Discoveries...America: Connecticut; Discoveries...America: New York

It may be the third smallest state, but Connecticut can claim some historic “firsts”: the first daily newspaper, the first art museum, and the first insurance company, just to name a few. One of two new entries in Jim and Kelly Watt's acclaimed, high-definition filmed Discoveries…America series, Connecticut captures the state's rural charm, which makes it a popular retreat from the hustle and bustle of New York City, Philadelphia, and Boston. While 75% of Connecticut's population resides along its extensive seashore, most of the state is comprised of rich farmland. Connecticut also boasts the oldest still-functioning state capital building in the United States (a beautifully ornate, gingerbread structure), and the oldest agricultural fair in the country (and largest in New England)—the Brooklyn Fair, featuring everything from hands-on children's exhibits to noisy tractor races. Along the Atlantic coast, the program takes armchair tourists to the historic village of Mystic Seaport, where authentic wooden ships fill the harbor, as well as the “submarine capital” Groton, and a geodesic dome at Dinosaur State Park that preserves 200-million-year-old footprints discovered by accident in 1968.Beginning with a look at New York City landmarks such as Central Park, the Fulton Fish Market, the Statue of Liberty, and offering a tribute to the World Trade Center, Discoveries...America: New York then moves on to explore “upstate” wonders. New Paltz, for example, presents a rare look at Huguenot culture, while Saratoga Springs maintains its aura of culture and refinement (not to mention being a huge racetrack draw for equine fans ) and offers visitors a chance to soak in its famous mineral springs. Residents of remote areas of America's largest state park—the six-million-plus acre Adirondack State Park—are still served by mail boats, and speaking of waterways, tourists can cruise along the historic Erie Canal from New York City to the Great Lakes. Finally, no trip to the Empire State would be complete without a visit to one of the natural wonders of the world: Niagara Falls. Sure to be welcome additions from a popular travel series, both of these titles are recommended. Aud: P. (J. Carlson)