Things to do in Connecticut
Casinos in Mystic, Steam Trains in Essex, Air Museums and More
Coast and country, cities and villages, casinos and peaceful retreats. Connecticut is a state of contrasts. Easily reached from New York there is something for everyone.
Connecticut is a place many people drive through and quickly forget. John Denver’s lyric, “traveled by many remembered by few”, could easily have been written about the highways of the Nutmeg State.
Set midway between New York and Boston, Connecticut stretches from the Long Island Sound to the Litchfield Hills and offers the visitor plenty of opportunities to escape the hectic pace of city life. Why not visit:
Essex
Located just off Long Island Sound, “the best small town in America” has a very proud history. Dine in the historic Griswold Inn, opened in 1776. Watch a play at the Ivoryton Playhouse, which is America's oldest professional, self-supporting summer theater. Visit the Connecticut River Museum or take a ride on the Essex Steam Train & Riverboat Ride, a journey of over two hours down the Connecticut Valley.
Mystic
Mystic, in Southeast Connecticut near the Rhode Island state line, is famous for Mystic Pizza. The film, starring Julia Roberts, was filmed there and the pizzeria that inspired the title is an ideal stop for lunch. A seafaring town, many of Mystic's attractions have a nautical theme
Mystic Seaport, recreates a 19th-century coastal village where you can explore tall ships and see antique vessels being restored, using traditional tools and methods , in a preservation Shipyard. Beluga whales, seals and dolphins can be seen at the nearby Mystic Aquarium.
Old Mystick Village hosts seafood restaurants and gift shops in Colonial period buildings and adult entertainment can be found at the nearby Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun casino complexes.
New England Air Museum
The New England Air Museum at Bradley International Airport covers aviation history from the Wright Brothers. A wide selection of aircraft of all ages can be seen, and various artifacts and memorabilia enhance the displays.
Like anywhere in the US, retail therapy is never far away. Danbury Fair Mall and Westfarms Mall at Farmington are the largest malls in Connecticut. Outlet shopping can be found on the coast at Clinton Crossing and the Tanger Outlet Center at Westbrook.
Take a romantic break along the shores of Long Island Sound. Enjoy time with the family on the beaches or visit the Children’s Museum in Mystic. Ski at Mount Southington or hire a bike to explore picturesque villages, farms, rivers, streams, parks and forests. Discover Connecticut’s past at the Mark Twain House in Hartford or the Old Lighthouse Museum at Stonington; or simply drive round as the mood takes you – Connecticut has something for everyone.
Getting to and from Connecticut
