Historic - Contemporary

This is one of 20 pairs that ran in various types of out-of-home advertising in summer 2018. It ran in Columbus Circle station in NYC, on digital kiosks all over Manhattan, along the rail lines for Metro North and LIRR, on bus shelters in Boston, and on a few roadside billboards near the edges of Connecticut.

Featuring: Mystic Seaport Museum | The Glass House

Out of Home Billboards Fall 2021

Featuring: Adventure Park at Storrs | Backyard Adventure UTV Tours | Bishop's Orchards Farm Market & Winery | Chamard Vineyards | City of Hartford | Essex Steam Train & Riverboat | Lovers Leap State Park | Mystic Aquarium | Mystic Seaport Museum | Parkville Market | Rowanwood Farm | Saltwater Farm Vineyard | Silverman's Farm

Curating Art, History and Fun at Connecticut’s Museums

Connecticut is home to hundreds of museums and historic sites, showcasing everything from classical to contemporary artwork, ancient to modern history, dinosaurs to space exploration —and everything in between.

Featuring: American Clock & Watch Museum | American Museum of Tort Law | Ballard Institute & Museum of Puppetry | Barker Character, Comic & Cartoon Museum | Boothe Memorial Park & Museum | Bruce Museum | Connecticut Air & Space Museum | Connecticut Art Trail | Connecticut Children's Museum | Connecticut Eastern Railroad Museum | Connecticut Freedom Trail | Connecticut Historical Society Museum and Library | Connecticut River Museum | Connecticut Science Center | Connecticut State Museum of Natural History | Connecticut Trolley Museum | Connecticut Women's Heritage Trail | Connecticut's Old State House | Custom House Maritime Museum | Danbury Railway Museum | Eli Whitney Museum | Eric Sloane Museum and Kent Furnace | EverWonder Children's Museum | Florence Griswold Museum | Genius Museum at Nature's Art Village | Henry Whitfield State Museum | Hill-Stead Museum | Historic Ship Nautilus & Submarine Force Museum | Housatonic Museum of Art | Imagine Nation, A Museum Early Learning Center | Institute for American Indian Studies | Kidcity Children's Museum | KidsPlay Children's Museum | Knights of Columbus Museum | Lutz Children's Museum | Lyman Allyn Art Museum | Mashantucket Pequot Museum & Research Center | Mattatuck Museum | Museum of Connecticut History | Mystic Seaport Museum | National Helicopter Museum, Inc. | New Britain Museum of American Art | New England Air Museum | New England Carousel Museum | New England Civil War Museum | New England Motorcycle Museum | New Haven Museum | Niantic Children's Museum | Old New-Gate Prison & Copper Mine | PEZ Visitor Center | Prudence Crandall Museum | Railroad Museum of New England/Naugatuck Railroad Company | Sacred Heart University’s Discovery Science Center & Planetarium | Shore Line Trolley Museum | Slater Memorial Museum | SoNo Switch Tower Museum | Stepping Stones Museum for Children | The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum | The Barnum Museum | The Children's Museum | The Mark Twain House & Museum | Vintage Hi Fi Museum | Vintage Radio & Communications Museum of Connecticut | Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art | William Benton Museum of Art | Windham Textile and History Museum | Yale Center for British Art | Yale Collection of Musical Instruments | Yale University Art Gallery

Take Your Time, Connecticut — Play Tourist in Your Own Backyard!

Research shows that 7.2 million vacation days go unused in Connecticut every year. Now, with a new nationwide study touting the health benefits of taking more of your hard-earned Paid Time Off (PTO) days, we’ve got a few suggestions on how you can “take your time” — while playing tourist right here at home. 

Featuring: American Museum of Tort Law | Antiques on the Farmington | Argia Mystic Cruises | Ballard Institute & Museum of Puppetry | Barker Character, Comic & Cartoon Museum | Beinecke Rare Book & Manuscript Library | Bellamy-Ferriday House & Garden | Book Barn | Boothe Memorial Park & Museum | Breck Marshall at Mystic Seaport | Bruce Museum | Butler-McCook House & Garden | Cathedral Pines Farm | Collinsville Canoe & Kayak | Connecticut River Museum | Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo | Cross Sound Ferry Lighthouse Cruise | Custom House Maritime Museum | Deacon John Graves House (c.1685) | Dinosaur State Park | Florence Griswold Museum | G Spa at Foxwoods | General David Humphreys House (c.1698) | Gillette Castle State Park | Glebe House Museum & Gertrude Jekyll Garden | Greenwich Historical Society | Harriet Beecher Stowe Center | Hempsted Houses | Henry Whitfield State Museum | Hill-Stead Museum | Historic Ship Nautilus & Submarine Force Museum | Hollister House Garden | Kent Falls State Park | Leffingwell House Museum | Lighthouse Point Park | Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum (c.1864) | Lyme Art Association | Mandara Spa at Mohegan Sun | Mayflower Inn & Spa | Mohawk Mountain Ski Area | Mount Southington Ski Area | Mystic Seaport Museum | Mystic Whaler Cruises | Nathan Hale Homestead | New Britain Museum of American Art | New England Science & Sailing | Noah Webster House & West Hartford Historical Society | Ogden House & Gardens | Osborne Homestead Museum | Paddle Mystic-Mystic River Adventure Company | Phelps-Hatheway House | Powder Ridge Mountain Park & Resort | Project Oceanology | Quinebaug River Trail | Roseland Cottage Museum | S&P Oyster Co. | Saybrook Point Resort & Marina | Schooner Brilliant at Mystic Seaport | Sea Mist Thimble Island Cruise, LLC | Ski Sundown | Sleeping Giant State Park | Stamford Museum & Nature Center | Tanger Outlets at Foxwoods | The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum | The Glass House | The Glass House | The Mark Twain House & Museum | The Spa at Norwich Inn | The Spa at Norwich Inn | The Vanilla Bean Café | Town of Essex | Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art | Water's Edge Resort & Spa | Webb Deane Stevens Museum | Westbrook Outlets | White Flower Farm | White Memorial Foundation | Winding Trails Cross Country Ski Center | Winvian Farm | Yale Center for British Art

5 Connecticut Small Towns to Explore with Kids

CTvisit.com is proud to partner with some of Connecticut’s most popular bloggers for ideas, insights and inspirations from the people who are lucky enough to call Connecticut home. This CT Ambassadors article is from our friends at Mommy Poppins Connecticut. 

Cities like New York and Boston can be fun, but just a short drive to Connecticut and you'll find 169 inviting towns that dot the countryside, hills, and coastline. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures, wonderful museums with fun family programing, or just strolling charming town centers, browsing the shops and enjoying great food, you can find it all in these small towns in Connecticut.

Featuring: Abigail's Grille & Wine Bar | Connecticut River Museum | Essex Steam Train & Riverboat | Flamig Farm | Griswold Inn | Kent Falls State Park | Lobster Shack | Mystic Aquarium | Mystic Drawbridge Ice Cream | Mystic Seaport Museum | Sea Mist Thimble Island Cruise, LLC | Stony Creek Brewery | Stratton Brook State Park | Town of Branford | Town of Essex | Town of Kent | Town of Mystic | Town of Simsbury

Captured in Time - Living History in Connecticut

Follow these links to Connecticut's past, where history comes alive.

Featuring: Fort Trumbull State Park | Gillette Castle State Park | Harriet Beecher Stowe Center | Henry Whitfield State Museum | Historic Ship Nautilus & Submarine Force Museum | Keeler Tavern Museum (c.1713) | Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum (c.1864) | Mashantucket Pequot Museum & Research Center | Mystic Seaport Museum | New England Air Museum | Noah Webster House & West Hartford Historical Society | Prudence Crandall Museum | Roseland Cottage Museum | The Glass House | The Mark Twain House & Museum

Instagrammable Connecticut: Boardwalks and Seaports

Wooden boardwalks and charming seaports, two of coastal New England’s treasures that visitors and residents love to enjoy. Lucky for us, Connecticut has ample opportunities to savor both of these gems. With our Instagrammable Connecticut series, we’re inviting Instagrammers to share their pictures.

Featuring: Captain's Cove Seaport | City of Norwalk | City of West Haven | Harkness Memorial State Park | Mystic Seaport Museum | Ocean Beach Park | Walnut Beach

25 Summer Day Trip Ideas in Connecticut

Meet the CT Ambassadors! CTvisit.com is proud to partner with some of Connecticut’s most popular bloggers for ideas, insights and inspirations from the people who are lucky enough to call Connecticut home. This article is from MommyPoppins.com.

Every summer weekend is an opportunity to create a mini family vacation, as easily as jumping in the car. Our friends at Mommy Poppins, a fantastic resource for families in Connecticut and beyond, make it even more compelling with a list of 25 events and attractions for some seriously awesome summer adventures. They’re grouped by area, so you can easily create your own itinerary.

Featuring: Action Wildlife Foundation | City of Milford | City of Norwalk | Clinton Crossing Premium Outlets | Connecticut Science Center | Connecticut Trolley Museum | Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo | Dinosaur State Park | Historic Ship Nautilus & Submarine Force Museum | Jones Family Farms | Lake Compounce Theme Park | Mystic Aquarium | Mystic Pizza | Mystic Seaport Museum | New England Carousel Museum | Ocean Beach Park | Project Oceanology | Quassy Amusement & Waterpark | Railroad Museum of New England/Naugatuck Railroad Company | Southwind Farms | Stamford Museum & Nature Center | The Dinosaur Place at Nature's Art Village | The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk | The Only Game in Town | Town of Goshen

Step Back in Time in These Connecticut Towns and Cities

Connecticut is home to towns and cities rich with history. From the Native Americans to the earliest European settlers, the revolutionary war era to the industrial revolution, so much of our past is so well preserved, it’s worth planning a visit just to travel back in time. Once you’re there, you’ll walk in the footsteps of forefathers and enjoy a modern taste of these vibrant, welcoming destinations. You can find a wealth of historic information on any of these towns and many more from our friends at ConnecticutHistory.org.

Featuring: Ancient Burying Ground of Hartford | Argia Mystic Cruises | B&B at Bartlett Farm | Black Rock Fort and Fort Nathan Hale | Butler-McCook House & Garden | Chester Bulkley House B&B | City of Hartford | City of New Haven | City of Norwich | Connecticut Audubon Society Birdcraft Museum & Sanctuary | Connecticut Freedom Trail | Connecticut's Old State House | Fairfield Museum & History Center | Guilford Walking Tours | Harriet Beecher Stowe Center | Heirloom Market at Comstock Ferre | Henry Whitfield State Museum | Historic Mystic Harbor Tours | Hyland House Museum (1713) | Indian Burial Grounds | Keeler Tavern Museum (c.1713) | Leffingwell House Museum | Marriott Hartford Downtown | Mount Crescent House B&B | Mystic River Historical Society | Mystic Seaport Museum | New Haven Museum | Norwich Heritage & Regional Visitors’ Center | Ogden House & Gardens | S&P Oyster Co. | Spa at Delamar Southport | Steamboat Inn | Taste of New Haven Tours | The Dudley Farm Museum | The Mark Twain House & Museum | The Study at Yale | The West Lane Inn | Thomas Griswold House | Town of Fairfield | Town of Guilford | Town of Mystic | Town of Ridgefield | Town of Wethersfield | Uncas Leap | Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art | Webb Deane Stevens Museum | Weir Farm National Historic Site | Wethersfield Historical Society | Yale University Visitor Center

Arriving by Water — Connecticut’s Port Towns

Over 300 miles of Connecticut’s coastline hug the shore of Long Island Sound and the Atlantic Ocean. So it’s no surprise that many of the region’s early European settlers arrived by sea. Working seaports were among the first industries here as well, and today these coastal towns and cities still maintain their maritime character while welcoming travelers with classic New England charm. As many visitors still like to arrive in Connecticut by private boat or public ferry, we’re suggesting a few port towns that make it easy to visit for a day or even longer.

Featuring: Audubon Guilford Salt Meadow Sanctuary | City of New London | City of Norwalk | Connecticut River Museum | Cross Sound Ferry Lighthouse Cruise | Discover East Lyme | Docking at Mystic Seaport Museum | Downtown Essex | Essex Island Marina | Fort Trumbull Marina | Griswold Inn | Guilford Art Center | Guilford Mooring | Guilford Town Marina | Guilford Walking Tours | Mystic Aquarium | Mystic Pizza | Mystic Point Marina | Mystic River Marina | Mystic Seaport Museum | New London Historic Waterfront District | Niantic Bay Shellfish Market & Farm | Paddle Mystic-Mystic River Adventure Company | Port Niantic | Sheffield Island Lighthouse and Harbor Tour | Shoreline Segway | Skipper's Seafood Restaurant | SoNo Nightlife | Thamesport Marina | The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk | Town of Essex | Town of Guilford | Town of Mystic

Bet on Big Family Fun at Connecticut Casinos

Connecticut’s world-class casino resorts, Foxwoods Resort Casino and Mohegan Sun, are known for grown-up fun. But they also have a not-so-very well-kept secret — unlike many casinos around the world, these casinos really do have something for the whole family, including those under the legal gambling age of 21. As a weekend destination, you can set up camp there and even visit Mystic Aquarium or Mystic Seaport, just a short drive away. But, as for the casinos themselves, you should find lots to keep everyone entertained.

Featuring: Carlo's Bakery Mohegan Sun | Connecticut Sun | Foxwoods Resort Casino | Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana at Mohegan Sun | Fuddruckers | Grand Pequot Tower | Hard Rock Cafe at Foxwoods | High Rollers Luxury Lanes & Lounge | HighFlyer Zipline at Foxwoods Resort Casino | Jasper White's Summer Shack | Johnny Rockets - Mohegan Sun | Junior's | Mashantucket Pequot Museum & Research Center | Mohegan Sun | Mohegan Sun's Sky Tower and Earth Tower | Monza World Class Karting at Foxwoods | Mystic Aquarium | Mystic Seaport Museum | Sugar Factory American Brasserie | Tanger Outlets at Foxwoods | The Fox Tower Hotel

10 Famous Movies Filmed in Connecticut

Connecticut has always been a favorite location for filmmakers, in fact, quite a few Academy Award-nominated productions have filmed here. The variety and diversity of locations available, coupled with a helpful Film Office, makes the state ideal for television, film and digital shoots. It was difficult to narrow down the list, but here are some of the more well-known movies you may recognize—and the Connecticut towns that played a role.

Featuring: City of Bridgeport | City of Norwalk | City of Shelton | City of Stamford | City of Waterbury | Essex Steam Train & Riverboat | Lake Compounce Theme Park | Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum (c.1864) | Mohegan Sun | Mystic Pizza | Mystic Seaport Museum | Town of Beacon Falls | Town of Bethel | Town of Darien | Town of Farmington | Town of Greenwich | Town of New Canaan | Town of Redding | Town of Trumbull | Yale University Visitor Center

6 Connecticut Towns and 30 Ways to Enjoy Them

Six small towns... five reasons to visit each in summer. The math seems simple: that’s 30 reasons to plan a Connecticut getaway. But these suggested things to see, eat and do only hint at what awaits. There’s always something happening in these vibrant communities—something for you to discover. And no calculator can compute the joys of making a small town “your” place.

Featuring: Antiques Marketplace | Argia Mystic Cruises | B&B at Bartlett Farm | Bradley Playhouse | Bruce Museum | Connecticut River Valley Inn | Deary Brothers/Mikes Stand | Delamar Greenwich Harbor | Guilford Art Center | Henry Whitfield State Museum | Macedonia Brook State Park | Mansion at Bald Hill | Max Fish | Meli-Melo | Mystic Aquarium | Mystic Seaport Museum | Red 36 | Rooftop 120 | Rose's Berry Farm | Shoreline Segway | Starbuck Inn | Steamboat Inn | The Place | The Shops at Somerset Square | Town of Glastonbury | Town of Greenwich | Town of Guilford | Town of Kent | Town of Mystic | Town of Putnam | West Cornwall Covered Bridge | l'escale

5 Icons You Must Visit This Fall

Not that Connecticut’s icons are necessarily seasonal, but here’s a five-pack that seems especially well suited to fall drives, foliage and Connecticut traditions.

Featuring: Arethusa Farm | Lyman Orchards | Mystic Seaport Museum | Talcott Mountain State Park | The Glass House

Calling All Kids

There’s just no end to all the things kids can do in Connecticut, either just plain fun or attractions that engage their creativity and imagination. The best combine both.

Featuring: Connecticut Science Center | Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo | Dinosaur State Park | Essex Steam Train & Riverboat | Historic Ship Nautilus & Submarine Force Museum | Lake Compounce Theme Park | Mystic Aquarium | Mystic Seaport Museum | New England Air Museum | Stepping Stones Museum for Children | The Dinosaur Place at Nature's Art Village | The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk

Get a Room with a Foliage View at these Connecticut Inns & B&Bs

One of the best ways to experience fall in New England is to stay in a place that reflects the history, the charm and the natural beauty of the region. And this fall, you won’t find a more inviting collection of cozy B&Bs and charming inns than in Connecticut. Whether you spend a week or a weekend, they’re the perfect spot to rekindle romance, dine by a roaring fireplace, plan fall foliage expeditions and much more! Here are just a few favorites for fall—but book soon, these places fill up fast this time of year!

Featuring: Bernard's + Sarah's Wine Bar | Boardman House Inn | Essex Steam Train & Riverboat | Gillette Castle State Park | Goodspeed Musicals - The Goodspeed | Gwyn Careg Inn | Homestead Inn | Hopkins Inn | Infinity Music Hall & Bistro (Norfolk) | Inn at Harbor Hill Marina | Interlaken Inn, Resort & Conference Center | Manor House Inn | Mountain View Green Retreat | Mystic Aquarium | Mystic Seaport Museum | Old Lyme Inn | Roger Sherman Inn | Scranton Seahorse Inn | Simsbury 1820 House | Stonecroft Country Inn | The Inn at Woodstock Hill | The Wallingford Victorian Inn | The West Lane Inn | Yale University Visitor Center

Connecticut's Quaint Towns & Villages

Main Street America. We invented that. Town greens. Those come standard here. White picket fences and American flags. Got those covered, too. The charm of Connecticut can be found in its small towns and main streets. Explore unique shops and galleries, get immersed in the café culture and soak in the authentic life. There are no wrong turns.

Featuring: Bartlett Arboretum & Gardens | Bellamy-Ferriday House & Garden | Bruce Museum | Connecticut River Museum | Gouveia Vineyards | Hammonasset Beach State Park | Henry Whitfield State Museum | Hill-Stead Museum | Lake Waramaug State Park | Leffingwell House Museum | Lime Rock Park | Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum (c.1864) | Mystic Seaport Museum | Old Lighthouse Museum | R.J. Julia Booksellers | Rocky Hill/Glastonbury Ferry | Sharpe Hill Vineyard | Slater Memorial Museum | Talcott Mountain State Park | The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum | The Glass House | Town of Fairfield | Webb Deane Stevens Museum | West Cornwall Covered Bridge | Westport Country Playhouse | Yale Center for British Art

Mystic Pass Card

Planning a visit to the Mystic area? If you are thinking about visiting Mystic Seaport Museum and the Mystic Aquarium, the Mystic Pass Card offers both great attractions at one low price.

Featuring: Mystic Aquarium | Mystic Seaport Museum

Escape the City

You don't have to travel far...to get far away. Not when you get out of the city, hop in the car and head to Connecticut. Here are just a few of the stops you'll want to consider for both a little zen and a little zip.

Featuring: Brownstone Adventure Sports Park | Club Getaway | Connecticut Wine Country | Hopkins Inn | Mystic Seaport Museum | The Glass House | Weir Farm National Historic Site

May: Mother’s Day, Memorial Day and More

Beyond all the blooming flowers, May is a month full of celebrations. From Mother’s Day to Memorial Day and all of the graduation ceremonies in between, Connecticut is filled with fun ways to mark these special occasions and make memories that last a lifetime. See below for creative ideas that will keep you busy all month long.

