AGP Executive Report

Connecticut Tourism: Governor Lamont and tourism officials announced a new Connecticut Haunted History Trail launching just before Halloween, adding another spooky route for fall visitors. Local Travel & Lodging: Hilton Garden Inn Hartford South/Glastonbury rolled out a major renovation, and Residence Inn by Marriott Mystic Groton refreshed its suites and public spaces—both aimed at travelers using CT as a weekend base. Transit & Getting Around: Tweed-New Haven Airport reopened after a lighting failure disrupted Avelo flights, and Shore Line East is adding four new weekday trains starting Oct. 5. Outdoor & Seasonal Fun: The Harvest Moon lands Saturday, Sept. 26, with full illumination at 12:49 p.m. EDT in Connecticut—best viewed after sunset. Safety & Disruptions: Flash flooding across coastal Connecticut caused major travel chaos, including road closures and train disruptions. Sports (CT fans): The WNBA resumed after the World Cup break, with the Connecticut Sun back in action.

Hotel Openings & Upgrades: Hilton Garden Inn Hartford South/Glastonbury unveiled a major renovation with refreshed rooms, upgraded dining/meeting space, and new wellness-focused “Wellness Rooms.” Shoreline Staycation: Residence Inn by Marriott Mystic Groton rolled out a refreshed, coastal-inspired guest experience with renovated suites and updated gathering spaces—positioned as a home base near Mystic Seaport and Mystic Aquarium. Tourism Trail: Connecticut’s tourism office announced a new Connecticut Haunted History Trail launching ahead of Halloween, with a TV-to-Table contest tied to the new route. Local Community & History: A Columbia man is cleaning and preserving Connecticut cemeteries through his nonprofit, including a new project targeting the Old Willimantic Cemetery. Immigration & Campus: A Southern Connecticut State University student arrested by ICE at Tweed New Haven Airport was released from detention and returned to school. Business Travel: Studio 6 Plus announced a five-hotel Northeast expansion, starting with two new Hartford-area hotels planned for construction in early 2027.

Haunted Tourism Push: Governor Lamont and state tourism officials just launched the Connecticut Haunted History Trail, linking 130+ sites statewide—from witch-trial history and paranormal tours to cemeteries, lighthouses, hotels, and haunted restaurants—via an interactive map at CTvisit.com/haunted-history. Local Travel & Community Events: Westerly High School’s marching band is debuting “Nocturna,” a theatrical halftime show built around romantic-era ballet, fairy tales, and a “Swan Lake” storyline. Travel Safety Note: A 37-year-old tourist was seriously injured in a shark attack during a dolphin excursion off North Bimini in the Bahamas, with reports of a right-ankle bite and airlift to New Providence. Sports Tourism Angle: Metallica’s 2027 North American tour includes two Connecticut dates at Mohegan Sun Arena (Nov. 19 and 21), plus a Buffalo stop with tickets on sale soon. Housing & Visitor Impact: A new report says Connecticut supportive housing programs are strained and underfunded, highlighting how local services affect community stability and, indirectly, travel readiness.

Haunted History Trail: The Connecticut Office of Tourism is rolling out a new Haunted History Trail with more than 130 spooky stops statewide, from haunted homes and museums to cemeteries, lighthouses, hiking spots, restaurants, and hotels—launching with an event in Wethersfield at 6 p.m. Wednesday. Community Events: Danbury’s first annual Oktoberfest is set for Oct. 17 at Hatters Park (free admission, noon–4 p.m.), with German-and-American food, music, beer, games, and a Stein Holding Contest at 2 p.m. Outdoor Adventure: A Connecticut hiker who dislocated his shoulder and injured his back on Mount Washington kept going for about seven hours and reached the summit, then was evaluated at the auto road base. Travel Safety: A 37-year-old tourist was seriously injured in a shark attack during a dolphin excursion off Bimini, Bahamas, and was airlifted for treatment. Local Tourism/Real Estate: Greenwich is reportedly landing a new Brevan Howard office next year, a sign of continued investment in Connecticut’s business-and-travel draw.

