My first exposure to #Connecticut was on an overnight trip to Trinity College in Hartford. Looking back, it was also my first time traveling alone. A couple of years later, Connecticut also became the first place that I spent away from home, for an extended period of time. I remember being so excited and nervous when I took the MetroNorth with my mom and some overpacked suitcases. Although I was only staying for 5 weeks, it seemed as if I was packing my life away! Little did I know that I would become the globetrotter that I am today!
Although my exposure to the rest of the country and world has expanded exponentially since, one thing has not changed: my love of photography. Warning: Many of the photos featured were taken during my college years. As a result, I may not have always been on point with my angles and lighting (hahaha).
Connecticut is a state that I have frequented several times, but have often struggled to find things to do. It is a state that I find myself getting bored (very easily) considering its proximity to New York. In fact, because of its size and limited opportunities, most of my visits have led me to New Haven. However, every state has something to offer that makes it distinctively unique and Connecticut is no exception. Here are six special things to do in Connecticut.
1. Mystic Aquarium
Named after the city it’s located in, this aquarium is a pretty large one considering Connecticut’s size. I went to #MysticAquarium while touring parts of #NewEngland. In the summertime, it can be quite hot to walk around with little shade to cover you. However, if you want to thoroughly explore what it has to offer, you definitely want to spend a few hours. Interestingly, the only beluga whales (of which I managed capture a picture of) can be found here!
2. The Beach: Hammonasset Beach State Park
When I think of Connecticut, I do not automatically think of the beach. However, since it is a state located on the Eastern coastline, I got to experience one beach during a summer program: #HammonassetBeach. To reach the beach, we definitely needed to drive there. Upon arrival, it feels very isolated, yet tranquil. When we went, there was not much of a crowd... EXCEPT us haha.
3. Art Museums
I have had my fair share of museums in #NewHaven, all owned by Yale University. The Yale Art Gallery (I believe) even features the original Van Gogh painting, The Starry Night!
4. Yale University
A good chunk of New Haven is comprised of #YaleUniversity. Yale University makes up what seems to be center of the city and all other neighborhoods surrounding it. When walking in "Yale territory," you cannot miss the gothic architecture. Yale's campus is worth taking a stroll and getting lost in its hidden crevices. The library is particularly gorgeous because when walking this campus, you will feel like you have entered Medieval Europe!
5. Little Italy
I did not get a chance to venture much into this area. However, when I came to a restaurant in this neighborhood with a few of my girls, we enjoyed the vibes and the BIG, BIG portions of food (the Italian way)!
6. Essex Steam Train & Riverboat
The #Essex Steam Train and Riverboat, located in what appears to be a fairly small town in Connecticut, was a fairly new thing that I discovered last summer! Restored from railroad cars of the 1920’s, the antique steam trains take you into the scenic Connecticut countryside at 20 miles per hour. At the end of the ride, we boarded a Mississippi paddle boat where we spotted a castle from afar on top of a hill. If you are looking for a tranquil experience in the tristate area, this is definitely something to check out!
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