut has plenty of activities for all ages. With numerous opportunities for rest and relaxation, physical activity, and other events, you will always have something to do! Here are some of our top suggestions:

1. Visit Downtown Mystic

If you love history then downtown Mystic should be on your must-see list. This Connecticut seaside village is focused on its glorious maritime history. Visitors can explore the Mystic Seaport, a beautifully recreated 19th-century village or visit the Mystic Aquarium which is home to a wide variety of sea life.

If shopping is more your style, then Olde Mistick Village may be for you. An outdoor mall designed to represent a 19th-century New England Village, this village is filled with era themed stores for you to browse and buy. With many restaurants within Olde Mistick Village, this is one of the best places in Connecticut to visit for lunch or dinner.

2. Visit The New England Air Museum

The New England Air Museum, at Bradley International Airport, is the largest aviation museum in the northeastern US with 80 aircrafts featured in multiple display buildings. The three hangars of the museum display different eras, from the pioneering flight era to modern planes, as well as helicopters. There is an exhibit of aircraft engines showing the history of flight, another display highlighting commercial flight, and educational videos for all ages.

With interactive exhibits at this air museum there is something for everyone! Visitors are entertained with a flight simulator and interactive games for children. You can even watch the aircraft restoration process! Be sure to stop by the gift shop so you can pick up your souvenir!

3. Essex Steam Train And Riverboat

Want a relaxing sightseeing adventure? Find a seat and get ready to relax on the Essex Steam Train. An antique train pulled by an original steam locomotive featuring vintage coaches, this ride allows visitors to roll their way along the lovely Connecticut River.

A lively conductor and tour guide will entertain you with historical facts while traveling from Essex Station on this 12-mile round-trip journey. Along the way, you will pass the towns of Chester and Deep River.

We suggest also purchasing a Riverboat tour to prolong your breathtaking adventure. The MV Becky Thatcher is a 70′ Mississippi-style riverboat that comfortably holds 150 passengers. Inquire about a cocktail reception or sit-down dinner for the relaxation you have been craving. This riverboat will take you on a stunning cruise highlighted by glimpses of incredible wildlife (even a bald eagle if you take this trip during February and March), mesmerizing shoreline, and other historic sites on this list like Gillette Castle.

4. The Gillette Castle

Gillette Castle was originally a private residence commissioned and designed by William Gillette, an American actor, most famously known for his portrayal of Sherlock Holmes. Gillette lived at this estate from 1919 to 1937. The estate was purchased by the state of Connecticut in 1943 for a price of $5,000!

The castle re-opened in 2002 after a four-year, $11 million restoration. It now includes a visitors' center and museum, hiking trails, and a picnic area. Gillette Castle now receives 350,000 visitors annually.

This 184-acre estate displays stunning views of the Connecticut river. Inside, the medieval Gothic castle contains secret passages, intricate locking mechanisms, and other fascinating treasures that all point to the creative genius of William Gillette.

5. Volunteer At The Connecticut Humane Society

If you are looking to give back and love animals, then you should consider volunteering at the Connecticut Humane Society to have the best of both worlds. With multiple locations needing help, volunteering includes cuddling with cats, cleaning cages, and dog walking. Don’t worry about becoming too attached, as the Humane Society offers fostering and adoption opportunities.

6. Visit The Yale University Art Gallery

If you have an appreciation for the arts, then The Yale University Art Gallery is a must see. Home to nearly 300,000 artistic pieces, this art gallery has something for everyone. Founded in 1832 when patriot-artist John Trumbull donated more than 100 paintings of the American Revolution, this is the oldest university art museum in America and is filled to the brim with history from all regions of the world and across time.

You will find works by the likes of Degas, Monet, and Manet within this art gallery. The gallery features timeless art and artifacts on display from regions such as Asia, Europe, and the Indo-Pacific.

If you prefer more modern art, Yale boasts an impressive collection of modern and contemporary art pieces to keep you entertained. The gallery is open to everyone and completely free to visitors.

7. Visit Arethusa Farm

Arethusa Farm is a dairy farm in Bantam, originally opened by the Webster family in 1868 and named after the region's pink orchard. In 1999, the farm was purchased by Anthony Yurgaitis and George Malkemus, who have maintained a dairy storefront and stunning restaurant at the site since 2013.

Visitors can stop in at the dairy's open barn hours on Saturday to meet-and-greet with farm cows and learn about milking and bottling operations. The company's ultra-pasteurized milk is sold year-round and is designed to maintain as much of its natural flavor as possible. If your grandchildren are with you, then you must try their homemade ice cream. If ice cream is not your thing, then you can try their farm-fresh yogurt, European-style cheeses, butter, and seasonal eggnog made with cage-free eggs.

The dairy farm's restaurant, Arethusa Al Tavolo (opened in 2013), prides itself on exclusively using the farm’s dairy products and for procuring only the finest locally sourced ingredients for its daily menu. Executive chef Dan Magill looks forward to serving you.

8. Visit Candlewood Lake

What can beat a lake on a hot day? Candlewood lake is an impressive 8.4 square miles in size, the largest lake in Connecticut. Created by the Connecticut Light & Power company in 1928, this man-made reservoir is a hot spot for summer fun. Swimming, boating, fishing, kayaking, and all types of water activities top the list of things to do. Candlewood lake also included a total of twelve islands!

