New Haven Register (New Haven, CT)
Outside the box: Stroll Old Lyme’s Sculpture Grounds; see a movie
Time for a return look at refreshing outdoor pursuits as the coronavirus crisis eases (we hope) and folks venture out with recreation and safety in mind.
Outdoor museums and zoos were cleared to reopen with restrictions May 20. Mystic Seaport said it was reopening its outdoor exhibits; Mystic Aquarium planned to reopen its outdoor areas to the public May 22. Beardsley Zoo in Bridgeport has slated a June 1 return. A few other choices: Gilbert Boro’s Sculpture Grounds in Old Lyme promises a soothing and safe landscape to peruse for free. Landscape sculptor Boro’s home and studio anchor the four-plus-acre park-like property along the Lieutenant River, with exhibits set on lush, professionally landscaped grounds that offer a refuge to contemplate and commune with nature. More than 100 sculptures of all sizes and materials are spaced around the landscape, matched to each location’s surroundings. Most are Boro’s designs but about a fourth are from established and emerging sculptors around the country.
Normally visitors are permitted to touch and climb on some child-friendly playscapes but during the coronavirus health crisis that is not possible. Visitors are expected to self-regulate in accordance with the state quarantine social distancing and protective guidelines.
Picnics are permitted on the stone patio that contains several café tables with umbrellas. There is no food or drink for sale; visitors are encouraged to bring their own. Parking is available toward the rear of the property or next-door in the Lyme Academy of Fine Arts parking lot.
Sculpture Grounds, 1
Lyme St., Old Lyme. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Free; donations accepted. sculpturegrounds.com
Then there are drive-in movie theaters in the state to consider. The Mansfield Drive-in opened May 20 and is operating under socialdistance guidelines and using online payment. The Pleasant Valley Drive-in in Barkhamsted is a cash-only business, according to its website. A third, the nonprofit Southington Drive-in, said it would not be opening its doors for its typical summer season, but has left open the possibility of opening later in the summer with a possible August or September opening day.
And with restaurants slowly coming back, you can not only dine on a patio near water but do takeout near the shore and then picnic on a beach blanket or park bench/ picnic table in a scenic location with aesthetically pleasing views. Given social distancing, it’s also a good idea to go on a weekday.