Connecticut is a beautiful U.S. state located in the Southern New England. It is the third smallest U.S. state, and one among the least visited (probably the reason why its natural beauty is still fairly intact). A 30-minute train ride from New York takes you to this state, dotted with beautiful small towns and serene villages. Believe it or not, the peace and the simplicity of this place will make you fall in love with it.
If you are planning to make a visit to Connecticut, here are 21 things that are required to be considered.
21 Things To Consider Before Visiting Connecticut
1. There's some seriously easy connectivity.
Only a half-an-hour train ride from Manhattan, and here comes this beautiful destination. Connecticut is so easily reachable that it’s not at all worth giving a second thought on whether to visit here or not.
2. The beautiful fall colors stay for longer than most places.
The gorgeous hues of autumn on flowers and leaves can be enjoyed for longer because of Connecticut’s temperate seaside weather, typically from early October to November.
3. Connecticut has some of the best pizza.
Connecticut takes pizza very seriously. It is one among their favorite delicacies. So, if you are looking for abnormally good pizza, Connecticut is the place to be.
4. Connecticut loves music and art.
Connecticut is home to many theaters. People know how to appreciate music and the arts. Watching performances in Goodspeed Opera House is truly a delight.
5. Connecticut values its past.
Connecticut has preserved its history beautifully. There are palaces, famous ancient houses, historic buildings, and museums which all are still doing well today and providing a peek into Connecticut’s vast history.
6. Connecticut is rich in natural beauty.
Connecticut offers a wide range of natural attractions. There are places so ridiculously beautiful that you really need to see them to believe them. This unexplored natural beauty is definitely a must-visit.
7. Take a tour to the Seaport.
Mystic Seaport is a living history village that showcases how things used to be in the late 18th-century maritime settlement. Make sure to visit this place. Tickets are easily available at a price of $25 for adults, $23 for senior citizens and college students, and $16 for children. Children below five years of age can get in for free!
8. Rent a car.
Renting a car that you can drive yourself is the best option to explore Connecticut. You can drive through the beautiful countryside lanes and take in some amazing scenery. Also, being a small place, it will not take much time to drive it all.
9. Hartford will be your next shopping destination.
Connecticut isn't only about beauty and history. You can see the modern side of the place if you visit Hartford, the capital of the state. Like any other big city, Hartford has everything that you could ever ask for, whether it is fancy restaurants, big buildings, museums, high-end shopping destinations, or anything else.
10. It offers some amazing artwork.
Yale University, located in Connecticut, is the oldest university in the Western hemisphere. Yale showcases some of the amazing artworks of well-known artists such as Degas, Duchamp, Picasso, Rothko, Miro, and more.
11. You get to see a rare collection of books and manuscripts.
Yale University’s Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library is one among the world’s largest buildings dedicated to the collection of rare books and manuscripts. Work from the personalities like Joseph Conrad, Charles Dickens, Benjamin Franklin, and Goethe are some of the library’s most prized possessions.
12. It's the Nutmeg State!
Connecticut is called the ‘Nutmeg State’ because this valuable spice grows in abundance here, but beware - some cheaters also sell fake, wooden nutmeg to unsuspecting buyers.
13. Take a ride on unique trains and trolleys.
The Railroad Museum of New England offers a one of a kind view of Naugatuck valley. This 2.5 hour journey is aptly called “one of the last great places on Earth”. There is an amazing train ride experience followed by a cruise in riverboat passing through all the local landmarks such as Gillette castle, Goodspeed Opera House, and Haddam Swing Bridge etc.
14. Cornwall is Connecticut’s most beautiful place.
Cornwall, a small town in the Litchfield Hills of Connecticut, is the most beautiful place in the state. It boasts old bridges, unique architecture, lots of trees, and an abundance of greenery. The town looks especially beautiful during the fall and autumn season.
15. There are lots of deer in Connecticut.
There are lots of deer in Connecticut. Majestic as they may be, careful - you may find some on the roads and highways while driving your rental car.
16. Connecticut natives have a different accent than surrounding areas.
Instead of having an accent similar to a nearby place like New York or Boston, Connecticut has a totally different accent. It can also be argued that they have very little accent at all.
17. There is something you can’t miss in the spring.
Every year, the Cherry Blossom festival is celebrated in Connecticut, and its beauty is truly unbelievable. It becomes one of the most beautiful sights in the world when these Japanese trees fill the park with the beauty of pink flowers. Every year, lots of people from around the world come here to enjoy this spectacular view.
18. Connecticut is an adventurer's paradise.
Connecticut has something to offer to those who love adventures. There are many beautiful parks, such as Bushnell Park, Ocean Beach Park, and Dinosaur Park. There are bicycle trails and natural caves, too; more than enough to appease the thrust of an adventurer. These are places best explored on foot, so put on your comfortable walking sneakers and get going.
19. Numerous festivals are celebrated every year.
People of Connecticut know how to enjoy life, every year they celebrate numerous festivals to let loose and enjoy every bit of life. Some of the famous festivals of Connecticut include International festival of arts and ideas, sea music festival, Craft Expo, and Brooklyn Fair etc.
20. It's the submarine capital of the world.
Groton, Connecticut is the Submarine capital of the world, having a large submarine factory and the U.S. Submarine Force Museum.
21. Connecticut is Home to a Young Landscape
The last glacier in Connecticut melted just 15,000 years ago, making this landscape very young compared to the rest of the world. Fresh!
These were some of the things that a visitor should know about Connecticut before making a visit to this amazing location. This small, beautiful state has something to offer for everyone, whether you are a nature lover, adventurer, or modern traveler.
So, make your plans to visit this beautiful place!