Featuring: Abbott's Lobster in the Rough | Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo | Elbow Room | Elizabeth Park Rose Gardens | Empower Adventure Park at Nomads | Fresh Salt at Saybrook Point Resort & Marina | Lime Rock Park | Mystic Seaport Museum | OnTheMarc | RiverQuest | Shell & Bones Oyster Bar & Grill | Webb Deane Stevens Museum | West Street Grill

Follow the Lights to Holiday Cheer!

Holiday cheer is upon us in Connecticut! Get in the holiday spirit by getting out and experiencing some of the brilliant holiday lights festivals and displays around the state. Enjoy a festive, magical, memorable and safe outing sure to delight audiences of all ages.

Featuring: Cava Restaurant | City of Torrington | Connecticut Trolley Museum | Danbury Railway Museum | Dockside Brewery & Waterfront Biergarten | Fairfield Museum & History Center | Goodwin Park | Hartford Healthcare Amphitheater | Hubbard Park & Castle Craig | Lake Compounce Campground | Lighthouse Point Park | Mystic Seaport Museum | Olde Mistick Village | Railroad Museum of New England/Naugatuck Railroad Company | Shore Line Trolley Museum | The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk | Town of East Hartford | Town of East Lyme | Town of Essex | Town of Greenwich | Town of Hebron | Town of Old Saybrook | Town of Windsor | Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art | Wickham Park

Instagrammable Connecticut: Lighthouses

In Connecticut, our lighthouses are one of a kind.  If you’re planning a coastal adventure or just looking for a day trip, these lighthouse enthusiasts will get you inspired! With our Instagrammable Connecticut series, we’re inviting Instagrammers to share their pictures — and their photo tips! Check back often for new topics. Or if you have some photos to share, tag your photos with #CTvisit!

Featuring: City of Bridgeport | City of New London | Lighthouse Point Park | Mystic Seaport Museum

May: Mother’s Day, Memorial Day and More

Beyond all the blooming flowers, May is a month full of celebrations. From Mother’s Day to Memorial Day and all of the graduation ceremonies in between, Connecticut is filled with fun ways to mark these special occasions and make memories that last a lifetime. See below for creative ideas that will keep you busy all month long.  

Featuring: Abbott's Lobster in the Rough | Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo | Elbow Room | Elizabeth Park Rose Gardens | Empower Adventure Park at Nomads | Fresh Salt at Saybrook Point Resort & Marina | La Plage | Lime Rock Park | Mystic Seaport Museum | RiverQuest | Shell & Bones Oyster Bar & Grill | Webb Deane Stevens Museum | West Street Grill

Sea Big Savings with the Mystic Pass Card

Planning a visit to the Mystic area? If you are thinking about visiting Mystic Seaport Museum and the Mystic Aquarium, the Mystic Pass Card offers both great attractions at one low price.
 
If you plan on staying in town overnight, or even long enough to have a meal or go shopping, the discounts you receive with a Mystic Pass Card will save you even more money. If you do all of the above, you'll take advantage of visiting this great area at a great price!

The 2019 Mystic Pass Card is available for purchase April 1, 2019.

Featuring: Mystic Aquarium | Mystic Seaport Museum | Town of Mystic

Summer 2019 Art Exhibitions Not to Be Missed!

Connecticut has always been a draw for artists, collectors and enthusiasts. There are dozens of museums and galleries throughout the state to discover, showing everything from classic to contemporary art, sketches to sculpture. Here are just a few highlights of the Summer 2019 special art exhibits in Connecticut that you really won’t want to miss! 

Featuring: Bruce Museum | Florence Griswold Museum | Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum (c.1864) | Lyman Allyn Art Museum | Lyme Art Association | Mystic Seaport Museum | New Britain Museum of American Art | The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum | The Glass House | Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art | William Benton Museum of Art | Yale Center for British Art

Dog-Friendly Places to Play and "Stay"

Love to travel but hate to leave your dog behind? Connecticut loves dogs. From pet-friendly hotels to vineyards that welcome pups to great places to hike together, we’ve got all kinds of ideas to help you plan the perfect road trip with Rover. 

Featuring: Abbey's Lantern Hill Inn | American Legion State Forest Campground | Avon Old Farms Hotel | EVEN Hotel Norwalk | Green Acres B&B | Harbour Inne & Cottage | Inn at Middletown | Interlaken Inn, Resort & Conference Center | Mystic Seaport Museum | Peppertree Camping | Priam Vineyards | Salem Farms Campground | Saybrook Point Resort & Marina | Scranton Seahorse Inn | Strawberry Park Resort | The Promenade Shops at Evergreen Walk | Town of Coventry

Car-Free Connecticut

Think you need a car to visit Connecticut? Think again. There are quite a few great places to explore (and great deals to be found) when you visit by public transportation, too. We’ve even got a few ideas here that will save you money. Time to leave the traffic (or the city) behind!

Featuring: Amtrak | Bruce Museum | City of New Haven | City of New Haven | City of Norwalk | City of Stamford | Cross Sound Ferry | Foxwoods Resort Casino | Greenwich Historical Society | Local Kitchen & Beer Bar | Mohegan Sun | Mystic Aquarium | Mystic Seaport Museum | New London Historic Waterfront District | Stanton House Inn | Stony Creek Brewery | The Glass House | Town of Clinton | Town of Falls Village (Canaan) | Town of Seymour | Town of Westport | Two Roads Brewing Company

Connecticut's Seafood Festivals 2019

New England is known for mouthwatering fresh seafood, and Connecticut is right in the heart of it. Late summer and early fall bring annual festivals to towns around the state.

