Connecticut Beckons
Connecticut

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By Pat Mestern
 

Connecticut is full of surprises of the most delightful variety. Only 100 miles wide and 60 miles long, the State offers natural and built attractions, events, accommodations and restaurants to suit all tastes and budgets. Beautiful hills and villages invite exploration. Two hundred and fifty miles of coastline lure the weary visitor. From Litchfield Hills in the northwest to River Valley & Shoreline; from Mystic at the sea to the quiet serenity of the Northeast corner, the natural beauty of the state impresses and invites the visitor to explore, experience, enjoy. Visitors can hike through state parks and forests, tour a submarine, visit the largest fleet of tall ships in the world, see a full-sized woolly mammoth or a rare shore bird.

You think you've seen all, until you round another bend and are confronted by an architectural beauty, stunning vista or pretty forest glade. Top a hill and a beautiful new England village lies before you, waiting discovery. Traveling the by-ways reveals a nature center where hands-on activities and hiking are encouraged; a winery on the shores of a lovely lake; a tea blender whose quality products are sought after across North America; a doll maker with an international reputation; attractions that are devoted to the heritage of the sea and coastline, an exciting Marineland & Aquarium.

Attractions and special events abound. State and local fairs are among the best attended on the eastern seaboard. Heritage buildings are utilized for excellent summer theater. Those with a bent for gambling can find excitement in two large casinos. Outlet malls and specialty stores carry everything the discerning shopper would want to purchase. Galleries present works that represent three centuries of fine and innovative art.

For those who love history and heritage, the state of Connecticut excels in the presentation of architectural, written and visual history. The Mashantucket Pequot Museum & Research Center, dedicated to the life of First Nations people, opened in August 1998, is one of the finest in the world. Restorations such as Holly House Museum in Lakeville, Monte Cristo Cottage in New London, Florence Griswold Museum in Old Lyme, Hyland House in Guilford, bring the late 18th through mid-twentieth century into perspective.

One article cannot do justice to this fascinating state. Visitors should plan to spend at least two weeks exploring its many and varied areas. The state is divided into ten regional tourism areas. If approaching from the west, a circle tour through Litchfield Hills, the Northeast Quiet Corner, Mystic & More, River Valley & Shoreline is recommended. If driving from the east, reverse the tour by first visiting Mystic & More, then River Valley and Shore, Litchfield and the Northeast Quiet Corner. Litchfield Hills or Mystic are a two hour drive from New York City, (a leisurely two day drive from Niagara at the Canadian Border). When on vacation, many people, ourselves included, opt for a quieter pace. Connecticut meets our personal requirements for natural and architectural beauty, preservation of built and natural heritage, good variety of accommodation and restaurants, a wide selection of attractions, entertainments and events. Not being "city oriented" people, we don't usually "do urbania" but we understand Connecticut cities are easy to navigate and "visitor" friendly.

Articles on www.mestern.net cover specific areas and include attractions, special events, entertainments, natural and built heritage, parklands, accommodations, restaurants and specialty shopping. Please see individual articles for contacts regarding information.

IF YOU GO:

• For a free Connecticut Vacation Guide that details all ten tourism areas, write
Connecticut Office of Tourism
Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development
505 Hudson Street
Hartford, CT 06106-7106
#1-800 CT-BOUND (800-282-6883)
www.state.ct.us/tourism