Connecticut embodies quintessential New England, with its long
history of patriotism, ingenuity and industry. One of the original
13 colonies of the United States, Connecticut was established by
English Puritans who left the Massachusetts colony in the 1630s.
Today, their influence can still be seen in the colonial villages
that dot the countryside, complete with proverbial town greens and
picturesque white-steepled churches, and the well-preserved
landmarks of the American Revolution.
But Connecticut is not without sophistication. Its proximity to
New York City has led many to jokingly label it a 'suburb' of that
metropolis rather than a state in its own right. An ever-increasing
number are abandoning the concrete jungle and its high taxes for
family homes in upscale, idyllic Connecticut, though their daily
commute into the city makes travelling by highway or train during
rush hour rather undesirable. However, for visitors, this means
enjoying a culture that places high value on the arts, fine dining,
entertainment and thriving corporate life, while at the same time
stressing those features that differentiate it from the city.
Connecticut boasts some of the most beautiful scenery in New
England. The serenity of the Connecticut River Valley, which
divides the state in half, is difficult to match, particularly in
the south, where the state's shipbuilding tradition is celebrated
in countless museums, where historic inns abound and where spotting
scull and crew teams training on the river at sunrise is an
everyday event. The Mystic shoreline in the east offers a taste of
seafaring history, with its restored seaport, and the United States
Coast Guard Academy is just down the coast in New London. New Haven
is the home of Yale University, one of the United States' most
prestigious Ivy League institutions; its magnificent architecture
dates back to the early 1700s. In the northwest, the rolling
Litchfield Hills are full of hiking and biking trails, quaint towns
and antique shops. Visitors flock here from across the country in
autumn to glimpse the legendary fall foliage.
Time Zones
Climate Info
The Connecticut climate is moderate with relatively mild winters
and warm summers. Along the coast the summers are cooler and
winters warmer, and the northwestern highlands have longer, colder
winters than the rest of the state with heavy snowfall. Rainfall is
fairly evenly distributed throughout the year, but summers are
prone to thunderstorms. Coastal storms, or 'northeasters', are the
most serious weather risk in the state bringing strong wind and
heavy rain, and snowstorms in winter. Spring has the lowest
humidity and is a pleasant time to travel to Connecticut.
The airport is located 12 miles (19 km) north of
Hartford.
Time Difference:
GMT -5 (GMT -4 from March to
November).
Contacts:
Tel: +1 860 292 2000.
Getting to the city:
The Bradley Flyer offers a bus service to downtown Hartford from
the outer roadway at the lower level of Terminals A and B. Inquire
about taxi service by calling +1 860 627 3128.
Car rental:
Alamo, Avis, Budget, Hertz and National offer on-airport rental
services.
Airport Facilities:
Facilities at Bradley airport include restaurants, bars, shops,
a nail salon, free wireless Internet, ATMs, business lounge and
shoe-shine service. An information booth and paging service is
located in Terminal A.
Car Parking:
The short-term car park is within easy walking distance of the
airport. Thousands of long-term parking spaces are connected to the
airport by a free shuttle service. A new covered parking facility
can hold up to 3,500 vehicles; it is located directly across from
the new terminal for park-walk-fly access.
Riverfront Recapture is a non-profit organization working to
reconnect metropolitan Hartford with the Connecticut River. It has
established a network of four beautiful parks and public
recreational facilities along seven miles (11km) of shoreline.
Here, free events are staged year-round, and visito....
Riverfront Recapture is a non-profit organization working to
reconnect metropolitan Hartford with the Connecticut River. It has
established a network of four beautiful parks and public
recreational facilities along seven miles (11km) of shoreline.
Here, free events are staged year-round, and visitors can walk,
run, bike, picnic, enjoy boating and rowing activities, fish or set
sail on a river cruise.
Address:Various locations along the Connecticut River, beginning
just north and ending just south of downtown. Comprehensive map
available online
The Wadsworth Atheneum is the oldest public art museum in the
United States, and the highlight of its permanent collection
exposes visitors to a unique American movement: the Hudson River
School. These fine paintings, originally obtained by Daniel
Wadsworth, are now considered American masterpieces....
The Wadsworth Atheneum is the oldest public art museum in the
United States, and the highlight of its permanent collection
exposes visitors to a unique American movement: the Hudson River
School. These fine paintings, originally obtained by Daniel
Wadsworth, are now considered American masterpieces.
The Old State House was built in 1796. It is one of the oldest
state houses in the country and has been named a National Historic
Landmark. Visitors can tour the magnificently restored rooms,
listen to the audio tour and visit the education centre and museum
shop.
The Old State House was built in 1796. It is one of the oldest
state houses in the country and has been named a National Historic
Landmark. Visitors can tour the magnificently restored rooms,
listen to the audio tour and visit the education centre and museum
shop.
Mystic Seaport, just under an hour's drive from Hartford, allows
visitors to experience the classic New England seafaring community.
Its four sections include a restored 19th century village,
comprising more than 30 shops and businesses; the waterfront,
featuring tall ships and other historic vesse....
Mystic Seaport, just under an hour's drive from Hartford, allows
visitors to experience the classic New England seafaring community.
Its four sections include a restored 19th century village,
comprising more than 30 shops and businesses; the waterfront,
featuring tall ships and other historic vessels that visitors can
climb aboard and explore; the preservation shipyard, where antique
vessels are restored using traditional methods and tools; and a
collection of galleries and exhibits. Mystic Seaport is the perfect
family destination, with several restaurants, boating activities
and children's programs.
Yale, a member of the Ivy League, is one of the oldest
universities in the country and one of the most distinguished in
the world. Its beautiful campus is home to a wealth of stunning
architectural achievements as well as multiple museums, exhibition
spaces and theatres. Visitors might browse the B....
Yale, a member of the Ivy League, is one of the oldest
universities in the country and one of the most distinguished in
the world. Its beautiful campus is home to a wealth of stunning
architectural achievements as well as multiple museums, exhibition
spaces and theatres. Visitors might browse the Beinecke Rare Book
and Manuscript Library or take in a performance of the Yale Glee
Club.
Address:Mead Visitor Center, 149 Elm Street, across from the New
Haven Green
Opening Time:Monday to Friday 9am to 4.30pm, Saturday and Sunday
11am to 4pm. Guided Tours: Monday to Friday 10.30am and 2pm,
Saturday and Sunday 1.30pm. (Closed 22 December to 1
January)
Long Wharf Pier in New Haven is the homeport of the Freedom
Schooner
Amistad, a re-creation of the schooner involved in the 1839
AmistadIncident, in which a group of Africans being
transported to the Caribbean as slaves revolted and took over the
ship. The ship was seized by the US government, an....
Long Wharf Pier in New Haven is the homeport of the Freedom
Schooner
Amistad, a re-creation of the schooner involved in the 1839
AmistadIncident, in which a group of Africans being
transported to the Caribbean as slaves revolted and took over the
ship. The ship was seized by the US government, and the Africans
eventually won their freedom in a case before the US Supreme
Court.
The stunning exhibitions of the Peabody Museum of Natural
History are sure to amaze visitors of all ages. In addition to the
Great Hall of Dinosaurs, visitors can discover Egyptian mummies,
sabre-toothed cats and Native American artefacts. Multiple youth
programs are held during the summer.
The stunning exhibitions of the Peabody Museum of Natural
History are sure to amaze visitors of all ages. In addition to the
Great Hall of Dinosaurs, visitors can discover Egyptian mummies,
sabre-toothed cats and Native American artefacts. Multiple youth
programs are held during the summer.
