Top Things to do in Connecticut
Top Hotels in Connecticut
10 Hidden Gems Things to do in Connecticut That You Shouldn't Miss
Connecticut is a study in attraction and contrast. In one small state, you’ll find miles of sandy oceanfront shoreline, acres of forested hiking trails, and world-class museums, art and theater. Here family-friendly adventure parks and aquariums are just minutes from dynamic casino resorts and quaint, historic small towns — offering experiences that range from culinary to cultural, luxurious to laid-back. It’s the perfect place to unwind and recharge, all at the same time.
Restaurants in Connecticut
1. Hill-Stead Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 224 reviews
This museum houses a large collection of French Impressionist paintings.
Reviewed By dustythoughts - Manchester, United States
This museum really needs more attention, as it's a beautiful and hidden gem nestled in the hills and fields of Farmington. The (mostly Impressionist) artwork is beautiful and original, and is gorgeously showcased in an old, well-maintained estate. There's art from, among others, Monet, Whistler, and Degas; if you're able to take a tour, then please do so, as the tour guides are highly knowledgeable and clearly care about both the artwork and about making sure their guests have a good time. The grounds themselves are also beautiful - there's a sunken garden, a walking garden, and plenty of walking trails to soak in the beauty. Come here in the autumn to admire the foliage.
2. Prospector Theater
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 151 reviews
Reviewed By Trip02281427832 - New York City, United States
The Prospector Theater is more than just a movie theater. It's a place dedicated to a mission of providing meaningful employment with adults with disabilities through the act of a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization. It's a place where dreams and opportunities are made, and where people from around the world come together by celebrating movies and first class service, all while helping those in need. With the rise of digital media apps and online access to films, both classic and exciting new ones, the Prospector sticks to the original magic that movie theaters have offered long ago. It allows audiences to escape and watch magic unfold, at the screen and behind-the-scenes. It is the dedication to providing jobs to adults with disabilities, while maintaining an exceptional theater that is just one of the many reasons why it's become the best movie theater today. If you're looking to explore new places, please check out the Prospector and witness the sparkle and magic for yourself.
3. Mystic Dark Room
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 126 reviews
Mystic Dark Room is an intimate show lounge offering unique entertainment experiences, accommodating its guests with all front row seating, allowing all who enter to feel like a VIP. Up a winding staircase, past the iron and brass gates, guests escape into a chic metro-loft atmosphere, ornamented with leather couches, private tables, larger than life concert style sets, lighting and special effects. This year’s line-up includes adult’s only fare with Grab weekend evenings in the fall. In December, Nutcracker Spectacular is the holiday hit that is returning from Foxwood’s Grand Theater to make Mystic its new home, with an extravaganza that’s family oriented and packed with edge of your seat excitement. February shifts gears back to an adult evening line-up with Flash perfect for sharing with a Valentine, and March marks the encore season of The Little Mermaid a Broadway style “dancical” that enchanted children and families last spring. Guests attending Grab or Flash are invited to BYOB, relax and unwind with wine, champagne, ale or brew - or their non-alcoholic beverage of choice. Following all shows, the soirée continues with intriguing interactions between guests and artists - we encourage you to take advantage of the dance floor and light show.
Reviewed By m0llymully - Mystic, United States
I was lucky enough to be able to see this amazing performance twice throughout it’s run, and I enjoyed every second of it. The dancers captivate you right from the get go and I was grinning ear to ear the entire time! The way they interact with the audience makes you feel like you are part of the show and the atmosphere is awesome. The Dark Room is really something else and the dancers are amazing...I cannot recommend it enough!
