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Here you will know about state Connecticut, United States and its top 10 most beautiful places. You will know about…

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Hartford Travel Guide 2024

2024 connecticut visitors guide.

Connecticut, the southernmost New England state, is surrounded on the south by Long Island Sound, on the east by Rhode Island, on the west by New York State, and on the north by Massachusetts. Fairfield Country’s finger-like extension is a short drive from New York City. For a quick weekend getaway, Connecticut is the closest New England state to New York, Pennsylvania, and points south.

Sights for today’s tourists recollect these early influences, as well as Native American contributions, whose culture is still active in Connecticut. The last surviving whaling ship and a recreated 16th-century native Pequot village are just the beginning of the historical sites to visit, while a prestigious aquarium and famous amusement park keep kids entertained.

Connecticut Coast Visitors Guide

American history resonates throughout Connecticut. In Coastal Connecticut, unique towns are built upon layers of intriguing history. The bygone whaling era echoes in the streets of New London. New Haven is home to Yale University and is graced with its Gothic buildings and intellectual nuances. Here, art connoisseurs can enjoy museums that display paintings from masters such as Van Gogh, Manet, and Picasso.

Central Connecticut includes the capital city of Hartford, home to famous American writers Mark Twain and Harriet Beecher Stowe and the 37-acre Bushnell Park. Founded in 1636, this metropolitan city is flavored by a rich heritage. The Connecticut River Valley is alluring with its enchanting towns and countryside. Here, the unusual Gillette Castle at Hadlyme stands guard. The forests and lakes of the Litchfield Hills region offer natural beauty and numerous recreational opportunities including the Topsmead State Forest.

Central Connecticut Visitors Guide

The beauty of Central Connecticut will inspire any visitor. Literary greats Mark Twain and Harriet Beecher Stowe both resided in Hartford, the capital of Connecticut and the largest city in the area. Mark Twain House is a gothic mansion open to visitors, and the Harriet Beecher Stowe Center features her restored home and library. The Science Center of Connecticut is also found in Hartford and features live animals, hands-on exhibits and more. Bushnell Park is known for its carousel, a restored 1914 ride that welcomes visiting riders.

In West Hartford, the National Theatre for the Deaf features productions performed with the aid of American Sign Language as well as spoken word performances. Architecture fans will also enjoy a trip to Hatheway House in Enfield, one of the largest 18th-century homes in the state. Nature lovers will appreciate the Harry Barnes Memorial Nature Center in Bristol. This 70-acre park of field and forest features nature trails and an interpretive center.

Litchfield Hills, CT Visitors Guide

West of Hartford and east of New York State lies the charming area known as Connecticut’s Litchfield Hills. The defining geological feature of this area is the Housatonic River, which provides water to the villages and farms that line its path.

To enjoy the beauty of Connecticut’s Litchfield Hills, a trip to Kent Falls State Park is an ideal start. The park is a short distance northeast of Kent, and the falls themselves—a 250-foot cascade—are a breathtaking sight. In Litchfield, the Tapping Reeve House and Law School is a unique attraction. It was the first law school in the state, and today remains furnished with 18th-century pieces. The Charles Ives Center for the Arts in Danbury is a 5,000 seat outdoor venue that is used for live performances and concerts. Connecticut’s Litchfield Hills also features a wealth of camping, hiking and biking opportunities.

Hartford Visitors Guide

Founded in 1636, Hartford is a metropolitan city that serves as Connecticut’s state capital. Famous American authors Mark Twain and Harriet Beecher Stowe once made Hartford their home. Today, Mark Twain’s House and the Harriet Beecher Stowe Center are both open to the public and provide a fascinating look into the two authors’ lives. Visitors enjoy touring the Old State House, which was completed in 1796 and is considered the oldest statehouse in the United States.

Bushnell Park is another historic site, as it is the nation’s oldest public park. A variety of festivals and entertainment are found throughout the year at this park, including the Greater Hartford Festival of Jazz—a three-day event in July. Art lovers appreciate the impressive collection at Wadsworth Atheneum, while history enthusiasts whet their appetites at the Museum of Connecticut History. Outdoor adventurers enjoy nearby Penwood State Park, where hiking, picnicking and cross-country skiing are popular pastimes.

Mystic, CT Visitors Guide

The seaside town of Mystic has a tidy downtown laced with shops, galleries, and antique stores. Nearby homes built for the rich sea captains of bygone days radiate charm. The 17-acre (7-ha) museum town of Mystic Seaport exhibits the workshops, buildings, and shops of 19th-century Mystic, with the paraphernalia of the whaling era, showcased in displays and films. The theater is also used to entertain and educate people about whaling and the lifestyle of the time.

