Review : I have lived in Connecticut for over 20 years, and while it is not a bad place to live you probaly would’nt want to spend a entire week here. I have to admit, Connecticut is a beautiful state. The architecture ranges from colonial to modern, giving Connecticut cites such as New Haven and Hartford a air of culture and charm. The leaves changing colors in the fall is always nice, and if you like rustic New England county settings you can find them 10 miles outside of any Connecticut major city.
Attractions The tourist attractions are far and few between however. Yes there is the Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun casinos in the southeastern portion of the state. But they lack the amenities and entertainment that a Las Vegas casino has. If you are not there to gamble or to catch a show, there isnt much else to do. Connecticut has amusement parks but all are second and third rate. Connecticut also has the Mystic Seaport and Aquarium. The seaport is Ok for a day, they re-create what living in Mystic was like in the 1700’s, if you are new to New England it is worth checking out. The aquarium used to be a top notch attraction but has fallen on hard times as of late, if you go by the conditions inside.( closed exhibits, generally run down)
Value
Connecticut is one of most expensive states in America. The sales tax is only 7% but only Hawaii and the borough of Manhattan have more expensive gas taxes than Connecticut. There is a train line (MertoNorth) that services most of Connecticut’s major cities (New Haven, Hartford, Bridgport, Stamford) but all of the rustic country stuff is only available by car. They tax alcohol to the hilt, and if you smoke it is like $4.50 a pack.
Connecticut’s major cities (and I choose the term ’’major’’ loosely the biggest city is less than 150, 000) are as follows: (in no partciular order)
Hartford: the capital of Connecticut, Hartford’s gleaming skyline makes Hartford look like a bustling metropolis. Dont believe it. Hartford is mostly slums while the affulent live in the neighboring communities like West Hartford and Bloomfield. And there really isn’t a great place to eat inside the city limits. But Hartford has its charms, You can check out the Wadsworth Atheneium (sorry about the spelling) America’s first major museum, it isnt too bad. and if you like architecture, check out the Connecticut state capital, very nice. Also in the vicinity is Mark Twain’s house which gives out tours I just dont remember where it is.
New Haven
25 miles due south of Hartford, New Haven is home to world renowned Yale University, and you can see their fingerprints all over the city. You can check out a concert at Woolsey Hall (for free sometimes) given out by New Haven’s orchestra. You can also walk the Yale campus, if you are into the unique architecture of their towers. New Haven has some history as well, there are several art museums in the Yale area (downtown) as well as the Peabody Natural History museum. New Haven isnt a great dining town, but there are some good spots here and there. You can check out Louis’ Lunch where the first hamburger was created in the late 19th century (I realize many in this site may not wish to do this, but it is a New Haven attraction) Like all Connecticut cities, New Haven is desolate after 6:00pm execpt on the weekends where there is a small bar scene around Temple street. New Haven is known locally for its pizza, there are two spots where the famous can be spotted (but this doesnt happen often) these being Sally’s and Pepe’s I forget what street they are on , but they are across the street from one another. There is always a line to get in, and their pizza is overrated. Go instead to Modern apizza( on State street) or even better Pizza House on Howe street. New Haven has its share of slums so dont go down Dixwell Avenue at night!!!
Bridgeport
The largest city in Connecticut, Bridgeport might possibly be America’s ugliest city. There is nothing to do there except be shot by the roving gangs and to be panhandled by bums. However if you insist on stopping there, they do have the P.T Barnum museum, if you like him and his circuses check it out.
Stamford
Stamford is basically a wealthy suburb of New York City. They have a performing arts center and a decent mall. and ridiculous property taxes. They also have the worlds’ largest free standing trading floor (UBS Warburg) but they dont allow tours.
Travel Traffic in Connecticut can be messy, the major highways are clogged from 7:30 a 10:00a every morning and 3:00p to 6:00p every night except for weekends. The major airport (Bradley International)is very small and has few amenities but is clean and well lit.
I grew up here so I have gotten used to Connecticut, but to be honest its greatest asset is its location. From a central point (New Haven) the great city of New York is 1 hour away, and the great city of Boston is 2 1/2 hours away. Even Philadelphia is only 3.5 hours away by car. I hope this has been a helpful review