Home to Yale, Toad’s Place, ESPN, and not much else, the tiny state of Connecticut is not as bad as everyone perceives it to be. While we might have a slight inferiority complex and own more articles of clothing from Vineyard Vines than we like to admit I think I speak for everyone when I say that I am proud to be from Connecticut (eh, that is up for debate). Right in the heart of New England, here are just a few things every pastel-clad Nutmegger knows to be true...
1. Dunkin’ vs. Starbucks
For a small state, Connecticut has an unreal amount of both Dunkin' Donuts and Starbucks and it’s only natural to have a strong opinion about which is better (obviously Dunkin'). Regardless of your opinion, the two seem to coexist quite beautifully, allowing you to get a strawberry frosted donut and a berry hibiscus tea all on the same street.
2. The sports teams are split down the middle
While it is obvious everyone from New York roots for the Yankees, and everyone from Massachusetts’s roots for the Red Sox who are we from CT supposed to root for? Sports teams are split right up the middle here, people root for either the Patriots and the Red Sox, or the Yankees and the Giants, and then there is always the occasional Broncos fan.
3. You’ve been to Quassy Amusement Park and/or Lake Compounce more times than you can count
While I am incredibly biased to Quassy, every child in Connecticut has gone to either Quassy or Lake Compounce at least once a week during the summer. Lake Compounce was home to 8th-grade class trips and haunted graveyard visits while Quassy brings back memories of 50-cent Friday nights.
4. UConn basketball is not just a team, it is a religion
The UConn Huskies are undoubtedly the pride and joy of Connecticut. Whether you are old or young, keep up with sports or not, you always, ALWAYS, cheer for the UConn Huskies.
5. It is not uncommon to wear flip-flops and snow boots in the same week
Connecticut weather is by far the weirdest in the country. Between snowstorms in October and being 50 degrees in February, dressing for the appropriate season is just not an option. There have been too many times we started off the week in shorts and ended the week in a winter jacket.
6. School field trips were always to the Mark Twain House, Mystic Aquarium, or the Pequot Museum
As a child, the majority of school trips were to the Mark Twain House, Mystic Aquarium, or the Pequot museum and they didn’t happen just once but time and time again. Not only did you attend these places with your elementary school but every camp across the state visited them as well. By seventh grade, you could navigate around like it was the back of your hand (but I’m not complaining, the aquarium is the greatest).
7. New York drivers are the worst
I think I speak for everyone when I say that New York drivers are the absolute worst. Between swerving in and out of traffic, and driving like a lunatic, everyone with a New York license plate needs to stay off Connecticut roads.
8. The fall foliage is the best around
If there is one thing Connecticut can say proudly, it is that the fall foliage is the best around. There is nothing greater than driving through the state during the heart of fall being surrounded by all the vibrant colors associated with autumn.
9. Connecticut pizza is the best pizza, it’s a proven fact
New York and Chicago can argue all they want but it is actually a proven fact that Connecticut is home to the best pizza. Besides Martino’s Pizzeria in Watertown, everyone knows the all-time greatest pizza can be found in New Haven at Frank Pepe’s.
10. You know it is called a grinder
It is a simple as that, it is not a hoagie, or a sub, or heroes. It is a grinder.
Although it may be small and not very exciting, Connecticut is home and I wouldn’t want it any other way.
