There's so much to do in our region

We’re all familiar with the major attractions that draw tourists to our region. On top of what they offer to the visiting public, they provide great benefits, from the jobs they create to the role they play in making eastern Connecticut a popular location and a major contributor to our economy.

Many of them were highlighted this year at the Connecticut Conference on Tourism, along with a new advertising campaign the state is carrying out under the banner Connecticut: Still Revolutionary.

These attractions are not just for new visitors. Even if you’ve been in the past, they are worth visiting again; many of them are regularly updating their offerings. If you haven’t gone in a while, you may want to go back and see what you’ve been missing.

There is always something going on in eastern CT.

We recently celebrated Sailfest in New London, which noted its 35th anniversary this year and took place alongside OpSail2012CT, part of a national celebration of the War of 1812’s 200th anniversary. Hundreds of thousands of visitors packed downtown New London and Groton to partake in these two festivals. 

Even though there was no charge to attend, each generated economic activity for local vendors and are just one more reason to get out and explore the cities and towns in our part of the state.

But there are also many low-profile hidden gems in our region, and because many of these are not widely promoted you may have to invest a little time to find them. Patch and the local newspapers carry weekend guides of events that are worth consulting. 

Another place to look is on the event listings on the state’s www.Ctvisit.com and the websites maintained by local governments. For instance, at www.norwichCT.org, you would click on Visitors Info. For New London, go to www.new-london.CT.us and look for upcoming fun events. In Waterford and other towns local activities can be found under recreation and parks, or some variation of that term. For a complete listing of eastern CT town and city website links, visit www.chamberect.com/map.

You may find that your favorite new spot has been right in your backyard all along.

If you are in the neighborhood, stop in to our office, 914 Hartford Tpke. We have copies of Mystic Country, the region’s official guide, plus many brochures that have information from our many members.

Whatever you decide to do all of us at the Chamber hope you are having a great summer, and don’t forget, as we often say, Buy Local. In that way, you’d not only be getting quality products and great service, you’d be supporting your neighbors.