10 Signs You Grew Up In Southern Connecticut | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

10 Signs You Grew Up In Southern Connecticut

It's a (Southern) Connecticut thing. You wouldn't understand.

135
10 Signs You Grew Up In Southern Connecticut
Wikimedia Commons

For all the drama we likely encountered growing up in the state of Connecticut, residing in the 203 definitely had its perks. Although not unique, our childhoods still were special to us. Regardless of whether you bordered New Haven or New York, if you lived in the Southern bits of our little state, you've probably experienced all of the following.

1. Two words: Merritt Canteen.

Screw McDonald's, Wendy's, or any other fast food burger joints. When you're in our area, this is the ultimate greasy food stop. Between their crispy fried mac 'n' cheese bites, the mozzarella sticks that ooze with cheese, and their thick and creamy chocolate milkshakes, you literally cannot go wrong here. My favorite Valentine's Day memory involves their mozzarella sticks, and I am not even ashamed to admit that.

2. The Rinks was the coolest hangout.

Not that anybody actually went ice skating often, but people just kind of congregated here. I can't exactly explain it, since no one took advantage of the other cool features offered there, like the mini golf or laser tag (I mean, it was expensive and we were in middle school) but this place was happenin' about ten years ago.

3. Lake Compounce was the best way to cool off during summer break.

We all remember this view. You're sitting in your log-shaped boat, right before the dip on the Saw Mill Plunge (Lake Compounce's flume ride) when you knew you were mere seconds away from feeling your stomach jump into your throat. Six Flags was always just a tad too far, but Lake Compounce was close enough that you could convince your parents to bring you more often.

4. You would pick New York City over Boston (generally).

Being sandwiched between two amazing cities leaves our little state quite divided (especially when it comes to sports), but living in Southern Connecticut usually left us laying with the city that never sleeps. Can you buy a $25 round trip train ticket to Boston on a random Saturday? Nope. But you can with New York City, so that's a winner in our book.

5. Even the sports divide favors New York.

Growing up in Connecticut, you know that our sports team favorites are pretty much all over the place. We have New York fans, New Jersey fans, Boston fans, Philly fans. You name it, we support it (overall). But at least when it comes to baseball, the allegiance is slightly more clear. In the 203, it's primarily New York Nation, baby.

6. Taking the Port Jeff Ferry was always such a treat.

If you were smart, you sat outside where the breeze would blow your hair straight up, but if you wanted your ferry ride Shirley Temple, you had to go into the stuffy inside cafe area, which was easily the worst part of the trip. Growing up, there was an awesome pet store with the cutest little puppies, that unfortunately no longer exists. Bummer.

7. The Trumbull Mall was easily the best shopping option.

I'm totally biased and I can admit it, but until the Milford Mall got their movie theater, Trumbull was hands down the greatest. Danbury only came in close second because it had a carousel, and that's just cheating. It's a mall, not an amusement park!

8. You never had to live without the joy of Cinnabon.

Although I hadn't had my first official Cinnabon until high school, the option has always been there. As a college student in Massachusetts (pre-gluten allergy, that is), I was always astonished at the lack of Cinnabons. I mean there are literally only two in the entire state. That should be a crime.

9. It doesn't matter that you're closer to Maritime, Mystic was always worth the trip.

Mystic was easily the best aquarium option for us in CT. Maritime was right in the heart of Southern Connecticut (kind of) and Mystic was usually more than an hour away, but think of the penguins! Think of the beluga whales! Think of the chowder.

10. You probably applied to UConn.

I honestly can't say I know that many people from my home town who didn't at least apply to UConn. Out of my graduating class of 550 students, it was likely that at least 80 of them went to our state school. And just because only 80 went, doesn't mean that more didn't apply.

It's a (Southern) Connecticut thing. You wouldn't understand.

From Your Site Articles
Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

184119
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

10599
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

454837
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

24703
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments