MARTIN L

Tag: VisitTheUSA

  • My latest obsession is Connecticut

    Spring has arrived, and so has a new state to obsess over. This state, Connecticut was brought to you by my viewership of the hit CW show, Gilmore Girls. You may have guessed at this point that the show takes place in Connecticut.

    Facts I knew about Connecticut before my obsession

    • It’s one of two states in New England that I’ve never been to (please leave your guesses to which the other state could be)
    • The capital of Connecticut is Hartford
    • The governor is Ned Lamont
    • It is one of the few states with a statewide transit system (the other ones being Delaware, Rhode Island, Vermont [kinda], New Jersey)
    • Other cities I know include Stamford (thanks to the Office (U.S.), New Haven (Yale), New London)

    What intrigues me about Connecticut

    • It’s one of the few states that does not have upper-level administrative regions (counties). Counties were abolished in the 1960’s, and cities take on the responsibilities traditionally left up to the counties
    • It’s the eastern version of New Jersey: sandwiched between two major metropolitan areas with an identity that persists with no discernible traits.
    • New England: I love New England. It’s a magical part of the country that I would love to explore more. It has the history, the rural charm, and a lovely mix of mountains, ocean, and forests in between. It’s a magical place to experience, and Connecticut is smack dab in the middle of it.
    • Size: I like smaller states. They feel more intimate. This is not a joke about anything, I am serious.
    • AmTrak: It’s a state that many people pass by on their way to other destinations (Boston, New York). Connecticut should be a place people want to stop at.

    Overall, I hope people can join me Connecticut-maxing this spring. If you enjoy the concept of Connecticut do let me know!

  • Three reasons why you need to make Buffalo your next stop on a All-America trip

    This post has no affiliation with the following organizations: The Corporation for Travel Promotion d.b.a Brand USA, New York State Department of Economic Development (ILOVENY), Erie County Economic Development (Visit Buffalo!), City of Buffalo.

    The locals

    Buffalo is the “City of Good Neighbors”. It’s also the “Nickel City”, but I digress. The people in Buffalo are generally very good and welcoming, and there’s a surprisingly amount of diversity in the metro area. It’s a really great city if you want a place that fosters a sense of community.

    A city with a community

    One of the main draws of Buffalo is the fact that it’s still a city, with big city amenities. You still have your apartments, your walkable neighborhoods, your Apple Store. It even has its own subway. What it lacks however, is the big-city traffic you’ll find in most major cities. While it has that hustle and bustle, it doesn’t make you feel like you’re stuck in it.

    Proximity to Nature

    Buffalo is surprisingly a city very close to nature. You have Niagara Falls just 20 minutes away, but also a huge network of state parks in the region. South of Buffalo, you have access to rolling hills and mountains of the Appalachians. Lake Erie hugs the city, and there’s plenty of access points in the area, including the Outer Harbor, a lakefront retreat in the middle of Buffalo’s abandoned industrial past.