YOUR WEB GUIDE TO CONNECTICUT REGIONS—THINGS TO DO AND SEE AND WHERE TO STAY IN CONNECTICUT

Connecticut Regions, Fun, Activities and Places to Stay in Connecticut

1. Litchfield Hills
The Litchfield Hills region is known for its serenity with rolling hills, deep woodlands and rivers and living history. The region is 100 miles from New York and 115 miles from Boston. Lots of country pleasures here amidst the 1700s houses and villages. Attractions include: The American Clock & Watch Museum in Bristol; The Glebe House Museum in Woodbury; Lake Compounce Theme Park in Bristol; Algonkian village at the Institute for American Indian Studies in Washington; Lime Rock Park (auto racing and shows) in Lakeville; and The Carousel Museum of New England in Bristol.

2. Housatonic Valley
The Housatonic Valley is home to such places as the 360-year-old city of Danbury and the surrounding communities of Bethel, Brookfield, Bridgewater, New Fairfield, Newtown, Redding, Ridgefield & Sherman. This is a great region for antiquing and for exploring a beautiful countryside. Attractions include: The Aldrich Museum of Contemporary Art in Ridgefield; The Brookfield Craft Center in Brookfield; The Danbury Railway Museum in Danbury; and McLaughlin Vineyards in Sandy Hook.

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3. Coastal Fairfield County
Beaches, picturesque hills and country mix with urban sophistication here. Only 30 miles from New York, Coastal Fairfield County is considered by some to be the Connecticut Gold Coast. It's the perfect place for a getaway. Among the many attractions are: The New England Farm Yard at Beardsley Zoo-and the carousel in Bridgeport; The Bruce Museum in Greenwich; IMAX theater at the Maritime Aquarium in Norwalk; the historic lighthouse and nature preserve on Sheffield Island in Norwalk; The Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum in Norwalk; and Greenwich Avenue, considered "Rodeo Drive of the Northeast," in Greenwich.

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4. Greater New Haven
Greater New Haven's cities, towns, villages and greens are wonderful nuggets of history, and New Haven is home to Yale University. Here town greens are well kept and perfect spots for picnics. There's plenty of opportunity for hiking, biking and cross country skiing. Among the region's many attractions: The Connecticut Audubon Coastal Center in Milford; The Peabody Museum of Natural History in New Haven; The Shubert Performing Arts Center, where South Pacific and My Fair Lady had their premieres in New Haven; Yale University in New Haven; The Yale University Art Gallery in New Haven; and The Yale Center for British Art in New Haven.

GREAT PLACES TO VISIT IN THE NEW HAVEN AREA

Wallingfor Victorian Bed and Breakfast 245 North Main Street . Wallingford . Connecticut 06492 203.269.4492 | E-Mail: innkeep@bedandbreakfastwallingford.com | Web site Let the security and comfort of this grand Queen Anne Victorian be yours. The Wallingford Victorian Bed and Breakfast is in southern Connecticut between New Haven and Hartford convenient to I-91 and Rt.15 The charm of New England is here in a romantic victorian bed and breakfast with beautiful architecture, warm colors, high ceilings, original woodwork, and pocket doors. Renovations have included updating some of the private bathrooms with Jacuzzi tubs. We also have in-room cable TV, Internet access, and individual temperature controls.

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5. Waterbury
The regions river and small are demonstrative of the essence of New England. There's ample farmland here together with Waterbury, a growing city where there's a wide range of culinary fare. Among the attractions are: The Mattatuck Museum in Waterbury; Quassy Amusement Park in Middlebury; Seven Angels Theater in Waterbury; The Naugatuck Railroad Co. and exhibits at the Railroad Museum of New England in Thomaston; and Timexpo Museum, where Timex history is explored, in Waterbury.

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6. Central Connecticut
New Britain is the centerpiece of this region where there's serenity and countryside to be explored. Among its attractions are: The Barker Character, Comic & Cartoon Museum in Cheshire; The 1836 Barnes Museum in Southington; The Farmington Canal at the Lock 12 Historical Park in Cheshire; The New Britain Industrial Museum in New Britain; and The New Britain Museum of American Art in New Britain.

