Connecticut is a year-round holiday destination filled with experiences that appeal to travelers of all interests. From visiting world-class art and cultural exhibitions and enjoying a variety of outdoor festivals to exhilarating roller coaster rides, charming B&Bs and sumptuous wine tasting at beautiful vineyards, sample story ideas include:
 

A Piece of New England Pie - New England’s charm, beauty, rich history and world-class culture is well known to people across the world and Connecticut is no exception. No matter what season, visitors can enjoy a distinctly New England vacation in Connecticut; warm summers along the coast, fantastic fall foliage drives, outdoor winter activities followed by cozy winter night’s at B&Bs and tranquil spring days filled with antique shopping, museum hopping and pristine garden tours.

Just Around the Corner – Connecticut is easily accessible from the East Coast, whether it is a short flight, train ride or a road trip. Especially with the current economic conditions facing United States vacationers, a Connecticut holiday is a great value for couples, families and friends. The state’s official tourism web site, CTvisit.com provides 52 getaways.

Let Them Eat Cake! – The sweet side of Connecticut starts in Orange, the home of Pez Candy where visitors can enjoy a tour of the factory. Other famous sugary stops include Bridgewater Chocolate ice cream in Brookfield that always draws a crowd no matter what the weather is; Chocopologie in Norwalk where visitors can watch the chocolate being made with salivating curiosity; Sweet Maria’s in Waterbury whose cookies and wedding cakes have been voted best in the state for many years by Connecticut Magazine and Belgique P'tisserie & Chocolatier in Kent whose authentic Belgian hot chocolate makes this a stop not to be missed.

For Kids ages 1-99 – Try out the family raft adventure at Mammoth Falls at Lake Compounce Family Theme Park or stick with the thrilling wooden roller coaster, Boulder Dash, the only coaster of its kind to be built into the side of a mountain. Grab a beach bag, flip flops, sunglasses and suntan lotion and spend a day at Hammonasset Beach State Park in Madison and enjoy the nature center, picnic areas, snack bar and boardwalk.

Wine Your Way through the Connecticut Wine Council Trail – From the magnificent Litchfield Hills to the “Last Green Valley” to vineyards washed by salt breezes of the ocean, Connecticut’s wineries are among New England’s most charming and beautiful places. The Connecticut Wine Council Trail showcases some of the most interesting wines in the country and many of the vineyards have won high-profile awards for their specialty blends. Each winery has its own story, yet all share one thing in common: an appreciation for harvesting fine wine. With 30 wineries offering a variety of fruit and oak blends, tasting a great wine does not have to mean a trip to Napa.

Food to Tempt Your Taste Buds: A Mix of Old and New – One of Connecticut’s great contributions to delicious food is the hot lobster roll. Made with warm lobster and melted into a roll with butter, the Connecticut lobster roll differs from the traditional cold lobster salad found throughout New England. Visit Lenny & Joe’s Fish Tale in Madison and Westbrook, Abbott’s Lobster-in-the-Rough in Noank and Knapp’s Landing in Stratford. Three classic inns in Connecticut combine rich, quintessential New England charm with modern culinary appeal. The Bee & Thistle Inn, Copper Beech Inn and Old Lyme Inn, clustered together near the Connecticut River, draw visitors with notable gastronomic experiences, including French cuisine, fresh local seafood and modern American. A visit to any one of the inns is sure to provide a refreshing glimpse into the past with a modern twist on current trends.

Harvest Festivals for While in Town – Autumn is one of Connecticut’s most beautiful seasons. Eminent from the deep red, orange and yellow hues of its trees, to the lively annual festivals, Connecticut festivals provide the perfect excuse for an extended stay in New England. A sampling of activities includes: Oyster Festival (September in Norwalk), Chowder Fest (October in Mystic), Apple Harvest (October in Southington), and the Annual Durham Fair (in October; the largest agricultural fair in Connecticut).

A See-Through House! – After more than 50 years, architect Philip Johnson’s Glass House in New Canaan is available for public tours. The Glass House is one of the most significant structures of the 20th century and is now owned by The National Trust for Historic Preservation. An object of fascination for decades, the rectangular house was built in 1949 out of quarter-inch-thick glass and without interior walls. Absent of curtains or blinds, the property’s 47 acres of trees and landscaping are the house’s only source of privacy.

Fall Foliage Means Much More Than Colors – When it comes to autumn, Connecticut is much more than the limitless shades of reds, oranges and yellows waving in the trees. From September to November, scenic Connecticut drives are complimented by unanticipated vacation gems along the way. Take Route 9 through central Connecticut’s River Valley region and climb aboard the RiverQuest for a narrated cruise of the lower Connecticut River and spectacular foliage views. Or travel through idyllic Litchfield Hills on Route 7, to the charming village of Kent for day of antiquing and fine dining in the quintessential fall foliage backdrop.

Science and Technology of Yesterday and Today – Connecticut has been the birthplace of significant scientific ingenuity and today the state’s attractions reflect both past contributions and current dedication to technology of different kinds. The New England Air Museum, located at Bradley International Airport in Windsor Locks, is one of the nation’s most outstanding aviation museums. Three huge exhibit hangars contain more than 80 aircraft from all periods of history, including the beautifully restored B-29 Superfortress. In Hartford, the Connecticut Science Center boasts educational exhibits that let kids of all ages expand their imaginations. Interactive activities at this world-class technology destination include flying to Mars, forecasting the weather and controlling brainwaves among many others.

The Art of Travel - On virtually every level of experience, art and life are inseparable. The Connecticut Art Trail recognizes this vital and inspiring connection by offering its 15 fascinating museums and historic sites not as isolated collections of important art, but as the centerpiece of exciting holiday experiences. By teaming up with the state's natural attractions, entertainment venues, restaurants and lodgings, the Art Trail has become a "one-stop" guide to planning the perfect art-filled getaway with several special seasonal exhibitions on display at member museums. Please visit: www.arttrail.org for more information on museums and exhibits.