Arrive and immerse yourself
Let's go in order - from south to north. After picking up our rented car from Sunny Cars at the John F. Kennedy Airport in New York, we drove up and arrive at the Delamar Hotel in Southport just an hour later. A highlight awaits us there: the hotel offers its guests an exclusive classic car tour. This is a special way to explore Connecticut. Guests can choose from a selection of classic vehicles, including iconic models such as the Cadillac Eldorado, the Ford Mustang and the Chevrolet Bel Air. The tour starts right outside the hotel's elegant entrance hall and then takes you through the picturesque streets of Greenwich and the surrounding area, past historic manor houses, idyllic coastlines and charming little towns.

The impressive mid-century architecture
The following morning, we headed inland to Connecticut, but not too far. There are around 90 architect-designed modern houses from the mid-20th century around New Canaan. One of the best known is the iconic Glass House by the famous architect Philip Johnson. The minimalist design and transparent walls of the house offer a fascinating insight into the world of modern architecture. It stands on a 49-hectare site with a further 14 buildings and a permanent collection of paintings and sculptures from the 20th century.

New Haven: burgers, pizza and students
New Haven, the second largest city in Connecticut, is known to many as the home of Yale University. But before we go there, we want to satisfy our hunger. After all, New Haven is not only famous for its historic architecture and famous university, but also for its gastronomic scene, which is steeped in history. A visit to New Haven would not be complete without a stop at Louis' Lunch, the legendary burger restaurant that has been warming the hearts of burger fans since 1895. New Haven is also known for its unique relationship with pizza. The ‘New Haven-style pizza’, or ‘apizza’, is baked in wood-fired ovens and is known for its thin and slightly charred crust. The legendary Wooster Street is home to some of the best pizzerias in the country.

Yale: First the hunger, now the thirst for knowledge
With the help of an expert guide, we explore the old structures and history of the Yale university. The legend of Yale comes to life in the midst of the picturesque campus. From the mysterious secret societies to the legendary libraries that preserve the knowledge of centuries, our guide reveals us the secrets of the educational establishment founded in 1701. The tour also takes us to the Beinecke Rare Book & Manuscript Library, a architectural wonderwork of marble and glass, which houses Yale’s most precious treasures. Here, rare Manuscripts and writings are kept, transporting visitors in a world filled with knowledge and fantasy.

Speaking of Fantasy: Mark Twain awaits us
Connecticut’s capitol Hartford is one of the oldest cities in the US. It is home to the oldest, public art museum, the oldest newspaper, and the oldest public park. The city is still a vibrant center for culture and history. And: Hartford is also home to the Mark Twain home and museum. This is where the highly respected American author wrote some of the most famous stories in American literature, including “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” and “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer”.

Even further into the history in mystic
Our next destination is Mystic. On our way from Hartford back to the coast, we are repeatedly presented with stunning views of the Connecticut River, the longest River in New England. Along the River, we dive deep into the maritime history. Once we arrive at Mystic Seaport, we are right in the middle of it all. The Museum is a living tribute to the maritime history of New England and takes visitors on a journey through the glorious era of seafaring. It impresses with interactive exhibitions and historical ships such as Charles W. Morgan, the oldest surviving whaling ship in the world, which offers insights to the work and challenges of the whalers.

Back to the Present
After this impressive excursion into Connecticut's rich history, we get to know another, unexpected facet of the US state. Connecticut is certainly not the first thing that comes to mind when you think of viticulture. However, the mild climate, fertile soils and diverse landscape provide favourable conditions for this. One of the state's leading wineries is Saltwater Farm Vineyard. Located in the picturesque coastal region of Stonington, it is known for its high quality wines and welcoming atmosphere. The winery produces a variety of varietals, including white-, red- and rosé wine’s, made from locally grown grapes. During the tasting, we were impressed by their unique character and distinctive flavour, which reflects the special features of the region.

We ended our trip through Connecticut in scenic Mystic. To get to our hotel, we have to wait a few minutes at the Mystic River Bascule Bridge, built in 1920. This is because the town's landmark is being opened to allow a ship to pass. After this impressive experience, we enjoyed our last night in Connecticut at the Whaler's Inn. But of course, not without first treating ourselves to a typical Connecticut dinner at the S&P Oyster House.