Winding along the Mystic River is the Four Mile River Road. This natural area is a welcome place for bikers and hikers to trek-no cars allowed. The road meanders past an osprey sanctuary. Another appealing place to visit in the Mystic area is the Mystic Aquarium, which is home to over 6000 sea creatures. A visit to Olde Mistick Village provides shopping, restaurants, and entertainment in the guise of a historic New England village.

New Haven, CT Visitors Guide

New Haven was founded in 1637 by affluent puritans. Shipping and manufacturing were the mainstays upon which the economy was built, however, the focal point of New Haven is Yale University, a world-famous university founded in 1716. The university grounds are located in the heart of New Haven. Gothic buildings on campus stand as sturdy sentinels from the past creating a steadying influence accompanied by a certain mystique.

The Harkness Tower sings out at different times of day, filling the surrounding air with its carillon song—a sound that has called out to people for centuries. Handsome churches enfold the area. Several art museums with famous collections are on or near campus, while the Peabody Museum of Natural History is also located in the area. Each June, the International Festival of Arts & Ideas brings world-class art exhibits, performances and thinkers from around the world together.

Bridgeport, CT Visitors Guide

Situated on Long Island Sound, Bridgeport is a small city with much to offer. A big tourist draws to Bridgeport is the Captain’s Cove Seaport. Numerous restaurants fry up tasty seafood dishes and an array of unique shops can be found along the boardwalk.

Close by the port is Seaside Park. One of the first waterfront parks established in the United States, this beach offers sandy shores with picnic areas and sports fields. Each year an impressive fireworks display is fired off over the water as part of the Barnum Festival. Dating back to 1948, this festival is another heritage feature in Bridgeport. It boasts live bands, contests, a carnival, and other events and takes place between April and July. The only zoo in Connecticut, the Beardsley Zoo is an attraction for all ages to enjoy, featuring a range of exotic and endangered animals, including tigers, bears, and turtles.

Connecticut Travel Guide

From suburbs of New York City to historic towns, beautiful rolling countryside, quiet lakes and beaches , vineyards and wineries , even flashy casinos , Connecticut has a lot of variety.

The Connecticut Shoreline bordering Long Island Sound has everything from booming industrial cities to pristine colonial villages. Southwestern Connecticut is heavily influenced by giant New York City , while Northwestern Connecticut is really part of the Berkshire Hills . Pretty towns along the mighty Connecticut River are steeped in history and culture.

Connecticut Highlights

Mystic Seaport is Connecticut's outstanding "living" museum of 19th-century New England maritime life .

Yale University in New Haven has outstanding museums , including the Center for British Art, the University Art Gallery, and the Peabody Museum of Natural History

Hartford 's Wadsworth Atheneum has a fine collection of over 60,000 works of art

Nook Farm , in Hartford , was home to Mark Twain , who wrote Tom Sawyer here, and also to Harriet Beecher Stowe

Goodspeed Opera House right on the Connecticut River in East Haddam is a Victorian gem mounting performances of American musical theater

Connecticut has over a dozen vineyards and wineries producing good to excellent vintages, and offering free wine tasting

Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun near Ledyard, in southeastern Connecticut , offer elaborate gambling casino-resorts

Rural western Connecticut has beautiful lakes for swimming, inns either cozy or elaborate, and several good local wineries .

Here's information on transportation in Connecticut .

Connecticut Shoreline

Connecticut's 618 miles (995 km) of convoluted coastline stretch from the suburbs of New York City in the west to the quaint village of Stonington on the Rhode Island border to the east.

Along the way, it includes New Haven , home of Yale University ; pretty and peaceful Guilford , founded in 1639; Old Lyme, Essex and other fine old towns at the mouth of the Connecticut River ; New London & Groton , submarine capital of the world; Mystic Seaport , the re-creation of an old Connecticut maritime village and, nearby, some of Connecticut's best beaches and several vineyards ; and Stonington , once a shipbuilding town, now noted for its beauty and charm. More...

Connecticut River Valley

The mighty, 410-mile (660-km)-long Connecticut River flowing from Québec, Canada, to Long Island Sound, is dotted with beautiful, historic towns: Old Saybrook and Old Lyme at the river's mouth; Essex and Ivoryton just to the north; farther north, Chester ith its historic ferry, and East Haddam with its Goodspeed Opera House ; and Hartford , Connecticut's capital city.

Hartford & Vicinity

Connecticut's capital , straddling the Connecticut River 45 miles (72 km) north of the Connecticut Shoreline , is marked by tall insurance-company skyscrapers, and famous for its Connecticut historic sites , its Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art , and for Nook Farm , home of Mark Twain and Harriet Beecher Stowe . Nearby Wethersfield is a pretty historic town. More...

