HARTFORD, CT, July 1, 2002 - Visitors looking to take advantage of New England's cool summers can book one of Connecticut's "hot" packages offered this season. From a romantic rendezvous in the rolling hills of the "Quiet Corner" to the bright lights and sounds of the world's largest casino, there is something for everyone in a state full of surprises. Travelers are encouraged to visit the state's Web site, www.ctbound.org, which conveniently maps out 52 Getaways, offers special discounts and suggestions for lodging. The following is just a sampling of Connecticut's diverse packages now being offered:

AMERICAN SUMMER ESCAPE PACKAGE - Woodstock, CT
Tucked away in Connecticut's "Quiet Corner" is the B&B At Taylor's Corner -- an historic, national registered, 18th century farmhouse. This charming B&B is complete with a fireplace in each bedchamber, backyard hidden gardens, a location just three miles off scenic Route 169 - voted one of the top ten roads in the country by Scenic America.

American Summer Escape Package includes:

Welcoming wine
Bed chamber accommodations with a fireplace, fresh flowers, and a natural wreath to take home as a memento
Full country breakfast every morning
Two-day pass to Old Sturbridge Village
Additional vacation suggestions (call for details, some admission fees apply).
Price is $260 per person, for a three-night stay, based on double occupancy (arrive on Sun. or Mon.). Price does not include tax. Additional days are priced at $60 per person, based on double occupancy, plus tax. Offer is valid now through Aug. 29, 2002. For reservations, call (860) 974-0490 or toll free at (888) 503-9057.

FOXWOODS RESORT AND CASINO SUMMER PACKAGES - Mashantucket, CT
Located in the thick of the Connecticut woods is the famed Foxwoods Resort and Casino -- the largest casino in the world. With 350 table games and more than 6,400 slot machines, the 4.1 million square-foot resort also offers an array of gourmet restaurants, live entertainment plus spa and salon services. Special packages are available at each of Foxwoods' three resorts from now through Sept. 1, 2002. Package price is $69 per person at Two Trees Inn, $89 per person at Great Cedar Hotel, and $99 per person at Grand Pequot Tower. Package includes accommodations based on double occupancy, plus the following:

$15 food coupon (per person)
$10 match play (per person)
$ 2 off admission to the Mashantucket Pequot Museum (per person)
All prices are based per person, per night, plus tax. For more information or to book a reservation call (800) FOXWOODS.

THE OLD RIVERTON INN - Riverton, CT
Opened in 1796, the Old Riverton Inn was originally a stagecoach stop along the Hartford to Albany route. Overlooking the Farmington River, this charming inn is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. The following outdoor packages are valid now throughout the summer season:

Farmington Anglers Package - this special package allows visitors to fish in the west branch of the Farmington River -- a federally designated "Wild and Scenic" river. Package includes:

Full country breakfast every morning
Box lunch for two for one day
Full dinner one evening
Prices start at $295 per person, for a two-night stay, based on double occupancy. Price includes tax. Offer is valid now through Oct. 4, 2002. For reservations, call (860) 379-8678 or toll free at 1-800-EST-1796.

Riverton Canoe Package - visitors looking to sail down the west branch of the Farmington River will be delighted with this package that helps soak in Connecticut's natural beauty. Package includes:

Full country breakfast every morning
Picnic box lunch for two for canoe trip (valid one day only)
Candlelight dinner for two every evening
Canoe trip for two (valid one day only)
Prices start at $369 per person, for a two-night stay, based on double occupancy. Price includes tax. Offer is valid now through Sept. 1, 2002. For reservations, call (860) 379-8678 or toll free at 1-800-EST-1796. For information on other available packages being offered at the inn, visit www.rivertoninn.com.

For more information please call 1-800-CTBOUND (1-800-282-6863). Media can visit www.louhammond.com 24/7; download releases/photography.

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Contacts:

Outside CT Public Relations Agency:
Donna DiMaio Rooney/Terence Gallagher
Lou Hammond & Associates
Tel: (212) 891-0214
E-mail: [email]donnadr@lhammond.com<br[/email] />
In-State Public Relations Agency:
Nicky McHugh
McLaughlin, DelVecchio & Casey
Tel: (203) 624-4151
E-mail: [email]nickym@mdcads.com<br[/email] />
Connecticut Office of Tourism:
Ed Dombroskas
Executive Director
Tel: (860) 270-8080
E-mail: edward.dombroskas@po.state.ct.us