Featuring: City of Milford | City of Norwalk | Lighthouse Point Park | Mystic Seaport Museum | Sherwood Island State Park | Town of Chester

Follow the Clues - Scavenger Hunts in Connecticut

You can find special event scavenger hunts year round in Connecticut—some are tied to events and celebrations, others are just a unique way to discover a museum or attraction. They’re also perfect for school groups and a great team-building idea for businesses and organizations. Best of all, it’s a fun way to experience some of Connecticut’s best hidden treasures.

Featuring: Adventure Rooms | Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo | Escape 101 | Escape New Haven | Forbidden Escape | Hill-Stead Museum | Mission Escape Games | Museum of Connecticut History | Mystic Aquarium | Mystic Seaport Museum | Mystified Escape Rooms | Panic Room | Pursue the Clues | Stamford Museum & Nature Center | Team vs Time - Premier Room Escape | White Memorial Conservation Center Museum | Wigwam Escape | Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History

Take a Class While Traveling in Connecticut

These days tourism can be so much more than ticking a few places off your list. In fact, visitors to Connecticut often seek out lessons, classes and workshops to enhance their experience. No grades or tests, but you (or even your kids) may go home with a new skill, insight or even a handmade souvenir! 

Featuring: Black Hall Outfitters - Old Lyme | Branford River Paddlesports, Kayaks and Tours | Captain Morgan's Boat Training & Charters, LLC | City of Milford | Collinsville Canoe & Kayak | Essex Paint & Sip | Fascia's Chocolates | Fired Up | Florence Griswold Museum | Gold Rush Farm LLC | Grace Farms | Greenwood Glass Blowing Studio Gallery & School | Jones Family Farms | Le Rouge Handmade Chocolates by Aarti | Lee's Riding Stable | Lime Rock Park | Mead Farm | Mystic Seaport Museum | New England Science & Sailing | Painting with a Twist | Spring Meadow Farm | The Pottery Factory | The Wine Press | Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park | Town of Bethlehem | Weir Farm National Historic Site

Accessible Connecticut - Welcoming to All Abilities

Connecticut is filled with things to discover, from natural places to explore to cultural treasures to enjoy. And it’s important to our state that as many as possible of our hotels, attractions and experiences are open to as many visitors as possible. That’s why we’re working to reduce barriers and create new experiences designed to welcome visitors with disabilities, their families and friends.

Featuring: American Legion State Forest | Black Rock State Park | Bruce Museum | Connecticut Audubon Society Center at Fairfield | Connecticut Science Center | Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo | Earthplace, The Nature Discovery & Environmental Learning Center | EverWonder Children's Museum | Greenwich Audubon Center | Hammonasset Beach State Park | Hartford Stage | Housatonic Meadows State Park | Kettletown State Park | Lake Compounce Theme Park | Lake Waramaug State Park | Mashantucket Pequot Museum & Research Center | Mystic Aquarium | Mystic Seaport Museum | New England Air Museum | New England Science & Sailing | Rocky Neck State Park | Sacred Heart University’s Discovery Science Center & Planetarium | Ski Sundown | Stamford Museum & Nature Center | Stepping Stones Museum for Children | The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum | The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk | Town of Old Lyme | Town of Ridgefield | Yale Repertory Theatre

38 Things to do in Connecticut this October

Looking for something to do in CT in October? Whether you want something active, relaxing, cultural or nature-oriented, we have you covered. Learn more!

Featuring: Action Wildlife Foundation | Adventure Park at the Discovery Museum | Adventure Park at the Discovery Museum | Antique & Artisan Gallery | Antiques Marketplace | Beardsley's Cider Mill & Orchard | Belltown Hill Orchards | Bishop's Orchards Farm Market & Winery | Burr Pond State Park | City of Hartford | Connecticut Audubon Society Center at Pomfret | Connecticut Science Center | Connecticut Trolley Museum | Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo | Creamery Brook Bison | Dinosaur State Park | Edwin C. Ahlberg Antiques | Ellsworth Hill Orchard & Berry Farm | Empower Adventure Park at Nomads | Escape New Haven | Essex Steam Train & Riverboat | HighFlyer Zipline at Foxwoods Resort Casino | Hopkins Vineyard | Keeler Tavern Museum (c.1713) | Lincoln Financial Sculpture Walk at Riverfront | Lyman Orchards | Mansfield Drive-In Theatre & Marketplace | Mind Factory Escape Games | Mission Escape Games | Mystic Seaport Museum | Mystified Escape Rooms | New England Cider Company | Old Saybrook Antiques Center | PEZ Visitor Center | Pleasant Valley Drive-In | Roaring Brook Nature Center | Rogers Orchards Shuttle Meadow Farm | Roseland Cottage Museum | Rowanwood Farm | Salt Cave of Darien | Sleeping Giant State Park | Southington Drive-In | Spring Hill Vineyards | Stamford Museum & Nature Center | Strawberry Park Resort | Studio 80 + Sculpture Grounds | Tapping Reeve House & Law School | Taste of New Haven Tours | The Connecticut Pizza Trail | The Inn at Woodstock Hill | The Mark Twain House & Museum | The Wallingford Victorian Inn | Town of Cornwall | Town of Litchfield | Town of Wethersfield | Wall to Wall: The New London Mural Walk | Wolf's Den Family Campground | Yankee Cider Barn at Staehly Farms

7 Connecticut Towns for Fall Family Fun

Meet the CT Ambassadors! CTvisit.com is proud to partner with some of Connecticut’s most popular bloggers for ideas, insights and inspirations from the people who are lucky enough to call Connecticut home, like blogger Mommy Poppins.

