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Planning Your Time

Budgeting Your Time

The Nutmeg State is a confluence of different worlds, where farm country meets country homes, and fans of the New York Yankees meet Down-Easter Yankees. To get the best sense of this variety, start in the scenic Litchfield Hills, where you can see historic town greens and trendy cafés. If you have a bit more time, head south to the wealthy southwestern corner of the state and then over to New Haven, with its cultural pleasures. If you have five days or a week, take in the capital city of Hartford and the surrounding towns of the Connecticut River valley and head down to the southeastern shoreline.

When to Go

Connecticut is lovely year-round, but fall and spring are particularly appealing times to visit. A fall drive along the state's back roads or the Merritt Parkway (a National Scenic Byway) is a memorable experience. Leaves of yellow, orange, and red color the fall landscape, but the state blooms in springtime, too—town greens are painted with daffodils and tulips, and blooming trees punctuate the rich green countryside. Summer, of course, is prime time for most attractions; travelers have the most options then but also plenty of company, especially along the shore.

Getting There & Around

Regionally, it's best to reach Connecticut by car via its main highways (Interstate 95, Interstate 91, Interstate 84, and the Merritt Parkway). It you're coming from farther away, you can fly into Bradley International Airport, just north of Hartford. Additionally, there's bus and train service to Connecticut from New York City. Once you arrive, it's most practical to explore the state by car.