Consummate Connecticut
(Day Trips with Pananche)
Author: Stacy Lytwyn Maxwell
Number of Pages: 357
Publishing Company: Cat Tales Press, Inc.
Original Publishing Date: 2006
ISBN:0977123006

Consummate Connecticut is a book I wish I'd written. It contains the essential information necessary to not only tour the state, but to immerse yourself in it, with enough history and background to give you a feel for the places mentioned.

Plus, driving around the state, checking out scenic backroads, small towns and attractions is my idea of a great time!

For each region, Stacy includes information about the area and its cities, towns and villages, including dining and accommodations choices. More often than not, they are ones with an interesting history or quirky characteristics.

There's additional notes about attractions, outdoor recreation, and even annual festivals and events. Stacy also includes details about getting there and transportation choices, interspersed with local trivia.

For instance, did you know that the play Arsenic and Old Lace was inspired by a murder case that took place in Windsor? Or that Connecticut has several different nicknames, including the Nutmeg State, the Constitution State, the Provisions State and the Land of Steady Habits?

You can find subjects easily with the index, which is wonderfully detailed and thoughtfully arranged. There are two parts - the first lists towns and cities, then the accommodations, events, history for each. The second part lists towns, subjects and names of attractions, etc. in alphabetical order.

The book covers 48 towns, villages and cities - including New Haven, Hartford, and Bridgeport - in eight counties of Southern Connecticut.

If you love exploring - like I do - you'll like this CC. I was in the middle of planning a future trip to Connecticut when I began reading this book. By Chapter 2, I was ready to abandon my planning, grab this book, and go! You can be sure that I will use this book to finalize my planning.

Consummate Connecticut is like having a native travel with you, guiding you and showing you the real personality of the Constitution State.