Middlesex County

Major Highways
Interstates 84, 91, and 95, U.S. Route 1, State Route 9

Authentic New England charm, natural beauty, scenic marinas, and the close proximity of world-class cultural and entertainment attractions have combined to make Middlesex County a natural destination for summer vacation guests and tourists. The hospitality industry in this area caters to a steady stream of visitors drawn to Connecticut’s panoramic shoreline and pristine countryside. Most of its communities hug the Connecticut River or border Long Island Sound, opening the door to water-related industry, distribution and trade, and recreation.

Conveniently located in close proximity to major metropolitan centers and connected to major transportation arteries, Middlesex County offers the ideal blend of residential neighborhoods, flourishing businesses, and panoramic vistas. Middletown serves as the hub for the county, located just 15 miles south of Hartford and 20 miles north of New Haven. The smaller towns and villages that dot the county offer quaint town centers, fine restaurants and a variety of attractions.

Services

Middlesex County is strategically located midway between Boston and New York City. Enhancing this prime location is an efficient network of highways, including Interstates 91 and 84 that provide service to Hartford, the Massachusetts Turnpike, and key points in northern New England. Amtrak maintains passenger stations on the main line between New York and Boston, while commuter rail service to New Haven connects to Metro North trains five days a week. Nearby New Haven is a designated port of entry for import and export traffic, and Bradley International Airport is only 60 miles from most county locations.

The commitment to education is evident throughout Middlesex County, where the student/teacher ratios tends to be low and the achievement test scores high. Modern classrooms take advantage of high-tech learning tools, preparing today’s students to assume positions of leadership in a highly competitive environment. Institutions of higher education are abundant and located close to home, from community colleges with a wide range of program offerings to Yale University of “Ivy League” fame, and other respected public and private colleges and universities. Haddam is home to the University of Connecticut’s College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, with its high-tech classrooms, greenhouses, plant and animal farms, and the UConn Forest.

Middlesex County communities are all surrounded by major hospitals and medical centers, including Yale New Haven Hospital in nearby New Haven. This premiere, 875-bed teaching hospital is affiliated with the renowned Yale School of medicine. Locally, medical professionals that represent every major specialty combine with convenient family practice clinics, same-day surgery centers, and emergency care centers.

Lifestyle

Middlesex County is a vibrant area where a strong vacation and tourism industry has fostered the development of outstanding amenities and attractions. Historic treasures reflect New England’s distinctive charm at venues like the Horse Drawn Carriage & Sleigh Museum, the Shoreline Trolley Museum, Museum of Fife & Drum, or the Connecticut River Museum. Many of Connecticut’s most appealing attractions are either in Middlesex County or available within a short drive from home. Among the most popular are the Valley Railroad, Gillette Castle, Chatfield Hollow State Park, Mystic Seaport and Aquarium, Schubert and Palace Theaters, and the vast expanse of scenic Hammonasset State Park.

Cultural attractions are also outstanding, featuring the Center for the Arts at Wesleyan University with its beautiful music hall, theater, cinema, and galleries. Another popular venue, the Davison Art Center in the Alsop House contains one of America’s finest print collections. Ivoryton Playhouse has offered professional summer theatre since 1930. The Goodspeed Opera House in East Haddam has given birth to some of Broadway’s greatest musical hits, including Annie and Man of La Mancha.

The region boasts milder weather patterns than many of the other scenic New England locations, encouraging residents to enjoy relaxing walks surrounded by spectacular fall foliage, spend long summer days on the beach, or enjoy snow-clad hillsides in the wintertime. Charming towns create a cozy atmosphere for dining at local yacht clubs, strolling along the scenic waterfront or boardwalk, cruising or canoeing down a lazy river, or enjoying one of many colorful seasonal festivals.

Several freshwater lakes ensure some of the region’s finest fishing and canoeing. Lush natural areas also create a peaceful retreat for picnicking, hiking, biking, horseback riding, jogging, and relaxing. Middlefield invites the public to play on the beautiful Lyman Orchards golf courses designed by Robert Trent Jones. Skiing enthusiasts can enjoy the thrill of winter sports at Power Ridge Ski Resort. East Hampton is home to one of the state’s largest natural lakes, while Chester devotes one-third of its land to Cockaponset State Forest. With a home selection equal to its natural beauty, Middlesex County is an idyllic place to live, work, and play.

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