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State: CT

  • The Place – Guilford, CT

    The Place – Guilford, CT

    The Place

    Guilford, CT

    the-place-guilford-ct
    Seafood cooked over an open fire, red tables lined with flowers, and tree stumps for seats—The Place keeps it casual, classic, and completely unforgettable. 📷: The Place

    The Place
    • Address: 901 Boston Post Rd, Guilford, CT 06437
    • State: Connecticut
    • Website: theplaceguilford.com

    Overview:
    What started as a roadside clambake run by a salty old sailor named Whitey has become one of Connecticut’s most beloved seafood traditions. Since 1971, The Place has served up roasted clams, lobsters, and sweet corn over an 18-foot-long wood fire pit—still outdoors, still on tree stumps, and still BYOB. The red picnic tables, open-air setup, and crackling fire make every night feel like a beachside cookout, even though you’re just off Route 1 in Guilford.

    Why It’s Worth a Stop:
    There really is no place like The Place. It’s got small-town charm, a big wood fire, and a menu that lets fresh seafood do all the talking. Bring your own sides, your favorite drink, and your people—then dig in for a laid-back meal that’s heavy on flavor and light on pretense.

    What to Know Before You Go:
    • Outdoor seating only—rain may affect hours.
    • Tree stumps replace chairs, so dress comfortably.
    • Menu is à la carte and posted on a giant board—orders are taken tableside.
    • BYOB is encouraged (and legal)—just drink responsibly.
    • You’re welcome to bring tablecloths, sides, and other picnic-style touches.
    • No reservations needed—first come, first served.

    Fun Fact:
    The name “The Place” comes from one of Whitey’s favorite sayings: “There’s no place, quite like this place, anywhere near this place, so this must be The Place.”

  • Flanders Fish Market – East Lyme, CT

    Flanders Fish Market – East Lyme, CT

    Flanders Fish Market

    East Lyme, CT

    flanders-fish-market-east-lyme-ct
    From lobster rolls to fish tacos, this laid-back seafood stop has been serving families for over 40 years—with a market on-site for beach house meals and cooler-friendly snacks. 📷 Flanders Fish Market

    Flanders Fish Market
    • Address: 22 Chesterfield Rd, East Lyme, CT 06333
    • State: Connecticut
    • Website: flandersfish.com

    Overview:
    Part seafood restaurant, part fish market, part neighborhood hangout—Flanders Fish Market has been a family favorite since 1983. Grab a seat inside or out, order a basket of clam strips or a classic lobster roll, and enjoy a relaxed, coastal vibe. If you’re on the move, swing by the market counter for fresh seafood to-go—or opt for the full takeout menu with everything from creamy chowder to shrimp tacos.

    Why It’s Worth a Stop:
    It’s the kind of casual seafood spot that welcomes everyone, from sandy kids to seafood connoisseurs. The outdoor patio, market counter, and variety of menu options make it super easy to tailor your visit.

    What to Know Before You Go:
    • Open daily (closed Mondays in winter)
    • Indoor dining, outdoor seating, and takeout available
    • Fish market sells fresh seafood, chowders, sauces, and more
    • Kids menu available
    • Gluten-free and allergy-conscious options

    Fun Fact:
    They’ve been serving the East Lyme community for over 40 years—and they’re still family-run.

  • Hill-Stead Museum – Farmington, CT

    Hill-Stead Museum – Farmington, CT

    Hill-Stead Museum

    Farmington, CT

    hill-stead-museum-farmington-ct
    Impressionist masterpieces, lived-in charm, and views for days. 📷: Hill-Stead Museum

    Hill-Stead Museum

    • Address: 35 Mountain Rd, Farmington, CT 06032
    • Website: www.hillstead.org

    Overview:
    Hill-Stead isn’t your typical art museum. It’s a perfectly preserved Colonial Revival estate where Impressionist paintings hang exactly where they did over 100 years ago. Add in sweeping views, quiet trails, and flower-filled gardens, and you’ve got one of the most peaceful cultural spots in Connecticut.

    Why It’s Worth a Stop:
    Where else can you see a Monet in a sunroom, or a Degas sketch in a cozy hallway? The rooms are full of original furniture, books, and details from the Pope family’s life, making it feel like someone just stepped out for tea. Outside, the property’s walking trails and seasonal events make it a spot worth returning to.

    What to Know Before You Go:
    • Closed Mondays and Tuesdays.
    • Guided tours give you access to the full house and its history.
    • Trails are open daily, free of charge.
    • No photos allowed inside—but trust us, you’ll remember it.

    Fun Fact:
    The estate was designed by Theodate Pope Riddle, one of the first female architects in the U.S. She lived here, worked here, and made sure the art stayed exactly where it belonged.