Western Connecticut

Perfect for a leisurely scenic drive , Western Connecticut 's historic towns of Litchfield and Salisbury , and pretty Lake Waramaug , are great places to go on a day-trip. You can even sto at a vineyard for a tour and tasting. More...

The Casinos

Southeastern Connecticut's gleaming gambling meccas of Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun stand in stark contrast to the old-fashioned charm of seaside Stonington , but if it's action and entertainment you want, this is the place. More...

Connecticut History

The Constitution State (so called because Connecticut was the first American colony to have a written constitution ) is sprinkled liberally with lakes, rivers, and streams.

The state's namesake is the mighty Connecticut River , which springs from the Connecticut Lakes in northern New Hampshire , flows southward forming the boundary between New Hampshire and Vermont , cuts through Massachusetts and Connecticut, finally to empty into Long Island Sound.

The great river is navigable as far north as Hartford , a significant fact that was not lost on the region's Native American inhabitants. They were the ones who gave it the name Quinnehtukqut , "the long tidal river."

Almost three-quarters of the territory in Connecticut is woodland , and drives along the back roads through these forests reveal rich fields of corn, grain, vegetables, and tobacco. But the state's wealth comes not from agriculture, or from tourism, but rather from insurance and manufacturing .

In the old days the state's production of buttons, pins, doo-dads, and kitchenwares gave rise to the breed of men known as Yankee peddlers , who traveled from town to town in horse and buggy, spreading the products of Connecticut's industry far and wide. Later Connecticut Yankees such as Charles Goodyear, Eli Whitney, Seth Thomas, and Mr. Fuller (of Fuller Brush fame) pave the way for today's Connecticut products: helicopters, submarines, insurance, firearms and high-tech .

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Just ninety miles long by 55 miles wide, CONNECTICUT is New England’s southernmost state and the most influenced by New York City; thousands of commuters make the trip each day, and many of the opulent mansions are owned by Wall Street bankers. As a result, tourism here is of a sophisticated sort, with art galleries, vineyards, historical houses, museums and increasingly eclectic cuisine on offer, while the state’s lesser-known natural offerings along the densely populated coast make for some pleasant surprises.

The coast is studded with enticing small towns, from the colonial charms of Mystic and Stonington to hip New London and intellectual New Haven, home of Yale University. Further inland, the state capital at Hartford is a real surprise, with a gradually regenerating downtown and a trio of attractions.

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Some of my first freebies growing up included a  Texas State Travel Guide , which is still one of my favorite freebies. I thought it would be fun to put together a list of all of the Free Travel Guides and Maps for each US state for anyone else that is interested!  The links below will take you to online order forms for each state to receive a free official state travel guide, highway map, special brochure or vacation planning kit.

To order, you just click on the state you would like and then on the form that appears you will enter your name and address. Some offer physical brochures only and some offer a digital option.

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Click on the state you are interested in to view that state’s Free Travel Guide:

Whether you’re planning a weekend of golf or a seven-day beach getaway for the entire family, our Alabama Vacation & Events Guide as well as other brochures will help you find the perfect mix of activities, attractions and accommodations. Alaska

The transformative natural beauty of Alaska isn’t just a vacation destination. It’s something you take home with you. Start your planning today with page after page of inspiration in a FREE Official State of Alaska Vacation Guide. From hiking to hot springs, canoeing to cruises, make your trip everything you want it to be. Arizona

The free travel packet includes an Arizona Official State Travel Guide and a full-sized Arizona state map. Arkansas

Arkansas is one of mid-America’s most beautiful travel destinations. To request trip-planning information, select the publications you wish to receive. California

Order your free copy of the 2022 California’s Visitor’s Guide, featuring hundreds of hidden gems, unexpected natural wonders, unique events, and more.

Planning your Colorado vacation is even easier with the free official state vacation guide, a $7.99 value, packed with stunning photography, itineraries and other trip ideas.

Connecticut

Their travel website has tons of great resources, but it looks like they have discontinued their print guides for now.

Endless possibilities will be delivered to your door when you order a Delaware Discovery Guide. Every turning page shows the charm of attractions, dining, and places to stay in Delaware. Florida

Use these digital Florida Travel Guides to help you plan your trip to the Sunshine State. Find out about activities, attractions, accommodations, restaurants, transportation and other information you need to map out your Florida vacation. Georgia

The state’s official Travel Guide is your complete resource to planning a vacation in Georgia. Find trip ideas, attractions, dining, events, activities, accommodations, map travel resources and much more.

