Rhode Island, Massachusetts and Connecticut are some of the smallest states in the nation, yet the region is blessed with a beautiful coastline that is at times serene or dramatic, quintessential New England towns that showcase their Colonial roots and a rich history unlike that found anywhere else in the country. A bit further south, Westchester County lies within the lower Hudson River Valley, a region with a similarly rich heritage that is lovingly preserved today in its homes, villages, parks and museums.
Indeed, southern New England and New York lay claim to being the site of some of the defining moments in U.S. history. The region's economic history shares similarities in its early colonization and subsequent industrialization that made Connecticut famous for its clocks and watches; Rhode Island for its silverware and textiles and Massachusetts for its jewelry. Today, the region has diversified greatly beyond manufacturing, with a healthy tourism trade and a strong presence in the high tech research and development, financial services, insurance, defense and health care industries.
Westchester County includes many historic Hudson River towns known for their historic homes and museums, the hamlet of Sleepy Hollow, made famous by Washington Irving, the influence of the Rockefeller family here, as well as the prestigious New York Medical College, one of the nation's largest private health sciences universities. The county is also home to many of the nation's Fortune 500 firms that employ thousands of skilled workers.
Rhode Island's 400 miles of coastline are a mecca for summer visitors who flock to Newport for its yachting, music festivals and seaside mansions, and to Block Island for its dramatic bluffs and restored Victorian hotels. But the state also offers important historical sites in Blackstone Valley, the birthplace of America's Industrial Revolution, and the East Bay region, home of the oldest (1785) fourth of July parade in Bristol. The state capital, Providence, celebrates 350 years of history, magnificent architecture, and acclaimed theatre, fine arts and orchestral music.
Boston is a world-class city that attracts millions of international visitors each year. The communities north of the city offer snug harbors, eye-opening whale watching opportunities and legendary seafood. Cape Cod and the islands have their artist colonies, and epitomize island life at its best. The Berkshires has its Norman Rockwell Museum, while the Greater Springfield area lays claim to the Basketball Hall of Fame. No one recreates Pilgrim life better than Plimoth Plantation. Central Massachusetts' industrial heritage has made way for popular outlet shopping, while Merrimack Valley remembers the historic battles of Lexington and Concord and offers cotton mill tours. Franklin County is the place to be during peak foliage time, and it's also popular with whitewater rafters and kayakers.
Connecticut offers a quality of life that is second to none. Its unique cultural and historic diversity and maritime heritage embraces a thriving arts scene that includes award-winning theater, opera, ballet, concerts and many nationally ranked museums and art galleries. It offers sports and recreation for all seasons, from skiing and golfing to boating and kayaking. Some of the nation's most prestigious universities and Ivy League schools are located here. Travelers enjoy an efficient network of interstate highways that link the major metropolises of Boston, New York and Providence with major Connecticut cities.
Southern New England and New York certainly live up to that old cliché- great things come in small packages - for this corner of the nation exceeds the expectations of every visitor.
