[highlight background=”#FFCAD4″ style=”underline”]Things to do in Connecticut: The Ultimate Guide[/highlight]
When you think of the states that have a lot to offer, Connecticut isn’t one of them. It has one city, Hartford, an industrial city with not much else. But that’s all about to change. Thanks to a new law in 2016 and some new attractions popping up around the state, it looks like things are going to get better for Connecticut in no time. What’s there? Read on to know more about the best things to do in this overlooked state.
[highlight background=”#FFCAD4″ style=”underline”]Get Outdoors in New England
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New England is filled with natural beauty, from the mountains of Maine to the sandy beaches of Cape Cod. There are thousands of hiking trails in New England that lead to lakes, rivers, waterfalls, and more. For a more urban experience, New England has miles of beaches and parks perfect for walking, jogging, or cycling. Stop by New England’s largest state park, the Blue Hills Botanical Gardens, for a unique glimpse into the region’s rich biodiversity. Visitors looking to get outside can head to New England’s Appalachian Mountains, which offer hiking trails and Alpine ski resorts in the winter. The miles of coastline in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and Connecticut offer visitors the chance to explore the sea. New England is home to several national parks, including Acadia, Baxter State, and the White Mountain National Forest. These parks offer visitors the chance to explore untouched landscapes and wildlife.
Visit a Beehive
Beehives are fascinating, right? Even better, you can visit one in Connecticut. The Union Colony Beehive in New Haven is a working beehive. Visitors can tour the hive and see the workers inside. The colony is open for visitors on Saturdays from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., and you’ll get to see the bees inside the hive as well as hear about the history of the beehive and the colony. You can also take a self-guided tour of the outside of the hive. You can follow along on Instagram to see what the hive is up to so you can plan your visit accordingly.
Visit a Brewery
Connecticut’s craft beer scene isn’t nearly as developed as other parts of New England, but it’s definitely starting to catch on. The state’s first brewery, CT Brew, opened in 2014, and more breweries have followed. One of the newest breweries is Hartford’s Throne Brewing Company, which opened in 2016. Visit one of the state’s many breweries, like New Haven’s Good Beer Seal, and try a few of their beers. You can also look into attending a beer festival in the state. Whether you’re a hophead in search of the state’s best IPAs or a malt enthusiast in search of the best stouts, you’ll find something to enjoy.
Take a Riverboat Cruise
Canals have been a part of the state’s history for centuries. Today, you can travel on a cruise down one of the state’s many rivers. There are several companies that offer cruises down Connecticut’s major rivers, like the Housatonic in Western Connecticut, the Connecticut River in Great Barrington, and the Mystic River in Mystic. These cruises are great for people of all ages. There are plenty of activities on these cruises, from sailing to kayaking to swimming. If you love taking in nature while you cruise the river, these cruises are a great way to do so. You can also take in the scenery while you cruise. There are plenty of parks and riverside attractions along the way, so you don’t have to just cruise along and look at the water.
Visit an Art Museum
Connecticut is home to some impressive art museums. The Wadsworth Atheneum in Hartford is one of the oldest art museums in the country. The Atheneum has a collection that dates back to the 1800s and includes works from the likes of Monet, van Gogh, and Picasso. Another impressive collection is the Wadsworth Atheneum’s collection of Asian art. The Wadsworth Atheneum is located in Hartford and is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The Museum of Contemporary Art in New Haven is another impressive art museum. The museum is located in downtown New Haven and features both local and national artists. The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Go to a Theater
Hartford is home to two professional theaters that offer classic productions year-round. The Hartford Stage Company is a professional regional theater that offers a wide variety of productions from Shakespeare to modern plays. Hartford Stage Company is located in downtown Hartford and is open Tuesday through Sunday from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. The Experimental Theater Company is a professional community theater that also offers educational programs and a summer camp. The Experimental Theater Company is located in New Haven and is open Tuesday through Sunday from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. You can also see classic plays performed at smaller and less-expensive theaters around the state. Many of these are located in smaller towns, so they give you a chance to visit before or after seeing the classic play.
Eat and Drink at Local Eateries
Connecticut has some great local eateries. One is the New Haven restaurant and bar Clam with a Clam, which is a local chain serving New Haven-style clam cakes, steamed clams, and more. Another restaurant to visit is the Waterbury restaurant and bar The Salty Dog. The Salty Dog is a classic sports bar, with a menu filled with burgers, wings, and more. While you’re in New Haven, stop by the New Haven Museum for a glimpse into the city’s history. You can also walk along the coast in New Haven to see the maritime history. A popular local activity is kayaking and canoeing along the Connecticut coastline. You can rent kayaks at most marinas and explore the coastline, which is home to several lighthouses and rocky beaches. You can also go on a guided kayak tour, like Connecticut Coastline Kayak Company, or rent your own kayak and self-guide.
Final Thoughts
Connecticut is a great place for families. The state has plenty of natural beauty and is filled with museums, historic sites, and restaurants. Plus, what better way to end a road trip than with a visit to the Nutmeg State?