Relaxing sun-swept sands, awe-inspiring sunsets, and balmy moonlit breezes mingle with dramatic terrain, heart-pumping surf, and spontaneous friendly energy. You’re on your way to the Aloha state. Idaho

Get to know Idaho with the Official Idaho Travel Guide—filled with information for anyone looking for an outdoor adventure, a relaxing weekend, scenic drives, a mouthwatering culinary scene, and travel inspiration. Illinois

Find unexpected ways to enjoy Illinois in this biannual magazine that explores every corner of the state. Each issue offers a mix of travel stories, stunning photography and timely trip ideas that make the most of each season. Indiana

From outdoor adventures and girlfriend getaways to family road trips and romantic retreats, this guide arrives packed with trip ideas. Find discounts for hotels, attractions and other destinations you’ll want to visit.

Travel  Iowa  is the official tourism website of the State of  Iowa , the Hawkeye State. Find a tourism map,  travel guide  and the best things to do in  Iowa .

If you’re looking for a great Kansas road trip destination, you have come to the right place! Whether it is just a day trip, business trip, or full vacation, we have you covered!

Order the 2022 Kentucky Inspiration Guide via mail direct to your doorstep or view the interactive free online 2022 inspiration guide and start planning your Kentucky vacation today! Louisiana

Let the endless beauty of Louisiana feed your soul and inspire you. Maine

There’s a good chance these 180 pages will tell you what to do and see in Maine, but improvisation is encouraged!  When you get here, take a spontaneous left turn and discover something you never thought you would.  That’s the magic of Maine. Maryland

So many different guides offered here. Scenic byways guides, African-American heritage travel guides, golf guides, Chesapeake Bay guides and more.

Sometimes visiting a new place can be overwhelming. Where should you go? Everywhere! What should you do? Everything! But if you want to narrow it down a little, our travel guide has some must-sees for each region in Massachusetts, a highway map, plus there’s some really pretty photos.

The 2022 Pure Michigan Spring/Summer Travel Guide highlights stunning sights to see, exciting places to go and fun activities to experience for visitors and residents alike all summer long.  Minnesota

Free travel brochures to assist with your Minnesota travel planning and vacation choices. You can even get a Minnesota highway map!

Mississippi’s back roads invite you to explore cool blues, soulful cuisine, bright beaches, rich history, unique shopping, warm welcomes and more. Missouri

Order your 2022 Official Missouri Travel Guide and start planning your beer crawl, fishing trip or visit to the Gateway Arch today! Montana

You can pick from a Glacier National Park and Surrounding Area Map or a 2022 Vacation packet. Nebraska

In Nebraska, we believe that only boring people get bored. So we invent our own fun. Like when we realized a livestock tank would float. That’s just one thing we do, though. Check out all these other totally not-boring things you can do in Nebraska. 

Read about everything there is to explore in this wild, wonderful state when you sign up for the free Nevada Magazine & Visitor Guide. Packed with out-of-this-world photography and stories about Nevada’s incredible people and places, this is the go-to travel guide for those who are born to roam.

New Hampshire

Check out all the unique regions of New Hampshire along with 10 must-see attractions in this full-color guide!  New Jersey

This full-color guide includes: accommodations, attractions, beaches, history, outdoors, shopping and so much more! New Mexico

Planning an unforgettable experience in New Mexico is easy with the Adventure Guide. New York

The official I LOVE NY Travel Guide is available here. Download it now to find inspiration for your next trip to New York State, from world-class beaches and exciting outdoor adventures to delicious restaurants and cozy hotel getaways. North Carolina

Request your free travel guide, highway map or guides to  handicap-accessible attractions , wineries and Civil War trails.

Our state has a lot going on – activities, innovations and scenery that will surprise, engage and inspire you to follow your curiosity, not the crowds. Oklahoma

Oklahoma offers a wide selection of free brochures, so you can find information for the entire state or just the area you plan to visit. Use this page to order your brochures, and they will be mailed to you free of charge. Ohio

There’s no better way to start planning your next Ohio vacation or trip than with the FREE publications from  Ohio. Oregon

With free Oregon travel guides, you’ll get the inside scoop on the state’s people, places and happenings. Sign up to have Travel Oregon publications delivered right to your mailbox or download them online. We hope you are inspired to explore Oregon when it’s okay to do so — and we’ll be here when you’re ready. Pennsylvania

The simple act of booking future travel generates happiness. Let us be your guide to planning for your future happiness in PA. The 2022 Happy Traveler Guide offers not-to-miss attractions, kid-focused fun, exciting events and many more great vacation ideas.

We’ve got it going on in Rhode Island. From beaches, and boating, to art, history, and dining, to hiking, biking, and bouldering, there is truly something for everyone. We’ve got all of the fun, culture, luxury, and artistic ethos of a big city mixed with a cool, laid-back coastal vibe and a dash of historic, old New England charm. South Carolina

Start planning your ultimate South Carolina adventure with a free copy of the 2022 Vacation Guide, or download one of many amazing South Carolina maps. South Dakota

Download or order the South Dakota Vacation Guide and Highway Map. You can also add on the Fishing packet, hunting packet, motorcycle packet or winter packet! Tennessee

Everything you need to know about planning a trip to Tennessee is in one place. Get the latest on all of the music experiences and attractions across the state. Discover the best trip destinations, new places to eat and more in your free printed guide or e-guide.