CT Tourism: Connecticut is launching the TV-to-Table Trail on Oct. 5, spotlighting restaurants and chefs featured on national TV shows like “Chopped” and “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives,” with a contest winner joining celebrity chef Scott Conant as a guest judge. Travel Disruption: Tweed-New Haven Airport reopened after an airfield lighting failure shut down a runway Monday night, causing diversions (including some Avelo flights rerouted to Bradley) and overnight hotel scrambling for passengers. Local Spotlight: Willimantic was named one of America’s “most overlooked” destinations, praised for its downtown Main Street, arts venues, and walkable food scene. Outdoor & Seasons: DEEP reminded hunters that fall archery deer and turkey season opened Tuesday, with rules for state vs. private land and CWD-related restrictions. Aviation/Health: UAMS installed an on-demand telehealth booth at Northwest Arkansas National Airport (not CT), underscoring how airports are adding quick medical access as travel demand rises.

Tourism Boost: Connecticut is launching the TV-to-Table Trail on Oct. 5, spotlighting restaurants and chefs featured on national shows like “Chopped” and “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives,” with a contest winner joining celebrity chef Scott Conant as a guest judge. Local Spotlight: Willimantic is being highlighted as an “overlooked” destination with a walkable downtown, arts venues, and historic landmarks like the Frog Bridge. Travel Disruption: Tweed-New Haven Airport reopened after an airfield lighting failure forced a runway closure Monday night, leading to diversions (including Avelo flights to Bradley) and overnight lodging scramble. Transit Upgrade: Shore Line East will add four weekday trains starting Oct. 5 to better connect New London and New Haven. Outdoors: DEEP says Connecticut’s fall archery deer and turkey season is now open, with specific rules for state vs. private land. Community & Culture: Mansfield’s council meeting turned heated over the town manager’s resignation.

Severe Weather Disruptions: Flash flooding from heavy rain hit coastal Connecticut Sunday, closing roads and causing water rescues, with Tweed New Haven Airport shutting its departures terminal and commuter rail delays/cancellations along the New Haven line. State Safety Milestone: CTDOT activated its 300th Wrong Way Driver Detection System in New Britain, part of a program that has alerted more than 1,000 drivers to turn around before entering the wrong direction. Outdoor Season Reminder: DEEP reminded hunters that Connecticut’s fall archery deer and turkey season opens Sept. 15, with fluorescent orange rules and specific dates for state vs. private land. Local Learning & Tourism Tie-In: NBC Connecticut highlighted Southern Connecticut State University’s Coastal Resilience program, featuring hands-on research and student travel tied to real coastal challenges. Travel Planning Note: With flooding impacts still fresh, travelers heading through the I-95 corridor and the Tweed area may want to check service updates before heading out.

Flash Flood Travel Disruptions: Heavy rain triggered flash flooding across coastal Connecticut Sunday, with road closures, stranded vehicles, and water rescues—especially along the I-95 corridor from Norwalk to Westport. Tweed New Haven Airport temporarily closed its departures terminal, and Metro-North and Amtrak service on the New Haven Line saw major delays and cancellations. Rain Totals: Stamford reported about 7.47 inches, Branford 6.91, and New Haven 3.42, as officials urged drivers to avoid flooded roadways. ICE at Tweed Airport: ICE arrested an SCSU student, Deng Deng, at Tweed New Haven Airport while he was traveling, and another ICE arrest was reported at the same airport. Coastal Resilience Education: NBC Connecticut highlighted Southern Connecticut State University’s M.S. in coastal resilience, focusing on hands-on research and workforce training for Connecticut’s coastal challenges. Fall Escape Idea: Dexter Hotel is pitching a quieter Northeast alternative—flying into Traverse City and staying on Grand Traverse Bay in Elk Rapids. Outdoor Wildlife Note: A Norwich walk taught residents how overabundant deer browse can damage forest understory and saplings.

