The Travelers’ Field Guide to Connecticut
Discover Connecticut’s Hidden Gems and Unique Attractions
Explore Connecticut’s unique charm with cool, hidden, and unusual experiences. Uncover secret spots, quirky attractions, and offbeat adventures waiting to be discovered.
UPDATED AUGUST 2024
Things to Do In Connecticut
Explore a wide range of activities in Connecticut, where you can immerse yourself in the state’s vibrant arts and culture, shop at local boutiques, enjoy thrilling outdoor adventures, and attend exciting events. From historical landmarks to scenic landscapes, there’s something for every traveler. For more information and inspiration, check out the Connecticut Art Trail for a guide to the state’s museums and galleries, explore hiking trails and parks with the Connecticut Forest & Park Association, and explore local events and attractions on the Connecticut Convention & Visitors Bureau and Connecticut Events Calendar to plan your ideal itinerary.
Arts & Culture
Discover Connecticut’s rich tapestry of arts and culture, from world-class museums and galleries to vibrant theaters and historical sites that celebrate the state’s heritage.
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Yale University Art Gallery – New Haven, CT
The oldest university art museum in the country, Yale’s gallery is free to all and packed with treasures—from ancient artifacts to modern icons. It’s a place to wander, reflect, and discover something new every time you visit. Founded in 1832, it remains a hub for teaching, learning, and inspiration.
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Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art – Hartford, CT
A cornerstone of Connecticut’s art scene, the Wadsworth is the oldest public art museum in the U.S. Inside, you’ll find everything from Hudson River School landscapes to modern masterpieces and Baroque treasures. With rotating exhibitions and pay-what-you-wish happy hours, there’s always a reason to stop in.
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Goodspeed Opera House – East Haddam, CT
Situated along the Connecticut River, this historic opera house in East Haddam is renowned for its high-quality musical theater productions and has been the starting point for several Broadway hits.
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Shubert Theater – New Haven, CT
Known as the “Birthplace of the Nation’s Greatest Hits,” the Shubert Theater in New Haven has been launching Broadway legends since 1914. Today, it continues to host top touring productions, concerts, and community events in a beautifully restored historic space.
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Connecticut Art Trail – CT
The Connecticut Art Trail is your pass to 30 museums, historic homes, and creative spaces across the state. With one $35 passport, you’ll have a full year to explore everything from Impressionist landscapes and sculpture gardens to modern galleries and hidden local gems. It’s a relaxed, art-filled way to experience more of Connecticut—one stop at…
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Mystic Seaport Museum – Mystic, CT
Mystic Seaport Museum spans 19 scenic acres along the Mystic River, bringing America’s maritime story to life through tall ships, a recreated 19th-century village, and working shipyard. With hands-on exhibits, historic vessels, and galleries full of nautical treasures, it’s a one-of-a-kind destination for families, history lovers, and curious wanderers alike.
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Gillette Castle State Park – East Haddam, CT
Gillette Castle State Park blends theatrical flair with natural beauty. Once home to actor William Gillette—famed for his portrayal of Sherlock Holmes—the quirky, medieval-style mansion overlooks the Connecticut River and invites visitors to tour the castle, explore wooded trails, or simply enjoy a riverside picnic.
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Mark Twain House and Museum – Hartford, CT
This is where literary magic happened. Mark Twain wrote some of his most iconic works inside this grand Victorian home in Hartford. Today, the house and museum bring his life and legacy to vivid, unforgettable life—with exhibits, tours, and gardens that offer a deeper look at the man behind the pen.
Shopping
Explore charming boutiques and bustling markets across Connecticut, offering everything from artisanal crafts to luxury goods, perfect for every kind of shopper.
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Lyman Orchards Farm Store at the Apple Barrel – Middlefield, CT
Part farm stand, part bakery, part seasonal playground—Lyman Orchards is a go-to spot for fresh pies, pick-your-own fruit, and classic Connecticut charm.
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The Book Barn – Niantic, CT
Used books, goats, and a haunted barn? The Book Barn in Niantic is a quirky, low-key spot where you can browse thousands of titles, pet a cat, and feed a carrot to a goat—all in one visit.
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Collinsville Antiques Co. – New Hartford, CT
Packed with antiques, collectibles, and just the right amount of quirky charm, Collinsville Antiques Co. offers over 22,000 square feet of one-floor treasure hunting. With everything from vintage records to LEGO figures and a 1950s TV-turned-fish-tank, it’s a fun and unexpected stop for all ages.
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Olde Mistick Village – Mystic, CT
With cobblestone walkways, duck ponds, and over 40 small shops and eateries, Olde Mistick Village is a charming stop just off I-95. Grab a snack, browse local goods, and stretch your legs in this quirky, Colonial-style shopping village.
Events
Experience Connecticut’s vibrant events calendar, featuring cultural festivals, live music concerts, local fairs, and seasonal celebrations that showcase the state’s traditions.
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Connecticut Garlic & Harvest Festival – Bethlehem, CT
Every October, the quiet town of Bethlehem fills with the smell of roasting garlic and the sounds of a good time. The Connecticut Garlic & Harvest Festival is a small-town favorite with big flavor—featuring food vendors, crafts, live music, and garlic in just about every form you can imagine.
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Mystic Outdoor Art Festival – Mystic, CT
Every August, the streets of Mystic fill with art, music, and a laid-back summer vibe. The Mystic Outdoor Art Festival features over 250 artists, hands-on activities for kids, and live performances—all set against the backdrop of this historic coastal town.
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Pumpkintown USA – Connecticut
A quirky fall favorite in East Hampton, Pumpkintown USA is home to a full cast of pumpkin-headed characters, a scenic hayride, and plenty of cider and donuts. Come back during the holidays for The Christmas Ride—when the Pumpkinheads deck the halls and keep the fun going through New Year’s.
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Durham Fair – Durham, CT
A Connecticut tradition since 1916, the Durham Fair brings four days of farm animals, live music, midway rides, and homemade treats to the heart of the state every September. It’s one of New England’s biggest agricultural fairs—with small-town charm to spare.
Outdoor Adventure
Experience a lively calendar of events in Connecticut, including festivals, concerts, and local fairs that bring communities together and celebrate the state’s unique spirit.
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Hammonasset Beach State Park – Connecticut
With nearly two miles of beach, Hammonasset is made for laid-back days. Walk the boardwalk, swim in the Sound, hunt for shells, or just stretch out in the sun. It’s a classic Connecticut beach trip—easy, breezy, and full of salty air.
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Appalachian National Scenic Trail – Connecticut Section
This stretch of the A.T. offers some of the most mellow miles on the trail—ideal for first-time backpackers or easygoing day hikes. Follow the Housatonic River through quiet woods, cross wooden footbridges, and stop in trail towns like Kent for a bite (or a second breakfast).
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Weir Farm National Historical Park – Connecticut
This easy loop takes you through forest, fields, and pastures, with glimpses of historic stone walls and the pink cottage that once served as an artist’s retreat. Peaceful and uncrowded, it’s a quiet walk through history.
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Quinebaug & Shetucket Rivers Valley National Heritage Corridor
Whether you’re strolling a rail trail or wandering past farm fields and forest edges, the corridor offers a glimpse of New England before sprawl. You’ll find quiet, uncrowded paths winding through some of the last undeveloped green spaces between Boston and D.C.—especially peaceful come early morning or late afternoon.