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 JUNE 2025

Places to Stay In Connecticut

Connecticut has a way of making you want to linger—and luckily, there’s no shortage of places to stay. Think quiet cabins tucked in the woods, vintage motels with neon signs, waterfront inns, family-run B&Bs, and the kind of campgrounds where mornings start with birdsong and coffee by the fire. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or just need a spot to rest between road trip stops, you’ll find stays that are charming, welcoming, and full of character. Not sure where to start? Our listings round up some of the most memorable—and sometimes unexpected—places to spend the night.


Cabins & Campgrounds

Sleep under the stars, wake up to the trees—these spots bring you closer to the quiet side of Connecticut.

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    Cozy Hills Campground – Bantam, CT

    A classic Connecticut campground with the kind of atmosphere that keeps families coming back. Cabins are nestled in the trees, and the grounds are packed with kid-approved fun—from pedal carts to outdoor movies. It strikes a balance between rustic and lively.

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    Acorn Acres Campground – Bozrah, CT

    A year-round wooded getaway with cozy cabins and quirky seasonal events. Families and couples alike will appreciate the peaceful setting, clean facilities, and friendly staff. A great choice for campers who want the ease of a cabin and the feel of the forest.

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    Charlie Brown Campground – Eastford, CT

    A classic Connecticut campground where nature, tradition, and family fun come together. Whether you’re here for the fishing, the fall foliage, or a themed summer weekend, Charlie Brown Campground makes it easy to unplug—and feel right at home.

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    Hidden Acres Family Campground – Preston, CT

    A warm and quirky campground with riverside cabins and plenty of family-friendly activities. From tubing to tie-dye, the energy is upbeat but never overwhelming. And yes—there really are peacocks.

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    Salt Rock State Campground – Sprague, CT

    A quiet riverside campground perfect for tent or RV campers who want a back-to-nature escape. There are no bells or whistles—just fresh air, flowing water, and starry skies.


Motels & Motor Courts

Retro, roadside, and refreshingly unpolished—perfect for travelers who like a little character with their key drop.

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    Clinton Motel – Clinton, CT

    A straightforward, no-frills roadside motel with clean rooms and friendly service. Clinton Motel is a reliable place to rest your head, just minutes from the shoreline, outlet shopping, and classic New England seafood spots.

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    Atlantic Motor Inn – Wethersfield, CT

    A clean, updated motor court with retro architecture and modern comforts. Atlantic Motor Inn offers easy parking, quiet rooms, and a central location near Hartford. It’s a dependable pick for road-trippers and travelers looking for convenience without the fuss.

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    Stardust Motel – North Stonington, CT

    A clean and comfortable roadside stay near Mystic, Foxwoods, and Rhode Island beaches. With updated rooms, friendly service, and a location that makes day trips easy, the Stardust Motel is a reliable choice for travelers who care more about value than frills. Bonus: there’s a microwave, mini-fridge, and free Wi-Fi in every room.

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    Maple Motel – Newington, CT

    A simple, budget-friendly spot near Hartford with free Wi-Fi and in-room appliances. Maple Motel is ideal for a quick stay, offering convenience and comfort without the crowds or price tag of downtown hotels. Great for road-trippers and extended stays alike.

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    Mayflower Motel – Milford, CT

    A no-nonsense, easy-access motel with friendly service and clean, comfortable rooms. Mayflower Motel in Milford offers everything you need for a restful stay, whether you’re stopping overnight or exploring the coast for a few days.


Bed & Breakfasts

Warm hosts, home-cooked breakfasts, and just the right amount of charm—these B&Bs are worth slowing down for.


Unique Stays

From treehouses to lighthouses, these one-of-a-kind stays turn a night’s sleep into something unforgettable.

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    White Gate Farm – East Lyme, CT

    A historic farmhouse turned sustainable retreat, White Gate Farm offers guests a chance to rest, reconnect, and enjoy life at a slower pace. Between the lake, gardens, cooking classes, and cozy rooms, it’s a one-of-a-kind farm stay rooted in care and community.

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    Saybrook Point Resort & Marina – Old Saybrook, CT

    Waterfront luxury meets classic New England at Saybrook Point Resort & Marina, where elegant accommodations and coastal views set the scene for a relaxing retreat or romantic escape.

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    Tarrywile Park & Mansion – Danbury, CT

    A historic mansion set on 722 acres of public parkland with trails, gardens, and picnic spots—Tarrywile is where Danbury goes to reconnect with nature and celebrate life’s milestones.

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    Winvian Farm – Morris, CT

    A luxury retreat in the Litchfield Hills where no two stays are alike. Winvian Farm pairs imaginative, architect-designed cottages with farm-fresh cuisine, a serene spa, and a warm, welcoming spirit rooted in family tradition—offering guests a one-of-a-kind escape just a few hours from home.


Lodges & Farmstays

Cozy, rustic, and often surrounded by wide-open space—ideal for anyone craving a deeper kind of escape.

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    White Gate Farm – East Lyme, CT

    A historic farmhouse turned sustainable retreat, White Gate Farm offers guests a chance to rest, reconnect, and enjoy life at a slower pace. Between the lake, gardens, cooking classes, and cozy rooms, it’s a one-of-a-kind farm stay rooted in care and community.

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    Winvian Farm – Morris, CT

    A luxury retreat in the Litchfield Hills where no two stays are alike. Winvian Farm pairs imaginative, architect-designed cottages with farm-fresh cuisine, a serene spa, and a warm, welcoming spirit rooted in family tradition—offering guests a one-of-a-kind escape just a few hours from home.


Inns & Historic Stays

Steeped in history and full of personality, these timeless inns are a nod to Connecticut’s storied past.