American history resonates throughout Connecticut. In Coastal Connecticut, unique towns are built upon layers of intriguing history. The bygone whaling era echoes in the streets of New London. New Haven is home to Yale University and is graced with its Gothic buildings and intellectual nuances. Here, art connoisseurs can enjoy museums that display paintings from masters such as Van Gogh, Manet and Picasso. Central Connecticut includes the capital city of Hartford, home to famous American writers Mark Twain and Harriet Beecher Stowe and the 37-acre Bushnell Park. Founded in 1636, this metropolitan city is flavored by a rich heritage. The Connecticut River Valley is alluring with its enchanting towns and countryside. Here, the unusual Gillette Castle at Hadlyme stands guard. The forests and lakes of the Litchfield Hills region offer natural beauty and numerous recreational opportunities including the Topsmead State Forest.