Discover places to see, things to do and more. Then take your travel guide with you to use while you’re here in Texas. The Travel Texas Guide is prepared by the Texas Department of Transportation. This travel guide is amazing and close to 150 pages! Utah

Grab your travel guide today and explore all of the national parks, mountain areas, ski resorts, lakes and more! Maximize your visit to Utah. Vermont

Life is better when we slow down, look around, and simply take notice. Whether you are traveling with family and friends or on a solo journey, there are many opportunities to discover something new or unwind and recharge. Days in Vermont can be as full or unplanned as you like. Inspiration starts here. Virginia

The 2022 Virginia Travel Guide highlights surprising finds and unexpected experiences through a collection of personal recommendations and heartfelt narratives from talented writers, local enthusiasts and passionate travelers. Get the insider’s perspective on detour-worthy destinations, be inspired by trailblazing locals, or take our interactive quiz to find your perfect festival. Washington State

Start planning an unforgettable adventure today.The Washington State Visitors’ Guide is published by State of Washington Tourism and the Washington Hospitality Association.

Washington DC

The twice-yearly guide is packed with all you need to plan your next trip to the nation’s capital, including information on free things to do, neighborhoods, attractions, tours, restaurants and hotels.

Wisconsin’s adventure-filled outdoors, spirited festivals and craft culture make moments with family and friends unforgettable. Discover ideas and inspiration for your next adventure. West Virginia

The Mountain State is home to spirited small towns, undiscovered hidden gems and world-class outdoor adventures. In West Virginia, let country roads lead you far away from everything. And a little closer to heaven. Feel free to stay awhile. Wyoming

Wyoming is the last bastion of the West, where bold, independent and curious spirits are encouraged to forge their own way to adventure both big and small. Discover museums, state parks, rodeos, breweries, national treasures and more as you make your way across the Cowboy State. Come to Wyoming and experience our majestic nature and abounding culture for yourself.

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Visit Cottonwood, Arizona, located in the heart of Arizona and wine country, Cottonwood has something for everyone. Explore the outdoors on bike, foot, or horseback, and discover the many dining and sipping options in Old Town.

Experience Williams

A small town nestled in the pine country of Arizona, Williams offers countless things to see and do. Take a train ride to the Grand Canyon, explore Route 66, venture outdoors, visit a wildlife park, shop for the perfect souvenir, and so much more.

Experience Prescott

Prescott’s perfect weather provides an average temperature of 70 degrees, with four beautiful and distinct seasons, and breathtaking landscapes complete with granite mountains, lakes, streams, and rolling meadows filled with wildlife.

Rehoboth Beach & Dewey Beach, Delaware

The Delaware Resort Area of Rehoboth Beach & Dewey Beach is known for its award‐winning boardwalk, beautiful homes, awesome hotels, specialty stores, amusements, events & festivals, tax‐free shopping and some of the finest restaurants anywhere.

Chicago Southland

Just 30 minutes beyond the city limits of Chicago rests the 60 south/southwest suburbs known as Chicago Southland. Offering hundreds of festivals, 40,000 acres of luscious forestry, 600 holes of golf, iconic historic downtown shopping districts and some of the best restaurants, breweries & distilleries in the Chicagoland area.

Visit Manhattan Kansas

The Gateway to the Flint Hills, Manhattan, Kansas, offers a small-town feel with college town excitement and midwestern charm. Experience Big 12 sports, elite golf, scenic outdoor activities, unique dining, shopping, and impressive theatrical productions surrounded in the beauty of the Flint Hills!

Cadiz-Trigg County Kentucky

Cadiz Kentucky is nestled in the Lakes region of West Kentucky where the people are happy to see you and you will be happy to see the great natural beauty of Lake Barkley and Land Between the Lakes.

Visit Maryland

Be Open to an Unforgettable Maryland Vacation​ Having lasting memories from your vacation makes all the planning so worth it. Maryland is home to a variety of sights and adventures. You’ll find amazing waterscapes, from mountain streams to rivers, the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic.

Deep Creek Lake Area, Garrett County, Maryland

Visit Deep Creek Lake and Garrett County, Maryland! Go boating, skiing or snow tubing, take a horse drawn carriage ride, or just relax as you take in the stunning views! It’s the ideal four-season vacation getaway located in Western Maryland.