4. Fifth State Distillery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 20 reviews
Reviewed By therap4paws - Stratford, United States
Came here on a groupon, pleasantly surprised! Cute little husband and wife owned place in Bpt, easy to miss as signage is not great but directly across from Caribe field on Asylum. They make gin to die for, plain whiskey, maple whiskey and vodka with flavors such as cinnamon (holy cinnamon) and ginger (so gingery). Everything is locally sourced and made in small batches. Highly recommend a visit and if you can’t make it here buy Asylum products from your local liquor store, you won’t be disappointed
5. Northwest Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 83 reviews
Reviewed By kzsull01 - Windsor, United States
We have visited Northwest Park and Nature Preserve in Windsor, Connecticut many times over the past 30 years and have always enjoyed it. The park is a diverse habitat with forests, fields, streams and a lot of scenic views, with almost 500 acres and 12 miles of hiking trails. The park is really a beautiful resource and a hidden gem in Windsor, Connecticut. The many trails in the park vary in length, are well-maintained and are nice to hike. However, you definitely need a map to hike the trails. Some of the trails are unnamed and are not well-marked and could only be found by a map. The park offers a nice detailed map/guide of their trail system, which is quite helpful to navigate the trails because some of the Unnamed Trails connect with the named and marked trails. This map has been available near the Nature Center. Some of the main trails even provide a very good view of Rainbow Reservoir on the Farmington River and the associated boating activities happening on the river. A map is also available on a separate section of the Northwestpark.org web site which has directions to the park and a map of the park. The only drawback of the park to us is that although it has a very nice dog park with separate sections for small dogs and for large dogs, as well as signs to keep your dog on a leash, occasionally there are loose dogs on the trails or other parts of the park where they should be on a leash. We have even seen large dogs such as German Sheppards, Great Danes and Bull dogs loose. Letting dogs loose in this park, except for in the dog park, is potentially dangerous and a risk to everyone in the park, including children, families, other dogs on a leash (especially smaller dogs), farm animals and much more. I also get an uncomfortable feeling when I see a dog loose because I don’t know what to expect if I don’t know the dog, and how the dog may react to the numerous kinds of wildlife in the park and vice versa. The remaining sections of this review provide details on the various aspects of the park, including: information on some of the trails, the Nature Center, the gardens, the maple sugar house, the beautiful farm animals, the Tobacco Museum, picnicking, the playground, the dog park, and some history about the Rainbow Reservoir Dam, even about the Dinosaur Footprint located there. Information on Some of the Trails that We Hiked: Note that the below does not include all of the trails or all variations to these trails. 1). The Bog Trail - is a nice trail for a short walk through the forest and a bog that you could view from the trail. There are helpful interpretative markers with write-ups about the bog that make the walk interesting and educational. The markers are also written in Braille. 2). The Pond Trail - is quite scenic and even has an overlook. There are views of both the Beaver Pond and Rainbow Reservoir on this trail. We tried to take the Conservation Trail (Blue Trail) directly to the Rainbow Reservoir on April 10th but couldn’t because it was flooded out. Also, going this way is quite hilly beyond the sign that says “Oil City”. We ended up taking the Pond Trail, which may be a bit hilly to get to and even walking it, but is a nice trail for its scenery once you are on it. This trail is a ways beyond the sign that says “Oil City” on the Conservation Trail. 3). The Hemlock Trail – We got to this trail from the Pond Trail. The Hemlock Trail, was quite hilly and rugged with an area of rocks that was hard to cross. 4). The Rainbow Reservoir Trail - is quite long, over four miles long (from the Nature Center to the top/beginning of the trail, taking the trail, then heading back). There were some rugged wet areas that were hard to get through at the time of our hike in early April. We recommend getting to this trail by another trail, such as the Soft Forest Trail and an Unnamed Trail that connects to it, or other trails that lead to it using the map. However, you could see the dam and the current hydroelectric plant from this trail. 5). The trails that we prefer are a combination of trails. Each combination of trails is slightly over two miles from the Nature Center and back. Note that there are a couple of wet spots on the Wetland Trail (Yellow Trail), going the ways described in #s 5, 6 and 7, but they are not hard to get through): • Starting at the Nature Center, take the Conservation Trail (Blue Trail), which will be the main road at this point, towards the Tobacco Sheds. After the first Tobacco Shed you will no longer be on the Conservation Trail (Blue Trail). Continue straight on the main road alongside Long Field on the right, part of the way based on the map, and North Field on your left. • After the second Tobacco Shed take a left onto an Unnamed Trail alongside North Field on your left, • Follow this trail to the Wetland Trail taking a (slight) right onto the Wetland Trail (Yellow Trail). • Follow the Wetland Trail to the Reservoir. • Once you reach the Reservoir, take a left remaining on the Wetland Trail. There are some nice views of the Reservoir on this part of the trail. • Go past Rugar Field, which will be on your left. • While still on the trail, take a left onto an Unnamed Trail, which leads to the Conservation (Blue Trail) • Once you reach the Conservation Trail (Blue Trail) continue on it straight going by the Marsh. • Then take a left on the Conservation Trail (Blue Trail) heading back to the Nature Center. 