Explore > Connecticut > Connecticut Spotlight
CONNECTICUT
Forget all the stereotypes you hear about quaint New England towns and villages. Connecticut serves up recreation opportunities that range from biking on winding trails to holding on for dear life on a wild amusement park ride. The pizza’s not bad, either.
Bristol
This charming colonial town might be the home of sports broadcasting giant ESPN, but it’s also where vacationers and fun-loving locals find outdoor recreation and historical charm at every turn.
Rollicking and Riding
Get ready for a day of old-fashioned fun at Lake Compounce, the nation’s oldest continually operating amusement park. This family-friendly destination has been enticing both the young and old since 1846 with rides and live shows, and today it’s home to the state’s largest water park, Crocodile Cove. During summer, these venues swell with fun seekers. Catch the autumn breeze on the Boulder Dash, voted the world’s Number One roller coaster, and stroll through the park during winter holidays for a spectacular displays of lights.
Connecticut Outdoors
Experience the wild beauty of Connecticut in Mattatuck State Forest, west of Bristol, and the adjacent Black Rock State Park. These well-maintained state lands are home to a variety of wildlife and are open to exploration by hikers and mountain bikers.
Mystic
The biggest draw here is Mystic Seaport, one of America’s top maritime museums. Step onboard the Charles W. Morgan, the last wooden whaleship on the globe, and three other National Historic Landmark vessels.
Connecticut Conservation
If you want to play outside with a scenic backdrop, look no further. Tranquil parks and a serene river make Mystic a great destination for outdoor recreation. Rent a bike and cycle past historic harbors, seaside villages, and hidden lighthouses.
Regional Recipe
Blueberry Pie
Sweeten up your New England Travels with this delicious pie. Adapted from Woodall’s Favorite Recipes from America’s Campgrounds.
Getty Images
Ingredients:
- 3 cup wild blueberries
- ¾ cup water
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 cup sugar
- 3 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- Dash of salt
- 9-inch pie crust, baked
Directions:
Bring 1 cup of blueberries and water to a boil. Cook gently for 4 minutes. Add butter, then stir in sugar and cornstarch, stirring constantly. Cook slowly until mixture is thick and clear. Remove from heat and add lemon juice. Pour over remaining blueberries and mix gently. Pour into 9-inch baked pie shell. Can be served warm, or refrigerate to chill before serving.
New Haven
As a classic New England college town with charm to spare, New Haven offers up historic architecture, world-class museums, and easy access to Long Island Sound’s tranquil shores, but that’s not all. A homegrown pizza style you won’t find anywhere else adds to the one-of-a-kind allure.
Beachy Connecticut
Thirty minutes east of downtown, Hammonasset Beach State Park is the largest on Connecticut’s southern shores and has the amenities to prove it. With over two miles of sandy beach, a nature center, boardwalk, hiking, biking trails and more, it’s the perfect place to spend a day in the sun.
For More Information
Connecticut Commission
888-CT VISIT
Bristol
Greater Mystic Chamber of Commerce
860-572-9578
Visit New Haven
203-777-8550