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76 | DOING BUSINESS IN CONNECTICUT | 2019 Explore Connecticut Yeah, we've got that … and more! By Joan Hunt Connecticut measures only 110 miles from east to west and 70 miles from north to south, but the state is packed with amazing things to see and do. In Hartford, that includes perennial gems like the Mark Twain and Harriet Beecher Stowe homes, the Wadsworth Atheneum and the CT Science Center, and more active jaunts like a visit to Launch Trampoline Park, or a walk in Elizabeth Park's rose gardens. Meanwhile, the new Hartford Athletics professional soccer team that opened its season playing at Rentschler Field in East Hartford moved to the state capital in July, following $13 million in renovations to the city-owned Dillon Stadium. These are just a few examples of the state's attractions. Together, they help to drive Connecticut's tourism sector, which pumps approximately $14.7 billion into the economy annually and supports an estimated 82,688 jobs. Visitors come to the state from across the continent and around the world, taking in its gorgeous natural scenery, historic landmarks, and cultural offerings ranging from theater, opera, ballet and concerts to nationally ranked museums and art galleries. The state's Office of Tourism website (www.ctvisit.com) tells a huge part of the story. It details some of the diverse things that visitors and residents alike can enjoy in Connecticut, offering ideas for active adventures like biking, hiking, kayaking and whitewater rafting; culinary adventures; rest and relaxation (think a picnic by a waterfall or a stroll through a vineyard); and family fun, whether it's touring the world's first nuclear-powered submarine or coming face-to-snout with beluga whales. The southeastern part of the state is a huge draw for tourists, anchored by the casinos at Foxwoods Resort and Mohegan Sun, along with Mystic Seaport and Mystic Aquarium. Foxwoods, owned and operated by the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation, is one of the largest resort casinos in North America, featuring six casinos, posh hotels, world-renowned spas, upscale and fast-service restaurants, and a huge retail outlet segment. There are numerous activities for children and adults alike, including target games, golf, and gas-powered go-karts. One of Connecticut's largest employers, Foxwoods has hosted more than 330 million visitors since 1992 and contributed more than $4 billion in slot revenue payments to the state over the past 25 years. Mohegan Sun, located just minutes away, is a feast for the senses, with its distinctive Winter, Spring, Summer and Fall themed décor. Boasting a 180,000-square-foot Casino of the Earth, a 119,000-square-foot Casino of the Sky, and more than 160 table games, Mohegan Sun is one of the largest gaming complexes in the world. Guests can enjoy luxury hotel accommodations, shopping and world-class cuisine, a family entertainment facility, a planetarium, two wellness spas, and spacious meeting facilities. Its three entertainment venues attract some of today's most famous performers and play host to major sporting events, including Mohegan Sun's own WNBA team, the Connecticut Sun, and lacrosse team, the New England Black Wolves. At Mystic Seaport, America's leading maritime museum, visitors can explore the history of the country's seafaring past. The 19- acre site includes a working shipyard, a recreated New England coastal village, and more than 500 historic water craft. The museum complex, staffed by historians, craftspeople, storytellers and musicians – many of them wearing costumes of the era – draws more than 284,000 visitors each year from all over the world. Mystic Aquarium offers fun of a different sort – the chance to see a variety of aquatic creatures up close and personal. It is one of just three U.S. aquariums to house Stellar sea lions and the only facility with Beluga whales in New England. Other attractions include exhibits of the endangered African penguin, seals and fish, a shark and ray touch pool, a 4D theater, and a live sea lion show. The historic Mystic Seaport is among Connecticut's top tourist attractions. [Photos | Connecticut Office of Tourism ] TOURISM, ARTS & CULTURE SECTION SPONSOR