6). There are multiple variations of what is described in #5 above. • Starting at the Nature Center, variations include following the Conservation Trail (Blue Trail), which is the main road at this point, to the first Tobacco Shed. • Take a left after the Tobacco Shed, remaining on the Conservation Trail (Blue Trail) alongside North Field... • Follow the Conservation Trail (Blue Trail) to an Unnamed Trail, going past the intersection with the Wetland Trail (Yellow Trail). • Take a right on the Unnamed Trail to go past Rugar Field heading towards the Wetland Trail (Yellow Trail). • Follow the Unnamed Trail, taking a right onto the Wetland Trail where you will see nice views of the Reservoir, • Continue to follow the Wetland Trail. Go right on the Wetland Trail before the Rainbow Reservoir Trail (Red Trail) marker, which will lead back onto the Unnamed Trail that will take you in back of the second Tobacco Shed. You could also stay on the Wetland Trail going right, instead of taking the Unnamed Trail. • In either case, continue back towards the Nature Center. 7). Another variation of #5 or #6 is to do the trails in reserve. • When going in reverse, you could follow the Conservation Trail (Blue Trail) from the Nature Center west towards the Reservoir to the Unnamed Trail, which is before the Wetland Trail that leads to the Marsh. There is a sign that says that the Unnamed Trail leads to the Marsh Overlook • Taking a right on the Unnamed Trail will lead you to the Marsh which has a nice boardwalk that overlooks the Marsh. Taking the Wetland Trail, instead of the Unnamed Trail, will also lead to the Marsh and its overlook. • From the Marsh Overlook Boardwalk, when facing the Wetland Trail, take a left onto the Wetland Trail. • Follow the Wetland Trail heading north to where it intersects with the Conservation Trail (Blue Trail). Take a left onto the Conservation Trail (Blue Trail). • Follow the Conservation Trail (Blue Trail) until you reach an Unnamed Trail. • Take a right on the Unnamed Trail to go past Rugar Field heading towards the Wetland Trail (Yellow Trail). • Follow the Unnamed Trail taking a right onto the Wetland Trail where you will see nice views of the Reservoir, • Continue to follow the Wetland Trail. Go right on the Wetland Trail before the Rainbow Reservoir Trail (Red Trail) marker, which will lead back onto the Unnamed Trail that will take you in back of the second Tobacco Shed. You could also stay on the Wetland Trail going right, instead of taking the Unnamed Trail. • In either case, continue back towards the Nature Center. The Nature Center: When open, the park’s Nature Center has an interesting assortment of wildlife, including snakes, turtles, frogs and fish as well as additional exhibits on the species of animals native to the park, all with good write-ups and is quite educational. Exhibits on the weather associated with the park and the center’s geothermal heating and cooling system are also included as well as a gift shop. The Gardens, Maple Sugar House, and Farm Animals: The multiple types of gardens, including the butterfly and organic demonstration gardens are interesting and so is the maple sugar house, which are all seasonal. The maple sugar house has been open in the April timeframe but I am not sure what other times of year that it is open. The animal barn is quite nice with various types of heritage breed farm animals, including a donkey (named Cisco). goats, sheep, chickens, rabbits, turkeys, pigs, and ducks. However, I have not seen any pigs there recently. Two separate areas in the park include a pasture with the park’s cows, Strawberry and Tara, and another large section with a mule and a hinny, all quite unique. There is also a pond with turtles and multiple types of fish that children really enjoy. The Luddy Tobacco Museum: Located within the park is a Tobacco Museum (Luddy Tobacco Museum and Archives) which is housed in two separate buildings, when open. One of the buildings has exhibits of the early and modern types of equipment and the process used in growing and harvesting the cigar tobacco crop. The other building is an archive exhibiting paintings, photographs, writings and other artifacts related to tobacco. Both buildings provide a good representation of the history associated with the park and of the tobacco growing industry in the Connecticut River Valley. Picnicking, Playground, and Dog Park: The park could be used for picnicking as well as group functions, having multiple picnic areas, including a picnic pavilion, a warming shed and a group of picnic tables under trees. Some of the picnic areas require a permit in order to use them. The park could be enjoyed by children as well as adults, and includes a playground with multiple activities for children. It is a nice place to walk a dog and includes a fenced in Dog Park with benches with two separate sections, one for small dogs and another for large dogs. The only thing is dogs are not allowed in most of the buildings in the park and should be on a leash, in other areas of the park, in particular on the trails. History Associated with the Rainbow Reservoir: The Rainbow Reservoir Dam, which could be viewed from the park (from the Rainbow Reservoir Trail), has an interesting history. It had a hydroelectric plant and dam (built in 1889, which was about a mile away from the current dam and plant) that produced power from water wheels powered by Farmington River operated turbines. The power was transferred to Hartford and powered the first polyphaser motor and was the first long distance transfer of power (11 miles, using copper wires) in the United States. Also, the area was at one time called “Oil City” with the discovery of oil on the rocks near the dam, which also has an interesting history associated with it. The old power plant was once called the Oil City Hydroelectric Plant!! There is also a Dinosaur Footprint near the Rainbow Reservoir Dam off of the Triassic Trail. The park is a hidden gem in Windsor, a great place to get away for a while, relax and enjoy nature as well as the exhibits on display (when the Nature Center and Tobacco Museum are open).. The park has changed throughout the many years that we have been going there, with many improvements. It has a lot to offer with something for everyone and changes with the seasons with several events throughout the year, including a country fair, coffee houses, concerts, and day camps. It’s a great place to visit for the whole family.