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7. Connecticut River Valley & Shoreline
This is where the Connecticut River, which flows down from, and separates, from New Hampshire and Vermont, meets Long Island Sound. River communities abound and such towns as Essex and Deep River offer wonderful getaway opportunities. Here, too are music festivals, fishing, swimming, boating and bird-watching activities. Among the attractions are: The Great Connecticut Cajun/Zydeco Music and Arts Festival; The Great Connecticut Jazz Fest; The Durham Fair; Gillette Castle in East Haddam; The Essex Steam Train & Riverboat in Essex; The Goodspeed Opera House in East Haddam; Norma Terris Theatre in Chester; and cruise around the Thimble Islands in Branford.

GREAT PLACES TO VISIT IN THE CONNECTICUT RIVER VALLEY & SHORELINE
	Riverwind Inn 209 Main Street . Deep River . Connecticut 06417 860.526.2014 | Toll Free: 866.526.2014 | E-Mail: innkeeper@riverwindinn.com | Web Site A delightful and whimsical bed and breakfast with emphasis on charm and joie de vivre. The only thing we take seriously here is your enjoyment. All guest rooms at Riverwind Inn are beautifully decorated with antique furnishings and stenciling. All have air conditioning, many rooms also have ceiling fans. All have electric clock radios, private baths, fluffy robes upon request, and a joyful potential for romance.
	Essex Steam Train & Riverboat Ride The Valley Railroad Company, One Railroad Avenue, Essex, CT 06426 1.800.377.3987 860.767.0103 valley.railroad@snet.net The Essex Steam Train is operated by the Valley Railroad Company. As a tourist excursion, we are pleased to take you through some of the most beautiful country in the state. You will find forests and streams, beautiful vistas and nostalgic towns, and some gorgeous views of the Connecticut River.

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8. Mystic
Just about the halfway point between New York and Boston, the Mystic region offers a cornucopia of things to do, see and eat and a wide variety of places to stay and gamble! From whaling ships at Mystic Seaport, to submarines to the magnificent Foxwoods Casino, this region runs the gamut, but at the same time maintains its Yankee heritage. Among the myriad attractions are: The Florence Griswold Museum in Old Lyme; The Mashantucket Pequot Museum & Research Center in Mashantucket; Mystic Seaport in Mystic; The Mystic Aquarium in Mystic; The USS Nautilus & Submarine Force Museum in Groton; Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket; and The Mohegan Sun in Uncasville.

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Welcome to Foxwoods the experience of a world-class resort, to the comfort and style of our three extraordinary hotels.   Accommodations: Luxuriate in the majestic AAA Four Diamond rated Grand Pequot Tower, relax in the Great Cedar Hotel or immerse yourself in the New England charm of the Two Trees Inn. Whichever you choose, you'll enjoy the warmth and professionalism of our impeccable service staff -- we guarantee that you are in good hands. Gaming: Get your pulse racing with table games. There are over 380 to choose from. We feature 7,200 slots to choose from –- including a smoke-free casino with over 500 slots. If poker's your game, Foxwoods is a charter member of the World Poker Tour in our state-of-the-art WPT World Poker room that boasts 114 tables and attracts international players from around the world.   Entertainment: The venues at Foxwoods offer something for everyone: championship fights, lounges, theatre, and concerts that fit your mood. At Foxwoods make it easy to find entertainment for all ages.   Great Dining: From refined gourmet dining to bountiful buffets and quick meals on the move, the choices are sure to satisfy your every culinary desire. There's a restaurant for every taste and budget, with a variety of atmospheres to satisfy whatever suits your mood.   Salon & Spa: In the world of perpetual motion, there is still a place where one can quiet the mind, calm the spirit and soothe the body. Indulge your senses and revitalize your spirit with a relaxing massage, mud wrap, hydrotherapy, whirlpool bath or a refreshing steam.   In addition, shopping at Foxwoods is an unforgettable experience.   And you can play golf. Lake of Isles is the ultimate golf experience providing breathtaking views on every hole. Our two new Rees Jones designed championship golf courses offer you the chance to refresh and recharge. Acclaimed designer Rees Jones has sculpted 36 unique holes from the natural topography. To find out more visit Foxwoods Home Page Now.

