After coming to college, every time I introduce myself to someone and tell them where I am from, I instantly get an "Ooh, you're from Connecticut. I'm sorry." Why is that a problem? Somewhere in time, Connecticut started getting a bad rep. People say we are known for our entitled, snotty people, but let's be real, aren’t they everywhere? Well, here I am to prove the haters wrong. There are tons of cool things about Connecticut! Here's a list of reasons why Connecticut isn’t that bad.
1. There are a lot of celebrities that are either from or currently live there.
Melissa Joan Hart, 50 Cent, Kathy Lee Gifford, Andy Rooney, Meryl Streep, and Mike Tyson are just to name some. John Mayer even went to my high school.
2. There is a list of cool things that are made in Connecticut.
Connecticut says, you're welcome.
3. Connecticut was also the birthplace of many important inventions.
How different would your life be without these?
4. We have Stew Leonard’s
This grocery store in "Ripley's Believe or Not" is known as the world's largest dairy store. It is like a mixture of Disney World, Costco, and a cool factory. So basically, it's the world's coolest grocery store.
5. We have access to the water.
Even if you don't live on the southern coast of Connecticut, it isn't that far of a drive, plus, there are many great lakes besides Long Island Sound. Most likely you know someone who has a boat, so getting to experience life on the water is just plain awesome.
6. We have some pretty big colleges and universities.
Connecticut produces basketball champions and doctors! Woo!
7. We have bottle returns.
Five cents for plastic or glass bottles and cans can really help someone looking for a little extra cash. Not many of the states have this!
8. We get to experience all of the seasons.
9. We are so close in relation to New York.
It is about a 45-minute train ride from my house to New York City. Makes commuting really easy. Also not too far from Boston as well!
10. Have you heard of Duchess?
It is a Connecticut thing. It's your not-so-typical fast food joint. Their slogan is "fresh food served fast." You can order your classic burger, shake, and fries or mix it up and get chicken parm, hot dogs with the "works," or any of their delicious salads. Best part is that it's affordable! You can get two bacon, egg, and cheeses for $4! Who needs a McDonalds?
11. There are lots of fun activities to do to keep you busy!
There is the Mohegan Sun Casino and Foxwoods Casino for gambling, restaurants, shopping, and entertainment.
Lake Compounce: a family themed amusement and water park that serves free soda all day throughout the park!
Mystic Aquarium where you can interact with sea life and enjoy many of the fun shows they put on with their animals.
When you're finished, you can stop by Mystic Pizza which is where the movie was inspired by.
12. Speaking of movies, we have had some big hits filmed in Connecticut.
And finally...
13. It is just straight-up beautiful.