Did you know a small village by the name of Jerusalem was also buried under the waters? Jerusalem included a grist mill, a school, and a few homes. Many homes were burned down to the foundations before they filled the lake with water, although the foundations themselves were left which can make for quite the surprise when scuba diving!

Creating memories with your children and grandchildren, having purpose, and trying new things can be the foundation of a fulfilling retirement. We want you to do more of what you love with the people you love.

The first step to a fulfilling retirement is preparing. Depending on how you prepare, retirement can be the most rewarding or stressful times of your life.

Contact us to learn how the Retire Safety First Approach allows you to have the peace of mind you deserve or call us at 860-757-3644.

At Retire Safety First we believe everyone has a right to a safe, secure and predictable retirement. Our goal is to remove the fear and uncertainty out of retirement, to provide peace of mind for retirement.

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Consumer Prices Remain High In October

By Bret Laporte • November 11, 2022

The consumer price index increased 0.4% for the month and is up 7.7 percent from a year ago according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. While price increases are still rapid and painful for many households, they are finally beginning to show signs of progress. The inflation index picked up by 7.7 percent in the year through October*, less than the 7.9 percent that some analysts had expected. Even with this positive news, inflation remains well above the Fed’s 2% target and several areas of the report show that the cost of living remains high. Shelter costs, which make up about one-third of the CPI, rose 0.8% for the month, the largest monthly increase since 1990, and up 6.9% from a year ago, their highest annual level since 1982*. Also, fuel oil prices jumped 19.8% higher for the month and are up 68.5% over the past 12 months*. “One month of data does not a victory make, and I think it’s really important to be thoughtful that this is just one piece of positive information, but we’re looking at a whole set of information,” San Francisco Fed President Mary Daly said in response to the CPI data. _ Depending on how you prepare, retirement can be the most rewarding or stressful time of your life. To answer some of your questions about inflation and retire on your terms, Contact us or Call 860-757-3644 for a complimentary consultation. At Retire Safety First we believe you have a right to a safe, secure and predictable retirement. Our goal is to remove the fear and uncertainty out of retirement, to provide peace of mind for retirement. *All Statistics provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics

Consumer Prices Rise In September

October 14, 2022

New inflation data released on Thursday showed that consumer prices climbed far more quickly than expected with a rise of .4% in September (according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics) as inflation pressures continue to weigh on retirees and the economy at large. The food index alone rose 0.8% for the month and is up 11.2% from a year ago. That increase helped offset a 2.1% decline in energy prices that included a 4.9% drop in gasoline. Energy prices have moved higher in October, with the price of regular gasoline at the pump nearly 20 cents higher than a month ago, according to AAA.

The Social Security cost-of-living adjustment will be 8.7% in 2023

October 14, 2022

The Social Security Administration announced that cost-of-living adjustment will be 8.7% in 2023, the highest increase in 40 years. The average Social Security retiree benefit will increase $146 per month from $1,681 in to $1,827 in 2023. However, with inflation continuing to rise at dangerous levels, it is important to be aware of the possibility that these cost-of-living adjustments may not be enough to maintain your lifestyle throughout retirement.

2023 Medicare Premium Changes

By Bret Laporte • October 5, 2022

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services announced that 2023 monthly Part B premiums will decrease to $164.90 from $170.10. This change represents the second time in the past two decades that Part B premiums will decrease from the prior year. Pair that decrease with the expected 8.7% increase in Social Security’s annual cost-of-living adjustment (COLA), many retirees could see a substantial increase in their monthly Social Security checks in 2023.

The Incredible Benefits Of Spending Time With Your Grandchildren

January 13, 2022

Now that you are transitioning into retirement, you are free to do more of what you love with the people you love. Creating memories with your grandchildren will be something each of you cherish and hold on to. Did you know two out of three grandparents think being a grandparent is the most important and satisfying thing in their lives? Here are some of the incredible benefits of spending time with your grandchildren: 1. Increase Happiness For Everyone A close relationship between grandparents and grandchildren has shown to decrease symptoms of depression for both generations. Grandparents in the study were found to be less depressed when they received or gave tangible help to their grandchildren. Anything from rides to school, advice on life, or helping financially were contributors to lessened depressive symptoms found in older adults. Children with a high level of positive grandparental involvement have shown fewer emotional and behavioral problems and are seen to be more secure and significantly happier. 2. Sharing Family History Grandparents have incredible insight to family history. Teaching your grandchildren about where they come from, and the struggles and successes of the family helps grandchildren better understand their unique history. Grandparents may have family heirlooms to pass down, like photo albums and family recipes that grandchildren would greatly value. Grandparents who share their fondest stories can keep their memories alive. Every family is unique in its makeup and journey. Grandparents can unlock their history and make it a part of the present for younger generations. 3. Keeps You Socially And Physically Active Playing with grandchildren can be a fun and rewarding way to remain physically active. Whether you’re playing a game of catch, walking around the shopping mall, or taking a relaxing walk around the park, the exercise and memories created are great for each of you. Taking your grandchild out could provide opportunities for meeting other adults, and grandparents. This social interaction can help you find and grow your social circle throughout retirement. 4. Becoming A Role Model As retiree’s age, they can struggle to find purpose. Becoming a role model to your grandchildren is one of the most fulfilling and loving things you can do. You’ll be able to share all your life experiences to help teach a new generation. Afterall, now is the time to do more of what you love with the people you love.