Instagrammable Connecticut: Flower Towns

It’s no secret that Connecticut has stunning scenery at all times of the year. When springtime rolls around, a handful of towns throughout the state overflow with vibrant-colored flowers and plants. Although we’re all staying safe at home, we hope these pictures give you a bit of the experience of walking amongst the beautiful blossoms.

Featuring: City of Bridgeport | Elizabeth Park Rose Gardens | Grace Farms | Hubbard Park & Castle Craig | Lavender Pond Farm | Mohegan Park & Memorial Rose Garden | Nipmuck State Forest | Old Drake Hill Flower Bridge | Pachaug State Forest | Town of Fairfield | Town of Griswold | Town of Litchfield | Town of North Branford | Town of Vernon | Wooster Square

Mother's Day: More Important Than Ever

This year as we prepare to celebrate Mom, we recognize that festivities will be different – but that doesn’t mean we can’t make the day special. We’ve put together some suggestions for showing Mom how much she’s loved. From gift ideas, to takeout feasts, to ways to celebrate, you’ll find there are still many fantastic ways to enjoy Mother’s Day in Connecticut.

Featuring: Adventure Park at Storrs | Arethusa Farm | Arethusa al tavolo | Bee & Thistle Inn & Spa | Bigelow Hollow State Park | Brewery Legitimus | Bridgewater Chocolate Factory Retail Store - Brookfield | Brignole Vineyards | Cafe Aura | Chamard Vineyards | Charter Oak Brewing Company | City Steam Brewery Cafe | City of Bridgeport | City of Hartford | City of Milford | City of New Haven | City of Norwalk | City of Norwich | Connecticut Valley Brewing Company | Delamar Spa West Hartford | Divine Treasures | East Rock Park | Elicit Brewing Co. | Fascia's Chocolates | Griswold Inn | Half Full Brewery | HighFlyer Zipline at Foxwoods Resort Casino | Hog River Brewing Company | Horse Guard State Park | Kinsmen Brewing Company | Lyman Orchards | Mansfield Hollow State Park | Maugle Sierra Vineyards & Winery | McLean Game Refuge | Montana Nights Axe Throwing | Munson's Chocolates | Mystic Knotwork | Nipmuck State Forest | On Track Karting | Pine & Iron Axe Throwing - Hartford | Pine & Iron Axe Throwing - New Haven | Priam Vineyards | River - A Waterfront Restaurant & Bar | Spa at Delamar Greenwich Harbor | Spa at Delamar Southport | Spa at Saybrook Point Resort & Marina | Sunnybrook State Park | Supercharged Powered by Mohegan Sun - Indoor Karting & Trampoline Park | The Spa at Norwich Inn | The White Hart | These Guys Brewing Company | Tiffany Juliet House | Town of Bloomfield | Town of Canton | Town of Chester | Town of East Granby | Town of East Hampton | Town of East Windsor | Town of Farmington | Town of Litchfield | Town of Mystic | Town of Newtown | Town of Simsbury | Town of South Windsor | Town of Southington | Town of Stonington | Town of Wallingford | Town of West Hartford | Town of Westport | Town of Willington | Town of Woodbury | Town of Woodstock | Urban Lodge Brewing | Water's Edge Resort & Spa | Willoughby's Coffee & Tea (New Haven) | l'escale

In Solidarity: COVID-19 Front Line Workers

All across Connecticut, various businesses are showing their solidarity to front line workers amid COVID-19. From symbols of respect and signs of gratitude, to donations of vital equipment and resources, businesses are getting creative in order to show their thanks. Here are just a few of the many ways businesses are offering their appreciation.

If you'd like to submit an Instagram post for consideration, please contact the Connecticut Office of Tourism.

Featuring: Black Hall Outfitters - Old Lyme | City of Hartford | City of New Haven | Grace Farms | Hartford Flavor Company | Hilton Hartford Hotel | Litchfield Distillery | Mystic Aquarium | Mystic Seaport Museum | Stamford Marriott Hotel & Spa | The White Hart | Town of Lyme | Town of Windham

Virtual Activities for Families

As the weeks of keeping our families safe at home continue, parents are looking for virtual activities to engage, teach, and add some structure to their kids’ day. 

Many popular Connecticut attractions are now offering a wide array of virtual experiences from live animal webcams, to arts and crafts classes, science demonstrations, yoga classes for kids and nightly bedtime story readings. Enjoy these as a family, or grab a little time away without feeling guilty about your kids’ screen time.

Due to the rapidly evolving situation, we encourage you to check back frequently for updates to this list and to verify offering details with individual properties.

Featuring: Ballard Institute & Museum of Puppetry | City of Bridgeport | City of Danbury | City of Meriden | City of New Haven | Connecticut Science Center | Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo | Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center | Fairfield Museum & History Center | Gunn Memorial Library & Historical Museum | Imagine Nation, A Museum Early Learning Center | KidsPlay Children's Museum | Lake Compounce Theme Park | Mattatuck Museum | Meigs Point Nature Center | Mystic Aquarium | Mystified Escape Rooms | Quassy Amusement & Waterpark | Shubert Theatre | Stepping Stones Museum for Children | The Children's Museum | The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk | Town of Ashford | Town of Berlin | Town of Bethel | Town of Cheshire | Town of Cheshire | Town of Essex | Town of Guilford | Town of Hamden | Town of Madison | Town of Mystic | Town of Portland | Town of Salisbury | Town of Stonington | Town of Wallingford | Town of Wallingford | Town of West Hartford | Town of Westport | Westport Country Playhouse

Instagrammable Connecticut: Virtual Escapes

Our minds can all use a little “escape” during this difficult time. One way to help break up our thoughts is to reflect on the beauty around us and within our state.

We’ve collected a variety of photos from Connecticut residents and visitors showcasing beautiful destinations across the state. We hope that reading through this list will provide you with a brief moment of “escape”.

We’d love to see your beauty shots of Connecticut. Please share your stories and photos on CTvisit’s social media channels using #CTvisit.

Featuring: City of Bridgeport | Gillette Castle State Park | Hammonasset Beach State Park | Historic Downtown Mystic | Hubbard Park & Castle Craig | Lovers Leap State Park | Lyman Orchards | Southford Falls State Park | Talcott Mountain State Park | Town of Barkhamsted | Town of Portland | Walnut Beach | White Memorial Family Campground | Wooster Square | Yale University Visitor Center