Carroll County, Maryland

Located in the rolling hills of Maryland. Quaint villages to explore, festivals to celebrate, scenic biking and hiking to enjoy. Antique shops, country inns, wineries, microbreweries, fine restaurants and an Award-winning Barn Quilt Trail. Get on the road!

Visit Saint Paul

Saint Paul is Minnesota’s capital city full of history and mystery, culture and cuisine and world-renowned attractions and events. Multiple hotel accommodations fit all budgets and the downtown is walkable between the most popular areas including Rice Park, Lowertown and West 7th.

Montana's Glacier Country

Discover Western Montana’s Glacier Country, where natural wonders meet cultural richness for an unforgettable adventure. Expect the Montana you’ve dreamed of with hiking, fishing, skiing, and horseback riding, and be surprised by a diverse tapestry of arts, culinary delights, unique lodging, and vibrant small towns.

Destination Missoula

There’s this place where life is lived on mountain time and a river really does run through it. In Missoula, Montana, unparalleled natural beauty is matched only by the vibrant culture of this friendly mountain town.

Visit Southeast Montana

Find the Real Montana Out Here There’s nowhere better than Southeast Montana, where time slows down and invites you to linger, to soak up every moment and marvel at the wide-open plains and deep canyons surrounding you.

Visit New Hampshire's White Mountains

One of New England’s most popular scenic destinations. Escape to the White Mountains and experience towering peaks, stunning scenery unrivaled anywhere in the Northeast.

State of New Jersey

You've likely heard of the Jersey Shore—130 miles of captivating coastline, white-sand beaches, world-famous boardwalks, majestic lighthouses and surf-and-sun fun. But New Jersey promises much more, year-round! Come venture beyond to culture-rich cities, quaint towns and vast parks.

Westchester County, NY

Just 30 minutes from Manhattan lies Westchester County, the heart of the magnificent Hudson Valley. Our beautiful home offers a unique mix of charming country villages, picturesque waterfront towns and sophisticated urban centers.

Schenectady County, NY

From our fabulous dining options and best-in-class breweries to our world-class entertainment venues and family-friendly fun spots, we’ve got it all in Schenectady County!

Chautauqua County, NY

Explore Western New York’s magnificent lakes, unique outdoor experiences, top-notch wineries, one-of-a-kind cultural centers, and engaging museums. With four distinct seasons, there are endless reasons to visit the Chautauqua-Lake Erie region all year long.

Cooperstown & Otsego County, NY

Immerse yourself in the charm, hospitality, and history of Cooperstown and Otsego County. With natural beauty found in lakes and rolling hills, outdoor thrills, art, and museums that will provoke all senses, this bucket list destination will be your family’s favorite for years to come!

Delaware County Travel Guide

The Great Western Catskills is a dream destination for those looking to immerse in nature while enjoying farm fresh food, exciting outdoor adventures, charming stays and a thriving arts scene. Plan your trip to make memories that last a lifetime.

Madison County, New York

Madison County is located in Central New York, directly off of I-90 at exits 33 and 34. Look no further for a place that embraces all four seasons through its events, culinary delights, and cultural attractions.

Tour Cayuga in the Finger Lakes of NY

Cayuga County and the Finger Lakes Region are not only beautiful but also diverse, offering a wide variety of activities, events, attractions, and unique lodging. Once you visit, you will be sure to have an endless list of stories, memories.

Enchanted Mountains of Western NY

If you love exploring the great outdoors, geological wonders, having a tree-top adventure, or learning about a different culture, plan a trip to the Enchanted Mountains of Western New York!

Adirondack Coast, New York

The #adkcoast stretches across the western shores of Lake Champlain shouldered by New York’s Adirondack Mountains and the Green Mountains of Vermont. The Adirondack Coast offers world class outdoor recreation, a rich history to explore and a landscape dotted with agricultural opportunities at every turn.

Orange County, New York

Just 60 minutes from Manhattan, Orange County is one of the most attractive areas in the New York metropolitan area and Hudson Valley. Charmingly sophisticated, experiences here range from international destinations, hiking & biking to agritourism & roadside farm stands.

New York By Rail

Whether you want to head to New York City, the Adirondacks, or all the way up to Niagara Falls, New York By Rail is the ultimate guide to planning your Amtrak trip in the Empire State, and parts of Vermont and Canada, too!

Discover Streetsboro, Ohio

It’s time to pack those bags and head on over to Streetsboro, Northeast Ohio’s Best Vacation Value. Regardless of the time of year you visit, Streetsboro is always your destination for a fun, affordable, safe and memorable vacation.

Warren County, Ohio

Home to an incredible collection of world-class attractions like Kings Island amusement park, the Cincinnati Open tennis tournament and the iconic Ohio Renaissance Festival, Warren County has all the makings of an affordable, accessible and truly unforgettable midwestern getaway!

