Connecticut – The Nutmeg State by Mark Twain
From some of the oldest landmarks in the United States to some of the most modern wonders America has to offer; from the quiet and solitude of Mark Twain’s small-town life to the excitement and nightlife of America’s largest casinos; from the foothills of the Appalachians to the very shores where our ancestors first set foot on the mainland of the new world – you’ll find it all here in Connecticut!
The diversity of Connecticut, one of the original thirteen colonies that declared its statehood and independence, is astounding. And being one of our smallest states, it’s easy to partake in some of all the area has to offer in a short stay, or fill out an extended stay with enough different activities to appeal to any member of your family.
Spend the day trekking through the woods and the night in one of the country’s largest casinos, with time to dine at a world-class restaurant and a break from entertainment with one of the world’s top stars. Spend the day on one of the picturesque beaches and the night in the comfort of a Bed & Breakfast set up in an old country house.
With each major tourist area less than an hour’s drive from each other, and each offering truly rural settings anchored by a major and historic metropolitan area, Connecticut is the place to go!
CONNECTICUT – NORTHEASTERN AREA
– Heritage Valley Connecticut’s Heritage Valley is where it all began for this state. The first town was incorporated here and there are nine other towns in the area representing traditions from manufacturing to farming communities, college towns and businesses. It’s also set up for quick visits to Boston, Providence, Newport and New York. The towns are filled with quaint shops, historic sites, great restaurants, and wonderful old inns.
– Quiet Corner If you’ve ever seen a postcard from Connecticut or an advertisement symbolizing small town New England life, you know what “Quiet Corner” is all about. Small towns springing up between working farms, cattle grazing by the river. There are plenty of dining experiences here, from dining at luxury inns in the quaint village of Woodstock to roadside dining as you approach the Massachusetts border.
– Hartford Metropolitan Area Connecticut’s capital city is the perfect place for your stay in the Nutmeg State. A major metropolitan area, Hartford has everything a big city can offer: museums, nightlife, great restaurants, and great shopping. And its location gives you quick and easy access to everything else the state has to offer: the countryside, the beaches, New York City, a sleepy New England town, casino gaming and entertainment, or a concert in the park. from town. As the insurance capital of the world, Hartford itself is a sophisticated city that has undergone a great renaissance, offering world-class entertainment, arts and cultural attractions, as well as a multitude of opportunities for the more intellectual. For the confirmed city dweller who wants a taste of what New England living has to offer without giving up the comforts and convenience of the big city, Hartford is the ideal place to center your stay in the Nutmeg State.
CONNECTICUT – NORTHWEST REGION
Dividing what most people would consider a small region into smaller areas to begin with can seem very complicated. However, the diversity of this region demands attention to each of the exciting and entertaining places that will call out to you during your stay in Connecticut.
– Central Connecticut and New Britain The small town life enjoyed by all Americans from our earliest days to the 1950’s is still a “way of life” in this area. Halfway between Boston and New York City, you can visit just about everything this country has to offer in this microcosm of America. Flea markets, county fairs, art festivals, museums, working farms, small towns, modern cities. All of these can be found in central Connecticut. The greatest attraction of the area is that its rural nature offers you the rest that the demands of modern life demand as a component of any vacation. However, you can easily balance quiet moments with the fun and excitement that is only a short drive from your hideaway. Base your vacation in the big city of New Britain or just outside the city limits and it’s all within reach.
– Housatonic Valley and Bridgewater/Danbury Small towns, historic hamlets and quaint shops dot the landscape as you step back in time in Housatonic Valley. Enjoy the tranquility of country life all day – stop for a traditional meal on one of the picturesque back roads, do some antiquing and enjoy the sunset over the rolling hills. Head to the Bridgewater/Danbury area for world-class dining and exciting nightlife. Return to your country inn for the night or stay in one of the best hotels in the city and spend the day at some of the great museums and other attractions in the city and enjoy some great shopping including some of the factory outlets local and national. -represented in the area.
