Their slow-cooked, root beer-braised pork sandwich alongside inventive drinks like the Driveshaft (whiskey, Kahlua, Bailey's, fresh espresso, and milk) are also crowd pleasers. These eight wacky restaurants have charm, vibrancy, fun, and something unique that you are just going to love. You know the ones we're talking about. Pirate decor inside and out creates a vibe of times long forgotten. This despite such historic hurdles as invading British troops (Essex is one of the only towns in America invaded by a foreign power) and Prohibition. William Hooker Gillette is best known for his portrayal of Sherlock Holmes. And the largest are studded with summer cottages constructed in the Victorian Era. Theres more to see and do here, I just got tired of writing. Decades later, it remains a local favorite earning national recognition. And Connecticuts museums, from Hartford to New Haven, Greenwich to Stonington; house many of these native-born treasures. Sharks are suspended from the ceiling and the bar area features a 750 gallon saltwater aquarium. While Mystic, Connecticut, is itself an attraction, one of the lesser-known things to do in the area is certainly one of the most unique points of interest in the entire state. All Rights Reserved. Its where he spent much of his life, and even served as its mayor for a time. And yet trucks and commercial vehicles are banned due to the low height of the historic bridges crossing the parkway. Some of the top Stamford antique shops include: Theres no question that some of the best antique stores in Connecticut are located here. Connecticuts Severed Arm of Saint Edmund, list of activities, attractions, and things to do in Hartford, Mark Twain House, where the celebrated writer wrote many of his most famous works, Wadsworth Atheneum, the first public museum in America, Elizabeth Park Rose Garden, first municipal garden and oldest public rose garden in America, Connecticut offers a culinary tour of historic and futuristic firsts. Lively accordion music, waitstaff in Lederhosen, and bellowed drinking mantras all add to the experience at this unusual place. Nestled off the beaten path in Wilton, Connecticut, sits one of only two national historic sites devoted to the visual arts. The most extraordinary detail? Revenue from the Indian Casinos like Foxwoods Resort Casino has funded some amazing institutions. There are so many great spots to choose from, so we turned to the. Natalie is a writer and travel enthusiast who loves uncovering new places along the East Coast. And we REALLY love our job. Purchase a gift certificate online or by calling toll free, 888-759-8368. The Place is open May 1st - late October. And one of the most quaint and historical experiences is riding along the Connecticut River by train and boat. The unique experience of a fancy multiple course meal outside on a picturesque farm comes at a price. Collinsville has to be one of the most charming villages in Connecticut, defined by the landmark and sprawling former ax factory complex, the Farmington River rail trail, antiques and hometown shops, and dining with a truly local flair. Any time of year can be an appealing time to take this trip, as the 30 miles or so of the river from the mouth up to Middletown is picturesque villages and marshes. But the park continues to improve, with a recent addition being the largest water park in Connecticut. But I appreciated the various things to do here even more during the Covid pandemic, especially the lockdown. Dianes Books is worth perusing whenever youre shopping Greenwich Avenue. Union Oyster House. Don't let the wacky name fool you, there is nothing silly about their food. And its largely a difference between mayonnaise and butter. He slaughtered surrendering forces after capturing New London, then burned the city to the ground. the birds bring a bit of whimsy to this sandwich shop. As in, what are ones you would have a hard time experiencing somewhere else? The award-winning landmark restaurant and pub brewery is located in the heart of northeastern Connecticuts Quiet Corner. Youll likely bump into a celebrity or two while taking part in the time-honored tradition of stomping divots in the field. Website Accessibility Policy | Privacy Policy, https://stantonhouseinn.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/logo.jpg, Historic attractions centered around one of the oldest settlements on the CT shoreline, Small hold farms centered around charming rural towns, Unique things to do in CT during Covid lockdown. Connecticut packs plenty of variety in its approximately 100 miles from Greenwich to Stonington. And this Cold War holdover still has a presence in Groton, Connecticut at the Submarine Force Museum. The giant pirate Minion outside of Stowe's Seafood is just a prelude to what you will find at this seafood shack. , he is considered one of the most influential 20th century architects. You cant enjoy a Connecticut lobster roll in its birthplace, but it was such a hit here that this dish spread up and down the Connecticut coast. In the 1860s, they produced fine fabrics in this intimate brick building. Bring a blanket and a picnic to stake your space and make an evening of it. is just as unique, and with an interesting cultural history. Sign up for our newsletter and be the first to get the latest ideas, deals, and getaways. The museum uses text panels, films, and interactive computer programs to educate on Mashantucket Pequot life through the ages. ". Of the lengthy list of attractions, activities, and things to do in Norwalk, CT, the most unique is likely anything related to Sheffield Island. Prepare to be amazed by Las Vegas' signature dining experiences that just hit different. , the largest Native American museum in the world. Find even more interesting things going on in Connecticut on our list of free things to do in Connecticut. Greenwich, CT 06830 You can also buy books from the library downstairs, but who doesnt love the idea of perusing for a free novel while your food is being prepared? hosts over 200 events a year, hosting authors from around the country. , next door to Greenwich, hosts an entire antiques district for aficionados. Treat yourself and your friends or family to special menus. Johnson completed his home in 1949. Only the bathroom features enclosed and opaque walls. Built in 1875, the single-story, Italianate-style