Flash Flood Travel Disruptions: Heavy rain and flash flooding hit Connecticut Sunday, closing roads, stranding vehicles, and forcing major transit slowdowns—Metro-North and Amtrak service on the New Haven Line were suspended, and Tweed New Haven Airport canceled departures for the day. Airport & Rail Knock-On Effects: Officials urged travelers to avoid flooded roadways and check flight status, as the flooding also triggered delays and cancellations across the tri-state area. WALK Bridge Construction Schedule: Separate from the storm, rail riders should note five weekend service cuts between New York and New Haven through early November tied to major WALK Bridge work, with reduced capacity and fewer seats on key dates. Connecticut Arts & Theater: Hartford’s The Bushnell will host the tour premiere of “Oh, Mary!” (Sept. 19–23), bringing a Tony-winning comedy to Connecticut audiences. Paranormal Tourism Buzz: Matt Rife’s Haunted Warren Museum and the Annabelle doll continue to draw attention, with fans flocking to the “world’s most haunted doll” attraction. Outdoor Fun & Community: Swim Across America’s Narragansett event raised about $323,970 for cancer research, with Connecticut swimmers among the participants.

Severe Weather Disrupts Travel: Flash flooding from heavy rain shut roads, stranded vehicles, and triggered commuter rail problems across coastal Connecticut and the tri-state Sunday. Metro-North and Amtrak suspended New Haven Line service between Norwalk and Bridgeport, and Tweed New Haven Airport closed its departures terminal; officials urged travelers to avoid flooded roadways and never drive through standing water. Airport Delays Mount: Thunderstorms also caused a FAA ground stop at LaGuardia and delays up to 75 minutes at JFK, with Newark affected as well. Transit Construction Ahead: Separate rail planning news: five weekend service cuts are scheduled through November for WALK Bridge work, with Metro-North and Amtrak facing reduced capacity and fewer seats on key dates starting Sept. 12. Local Culture & Events: Hartford’s Bushnell will host the tour premiere of “Oh, Mary!” Sept. 19–23, bringing a Broadway hit to Connecticut.

Broadway in Connecticut: Hartford’s The Bushnell lands the first tour stop for the Tony-winning comedy “Oh, Mary!” (Sept. 19–23), bringing a star-studded cast and a big laugh at the 908-seat Belding Theatre. Tourism & food: Gov. Ned Lamont announced the new Connecticut TV-to-Table Trail, unveiled Oct. 5, with a grand-prize chance to join celebrity chef Scott Conant as a guest judge in a live cooking challenge featuring CT chefs. Rail travel: CTDOT and Lamont say four new weekday Shore Line East trains start Oct. 5 to close schedule gaps and add better connections along the corridor. Outdoor & community: Swim Across America’s Rhode Island event drew nearly 1,000 swimmers and raised about $323,970 for cancer research, with Connecticut teams among the biggest groups. Local history: A Connecticut-born inventor’s Revolutionary War submarine “The Turtle” gets a fresh spotlight in a new history explainer. Family-friendly travel idea: A Greenwich teen’s cookie nonprofit (Cookie for a Cause) has raised over $66,000 to help nearly 1,000 children—an easy feel-good stop for community-minded visitors.

Connecticut Tourism & Dining: Gov. Ned Lamont announced the new Connecticut TV-to-Table Trail, launching Oct. 5, with a grand-prize chance to join celebrity chef Scott Conant as a guest judge in a live cooking challenge featuring CT chefs and TV-featured food destinations. Shore Line East Rail: CTDOT will add four new weekday trains to Shore Line East starting Oct. 5 to close schedule gaps, improve connections, and reduce long waits along the corridor. CT Community Giving: A Connecticut teen, Vihaan Kamath of Greenwich, turned homemade cookies into a nonprofit raising $66,331 and helping nearly 1,000 children through charities including St. Jude and Yale New Haven Children’s Hospital. Outdoor & Safety: Connecticut DEEP reports a Great Barrington man died after falling while rock climbing on the Appalachian Trail in Kent. Travel Tech & Privacy: A growing backlash over AI license plate reader cameras continues as a man was arrested after filming himself removing Flock Safety equipment. Invasive Species: Spotted lanternflies have spread to 22 states, with Connecticut among areas urging residents to “kill on sight.”