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MGM Grand at Foxwoods is … well … it's so many things. It's exciting, with 1,400 slot machines and 60 table games. It’s indulgent, with an array of world-class restaurants and celebrity chefs. It’s entertaining, with headline concerts, thrilling sporting events and non-stop nightclubs. It’s relaxing, with the incomparable G-Spa and two challenging, championship golf courses. It’s luxurious, with 825 ultra-modern guest rooms and 115,000 square feet of state-of-the-art meeting space. In a word, it’s Grand.   Accommodations: After a day excitement or a night reverie, enjoy 300 thread count Monaco imported linens adorning our feather-pillow topped beds that envelop you in a warm caress of blissful comfort. From our well-appointed deluxe rooms to the splendor of our Director and Producer suites, you'll find every comfort of a stately home.   Gaming: Whatever your game, it's waiting for you in our vibrant 50,000 square foot casino. Feel the pull of over 1,400 slot machines and 60 exciting table games, including blackjack, roulette, craps, Spanish 21, 3-Card Poker, Mini Bac, Texas Hold'em and Crazy Four Poker. In addition, we offer two very private high-stakes gaming areas, separate from the main casino.   Entertainment: MGM Grand at Foxwoods brings entertainment to a whole new level. Our impressive yet intimate 4,000-seat MGM Grand Theater showcases the world's most talented performers, the hottest concerts, thrilling sporting events and popular off-Broadway shows. And for a fabulous, Las Vegas-style nightlife experience there's Shrine, a celebrity-studded nightclub, lounge and Asian kitchen.   Great Dining: Whether one is in the mood for fine dining or casual fare, MGM Grand at Foxwoods offers something for every taste, every indulgence. Let your desires and appetite lead the way.   In addition, Shopping: MGM Grand at Foxwoods is proud to be home to some of the finest brands the world has to offer. From top fashions to top-of-the-line technology, from luxurious leather goods to singularly spectacular gifts, it's all within your reach.

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DIFFERENT TYPES OF PLACES TO VISIT IN MYSTIC
	Fitch-Claremont House, Inn and Vineyard 83 Fitchville Road . Bozrah . Connecticut 06334 860.889.0260 . Toll Free: 877.889.0266 | E-Mail: innkeeper@fitchclaremonthouse.com | Website Experience the casual atmosphere of our country home and enjoy the changing seasons of the vineyard. For your comfort and enjoyment, we offer four unique B and B guestrooms, each with its own private bath, fireplace, in-room telephone, TV, air conditioning and ceiling fan.
	Homespun Farm Bed and Breakfast 306 Preston Road (Route 164) . Griswold . Connecticut 06351 860.376.5178 | Toll Free: 1.888.889.6673 | E-Mail: relax@homespunfarm.com | Website "Homespun" literally means hand made which perfectly describes this colonial farmhouse listed on the "National Register of Historic Places". The home has been tenderly transformed into a warm, romantic, relaxing, bed and breakfast near Mystic, Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun casinos, New London Submarine Base, Mystic Seaport, beaches, hiking, historic home tours, U-Conn., and many other Connecticut attractions.
	Mystic Seaport Mystic, Connecticut Mystic Seaport is the largest and most comprehensive maritime museum in North America. Here you can sail or row exact replicas of our traditional wooden boats, cruise in our antique steamboat, participate in formal classes, ride a horse-drawn carriage, star gaze in our planetarium, or spend the day climbing aboard ships or just meandering along beautiful riverfront gardens.
	Mashantucket Pequot Museum 110 Pequot Trail, Mashantucket, CT 06339-3180 1.800.411.9671 valley.railroad@snet.net The world's largest and most comprehensive Native American museum and research center offers an array of engaging experiences for young and old, from life-size walk-through dioramas that transport visitors into the past, to changing exhibits and live performances of contemporary arts and cultures.

