As a travel writer, I thoroughly detest the notion of "staycations," but if your budget truly won't allow you to travel beyond Connecticut's borders this summer, there's good news for you today. Governor M. Jodi Rell has announced the launch of Connecticut - Your Staycation Destination, a program featuring discounts for Connecticut residents at more than 300 amusement parks, museums, restaurants, hotels, campgrounds, vineyards, sporting venues and parks statewide. "Thanks to a partnership between our local businesses and the state, Connecticut residents will be able to experience attractions throughout the state at discounted rates," Rell explained in a release.

So, there's no reason to sit at home watching your grass grow this summer. Peruse the complete list of offers, valid through Labor Day, and be sure to ask for your Staycation Discount and provide proof of residency when you visit participating attractions.

More Money-Saving Getaway Ideas:
New England's Top 10 Free Attractions

_{Mystic Seaport photo © 2004 Kim Knox Beckius. Mystic Seaport offers free admission for kids Mondays in July in conjunction with the Staycation program.}

If you want to celebrate Independence Day in the Hartford, Connecticut, area, head to the Connecticut River on Saturday, July 5. The annual Hartford Riverfest is a multi-venue Fourth of July celebration featuring events throughout the day on both sides of the river. Riverfest is family-friendly, non-alcoholic and free, and it culminates with a fantastic fireworks display.

• More 4th of July Fireworks in Greater Hartford
• Discuss: Best Vantage Point for Photographing the Riverfest Fireworks

_{Fireworks photo © 2000 Kim Knox Beckius.}

In celebration of America's 232nd birthday and the Bushnell Park Carousel's 94th birthday, the Hartford office of McCarter & English is sponsoring free carousel rides for kids and adults on Saturday, July 5, 2008. Hours are 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. At noon, free birthday cake will be served. Downtown Hartford's prized carousel is one of only three surviving carousels hand-carved by Russian immigrants Solomon Stein and Harry Goldstein.

More Free Fun in Hartford and Beyond

• 10 Free Things to Do in Hartford
• Ride Hartford's Free Star Shuttle
• Jonathan's Dream: A Playground for All Kids
• New England's 10 Best Free Attractions

_{Carousel photo © 2001 Kim Knox Beckius}

Each year as the 4th of July holiday approaches, signs advertising "Fireworks" sprout up on Connecticut storefronts. I even saw fireworks for sale in my local Shaw's supermarket this week. But are fireworks legal in Connecticut? Technically--no--unless you are a licensed pyrotechnician. All fireworks are illegal in Connecticut with the exception of sparklers. Learn how sparklers are defined, who may purchase and use sparklers legally in Connecticut and what the penalties are for violating the Connecticut fireworks law.

_{Fireworks store photo © 2007 Kim Knox Beckius.}