Travel Resource: The Northeast

The Northeast region of the U.S. may be the smallest in land area of the five regions, but it packs a big punch as the most densely populated and culturally diverse. Join us as we journey to where America began—from Southern Maryland’s historic sites and immersive museums to the charming coastal towns of Rhode Island to Maine’s iconic gardens, and more. Take your time and enjoy the view. 

Connecticut

Wuyeepuyôq (Welcome) to Connecticut 

Newly renovated, world-class museums captivate groups 

Nestled in the heart of the Northeast Region of the U.S., Connecticut is easily accessible from big cities like New York City, Boston, and Philadelphia. And while Connecticut may be one of the smallest states, it is mighty in culture, history, and inspiration.

“2024 is an exciting time for groups to visit Connecticut,” says Susan Henrique, global travel industry sales, Connecticut Office of Tourism. “Several of our state’s museums have recently completed renovations that provide an even greater understanding of our fascinating history and what it means for us today.”

Mashantucket Pequot Museum

Yes, your motorcoach could drop you off at the front door of the world’s largest Native American museum, but it would be much more exciting to zipline directly from the nearby Foxwoods Resort Casino’s Highflyer Zipline. It’s a grand entrance worthy of this state-of-the art, recently renovated museum located on the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation’s reservation. Walk through a life-size Pequot village, learn how the arrival of the Europeans changed the lives of the Native people, and more. Visit pequotmuseum.org to learn about all there is to see and do. 

New England Air Museum

The New England Air Museum in Windsor Locks recently underwent a revitalization, transforming the immersive museum with new exhibits, exciting new simulators, a new outdoor patio, remodeled conference rooms, and more. The “Tuskegee Airmen: Their Untold Stories” exhibit presents the struggles and accomplishments of the first African American military aviators in the U.S. Armed Forces through interviews with the surviving airmen and their families. Find out more at neam.org.

Yale Peabody Museum

After a nearly four-year renovation, the Peabody Museum on the campus of Yale University in New Haven reopened this spring. The 158-year-old museum explores more than 4.5 billion years of history, now with more open space, plenty of natural light, reimagined exhibits, and several new and temporary exhibits. Greet a family of Pteranodon sternbergi, winged reptiles from the Late Cretaceous Period, as you enter the lobby; see the museum’s iconic Brontosaurus and Stegosaurus fossils in new, dynamic poses in the “Life Among Dinosaurs” exhibit; and journey to ancient “Egypt and Mesopotamia” for a glimpse at artifacts such as the world’s first cookbook. All this and more can be found at peabody.yale.edu.

For help planning your group visit, contact Henrique at susanh@ctmeetings.org or visit ctvisit.com.

Connecticut Office of Tourism | ctvisit.com, (860) 882-1101

Click here to see the rest of Travel Resources in the May/June issue of Destinations, and learn more about what the Northeast has to offer!