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9. Greater Hartford
Hartford is Connecticut's capital and the entire region is filled with history, art, and museums and it has been known as the insurance capital of the world. This is also the region where famed writer Mark Twain lived and created some of his classic works. Among the many attractions are: Connecticut's Capital Getaway in Hartford; the home of writer Mark Twain in Hartford; over 5,000 years of art at the Wadsworth Atheneum in Hartford; The Old State House, the oldest one in America and located on the site of George Washington's Revolutionary War meeting with the French, in Hartford; Dinosaur State Park in Hartford; and The Harriet Beecher Stowe Center in Hartford.

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10. Heritage Valley
There's beautiful and peaceful countryside to be found here, much of it steeped in rich New England heritage and history. Houses carefully preserved from the time of the American Revolution mingle with fascinating museums. Among the attractions are: Rare French wallpaper at the Hatheway House in Suffield; The New England Air Museum in Windsor Locks; Old New-Gate Prison & Copper Mine, Connecticut's first Colonial prison in East Granby; Somers Mountain Museum of Natural History and Primitive Technology in Somers; and NASCAR auto racing at Stafford Motor Speedway in Stafford Springs.

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GREAT PLACES TO VISIT IN THE HERITAGE VALLEY REGION

Lonesome Dove 332 S. Burnham Highway . Lisbon . Connecticut 06351 860.859.9600 (local) | 877.793.9880 (free) 860.526.2014 | Toll Free: 866.526.2014 | E-Mail: macdore@sbcglobal.net | Website Peace and tranquility surround this contemporary Cape-style home sitting on three glorious acres. A clean, modern decor is accented by a few well-placed antiques and cherry furnishings. Relax in our glassed-in common room, watch a movie, or just sit and enjoy the fireplace. Our three bedrooms feature queen-sized beds, plush robes, and fireplaces. Sleep on a waterbed in the Master Suite, with a jetted tub, and private deck overlooking the stream and woods.

11. Quiet Corner
Connecticut's Quiet Corner comprises 745 square miles of rolling-hill countryside, quaint old towns and historical landmarks that harken back to the days of the Revolution. Among the attractions are: Caprilands Herb Farm in Coventry; The Nathan Hale Homestead in Coventry; The Prudence Crandall House Museum in Canterbury; Roseland Cottage, where 19th-century Fourth of Julys were celebrated with guests like U.S. presidents Grant and McKinley, in Woodstock; and Putnam Antiques Marketplace in Putnam.

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TOPOGRAPHY

Beaches Beaches on Long Island Sound range from the southwestern-most tip of Connecticut all the way up the coastline to Rhode Island. Swimming, sailing, fishing and whale-watching are but a few of the many watersport activities available. See regions 3, 4, 7 and 8. Return to Top | Map | Return to Connecticut Home Page Lakes Connecticut has a number of lakes where swimming, boating, camping and or fishing are permitted. Among them: Waramaug Lake and Winchester Lake. See region 1. Bashan Lake, Beseck Lake, and Cedar Lake. See region 7. Amos Lake, Gardner Lake, Green Falls Reservoir, Rogers Lake, and Wyassup Lake. See region 8. Tolland County- Breakneck Pond, Lower Bolton Lake, Mansfield Hollow Lake, and Mashapaug Pond. See regions 9 and 10. Mansfield Hollow Lake, Pine Acres Lake and West Thompson Lake. See region 11. Return to Top | Map | Return to Connecticut Home Page Mountains While the Connecticut mountains are smaller than those in its northen New England sister states, the grace the western and parts of the central part of the state where leaf peeking is great and skin slopes are available. See regions 1, 2, 5 and 6. Return to Top | Map | Return to Connecticut Home Page Rivers The Connecticut River runs from Canada, between New Hampshire and Vermont, through Massachusetts to its mouth in Old Saybrook and Old Lyme, Connecticut. Other rivers, such as the Housatonic, flow through the state. See regions 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10. Return to Top | Map | Return to Connecticut Home Page Woodlands Woodlands can be found throughout the state See all regions. Return to Top | Map | Return to Connecticut Home Page