Book excerpt: Connecticut’s pristine coastline, stunning fall foliage, and idyllic town greens are widely known, but if you’re wondering what there is to actually do here, 100 Thing to Do in Connecticut Before You Die is for you. Take the Essex Steam Train into the scenic Connecticut River Valley or hop aboard Sea Mist for a sightseeing cruise through the picturesque Thimble Islands. Catch a Broadway-bound musical at the Goodspeed or walk among 50 life-size dinosaurs at Dinosaur Place. Sample craft brews, world-famous pizza, and fresh-from-the-ocean seafood. Feel the thrill of floating over farmland and forest in a hot-air balloon or the joy of standing in a field of sunflowers. With glittering casinos, amusement parks, destination-worthy architecture, and museums showcasing everything from American art to World War II aircraft, Connecticut packs a big punch for a small state. So whether you’re a jazz fan or history buff, baseball lover or antiques hunter, you’ll find plenty of ideas to keep you busy. Curated by one of the state’s top travel writers, 100 Thing to Do in Connecticut Before You Die offers both visitors and locals a checklist of the state’s most exceptional places, experiences, and tastes along with helpful itineraries, seasonal ideas, and insider tips. How many have you done?