  • Weir Farm National Historical Park – CT

    Weir Farm National Historical Park – CT

    Weir Farm National Historical Park

    Wilton, CT

    Weir Farm National Historical Park in Connecticut
    Weir Farm National Historical Park in Connecticut

    Weir Farm National Historical Park

    Overview:
    The only national park in Connecticut, Weir Farm preserves the home, studio, and landscapes that inspired American Impressionist J. Alden Weir and generations of painters who followed.

    Why It’s Worth a Stop:
    Walk through flower gardens, fields, and forested paths that feel like a painting in motion. Tour the artist’s studio, or bring your own sketchpad — they even offer “Take Part in Art” kits to borrow.

    What to Know Before You Go:

    • Free entry; open seasonally for tours.
    • Grounds, trails, and visitor center open year-round.
    • No camping; quiet, reflective visit.
    • Dogs allowed on trails, not in buildings.

    Fun Fact:
    This is one of only two National Parks in the country dedicated to visual artists — and the only one focused on American Impressionism.

  • Quinebaug & Shetucket Rivers Valley National Heritage Corridor

    Quinebaug & Shetucket Rivers Valley National Heritage Corridor

    Quinebaug & Shetucket Rivers Valley National Heritage Corridor

    Danielson, CT

    The Last Green Valley - Connecticut section
    One of the last unspoiled green spaces between Boston and D.C., the Last Green Valley spans 35 towns across Connecticut and Massachusetts. 📷: The Last Green Valley

    Quinebaug & Shetucket Rivers Valley National Heritage Corridor

    (Also known as The Last Green Valley)

    Overview:
    This federally designated National Heritage Corridor protects 35 towns in eastern Connecticut and south-central Massachusetts — one of the last large, undeveloped green spaces between Boston and D.C.

    Why It’s Worth a Stop:
    Explore scenic paddling routes, covered bridges, wildlife refuges, and historic mill towns. The corridor isn’t a park with gates — it’s a living, working landscape preserved for recreation, agriculture, and heritage tourism.

    What to Know Before You Go:

    • Includes public and private lands — check trail maps.
    • Great for biking, kayaking, and agritourism.
    • Visitors can attend guided walks, birding outings, and fall festivals.
    • Dogs welcome on most trails.

    Fun Fact:
    From space, the corridor actually shows up as a “dark zone” — a rare stretch of unlit landscape between the bright metro belts of the Northeast.

  • Appalachian National Scenic Trail – CT

    Appalachian National Scenic Trail – CT

    Appalachian National Scenic Trail

    Sherman, Kent, Sharon, Canaan, and Salisbury, CT

    Appalachian National Scenic Trail - Connecticut
    The rolling hills in northwestern Connecticut, along the Appalachian Trail.

    Appalachian National Scenic Trail (Connecticut Section)

    • Access Points: Multiple locations including Kent, Cornwall, Salisbury
    • State: Connecticut
    • Website: https://www.nps.gov/appa

    Overview:
    Running for about 50 miles through Connecticut’s northwest hills, this section of the A.T. offers wooded ridgelines, peaceful riverside walks, and a gentle introduction to one of the most famous trails in the world.

    Why It’s Worth a Stop:
    The trail follows the Housatonic River for part of its stretch, with mellow terrain and accessible day-hike options. Trail towns like Kent are welcoming stops for snacks, maps, and A.T. stories.

    What to Know Before You Go:

    • Most hikes are moderate and well-marked.
    • Overnight camping allowed at designated shelters.
    • Trail maintained in part by the Connecticut Appalachian Mountain Club.
    • Dogs allowed on leash.

    Fun Fact:
    This section is considered one of the most beginner-friendly parts of the A.T. — and great for first-time backpackers or scenic day hikes.

  • Hammonasset Beach State Park – CT

    Hammonasset Beach State Park – CT

    Hammonasset Beach State Park

    Madison, CT

    Hammonasset Beach State Park - Connecticut
    With nearly two miles of shoreline, Hammonasset is the longest beach in Connecticut’s state park system.

    Hammonasset Beach State Park

    • Address: 1288 Boston Post Road, Madison, CT 06443
    • State: Connecticut
    • Website: https://portal.ct.gov/DEEP/State-Parks/Parks/Hammonasset-Beach-State-Park

    Overview:
    Connecticut’s largest shoreline park, Hammonasset stretches for over two miles along Long Island Sound. It’s a classic summer destination with a wide sandy beach, boardwalk, campground, and nature center.

    Why It’s Worth a Stop:
    This is where Connecticut summers come to life. Swim, sunbathe, bike along the trails, or visit Meigs Point Nature Center to see live animals and learn about coastal habitats.

