Summer Travel: Plenty to Do In Berlin

When people think summer travel, they may think the beach or amusement parks.

They certainly don't think, "Let's go to Berlin," or do they?

The perception that there is nothing to do in Berlin could not be further from the truth and, in fact, many people travel from all over the state to visit attractions in Berlin.

Let's start in the Kensington section of town. There is the Hungerford Nature Center where children and adults alike can enjoy farm and barn animals as well as exotic animals.

Heading south on the Chamberlain Highway is one of the most popular hiking trails in the area in Ragged Mountain. The hiking at Ragged Mountain can be rugged and dangerous in spots so be sure to take heed of the hiker's checklist at the base of the trails before entering the woods. Ragged Mountain offers many breathtaking vistas from the high ledges.

Further down the Chamberlain Highway are the popular Timberlin Golf Course and Par For the Course Restaurant. Timberlin is voted yearly to be one of the top public golf courses in the state by media outlets. Timberlin also has walking trails and places in the park where you can barbecue and host a family event al fresco.

Although the team is called the New Britain Rock Cats and they play in New Britain Stadium, half of Willow Brook Park is actually in Berlin. Droves of baseball fans come from all over to see the Rock Cats, who provide "Big League entertainment for Minor League prices."

In the center of town is Veterans Park which features memorials, a walking path and a pond where you can fish.

On the other side of town, the Berlin Turnpike is a favorite spot for families with children.

At the southern end of the Turnpike is Safari Golf. The miniature golf course features large jungle animals (yep, they are fake) that watch over your every shot.

Further up the Turnpike is Mountain View Driving Range for those golfers who need to work on their game.

Just north of the driving range is a bevy of family fun. Berlin Batting Cages, Bumper Boats, Go-Carts and Putter's Paradise miniature golf are all in one complex on the northbound side of the Berlin Turnpike. If you park in one parking lot, you can walk between all of the attractions and snack on Subway, also on the same property.

Across the street on the southbound side is Checkered Flag Raceway and Berlin Bowling Center.

There is also Sage Park on the turnpike. There is fishing at Sage and a gazebo for outdoor picnics.