Coastal fun paired with inland adventure
Visit Mark Twain’s home and learn the history of U.S. submarines
By Eming Piansay
For a planner seeking a destination with a range of activities and a solid selection of venues, Connecticut has tiers at your disposal. Whether your group is seeking out costal activities on the waterfront or an upscale inland experience, the options are opulent.
Connecticut is located conveniently between New York City and Boston and accessible via car, train, or plane. It is also within a 2 ½ hour drive to the state’s capital: Hartford.
Insider’s Quote
“Planners do love to come here because there’s a lot of people in Connecticut. We’re very easy to get to, whether you’re trying to draw attendees, or if you’re a sports person, and you’re trying to draw spectators. Connecticut can deliver the people. Also, we’re halfway between New York and Boston. Connecticut can draw a lot of people from those areas, and we’re a more affordable venue as well as less congested of an area.”
– Bob Murdock President/Director of National Accounts of Connecticut Convention and Sports
5 Reasons Why Planners Love It Here
Mark Twain House and Museum offers guided tours for guests looking to see the home of one of America’s most beloved and respected authors. Groups will also have access to the Webster Bank Museum Center at the Mark Twain House which features a film by Ken Burns and a LEGO-forged Mark Twain.
Head over to the Connecticut Science Center to get a hands-on science experience. Connecticut Science Center has 165 hands-on exhibits, as well as a state-of-the-art 3D digital theater, four educational labs and daily scheduled events.
Read More: Connecticut: Strong Constitution
Mystic Seaport Museum is the U.S.’s leading maritime museum aimed to preserve the artifacts of America’s sea-bound history. It features a working shipyard, a recreated New England coastal village and the oldest commercial ship in existence.
Want to see a lighthouse in-person? Hop on the Argia Mystic Cruise to get a glimpse of the nearby islands and lighthouses that are only viewable from the water.
Submarine Force Library and Museum Association is a national repository that archives and displays US Submarine history. The museum conducts guided tours and scavenger hunts for groups.
5 Places to Meet in CT
The newly constructed Bristol Event Center contains a state-of-the-art meeting space. It is also connected to Bristol DoubleTree by Hilton, which will also soon include Bristol Home2 Suites by Hilton.
50,000 sq. ft. of meeting space, 231 guest rooms, and 13 meeting rooms.
Connecticut Convention Center located in downtown Hartford offers a view of the Connecticut River. It is also connected to the Marriott Downtown Hartford.
540,000 sq. ft. of meeting space, 19 meeting rooms and 409 guest rooms.
Mystic Marriott Hotel & Spa offers planners a theater-style ballroom that holds 1,400 guests. Mystic Marriott also offers an onsite spa, Cerulean Beauty and Spa with a heated indoor pool.
19,751 sq. ft. of meeting space, 11 meeting rooms and 285 guest rooms.
Omni New Haven Hotel at Yale is less than an hour from New York City and just a few moments from Yale University. Visitors can glimpse panoramic views from the 19th’s floor at John Davenport’s at the Top of the Park.
20,084 sq. ft. of meeting space, 20 meeting rooms and 306 guest rooms.
Hilton Stamford Hotel & Executive Meeting Center is near Stamford Station’s easy rail that connects to New York City and downtown Stamford. The Hilton Stamford Hotel also features a garden pavilion, an indoor pool, and fitness center.
66,935 sq. ft. of meeting space, 41 meeting rooms and 484 guest rooms.
This article appears in the January 2024 issue. You can subscribe to the magazine here.