6. Gillette Castle State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 744 reviews
This 24-room mansion has undergone extensive renovations.
Reviewed By DreamTravelGuru - Montgomery, United States
If you like an outdoor adventure combined with a trip through the past. This was a great visit. The outdoor park has a number of trails to walk. you could spend as little as an hour or the whole day just walking the trails. The Gillette Castle itself is a wonder to visit. the unique architecture and history if fascinating. I loved all the personalized rooms he had created. We also took a ride on the Essex Train and River Boat. This gave a great view of the castle from the River. a unique view, you cannot get anywhere else.
7. The Submarine Force Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 874 reviews
The home of the world's first nuclear submarine has several other exhibits on the history of submarines.
Reviewed By peterf192 - Groton, United States
I really should have reviewed this site a long time ago. I am a retired submarine sailor. This museum, which includes a chance to tour the USS Nautilus, which was America's first nuclear submarine is a GREAT chance to see and feel a comprehensive example and memorial to the submarines and submarine sailors of rhe U.S. of A.!
8. Route 146 Scenic Drive
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 75 reviews
This 12-mile scenic drive encompasses salt marshes, forest and seascape.
Reviewed By _jad_44la - Los Altos, United States
We stayed in Branford and visited family in Guilford. Most of the time we took the interstate, until one day discovered Route 146. There is a scenic marsh, a nice dairy, trees, and a slower speed limit. Although it didn't take much longer, if any, since it was a little shorter total distance. Enjoy the views!
9. American Clock & Watch Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 107 reviews
Join us for a fascinating trip back in time. Learn about American clock & watch making with particular emphasis on Connecticut, once the clock capital of the country. Over 1500 timekeepers are on display and many chime & strike on the hour. The museum boasts one of the largest displays of American-made timepieces in the world. Designated as one of Connecticut's cultural treasures, the museum has been a destination in Connecticut for over 60 years. The museum is housed in an 1801 home with an authentic American sundial garden. The museum gift shop has a wide variety of clock-related gifts and books. The museum is open seven days a week, 10:00a.m. To 5:00p.m. Museum members admitted FREE, Adults $6, Seniors $5, Children 8-17 $3, Children under 8 admitted FREE. Group tour rates available for 10 or more visitors. Call for details.
Reviewed By NYBike - Wappingers Falls, United States
This is a chock full display of all kinds of time-pieces ... various sized grandfather clocks, old "calendar clocks" (never saw anything like it), as well as smaller clocks. We really enjoyed walking around the exhibits, admiring the craftmanship that went into every clock cabinet - in many cases, true works of art
10. Blessed Michael McGivney Pilgrimage Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 134 reviews
The Blessed Michael McGivney Pilgrimage Center advances the vision of Knights of Columbus founder Blessed Michael J. McGivney (1852-1890). It welcomes all to learn about this holy priest’s life & legacy, imitate his benevolent outreach to the needy & outcast, and invoke his heavenly intercession. The Center also serves as an archive for the Knights of Columbus Supreme Council & maintains a permanent gallery showcasing the organization's history. The Center is located at 1 State Street in New Haven, CT, conveniently off the downtown exit from either I-91 or I-95. It is three blocks from Union Station (Amtrak, Hartford Line, Metro-North Railroad, Shoreline East Railroad and Greyhound). Open daily 10 am to 5 pm. Free admission & parking.
Reviewed By airtransporter - Stamford, United States
While in New Haven on business last year, I stopped by the Knights of Columbus Museum, which is also the K of C international headquarters to see the WW I exhibit celebrating the 100 yr anniversary of WW I prior to the exhibit being taken down. The building itself, which is relatively modern is of an interesting architectural style,houses the K of C headquarters administration, a gift shop and in a separate area Catholic religious artifacts pertaining to the knights history. The WW I exhibit took up close to two thirds of the exhibit space and was very well appointed, with exhibits being accurate, well organized, professionally set up, and historically correct. I spent over two hours exploring both e WW I and K of C exhibit, all on the same floor. Both exhibits could rival what one sees at the Smithsonian Museum in Washington DC or the World War One Museum in Kansas City, except on a smaller scale. The museum is in center city and the parking is in a garage below the museum. My visit was not only a educational but very enjoyable experience.