CT Tourism & Food: Gov. Ned Lamont announced the new Connecticut TV-to-Table Trail, with a launch event on Oct. 5, 2026 hosted by celebrity chef Scott Conant, plus a grand-prize chance to join him as a guest judge in a live cooking challenge featuring Connecticut chefs. Rail Travel: CTDOT and Lamont say four new weekday Shore Line East trains will start Oct. 5, 2026, aiming to close schedule gaps and add a new connection to an existing Metro-North Super Express service. Local Travel Planning: A report on Connecticut’s historic river ferries says the Chester-Hadlyme and Rocky Hill-Glastonbury routes carry tens of thousands of riders each season; Chester-Hadlyme is currently closed for repairs. Community & Remembrance: Multiple stories mark the 25th anniversary of 9/11, including Connecticut residents traveling to ground zero and local ceremonies in the region. Outdoor & Safety: A Kent, Conn. man died after falling while rock climbing on the Appalachian Trail, with an investigation ongoing.

Rail & Shoreline East: Gov. Ned Lamont says CTrail’s Shore Line East will add four weekday trains starting Oct. 5 to close schedule gaps and better match rider demand along the coast. Historic CT ferries: A new look at Connecticut’s river ferries finds tens of thousands of crossings each season, with July 2024-25 topping nearly 20,000 passengers—though the Chester-Hadlyme route is currently closed for repairs. Greenwich health travel: Concierge primary care operator Private Medical plans to open in Greenwich Oct. 1, with membership starting at $45,000 and direct physician access plus help coordinating care while traveling. CT tourism & culture: Spring Street Gallery in Connecticut will host a Block Island-focused exhibit by artist Jacqueline Phillips (Sept. 12-25), and a separate feature spotlights the Brimfield Antique Flea Market’s Sept. show running through Sept. 13. Community & remembrance: Eastern Connecticut State University held a 25th anniversary 9/11 remembrance ceremony with bell tolls at key moments and a campus moment of silence. Consumer travel costs: August inflation came in hotter than expected, with core CPI rising, which could affect interest-rate expectations for travelers planning big trips.

CTDOT Safety Milestone: Connecticut has activated its 300th wrong-way driver detection system, with the latest site installed on Route 571 in New Britain—since the program launched in 2023, more than 1,000 drivers have used the alerts to turn around. Norwalk Waterfront Update: Developers are tweaking the Manresa Island redevelopment plan after resident pushback, including removing hotel/lodging uses and adjusting the amphitheater and attendance. Local Travel Disruption: Chester-Hadlyme ferry service is temporarily suspended for vessel repairs, affecting river-crossing plans. Sports & Community Tourism: ESPN’s rebuilt Studio W in Bristol debuts as the permanent home of “NFL Live,” a win for Connecticut’s media-and-visitor appeal. Family Travel Costs Watch: A federal class-action targets youth hockey “stay-to-play” hotel booking practices, alleging families were pushed into higher room rates—relevant for tournament travel planning. Fall Foliage Planning: Connecticut could see a later, longer fall foliage season this year, shaping when travelers should book.

Connecticut Travel & Tourism: Connecticut could see a later, longer fall foliage season this year, with UConn Extension noting southern New England’s tree diversity and experts expecting colors to start a bit late and potentially last into November—good news for cottage and inn bookings. Local Transit: The Chester-Hadlyme ferry is temporarily suspended for vessel repairs (drydock maintenance and a seal replacement), with service expected to resume in mid-September; Rocky Hill-Glastonbury is not affected. Travel Planning: If you’re road-tripping this fall, demand is building—apple picking is shifting after a spring freeze, and orchards across New England are opening earlier and later than usual. Airport/Community Impact: New Haven officials are looking into whether ICE has an authorized presence at Tweed New Haven Airport after an SCSU athlete was arrested there, raising fresh concerns for travelers and residents. Sports & Campus: UConn’s HuskyGo shuttle service is getting route and schedule tweaks for better daytime capacity, and UConn men’s soccer played Sacred Heart to a 1-1 draw. Quick Hits: ESPN’s rebuilt Studio W in Bristol debuted ahead of NFL season.