As wedding presents go, the wedding-cake mansion given to Charles Barrett by his father is a pretty good one. Now known as the Barrett House (79 Main St., New Ipswich, 860/928-4074, www.historicnewengland.org [1], 11 a.m.–4 p.m. second and fourth Sat. of the month June–mid-Oct., $5), the home was furnished as opulently on the inside as it looks on the outside. It was recently snatched up by Historic New England and opened for tours.
The glorified petting zoo Friendly Farm (Rte. 101, Dublin, 603/563-8444, www.friendlyfarm.com [2], 10 a.m.–5 p.m. daily late May–early Sept., $6.75 adults, $6 children under 1–12) lives up to its name by giving visitors free reign to wander the grounds and feed and hug animals at will. The farm has dozens of “friendly” animals, including goats, pigs, cows, and a donkey named Jack. To find it, travel west on Route 101 for a half-mile after Dublin Lake.
Links:
[1] http://www.historicnewengland.org
[2] http://www.friendlyfarm.com