Seven Reasons to Take a Connecticut Vacation

iv>FOXWOODS AND MOHEGAN SUN
As a New England vacation travel writerCombined Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun make the
I’ve always considered Connecticut anlargest casino complex in the world. Foxwoods in
overlooked state when people choose destinationsowned and run by Mashantucket Pequot Tribe,
and attractions for a New England vacation. Asand Mohegan Sun by Mohegan Tribe on lands
you’ll discover here a Connecticut vacationthey own in Uncasville. These are sophisticated
offers plenty of excitement and relaxation.high-style experiences with shopping complexes,
As a New England travel writer I’vehotels, high profile entertainment acts, and
always considered Connecticut an overlookedtop-rated restaurants. They are both close to
state when people choose destinations andeach other and located in the eastern region of
attractions for a New England vacation. AsConnecticut, and close to museums, scenic drives,
you’ll discover here a Connecticut vacationand the Connecticut vacation attractions in Mystic.
offers excitement... or peace and quiet, dependingHISTORIC HOMES OF CONNECTICUT
on your mood.Perhaps the most famous home to see on your
Let’s take a quick look at seven reasonsConnecticut vacation is Mark Twain’s in
why you should consider a Connecticut vacationHartford, which is now a museum as well full of
for your next New England trip.many artifacts he accumulated in the 17 years he
THE MUSEUMS OF CONNECTICUTlived there. Also in Hartford is the home of Harriet
With more than 14 diverse theme museums inBeecher Stowe - of Uncle Tom’s Cabin
Connecticut, there’s bound to befame. Another famous woman’s home is
something to suit your taste. Here’s athe academy run by Prudence Crandall in
quick rundown...Canterbury - it’s the site of the first
Bridgeport is home to The Barnum Museum andacademy for black women in New England. Your
Discovery Museum, and at Danbury you’lltrip to Connecticut should include the town of
find the Military Museum of Southern New EnglandLitchfield where you can view museum quality
and the Danbury Railway Museum. Keeping with apreserved colonial homes, and the Litchfield
train theme Thomaston hosts the RailroadHistory Museum and Tapping Reeve House and
Museum of New England and Naugatuck Railroad.Law School.
In Bristol you can find The New England CarouselConnecticut includes many historic homes that
Museum and period time pieces at the Americanplayed an important role in the Underground
Clock and Watch Museum. Just a little south inRailroad and the African-American journey from
Waterbury is Time Expo, and a chance toslavery to freedom.
celebrate the heritage of the Litchfield region atESSEX STEAM TRAIN AND THE CONNECTICUT
the Mattatuck Museum. At the ConnecticutRIVER
Antique Machinery Museum in Kent experienceThe historic 1892 Essex station is your kick-off
machinery that once drove commerce in thepoint for a unique vintage Steam Train and
area.Riverboat Cruise along the Connecticut River. This
Windsor Locks is not just home to Bradleycombined tour takes 2 and 1/2 hours. In the
International Airport but also to the New Englandsummer it’s cooling, and in the fall stunning
Air Museum and south in East Haven experiencewith the turning of the leaves. The Connecticut
another form of transportation at the Shore LineRiver Museum is also in Essex and vividly brings to
Trolley Museum.life the river’s history as told through
And rounding out our must-see list ispaintings, artifacts, and interactive exhibits.
Mystic’s Museum of America and the Sea,THE TOWN OF MYSTIC
and the fabulous Mashantucket Pequot Museum inMystic Seaport and the Mystic Aquarium are
nearby Mashantucket.magnets for visitors to Connecticut. The seaport
THE CONNECTICUT WINE TRAILis billed as The Museum of America and the Sea
Wineries in Connecticut? Yes, in factand depicts an authentic 19th century seafaring
there’s 16 of them scattered throughoutvillage, tall ships to tour, and a Preservation Yard
the state, and they make a perfect basis for awhere master shipbuilding skills are still practiced.
Connecticut Vacation. The climate in Connecticut isThe Mystic Aquarium includes a delightful array of
mild compared to the rest of New England andindoor and outdoor exhibits, including Beluga
wines produced include: Chardonnay, Cabernet,whales, and a stunning model of the Titanic.
Merlot, and Riesling. While Connecticut wines haveTHE ANTIQUE RUNS
only been produced since 1978, many farmsConnecticut is famous for its concentration of
where the grapes are grown are hundreds ofantique shops, and draws thousands of treasure
years old. The wine tasting room will usually behunters each year who take a Connecticut
open but call ahead for a tour time. You’llvacation just to stock up on bargains and
find these wineries not geared for large bus loads,specimens to collect and decorate their homes.
but on the plus much more intimate than wineriesThe village of Woodbury is known as the
in Northern California."Antiques Capital of Connecticut" and has over 45
The wine trail is split into two major regions anddealers, but the fact is you’re never too
it’s suggested your tour is split up overfar from that special purchase no matter where
three to four days. But because the trail takesyou are in the state. Just sometimes its nice to
you near so many other destinations andtake the time to follow your nose along a scenic
attractions in Connecticut let yourself beNew England road and see where it takes you...
distracted and enjoy the jaunt through scenic andyou can bet if it’s in Connecticut, it’ll
historic New England towns.take you close to an antique shop.