Three great reasons to travel to Connecticut

USA TODAY

Connecticut is often overshadowed by its more famous neighbors, but visitors to New England’s southernmost state will find a variety of rewarding sights and activities. From world-famous pizza to world-class architecture, explore some of the Nutmeg State’s best attractions.

While New Haven’s run as Connecticut’s co-capital may have ended, its legacy of world-class pizza has endured. Chicago has deep dish, New York has thin crust, and New Haven has apizza. “New Haven-style apizza is [akin to the Neapolitan-style pie] traditionally baked in a coal-fired oven at temperatures in excess of 650°F," says Gary Bimonte, co-owner of Frank Pepe’s Pizza. "The result is a thin, crispy crust that is sturdy enough to hold the toppings." While pizza may be the reason for your visit, the city’s robust culinary scene goes way beyond crust, sauce and cheese (even if it is the best around).

Browse the gallery above for New Haven's trademark tastes, and see more Connecticut flavors below.

Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket debuted 25 years ago and sparked a wave of East Coast gambling opportunities for hospitality giants such as Wynn and MGM. Today, in an effort to appeal to Millennials, Foxwoods has added the Shrine nightclub and a tattoo parlor called King Ink by celebrity tattooist Mario Barth. There’s a high-end bowling alley called High Rollers Luxury Lanes and Lounge. To appeal to families, the resort offers special programming during school breaks. Foxwoods also recently welcomed celebrity chef Guy Fieri to its lineup and Cat Cora, of Iron Chef America fame, is opening a wine bar soon. David Burke already has a steakhouse.

In 2017, USA TODAY Travel and the American Institute of Architects (AIA) are teaming up to help travelers find the best buildings in America. We asked AIA chapters nationwide to name 25 structures visitors to their state should see. Take a photo tour of Connecticut's noteworthy buildings:

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