    What to Know Before You Go:

    • Day-use and camping available (over 550 campsites!).
    • Can get very crowded on summer weekends — arrive early.
    • Pets not allowed on the beach during peak season.
    • Accessible walkways, beach wheelchairs, and picnic pavilions available.

    Fun Fact:
    The name “Hammonasset” comes from a Native American tribe that once lived in the area. It’s believed to mean “where we dig holes in the ground.”

  • Pumpkintown USA – Hampton, CT

    Pumpkintown USA – Hampton, CT

    Pumpkintown USA

    Hampton, CT

    Pumpkintown-USA-ct
    From spooky season to holiday lights—the Pumpkinheads do it all.

    Pumpkintown USA
    • Address: 93 E High St, East Hampton, CT 06424
    • State: Connecticut
    • Website: www.pumpkintown.com

    Overview:
    Part fall attraction, part roadside oddity, Pumpkintown is a handmade village full of pumpkin-headed townsfolk. It’s been a family tradition in East Hampton since the early ’90s—and it’s every bit as weird and wonderful as it sounds.

    Why It’s Worth a Stop:
    Hop on the hayride through the woods and wave at the pumpkin mayor, the postman, the diner cook—even the local jailbirds. It’s silly, photogenic, and full of cider, donuts, and Halloween charm. And if you can’t get enough of the Pumpkinheads, come back for The Christmas Ride, when the forest gets a holiday makeover and the Pumpkin residents stick around for the season.

    What to Know Before You Go:
    • Fall season runs late September through Halloween.
    • The Christmas Ride opens Thanksgiving weekend and runs on select days through New Year’s Eve.
    • Tickets go fast—book in advance, especially for weekends.
    • Most activities are outdoors—check the forecast and bundle up.
    • Costumes welcome (but not required).

    Fun Fact:
    Each Pumpkinhead character has their own job, backstory, and personality. There’s even a full pumpkin fire department—and yes, they decorate for the holidays too.

  • Durham Fair – Durham, CT

    Durham Fair – Durham, CT

    Durham Fair

    Durham, CT

    Durham Fair - Durham, CT
    Since 1916, the Durham Fair has been Connecticut’s go-to for farm fun and fall vibes. 📷: Durham Fair

    Durham Fair
    • Address: 24 Town House Rd, Durham, CT 06422
    • State: Connecticut
    • Website: www.durhamfair.com

    Overview:
    Since 1916, the Durham Fair has been bringing small-town charm and big-time fun to Connecticut every fall. Held the last full weekend of September, it’s the state’s largest agricultural fair—and still proudly run by volunteers.

    Why It’s Worth a Stop:
    This is the kind of fair that has it all: live music on multiple stages, tractor pulls, midway rides, blue-ribbon animals, and more food than you can possibly sample in one visit. There’s also a discovery center, craft halls, and a farm museum if you want to slow down between funnel cakes.

    What to Know Before You Go:
    • Held annually the last full weekend of September.
    • Admission required; buy online or at the gate.
    • Free parking in satellite lots with shuttle service.
    • Wear comfy shoes—it’s a big fairground.
    • Some vendors are cash-only.

    Fun Fact:
    The fair is run entirely by volunteers—more than 1,500 of them pitch in every year to keep the tradition going.

  • Mystic Outdoor Art Festival – Mystic, CT

    Mystic Outdoor Art Festival – Mystic, CT

    Mystic Outdoor Art Festival

    Mystic, CT

    mystic-outdoor-art-festival-mystic-ct
    Art, music, and a mile of summer vibes in downtown Mystic. 📷: Mystic Chamber of Commerce

    Mystic Outdoor Art Festival
    • Address: Downtown Mystic, CT 06355 (Main Street to Mystic Seaport Museum)
    • State: Connecticut
    • Website: https://ctvisit.com/events/67th-mystic-outdoor-art-festival

    Overview:
    For one weekend every August, downtown Mystic fills with tents, artists, and creativity. This open-air festival stretches over a mile from Main Street to Mystic Seaport Museum, with the river nearby and artwork in every direction.

    Why It’s Worth a Stop:
    It’s a mix of laid-back and impressive—perfect for anyone who loves art, being outside, or just wandering with an iced coffee in hand. You’ll see everything from paintings and prints to woodwork and sculpture. There’s live music, stuff for kids to do, and a great excuse to spend the day in Mystic.

    What to Know Before You Go:
    • Usually held the second weekend in August.
    • Free to attend and super family-friendly.
    • Parking can be tricky—look for shuttle info or public lots.
    • Shops, snacks, and shade breaks are easy to find downtown.

    Fun Fact:
    This is the longest-running juried art festival in the Northeast—and it all started more than 65 years ago as a small local event.