Oregon's Mt. Hood Territory

From the top of 11,245-foot majestic Mt. Hood to the fertile Willamette Valley, Oregon's Mt. Hood Territory offers forested wilderness areas and breathtaking vistas that set the stage for almost any type of adventure.

Visit Luzerne County, Northeastern PA

Experience the spectacular beauty that Northeastern Pennsylvania has to offer. Thirteen challenging golf courses, whitewater rafting on the scenic Lehigh River, live harness racing, AAA Baseball, Knoebels Amusement Park are just a short drive away.

Columbia-Montour Counties

Visit East Central Pennsylvania! Enjoy breathtaking scenery and hometown hospitality. Visit our Nature Preserves, Wetlands and State Parks where you can picnic, fish, kayak, canoe, hike, bike, bird watch or just relax. Explore our 25 covered bridges and enjoy craft fairs and festivals galore.

Smoky Mountains, Tennessee

Travelers seeking a peaceful escape from crowded amusement parks and tourist traps will find a respite in Townsend, Tennessee—the Peaceful Side of the Smoky Mountains.

Explore Logan & Cache Valley, UT

Discover your own adventure in Logan, Utah, the most scenic way from Salt Lake City to Yellowstone and Jackson. Stay and play in this high mountain valley known for outdoor adventures, hands-on heritage experiences, and performing and fine arts.

Greater Zion Golf - St. George, UT

Welcome to Greater Zion, where golf and adventure are endless. Nestled between the towering walls of Zion National Park, the snow-capped peaks of the Pine Valley Mountains and the petrified sand dunes of Snow Canyon State Park, you’ll find 14 courses within a 20-mile radius.

Greater Zion, Utah

Put simply, Greater Zion is a destination a cut above the rest. Here, the Mojave Desert, Colorado Plateau, and the Great Basin converge to make for some of the most stunning scenery in the world.

Wytheville, Virginia

You can search the world over and not find another town named Wytheville… and that’s just the beginning of the uniqueness you’ll discover in this charming town nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Southwest Virginia.

Olympic Peninsula

On Washington State’s Olympic Peninsula, located 90 miles west of Seattle, you’ll find a nature lover’s dream-come-true. Hiking, biking, water sports. From snow-capped peaks to pristine ocean beaches... get ready to explore one of the most captivating places on the planet!

Cody Yellowstone Country

Just one hour from Yellowstone National Park, Cody, Wyoming is renowned for beautiful scenery, wildlife, rodeo, top-notch fly-fishing, the world-famous Buffalo Bill Center of the West and more. Access to Cody and Yellowstone is made easy by Yellowstone Regional Airport.

Carbon County, Wyoming

For some, zen moments don't occur on yoga mats. Carbon County, Wyoming. Request a brochure TODAY! Learn about Carbon County, WY river access, fishing spots, area hiking, campsites, snowmobile trails, wildlife areas and cross country skiing trails.

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Editor's choice – mystic connecticut.

Find more great things to do and places to visit in this region.

Mystic, CT is a small town with a big reputation on the Connecticut shore. The town itself, divided by a small tidal estuary that opens to the Mystic River, is compact. Contemporary life on land and on the water chugs along in tandem with buildings and scenery that would fit into life in the 1830s. Big attractions are Mystic Seaport, a busy living history museum that replicates that town's ship-building culture of the 19th century, and Mystic Aquarium, enhanced by a close relationship with the work of Dr. Robert Ballard, the ocean scientist who discovered the Titanic. All around Mystic are perfectly beautiful country drives, inland and along the shore. And, just 10 miles up the road, is the world-famous Foxwoods Casino. Click here for a map of Mystic .

Getting Here

Mystic is 134 miles northeast of New York City; 50 miles south and west of Providence, RI; and 100 miles southwest of Boston, MA. You can get here by car, train, or even by ferry, but to see the sights best, you need a car to wander some of the outlying areas beyond town.

The town is just a short distance from exit 90 of Interstate 95, the major artery that runs along the Eastern Seaboard. Running parallel to I-95 in Route 1, the old Post Road, which offers beautiful sights along the water but much slower travel.

Amtrak's Regional Route offers downtown-to-downtown train service up and down the Northeast Corridor from Boston to Newport News, VA, with a stop in Mystic. The train station is walking distance from the downtown, but there is no other public transportation around or outside the immediate vicinity of the downtown.

An adventurous trip to Mystic from New York City involves departing by Cross-Island ferry from Orient Point, NY, at the eastern tip of Long Island, then taking the Cross-Island Ferry to New London, CT, which is an east 10 miles west of Mystic on I-95. It is not the most quick and efficient way to travel, but the scenery in both states is beautiful and you avoid the famous traffic on I-95.

Things to Do

Mystic aquarium.

