Bristol's proximity to other cities including Hartford, New Haven, and Waterbury means that professional sports and cultural activities are nearby, such as the Watch and Clock Museum. The New England Carousel Museum reflects the City's being home to the country's oldest continuously operating amusement park, Lake Compounce (founded 1846). Bristol is also the gateway to the Litchfield Hills, one of Connecticut's most beautiful tourist areas.
Bristol is primarily known as the home of ESPN, whose central studios are in the town. Bristol was also known as a clock making town in the 1800s. Bristol's nicknames are the Bell City because of a history manufacturing innovative spring driven doorbells, and the Mum City because it was once a leader in chrysanthemum production and holds an annual "Mum Festival".