From apple picking to leaf peeping, fall in Connecticut is made for family fun!  The perfect fall weekend is a mixture of quality time with the family, festivals, farms, and tons of fresh air. Connecticut has enough Fall fun to fill up an entire weekend and then some. From cider in Mystic to the farms of Easton, every corner of the Nutmeg State exudes autumnal charm just begging to be explored. Make sure to check out Mommy Poppins for more fun things to do in Connecticut this fall. 

Featuring: Abigail's Grille & Wine Bar | B.F. Clyde's Cider Mill | Bishop's Orchards Farm Market & Winery | Breck Marshall at Mystic Seaport | Connecticut Shoreline Bike/Boat Tour | Covered Bridge Electric Bike Rental | Ellsworth Hill Orchard & Berry Farm | Flamig Farm | Gold Rush Farm LLC | Gozzi's Turkey Farm | Lee's Riding Stable | Millwright's Restaurant | Mystic Seaport Museum | Seaside Shadows Haunted History Tours | Silverman's Farm | Sport Hill Farm | Talcott Mountain State Park | The Place | Town of Cornwall | Town of Easton | Town of Guilford | Town of Litchfield | Town of Mystic | Town of Redding | Town of Simsbury | TreeTrails Adventures Mystic

Great Ways to Use Your Vacation Days

No time to take time off? If you’re one of the 41% of Americans who didn’t take a single vacation day in 2016, you’re not alone. Half of working Americans don't use all their paid-time off. No doubt, you’re busy. But if your job pays you for days off, why not use them — and use them well? Take a short jaunt to Connecticut for these physically and mentally refreshing ways to make the most of your days off. 

Featuring: Barker Character, Comic & Cartoon Museum | Bruce Museum | Connecticut River Museum | Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo | Downtown Essex | Lyme Art Association | Mystic Seaport Museum | New Britain Museum of American Art | Stamford Museum & Nature Center | Studio 80 + Sculpture Grounds | Tanger Outlets at Foxwoods | The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum | The Glass House | The Mark Twain House & Museum | The Spa at Norwich Inn | The Vanilla Bean Café | Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art | Westbrook Outlets | White Flower Farm | Yale Center for British Art

39 Things to Do in Connecticut This December

Looking for something to do in Connecticut in December? Whether you want something active, relaxing, cultural, or nature-oriented, we have you covered. Learn more!

For even more ideas, check out CTvisit.com, where you can search by type of activity under the DO navigation tab, or browse articles full of ideas under the IDEAS tab.

Featuring: Adventure Rooms | Alice in the Village | Ansonia Nature & Recreation Center | Bantam Lake | Blue Ox Axe Throwing - Bridgeport | Bridgeport Islanders | Bruce Museum | Bushnell Park | Charlie Brown's Christmas Tree Farm | Connecticut Science Center | Connecticut Trolley Museum | Eleanor Buck Wolf Nature Center | Essex Steam Train & Riverboat | Florence Griswold Museum | Goodwin Park | Guilford Art Center | Hartford Stage | Hartford Wolfpack | Hot Rod Cafe | International Skating Center of Connecticut | Jorgensen Center for the Performing Arts | Lake Waramaug State Park | Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum (c.1864) | Long Wharf Theatre | Lou's Christmas Tree Farm | Mohawk Mountain Ski Area | Mohegan Sun | Montana Nights Axe Throwing | Mount Southington Ski Area | Mystic Aquarium | Mystic Seaport Museum | New Britain Museum of American Art | Osborne Homestead Museum | Powder Ridge Mountain Park & Resort | Railroad Museum of New England/Naugatuck Railroad Company | Ridgefield Playhouse | Salt Cave of Darien | Shore Line Trolley Museum | Ski Sundown | Spa at Saybrook Point Resort & Marina | Sundial Gardens & Tea Shop | Tea Roses Tea Room | The Bushnell Center for the Performing Arts | Thrillz High Flying Adventure Park | Town of Bethlehem | Town of Essex | Town of Greenwich | Town of Litchfield | Town of Madison | Town of Middlebury | Town of New Milford | Town of South Windsor | Warner Theatre | White Memorial Conservation Center Museum | Wilton Historical Society | Winding Trails Cross Country Ski Center | Wood Memorial Library & Museum | Yale Center for British Art

Leap Year of the Holiday Weekend

Who doesn’t love a long weekend? It gives us an extra day to rest, play or get away – and in 2020, it seems we have Leap Day to thank for more time to celebrate. This extra day in the year has rearranged our calendar to create three more long weekends and puts holidays like Valentine’s Day and Halloween on Fridays or Saturdays. Cinco de Mayo even falls perfectly on a (taco) Tuesday! For maximum celebration, we’ve put together a list of exciting ways to enjoy your extra holiday weekends in 2020.

