Lifestyle
Against the backdrop of four distinct and vibrant seasons, Connecticut provides a shifting panorama of verdant mountains, rolling fields, deep woodlands, sparkling inlets, and quiet bays. With Long Island Sound forming the southern border and the Connecticut River nearly cutting the state in two from north to south, water is virtually everywhere. The 240-mile coastline is ideal for summer days at the beach. Hundreds of sparkling lakes, ponds, and streams dot the countryside to provide opportunities for swimming, boating, and fishing in the summer or ice skating in the winter.

Only about one-third of Connecticut’s land mass has been developed, preserving a rich woodland environment that covers almost half of the state. With 30 state forests and 90 state parks, newcomers will find it easy to locate a panoramic setting for camping, hiking, biking, and picnicking. Connecticut boasts a number of excellent ski resorts, and residents are never far from a golf course.

Each time of the year heralds its own special beauty and activities. Spring is ideal for antique hunting, browsing through old bookshops, planting the garden, or buying fresh breads at the country store. The lazy days of summer can be spent sorting through freshly picked corn at roadside stands, followed by a relaxing picnic along the shore or in the cool pines. Autumn is a time for sampling apple cider and picking perfect pumpkins at local farms. Residents join visitors from around the world in romantic country inns surrounded by glorious fall foliage. Winter activities occur indoors or outside, from craft and dance lessons to cross-country skiing.

Offering close proximity to the cultural jewels of Boston and New York, Connecticut also provides impressive educational and cultural attractions and resources in its own right. Among the highlights are craft shows, art galleries, dance recitals, film festivals, lectures, nature programs, and historic displays. Throughout the four seasons, colorful festivals and celebrations draw enthusiastic crowds together for games, parades, live entertainment, and good food. Shoppers can look forward to weekend adventures spent hunting for antiques in charming village districts or exploring hundreds of exclusive specialty shops in regional malls.

Home choices in Connecticut reflect the beauty and charm of their environment, offering a wide spectrum of styles and price ranges. Waterfront estates, cozy cottages, horse properties, country mansions, and high-rise condominiums are just a few of the possibilities. With its idyllic environment, attractive housing, superior school systems, and well-structured amenities, Connecticut has obviously mastered the art of preserving the best of the past while preparing for an even brighter future.