onnecticut Office of Tourism
What’s New
- NEW CAMPGROUND: Lake Compounce Theme Park is introducing Bear Creek Campground in July. Bristol.
- COME BACK KATE: The Connecticut Historical Society has brought Katherine Hepburn’s personal costume collection back to her home state for a special exhibit until September 13. Hartford.
- RENOVATION AT MYSTIC HARBOUR: The Inn at Mystic Harbour’s four-diamond restaurant is currently undergoing a full renovation. Mystic.
- INFINITY MUSIC HALL & BISTRO: This popular dining and concert venue in Norfolk is opening a second, larger location in Hartford’s Front Street District.
Attractions
- Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art: America’s oldest public art museum houses 50,000 works spanning some 5,000 years. Hartford.
- Fort Trumbull: Egyptian-revival-style fort that features restored 19th century living quarters, a cannon and artillery display and access the ramparts. New London.
- Lake Compounce: America’s oldest continuously-operating amusement park and the state’s largest water park. Bristol.
- Connecticut Art Trail: Some 17 museums and historic sites throughout the state exhibit European masterpieces, American Impressionist pieces, ancient art and contemporary pieces.
- Connecticut Wine Trail: Composed of 25 charming vineyards.
- The Philip Johnson Glass House: Created by American architect Philip Johnson, this is one of the most significant structures of the 20th century. The rectangular house was built in 1949 out of quarter-inch-thick glass and without any interior walls. New Canaan.
Events
- International Festival of Arts & Ideas (June), New Haven.
- Riverfest (July), Hartford/East Hartford.
- Sailfest (July), New London.
- Antique & Classic Boat Rendezvous (July), Mystic.
- Apple Harvest Festival (October), Glastonbury.
- Fantasy of Lights (November-December), New Haven.
Places
- Mystic Seaport: A nationally acclaimed recreation of a 19th century maritime village filled with authentic ships, buildings and shops.
- Litchfield Hills: Picture-perfect New England scenes, exceptional inns, quaint rural towns and a large collection of antique shops.
- Stonington Borough: Picturesque New England seaport nestled on the coastline.
- Hammonasset Beach State Park: Connecticut’s largest shoreline park. Madison.
Hidden Gems
- Henry Whitfield State Museum: The oldest (circa 1639) stone house in New England. Guilford.
- Thimble Islands: Fascinating lore and pirate legends. Off the coast at Branford.
Did You Know?
- State Motto: Qui Transtulit Sustinet (He Who Transplanted Still Sustains)
- State Flower: Mountain Laurel
- State Bird: American Robin
Fast Facts
- Region: NEW ENGLAND
America’s Byways: Connecticut State Route 169, Merritt Parkway, and Route 41, which is a nationally-designated Scenic Road.
- Direct Flights: Air Canada, United, Delta, US Airways, American.
- Shopping: Tanger Outlets, Clinton Crossing, Shop Westfarms, Stamford Town Center, The Shoppes at Buckland Hills, The Promenade Shops at Evergreen.
- Cruise Lines: Deep River Navigation Company, Sea Mist Thimble Island Cruise LLC, Islander, Volsunga IV, Lady Katharine Cruises, Bridgeport to Port Jefferson NY Ferry, Becky Thatcher, RiverQuest, Grass Island Cruises.
- Info: Connecticut Office of Tourism
(888) CTvisit
www.CTvisit.com