Still Revolutionary...
Quaint New England towns along dramatic coastlines
Take a journey into natural beauty in the quiet forest
Get To Know Connecticut
Breezy coastlines, quaint New England towns, quiet forests and big-city fun. Connecticut is an easy and unforgettable getaway. Booking your bus ticket to Connecticut is the beginning of a beautiful trip.
Also known as the Constitution State, Connecticut is the southernmost state in New England, and one with some of the richest early U.S. history. Located halfway between Boston and New York City, it has a long stretch of waterfront on the Long Island Sound. All of these facts make it an almost irresistible draw for city-dwellers looking to escape the hustle and bustle of their urban homes for charming spots with lots of history and entertainment that can’t be beat.
A Brief History of Connecticut
Humans have called Connecticut home for thousands of years. In fact, the state’s name comes from an Algonquian word that means “long tidal river.” The region was discovered by European explorers in the early 1600s and by the middle of that century, it had become a prime destination for people coming from Europe to settle in the New World.
This influx of people clashed with local inhabitants and occasionally with one another before Connecticut became one of the seats of the American Revolution. In 1788, it became the United States’ fifth state.
There's no shortage of things to do in Connecticut.
When to go to Connecticut
Connecticut lures visitors year-round, but the prime time to visit is autumn when the New England trees put on a classic and colorful show. Some leaf-lovers report that Connecticut is the state with the longest “leaf peeping” season in New England.
Additionally, Connecticut has a beautiful coast that attracts visitors for adorable bed and breakfast hotels, scenery, and laid-back feel. If you’re looking for more of a city feel, check out Greenwich, which has beautiful homes, decadent shopping stores, and trendy restaurants.
But the farms, small towns, and bigger cities of the state are well worth a visit any time of year, so grab your bus ticket to Connecticut and get ready for a fantastic getaway.
What to do in Connecticut
Live the Waterfront Life! If you love charming lighthouses and long strolls along the water, Connecticut is the place for you. The state is home to dozens of these pretty landmarks, all of which make for great photo ops. While you’re taking in life by the water, make sure you sample some seafood, especially lobster (or at the very least, one of the state’s world-famous lobster rolls).
Want to get a little more up close and personal and explore the life in the water? You can take the kids to see everything from adorable little fish to enormous beluga whales at the world-famous Mystic Aquarium.
Must See List
- Gillette Castle State Park
- Essex Steam Train
- Kent Falls State Park
- Mattabesett and Mount Higby Trail
- Hubbard Park & Castle Craig
- Lyman Orchards
- Mohawk Mountain Ski Area
- Mount Southington Ski Area
- Powder Ridge Mountain Park & Resort
- Ski Sundown
- Winding Trails Cross Country Ski Center
- Lighthouse Point Park
- Collinsville Canoe & Kayak
- Clarke Outdoors
Top Cities To Visit in Connecticut
Hartford
Hartford was founded in 1635, making it one of the country’s oldest cities. Moreover, it also happens to be Connecticut’s capital. While you’re in town, take some time to visit the Mark Twain House and Museum, a 19th-century mansion where the renowned author wrote many of his most revered works. Hartford is also home to the Harriet Beecher Stowe Center, where the author’s beautiful Victorian home resides, along with handsome period furnishings. If you’re with the kids, it’s worth a visit to the Connecticut Science Center and the Bushnell Park Carousel.
New Haven
Offering a balance of outdoor and cultural activities, New Haven is a lively city on Long Island Sound. It’s best known as the home to Yale University. Visitors will be enthralled by the works at the Yale University Art Gallery and the Yale Center for British Art. Also at the university is the incredible Beinecke Rare Book & Manuscript Library, which is dedicated to some of the world’s most unusual books. If you’re a foodie, enjoy the Taste of New Haven. This walking tour takes you on a delicious journey to explore some of the best restaurants downtown. You can also delve into local history at the New Haven Museum and Historical Society.
Danbury
Danbury was called “Bean Town” hundreds of years before Boston due to the abundance of beans grown by settlers. Danbury’s nickname was changed to the “Hat City” after it became the center of the hat industry for a period in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. The city is located in the southern part of Connecticut about fifty miles away from New York City. You will find activities from high flying adventure parks, shopping, museums, water activities to beautiful nature areas. You can find local craft beer and wine, and plenty of restaurants to satisfy most tastes.
Waterbury
Waterbury is a humble New England town often referred to as the Brass City. The city is extremely proud of its rich history producing the metal. You can learn all about it at the Mattatuck Museum, which includes displays focusing on local industries, history, and culture. If you dig even more local history, head straight for the Palace Theater in Waterbury. During both World Wars, it was not unusual for people to spend nights out at this glamorous and opulent spot. Today, it’s home to many different shows year-round. Get your outdoor fix at Black Rock State Park.
Experience History
Connecticut doesn't just have a long history, it celebrates that history in everything from museums to festivals.
But how much history are we talking about, you might wonder?
Well, you can start with the dinosaurs at Dinosaur State Park. Then fast forward with visits to The Institute for American Indian Studies and Mashantucket Pequot Museum, the Mystic Seaport, Putnam Memorial State Park, and the New London Historic District.
This quick trip through time is a great way not just to learn, but to truly experience what the past was like in Connecticut at several key points in history.
Enter the Ivy League
One of the nation’s oldest colleges (and the school that’s produced a shocking number of U.S. presidents), Yale is a great place to visit even if you don’t have the grades to get admitted!
This legendary university, located in New Haven, offers visitors much, much more than lectures. You can visit the Yale Center for British Art to see world-class paintings, visit the Beinecke Library and Museum to see rare books, or take in a show at famed Yale School of Drama. If you’re looking for something more laid back when you visit, check out the Yale Peabody Natural History Museum, or try some of the great food that seems magically easy to find when you’re in a college town.
Roll the Dice
Connecticut is home to two incredibly popular casinos: Mohegan Sun Resort & Casino in Uncasville and Foxwoods Resort & Casino in Ledyard. Don’t skip these spots just because you don’t gamble. Both are prime vacation locations for a huge range of non-gaming activities, like spa visits, shows, concerts, shopping (Foxwoods is even home to an outlet mall for deal-hunters!), and fine dining.
Hit the Road
Leaf peepers visit to see the leaves change, but a driving trip in Connecticut is a great way to take in the charm and the natural beauty of the state. The state’s Coast Drives are the most popular options, but you can chart a course of your own through the state.
As soon as your bus arrives, rent a car and get ready to explore. Connecticut will show you something new around every corner.