• The first circus in the United States was in Newport in 1774 .
• Jerimoth Hill is the state ’ s highest point at 812 feet above sea level .
• Block Island , an 11-square-mile seaside resort located 12 miles off the Rhode Island coast , was named one of the last 12 great places in the Western Hemisphere by the Nature Conservancy .
quet provides 55 campsites spread among two campgrounds . Plentiful history and natural exploration reveal interesting facts and lore of the region .
Another National Scenic Byway , this one in the southwestern section of Connecticut , titled the Merritt Parkway journeys through more natural beauty for 37 miles on Route 15 . Near the eastern point of the byway in Greenwhich , is the Audubon Center . Hiking trails lead visitors through fields and forests filled with wildlife for watching , and also at the center ’ s visitor facility . Nature ’ s importance to the state is evident along the route , and the fall season ’ s colors are in full view as well .
Call 888-288-4748 for Connecticut travel information .
Robert Loewendick is a freelance outdoor / travel writer from Ohio . Reach him at www . robertloewendick . com
• West Hartford is the birthplace of Noah Webster , the author of the first dictionary published in 1807 .
• Connecticut comes from a Native American word , “ quonehtacut ”, meaning long tidal river .
• The first automobile law was passed by the state of CT in 1901 . The speed limit was set at 12 miles per hour
| Autumn 2009
13