The Bristol center point is approximately 2 miles northwest of Lake Compounce Theme Park and 2 miles northwest of ESPN.
The most affordable rates are in the spring and fall when the weather is mild, and there's not a lot of tourists coming to the town. If your goal is to get outside and enjoy the warm weather while taking in the sights, then your best bet is to visit during the summer. July and August offer the warmest weather with the least chance of precipitation.
The winter is also an excellent time to travel to this part of Connecticut if you enjoy skiing. The average temperature between December and March is 43 degrees which means you won't freeze while you are hitting the slopes, but you also need to be careful that it's not too warm during your ski vacation. January is typically the best time to book a ski trip as the weather hovers around freezing during this time.
Military and Government employees should make sure to take advantage of the discounts offered by the Residence Inn by Marriott Southington. The Residence Inn is located in Southington about a 5 to 10-minute drive to Bristol and puts you a short drive away from skiing, amusement parks, and shopping. The hotel is an all-suite property, which means your room will have a kitchen and living space. You can also enjoy the indoor pool and the complimentary breakfast during your stay.
If you have AAA or are eligible for a senior discount, then check out the Comfort Suites Southington Cheshire. This hotel puts you less than 10 miles from Bristol and is right off the highway making it easy to travel to wherever you need to go. It will be hard to get out of the bed while you're enjoying the pillowtop mattress and the goose-down comforters. The rooms all have microwaves and refrigerators for you to use during your stay as well.
If you want to get the most out of your money, consider booking your stay at the Holiday Inn Express Southington. This hotel is located less than 5 miles away from Bristol and puts you near area attractions like skiing, movie theaters and shopping. Start your day off by working out in the fitness center or by enjoying the complimentary hot breakfast. Get everything you need, or forgot, at the 24-hour market. The hotel also offers a seasonal outdoor swimming pool, a business center, and a free shuttle to take you anywhere within a 5-mile radius.
Another good value is the Fairfield Inn & Suites in Plainville. This hotel is about 10 minutes from Bristol and puts you near the New Britain Museum of American Art, Aqua Turf, West Farms Mall, and the Lake Compounce Amusement Park. During the winter, this hotel also puts your near the Winding Trails Ski Resort. Enjoy the on-site amenities like free internet, a pool, and complimentary hot breakfast.
There's no question that Bristol is most famous for ESPN headquarters, but that doesn't mean the city doesn't offer other exciting and interesting reasons to visit. In 2008, the city set out to revitalize the downtown area. The revitalization project included a complete makeover for the downtown park. The district also offers dining and shopping options.
If you're a museum lover, you will be impressed with all the museums that Bristol has to offer. In the area, you can find Witch's Dungeon Class Movie Museum, which honors classic sci-fi and horror movies with life-size figures of iconic characters. The American Clock & Watch Museum represents Bristol's contribution to early American watches and clocks. It's the only museum dedicated to Horology, which is the history and science of timekeeping.
Bristol is also home to the New England Carousel Museum. This museum acquires, restores and preserves operating carousels and memorabilia related to carousels. If you're traveling to Bristol, the Imagine Nation should also be on your list of places to visit. This museum is dedicated to early learning.
For those in town during late summer, then try to catch the Bristol Mum Festival. Paying tribute to Bristol's early Chrysanthemum production, the mum festival offers amusement rides, a parade, food trucks, live music, and fireworks. Bristol was once known as Mum City, and this festival pays tribute to this type of flower and its contribution to the growth of Bristol.
Finally, during your trip consider visiting the oldest operating amusement park, Lake Compounce. This amusement park has been operating since 1846, but don't worry, they have done some serious upgrading since it's initial opening. Ghost Hunt will take you on a wild ride where you use lasers to hunt ghosts in the dark. If you want a real thrill, get in line for Down Time, a tower coaster that will drop you 185 feet at 60 mph.
Bristol is best known for ESPN, but there is much more to this city than the sports network. You can visit the many museums in the town, check out the park and other green areas of the city, or hit the slopes around the city. Check out the oldest amusement park in the United States or enjoy the local restaurants and shopping. This charming town has lots to offer its guests without the large crowds and stress of bigger cities.
Below are reviews of the city of Bristol, CT from an actual visitor's perspective.
Quaint place. Very friendly restaurant personnel in Bristol and nearby small towns.