If you love aquariums, don't miss this one. It's easy to spend hours at Mystic Aquarium . The aquarium has something new happening every new season. Learn about native and remote species like fur seals, African penguins, and beluga whales. There's a National Geographic Theater with nature shows, live sea lion shows, petting areas, and a Titanic exhibit.

Mystic Seaport

Mystic Seaport is a living history museum that re-creates an 1830s-era shipbuilding town like … Mystic! It is the home of the Charles W. Morgan, the last surviving wooden whaling ship. See other historic vessels, a town with re-created work places like a ship's chandler and barrel maker, a lighthouse, and a planetarium. The Seaport hosts a lot of seasonal events, like an authentic 1830s Fourth of July celebration and a Sea Chantey festival, Browse a delightful and educational gift shop.

Drive to Stonington Borough

In New England, a borough is a smaller political designation within a town. Take Route 1 and 1A along the shore eastward a few miles to the beautiful, small Stonington Borough , a finger of land with just a few long, narrow streets packed with Colonial-era houses and flowering window boxes. Browse the shops on Water and Main streets or stroll the harbor front to watch the small fishing fleet going about its business.

Visit Mystic Museum of Art on Water Street in the downtown and then stroll and window shop past the many delightful stores - selling clothing, art, toys, and jewelry - on Main Street in downtown Mystic, ending at the Mystic River Park. Another shopping hub is Olde Mistick Village, located about 2 miles north of the downtown on Route 27. It is a re-imaging nostalgic village with more than 40 places to shop. You can rest by the scenic duck pond, and check out the Victorian gazebo for frequent events and performances.

More Driving Tours

Mason's Island, poised like a cork in the bottle just offshore in front of the entrance to the Mystic River, makes a beautiful short drive to see the Sound and nearby island and the town profile. A longer and very beautiful inland drive takes you out of town to Route 184 and to Stonington Vineyards. The vineyard – part of a thriving wine-making community throughout the state – offers tours and tastings and some special events.

On the Water

Hop aboard the sailing ship Argia from Steamboat Wharf for smooth, water-based sightseeing through Mystic Seaport and the surrounding area, complete with a boat tour, refreshments, and passage underneath the town's iconic counter-weighted bridge. The Black Hawk Party Boat departs from Niantic, a scenic small town just west of Mystic.

Evening Entertainment

Foxwoods Resort & Casino in Mashantucket, 10 miles north of Mystic, houses two large theaters. So if gambling is not your cup of tea, you can still enjoy this hotspot of world-class performances and restaurants ranging from casual to formal. If you want to make a daytime visit to the casino, consider visiting the huge and high-tech Mashantucket Pequot Museum and Research Center, also on the reservation. It's a fascinating exploration for kids and adults.

If you want to stay local in Mystic in the evening, pay a visit to the Harp and Hound Irish Pub, right in the downtown. A variety of drinks and cocktails and convivial company converge within a cozy, local atmosphere. There is a weekly trivia night and live music most nights of the week. The pub's website shows the music schedule.

Good Eating

Bartleby's Cafe on Main Street in Mystic is fun for breakfast. The menu is not vast, but it is adequate and the setting is perfect: cozy chairs, street life to watch through the big picture windows onto Main Street, lots of local people coming and going.

Kitchen Little  is located at the Marina on Mason's Island, just a short hop across a bridge from downtown Mystic. The bountiful food makes this place a local favorite. Get out to this pretty island via Route 1 to Mason's Island Road.

Noah's on Water Street in Stonington Borough, a few miles east of Mystic, is a great eatery with all the basic breakfast favorites and plenty of friendly local conversation on all sides.

Engine Room Restaurant on Holmes Street in Mystic is a good place to rest your feet and grab a bite to eat at the center of your day. This tavern-inspired American joint serves plenty of appetizers, fresh hamburgers, and a broad selection of craft beers.

Mystic Market has two locations at either end of town where hot gourmet meals await you. The market served a huge selection of bakery treats made fresh daily, and over 75 cheese varieties. Mystic Market is an excellent pre-picnic pit stop!

Mystic Pizza at 56 West Main Street is the setting of the movie of the same name, and in fact, the movie plays in a continuous loop on one wall. Pizetta is another very good pizza restaurant just around the corner form Mystic Pizza, on Water Street.

Abbott's Lobster in the Rough on Pearl Street in Mystic's neighbor, the waterside town of Noank, is a true lobster shack with raw picnic tables overlooking Fisher's Island Sound.

Water Street Café in the center of Stonington Borough has great food and a cheery, local atmosphere.

S&P Oyster House , in the very heart of Mystic, at 1 Holmes Street, overlooks the activity on the Mystic River and at Mystic Seaport. Good seafood and a party atmosphere.

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