The state of Connecticut is nestled between Irish holiday-makers favourites New York and Boston but is a state not to be overlooked, Tony Lane advised at a media lunch at the Shelbourne on Thursday 25 Jan.
“It’s not to be overshadowed as it has so many amazing things going on. When you are in the west of the state, it does feel a little bit like New York, and you can get into New York City really easily.”
Susan Henrique (Connecticut Tourism Office) commented on Connecticut’s accessibility by train, or Amtrak, as it is referred to in the US.
“Part of Amtrak starts in Washington D.C and then goes up through Connecticut into Rhode Island Massachusetts, and then eventually ending up Maine. So, you don’t have to rent a car right away. You can get through a big portion of the state along the coastline and up into Hartford by using Amtrak. Which I’m happy to say, if people book in advance is very a very inexpensive way to travel!”
Of course, Aer Lingus offer a direct service from Ireland to New York’s JFK and Newark airports, Boston and Bradley International Airport (Hartford), so Connecticut is a great destination to offer customers wanting to experience a little more of the east coast. Owned and operated by the Connecticut Airport Authority, the award-winning Bradley International Airport (BDL) is New England’s second largest airport.
Jenny Rafter was thrilled to advise that “Aer Lingus are back servicing the route from the middle of March, two days a week, ramping up to four and then a daily service from April, on the neo, which is fantastic single isle aircraft.”
Tony Sheridan, a Co. Meath native, residing in Connecticut for the last number of years, told members of the media that Bradley International Airport has seen an upgrade of $300 million USD, during his 10 years as chair of the Connecticut Airport Authority, making the customer experience seamless and swift.
So, what does Connecticut have to offer?
Connecticut stands out as a vibrant travel haven, offering accommodation options to suit all requirements and budgets, ranging from seaside resorts to picturesque countryside inns, city-centre designer hotels, and starlit camping spots.
Food
Food-lovers will delight in hearing that Connecticut offers world-class dining experiences with Michelin Star restaurants, the best American pizza, not to mention delectable wines and cocktails to accompany! Tony Lane advises that “there’s a really thriving food scene. There’s obviously all the great seafoods, the clam chowders and the lobster rolls and a fun fact… it’s also the home of the hamburger!”
New Haven is embracing its newfound glory as one of the best places for pizza in the US, after a recent article in the New York Times claimed New Haven trumps New York in its pizza offerings. The New Haven Pizza School gives pizza enthusiasts the chance to learn how to make the new world-famous pizza for themselves, as it ramps up its rivalry with the New York pizza scene. Mystic, Connecticut was also made famous by the 1988 movie Mystic Pizza which bolsters Connecticut’s reputation as the home of great pizza.
Adventure & Kids Activities
For adventure lovers, Connecticut’s diverse landscape provides a playground for outdoor activities such as kayaking, white water rafting, sailing, hiking, cycling, zip-lining, fishing, skiing and lots more with Connecticut boasting over 100 state parks and 30 state forests not to mention Connecticut being named the Number 1 hiking destination in the United States. Families are also well catered for with amusement parks, aquariums, zoos and ‘pick your own’ farms to keep the kids entertained.
Relaxation & the Arts
Winvian Farm was recently voted the Number 1 spa in the US by Conde Nast readers, but Connecticut has an abundance of luxury spas, retreats, salt caves, forest bathing excursions and therapeutic nature experiences for those seeking some rest and recreation.
Connecticut is also an acclaimed destination for visual arts, from the historic Lyme Art Colony to British Masters at Yale, modernist sculptures, contemporary art, and pop culture exhibits. Tony Lane remarked that “you can find some really incredible museums and art galleries in the most unlikely places – in smaller towns.”
The theatre and performing arts scene is exploding with Tony award-winning destinations and six producing theatres that have launched numerous hits to Broadway, making Connecticut stand out as a leading destination for thespians and performing arts enthusiasts.
Connecticut also plays home to some world-class casinos, including Foxwoods Resort Casino and Mohegan Sun for those wanting to test their luck!
It’s safe to say, Connecticut has so much to offer Irish holidaymakers and is a wonderful destination to introduce customers to, who are looking for a holiday that has it all.
