Connecticut is located in the New England region of the US. It is called the "Nutmeg State".

Population: 3,518,288
History:  First settled by the Dutch it was one of the 13 original colonies that established the US.

Hartford (124,512 inhabitants)

Connecticut Trip

July 2010

NEW HAVEN

It was founded in 1638 by a group of wetitlehy Puritans from London. New Haven became the seat of Yale University in 1716, the third oldest college in the nation. The college has magnificent Gothic architecture, resulting in an interesting historical presence. The old tensions that existed between the city's different facets (urban poor and Ivy League) once made New Haven an uneasy place; however, since the early 1990s change has eased the tension. At present, the city is undergoing a major downtown development.

A major revitalization of the Long Wharf neighborhood has been planned, and began in 2004 with the opening of an IKEA store in the neighborhood. New Haven has also initiated the revitalization of the Mill River and River Street area, located on the Fair Haven River Banks. The new development will include an industrial corridor as well as an accessible waterfront park and mixed-use development. The city has begun looking into developing a new streetcar system to connect New Haven's neighborhoods.

Union Station is the main railroad passenger station here. The restored building features interior limestone walls, ornate ceilings, chandeliers and striking stainless steel ceilings in the tunnels to the trains. In the station, there are newsstands, car rental outlets, restaurants and other stores. Parking for the station has been a major bottleneck, despite a large parking structure attached to the station in addition to parking lots. The parking problem has been partially alleviated by the opening of the State Street Station. Amtrak runs frequent service through here.

Whenever we are in this area, we try to coordinate it with a trip to Frank Pepe’s Pizza…which we consider the best pizza we have ever eaten. The crust is paper thin and grilled in the coal-fired oven, with the sauce and cheese melting over top. Just the best!! For something different, try the clam pizza…exceptional! Usually there is a line waiting outside…no reservations…so get there early. Location is in Little Italy on 157 Wooster Street.

Connecticut Photo Gallery

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