brick building was once theSimsburyRailroad Depot. There is no shortage of spots to grab a great meal in Connecticut. Saus, Downtown Boston and Bow Market, Somerville. The oldest amusement park thats been in continuous operation, Lake Compounce is the home of a charming nostalgia for the summers of your grandparents childhood. And, as befits, a small state, theyre all close enough to our Greenwich, Connecticut, bed and breakfast to be an easy day trip. Make it a fabulous morning at the semi-monthly Pink Eggs & Glam Drag Brunch! Offering an indulgent menu of food and/or drinks, London in the Sky is a unique dining . The menu may even include an insect or two, if youre feeling particularly adventurous. Stanton House Inn Writer Ayn Rand even spent some time here. From checking off, Looking for the best restaurants in Connecticut? The impressive collection is nestled in an ancient cedar forest close to Foxwoods. Whether you want to come face-to-face with a green sea turtle, get hands on with sharks in our touch tank, feed our cownose rays, visit our belugas, seals, and sea lions in their outdoor habitats, roam our marsh trek, learn about ways you can help fight water pollution, or meet . Its hard to blame the city: Benedict Arnold was from nearby Norwich. Located in the heart ofPutnams Antique District, youll find the menu and atmosphere designed with a courthouse and antique theme in mind. Visitors can add extra activities to their trip with the. Youll choose from a flavorful variety of ingredients and can even get creative at the make-your-own sauce bar! This is seasonal dining at its finest, but not for kids. 2 Baths. A jutting coastline, a . A New Haven institution since 1976, the Atticus Bookstore on Chapel Street is a prime spot to rub shoulders with Yale students while grabbing a coffee and searching for an unexpected literary find. Of the lengthy list, heres a map of our top 10 things to do across Connecticut that seem the most uniquely Connecticutian. From the bustling downtown of South Norwalk, ride the ferry from May to September out to Sheffield Island in the Norwalk Harbor. But nothing else compares to those expansive dioramas, in this writers opinion. A clambake is a traditional, New England, method of cooking seafood using seaweed to steam the quahogs, clams, lobsters, mussels, et cetera. Just off of I-95, Olde Mistick Village is modeled after a New England colonial village, complete with such touches as: The brick pathways connect the more than 40 shops sprinkled throughout the area, selling gifts from around the world. Now, pull in for exceptional pub fare with distinctively delicious meats. You'll receive your first newsletter soon! A multi-course meal featuring corn on the cob, potatoes, clams, salad, and dessert are all served under a tented pavilion on the lighthouse lawn. Looking to show your pride year round? Starting in June, you can sit in their beautiful outdoor dining space overlooking the berry and fruit fields. But the state also offers a number of opportunities that take food from the basic breakfast, lunch, and dinner to full-blown experiences you will never forget. You'll receive your first newsletter soon! From enjoying great food at an arcade all the way to indulging in soup in slurp-friendly environments, these unique dining experiences in Las Vegas will be a huge W on your list. Keep FOMO far away by penciling in these must-dos in Connecticut. Hosted at Barberry Hill Farm in Madison and White Gate Farm in East Lyme, the experience is $150 per person. Both locals and tourists flock to La Caverna for its intimate and relaxed dining and memorable food experience. Thank you! Car enthusiasts showing-off their classic cars, which would require a mortgage to maintain for the average person? Book Barn in Niantic, Connecticut, requires some exploring, based on your personal literary interests: Youre guaranteed to get lost in here for hours, and you can even take breaks at the playground on-site. New Haven, CT 06511. The tradition of, parading and burning the traitors effigy. 9. season 6 60 . Shortly before the Parkway ends after crossing the Housatonic River, youll find a small museum in Stratford devoted to the design and construction of this bucolic holdever through Fairfield County. And the quaintness gets kicked up a notch around Christmas time, when the Christmas shop on-site likely makes the vast majority of its sales. Hosted at Barberry Hill Farm in Madison and White Gate Farm in East Lyme, the experience is $150 per person. Connecticut was the home of Americas nuclear submarine production. Some have survived, while others have fallen by the wayside (R.I.P. /*-->*/. Surgeon General Regina Benjamin, MD, MBA, is serving as Zillow's . Open since 1973 on the main drag of Mystic, Connecticut, all pizzas are made with a secret sauce, the recipe of which, just like in the movie, is a mystery to outsiders. This bookstore on the main street of Madison, opened over two decades ago with a mission to be a place where writers meet readers. Everyone who dines leaves with a free book a book lovers dream! One of the most unique and well-known displays of New England cuisine is the clambake. This pizza place is most famous for the movie named after it. Alfresco dining is standard now in Connecticut, at least until the next phase of the state's reopening. (As a visitor, of course.) You can dine directly on the water; Be served outdoors while seated on tree stumps; Solve a mystery while enjoying your entre. How about brunching in a fire station? A Maine lobster roll is lobster meat tossed with mayonnaise in a buttered and toasted hot dog roll, served cold. Connecticuts Classic Hot Lobster Rolls. If youre ready for some mealtime mystery-solving, this interactive dinner spot offers a murder mystery show paired with a tasty four-course meal. (203) 432-8987. Even more unique? This delightful roadside spot feeds both the appetite and the imagination. Of Culture Nigerian Bedford-Stuyvesant Perfect For: Special Occasions Date Night Unique Dining Experience $$$$ 327 Nostrand Avenue, New York View Website Earn 3X Points "Junmai" means it's made with all rice, no adjuncts or fortifying alcohol added, and "Omachi" is the kind of rice, in this case polished down to just 53 percent of its initial mass, removing external fats and minerals, and leaving you with a cleaner, sweeter drink.