– Litchfield Hills This area is the real “New England”. Working and preserved farms give way to rolling hills. As you make your way over the foothills and begin your climb into the mountainous area, you can stop for a swim or a picnic or just a walk along one of the many mountain lakes and streams located in some of the best-cared for state parks in the land. Attracting tourists, photographers and artists from around the world, covered bridges span streams and rivers that lead to small towns and villages where the bandstand in the town park promises an evening concert after a meal homemade in one of the many great restaurants. Then retire to one of the old-fashioned inns or B&Bs that flourish in the area for a truly relaxing, old-fashioned getaway.
– Waterbury Region A major city surrounded by the incredible New England countryside. Who could ask for more! Truly the best of all worlds, this area is like getting a taste of everything New England has to offer in one convenient area. Museums, theater, shopping, musical shows await you in the city. To get away from it all, just drive a few miles and you’ll find yourself in the heart of the best New England has to offer.
CONNECTICUT – SOUTHEAST REGION
River Valley & Shoreline The rolling hills and small towns that line the Connecticut River lead you to the beautiful Atlantic shoreline dotted with beaches, fishing villages, and marinas. This area is the perfect blend of rural and coastal that has played such an important role in New England life since the earliest settlers. Experience it all in one of the most relaxed settings in New England.
Mystic City is the perfect blend of old and new. Here lies Olde Mistick Village, the North East’s finest example of old seafaring life. The perfectly preserved town and the wonderful sailing and fishing boats offer an unparalleled combination of fun and history. Inns and Bed and Breakfast establishments offer comfortable rooms and good food for a real taste of life on the ocean. The nearby town of Stonington has the same attraction without being quite as crowded. The beaches and fishing are some of the best on the East Coast and opportunities for sailing and boat excursions abound.
Nights in these sleepy towns can be offset by the excitement of the fabulous Mohecan Sun and Foxwoods casinos. The largest and most successful casinos in the world, these 24/365 casinos offer all the excitement of Las Vegas or Monte Carlo, but with the convenience and affordability of New England. They offer meals to suit all tastes and pockets, from wonderful ethnic and local fast food to authentic, upscale cuisine. The showrooms, lounges, bars and theaters are a must stop for every major act touring the country and many of these great shows are free. From senior bingo and quarter slots to blackjack and high roller events and competitions, just about anyone can enjoy the excitement of gaming no matter their budget. Sail by day and relax at your inn by night or lounge on the beach all day to prepare for a night of excitement at the casinos – this area is truly one of the best destinations for a classic New England vacation.
CONNECTICUT – SOUTHWEST AREA
Coastal Fairfield Fairfield County is the destination for the busy tourist. As you travel up the coast from Manhattan, you’ll pass the Big Apple’s bedroom communities from Greenwich to Bridgeport, each with its own flavor and personality. The beaches that line Long Island Sound are some of the best in the country—in the world, for that matter—and are just one of the reasons so many are drawn to the area. The towns along the coast and those just a short distance inland represent an unprecedented blend of big-city sophistication with small-town tradition. Town and city colleges, museums, theater groups, malls, and sports teams form a dividing line between excellent fishing, boating, and swimming to the south and the backroad warmth of true Yankee hospitality to the north. And in the summer, there are an unprecedented number of special events (more than 1,000 at the last count), from arts festivals to the PT Barnum Festival, from parades to seafood festivals and everything in between. You are guaranteed a great time in this area on any day you visit.
Greater New Haven As you travel down the coast, you’ll find that it’s all topped off with the great city of New Haven. Home to the former Ivy League Yale University, this historic city offers excellent opportunities to explore the best that Connecticut has to offer: a large intellectual community brimming with museums and libraries, classical music and theater, historic sites, excellent international cuisine, and a lively club. and pop music scene. It’s all here in New Haven and just a hop, skip, and a jump away are the great beaches on one side and the picturesque countryside on the other. A perfect place to see and experience everything one looks for in a New England vacation.