This state has a temperate climate because of its coastline on Long Island Sound. The inner areas of Connecticut experience a humid continental climate but the areas along the coastline have a humid subtropical climate. Winters are cold and summers are hot and humid. Fall season is a beautiful time to view the colorful foliage around the entire northeastern area.
Southwestern Connecticut entertains the visitor with its quaint towns, green villages and elaborate estates of its rich and famous residents. Along the coastal regions, life is slower and more enjoyable in places such as Old Saybrook, Mystic and other sea ports.
In Hartford, one can visit the Victorian Gothic cottage, the home of Harriet Beecher Stowe (77 Forest Street – CT 06105) where Harriet Beecher lived for the last 23 years of her life. Harriet Beecher was the author of the legendary novel “Uncle Tom’s cabin” which highlighted the life of African Americans under slavery and was the impetus which ushered in many changes to the American ways of life.
The home of Mark Twain is at 351 Farmington Avenue – CT 06105. The author of novels such as “Tom Sawyer”, “Huckleberry Finn” and “The Prince and the Pauper”, Mark Twain lived in a Stick style Victorian mansion in the Nook Farm neighborhood. Literary enthusiasts should not miss the guided tour which details his personal and family history as well as the milestones in his life.
Try your luck at the Mohegan Sun, which is a gaming and entertainment complex with a Native American theme. There are over 6000 slot machines and 200 gaming tables for the use of the casual gambler. The family can have a great day playing blackjack or poker and then dining at one of the elegant restaurant while listening to live entertainment in the Wolf Bar and Showroom.
Try the Mystic Aquarium and Institute for Exploration at 55 Coogan Blvd – CT 06355. This coastal seaside town has an amazing reef that exhibits 30,000 corals, sharks and stingrays for the visitor’s pleasure. There are many varieties of colorful marine life in the aquarium. Round out the trip with a serious look at the behavior of the Beluga whales as they spot you and try to communicate with you. Finish the tour with an interesting dolphin show for the kids.
For art enthusiasts, Connecticut offers the Wadsworth Athenaeum Museum of Art (600 Main Street – CT 06103) where one can stroll through a French and American impressionist collection. Interesting exhibits include Old Master Paintings, Hudson River School landscapes, and an impressive collection of decorative arts and crafts. There is also an African American collection that documents the history of slavery.
