Bridgeport, Connecticut

The locals more commonly refer to Bridgeport, Connecticut, as "Park City," and the city lives up to its name. Among its many parks are the Beardsley Park, and the Seaside Park, both designed by Frederick Law Olmsted who also designed the world famous Central Park in New York City. P.T. Barnum, the great entertainer and a native of Bridgeport, wanted to make Seaside Park his legacy for future generations. And what a legacy it is: At more than 300 acres (121 hectares) it has everything one can wish for in a park: plenty of soft grass, sports fields, hiking paths, picnic areas, wildlife, fishing, boating, and best of all it's all on a beach.

Of course a place that gave birth to P.T. Barnum has plenty of other attractions. For starters there is the Barnum Museum. Originally called The Barnum Institute of Science and History, the museum is not only a place to learn more about Barnum's great contributions to American culture, but also to explore the long and changing history of Bridgeport itself. In true Barnum tradition, the exhibits are a feast for the imagination. For the science buffs there is the Discovery Museum, which is home to the city's planetarium. The Housatonic Museum of Art is also not to be forgotten. Its permanent collection consists of works by such legendary modern artists as Rodin, Picasso, Matisse, Miro, and Chagall. The city also boasts Connecticut's sole zoo, the Beardsley Zoo.

The list of things to do doesn't end once the sun sets. For those who want a theatrical evening, there's the Playhouse on the Green; those looking for a real spectacle can head down to Arena at Harbor Yard; and those with a truly carnivalesque appetite can always get their fill at the Downtown Cabaret Theatre.

Another great thing about Bridgeport is its location. It's so close to New York City – 58 miles (93 kilometers) from Manhattan – that it's actually part of the New York metropolitan area. It's not surprising that the city was named one of America's "100 Best Communities for Young People" by America's Promise in September 2005.

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