Governor Ned Lamont last month announced that the Connecticut Office of Tourism is launching a new summer marketing campaign to promote safe travel and fuel the Connecticut tourism industry's recovery following the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. After a year of saying "no" to so many things due to the pandemic, the State of Connecticut is encouraging residents and visitors to "Say Yes to Connecticut" and all of its unique experiences this summer.

The campaign theme, "Say Yes to Connecticut," was born out of the Office of Tourism's proprietary research that shows a growing sense of optimism among Northeast consumers amid the COVID-19 vaccine rollout and pent-up demand for travel, primarily regional travel.

"Connecticut has an incredible mix of tourism offerings – from arts and cultural venues and restaurants, to lodging properties and outdoor recreation areas – all of which help generate business sales, tax revenues, and statewide jobs benefitting our communities," Governor Lamont said. "The new campaign is a great reminder of that diversity and the growing optimism among travelers that we believe will put people back to work and translate into an industry-wide recovery for tourism beginning this summer."

Running from summer through fall, the "Say Yes to Connecticut" campaign will feature hundreds of businesses and activities across the state that make up Connecticut's tourism industry sector. It will highlight hotels, inns and B&Bs, restaurants, attractions, museums, historical sites, arts and cultural venues, farms, wineries and breweries, state parks and beaches, nature centers, outdoor recreation, shopping destinations, events, and more. Mask wearing indoors will continue to be required.

"Many Northeast consumers are ready to get out and safely travel this summer, so we're focused on making sure that Connecticut is top of mind," Christine Castonguay, interim director of the Office of Tourism, said. "Not only does Connecticut have a huge variety of tourism experiences to 'say yes’ to, but our location and size make them easily accessible so people can spend less time getting to their long-awaited day trips and vacations, and more time enjoying them."

To participate in the "Say Yes To Connecticut" campaign, use #SayYesCT on social media.

And why not start by saying yes to Connecticut beaches?

Along with Long Island Sound, Connecticut's shoreline offers a good selection of saltwater beaches for all tastes. Among the best of these is Ocean Beach in New London, with white sugar sand and lots of entertainment, including a swimming pool, miniature golf, and game rooms. Beach communities stand ready to serve other needs besides swimming, tanning, and strolling along the sand. 

Connecticut offers visitors a wide variety of swimming areas – 23 in all – from lake beaches to sandy ocean stretches. Eight beaches – Black Rock, Burr Pond, Hammonasset, Indian Well, Rocky Neck, Sherwood Island, Silver Sands, and Squantz Pond – have lifeguards who are typically on duty from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily from Memorial Day through Labor Day.

Although the state has relaxed most COVID restrictions, Connecticut’s shoreline and inland are open with general guidance to stay six feet away from others, in or out of the water.

Here are the top three recommendations from the Connecticut Office of Tourism for one-day beach getaways this summer:

Branford Beach & Brew

Branford is home to Stony Creek Beach and Branford Point Beach, two great public beaches staffed by lifeguards. Offshore, you'll find the Thimble Islands, and you can even take a cruise out to see both the wildlife and the good life out there. After all that water, drench your thirst with a craft beer at Stony Creek Brewery, which welcomes guests on the deck overlooking the Sound and food truck munchies.

Madison Music & Moxie

Probably the most famous Beach on this part of the shoreline, Hammonasset Beach State Park has something for everyone. Campgrounds, fishing, scuba diving, and a nature center make for a perfect day at the shore. Downtown Madison is filled with shops and dining spots, and don't miss the Grassy Strip Summer Concert Series Wednesday nights at the Madison Beach Hotel.

Guilford Grill & Chill

Guilford is known as a charming New England town that's also an arts destination. The Guildford Green hosts art shows and crafts fests, and other events, all summer long. Jacob's Beach is the town beach and offers lifeguard-protected swimming and grills. It's also the place you can sign up for the Connecticut Shoreline Bike/Boat Tour, which is a great way to get some exercise while enjoying the beauty of the beaches.

For information on the numerous attractions, Connecticut has to offer, visit www.CTvisit.com.