Featuring: Agave Grill | Ashley's Ice Cream (Madison) | Avalon Nightclub | Black-Eyed Sally's Southern Kitchen & Bar | Cafe Allegre | Chester Bulkley House B&B | Connecticut Wine Country | Copper Beech Inn | Daniel Rust House | Elizabeth's Café | Essex Steam Train & Riverboat | Foxwoods Resort Casino | Griswold Inn | Heirloom Market at Comstock Ferre | High Rollers Luxury Lanes & Lounge | Historic Downtown Mystic | Homestead Inn | Homestead Inn - Thomas Henkelmann Restaurant | Infinity Music Hall & Bistro (Norfolk) | Inn at Mystic | La Boca Restaurant & Cantina | Lake Compounce Theme Park | Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum (c.1864) | Madison Beach Hotel | Manor House Inn | Mayflower Inn & Spa | Meli-Melo | Milagro | Mystic Aquarium | Mystic Seaport Museum | Old Riverton Inn | Oyster Club | Ridgefield Playhouse | Rincon Taqueria LLC | River - A Waterfront Restaurant & Bar | Saybrook Point Resort & Marina | Sayulita | Seaside Shadows Haunted History Tours | Ski Sundown | Spa at Delamar Greenwich Harbor | Tacos La Rosa | Tanger Outlets at Foxwoods | The Mark Twain House & Museum | The Whaler's Inn | Vista Lounge | West Cornwall Covered Bridge | 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

What's Open Now: Museums, Zoos & Other Attractions

There’s something about strolling through a museum to experience art and history up close that books and screens can’t match. So, after staying home for so long, reconnecting to culture feels so good. From marine life to outdoor grounds to vintage radios, there’s much to see and learn.

Featuring: Keeler Tavern Museum (c.1713) | Lyman Allyn Art Museum | Mark Twain Hostel | Mystic Aquarium | Mystic Seaport Museum | New England Air Museum | Powder Ridge Mountain Park & Resort | The Dinosaur Place at Nature's Art Village | Vintage Radio & Communications Museum of Connecticut

How to Experience the Best of New England—in Connecticut

Did you know that it’s possible to experience all the best that the New England region has to offer right here in Connecticut? Halfway between New York and Boston, Connecticut is a great place to start your visit, offering easy-to-reach unique and memorable attractions and activities, any time of year. Here are a few of our favorite classic New England experiences.

Featuring: Abbott's Lobster in the Rough | Adventure Park at the Discovery Museum | Argia Mystic Cruises | Captain Scott's Lobster Dock | Connecticut Wine Country | Mattabesett Blue Trail | Mystic Aquarium | Mystic Seaport Museum | Sea Mist Thimble Island Cruise, LLC | Sea View Snack Bar | Stowe's Seafood | Town of Goshen | Town of Mystic | Town of New Milford | Town of Westport | West Cornwall Covered Bridge

Fall Art Exhibits and Galleries

Every year, autumn’s changing leaves paint Connecticut’s beautiful scenery with warm colors. Why not celebrate the artistry of fall by visiting standout art exhibitions across the state? From interactive sculpture gardens, to immersive painting galleries, to unique media experiences, Connecticut is filled with spots to safely admire the arts. It’s time to find your fall inspiration!

Featuring: Bruce Museum | City of Groton | City of Norwalk | City of Stamford | Connecticut Art Trail | Florence Griswold Museum | Lincoln Financial Sculpture Walk at Riverfront | Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum (c.1864) | Lyme Art Association | Mystic Seaport Museum | Stamford Museum & Nature Center | The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum | The Glass House | William Benton Museum of Art | Yale Center for British Art

Spooky & Safe: Halloween in 2020

When October rolls around, Connecticut’s your go-to place for all things fun and frightful. While Halloween may look different this year, we can still enjoy the tricks and treats we love, safely! All month long, Connecticut towns are offering safety-friendly experiences for the bravest souls, the little ones, and everyone in between. And in a year unlike any other, you’ll find attractions have gone the extra mile to not only follow safety guidelines, but create entirely new and creative experiences. From drive-through events to spooky outdoor thrills, we’ve gathered a list of ways to celebrate Halloween in 2020.

Featuring: Beardsley's Cider Mill & Orchard | City of New Haven | Eisenhower Park | Ellsworth Hill Orchard & Berry Farm | Fairview Tree Farm | Flamig Farm | Lyman Orchards | Mattatuck Museum | Mystic Seaport Museum | Nathan Hale Homestead | Noah Webster House & West Hartford Historical Society | Norwalk Historical Society | Ray of Light Farm | Rogers Orchards Sunnymount Farm | Seaside Shadows Haunted History Tours | Shore Line Trolley Museum | Sonny's Place | Town of East Hampton | Town of Essex | Town of New Milford | Town of Putnam | Town of Seymour | Town of Wallingford | Town of Wethersfield | Wilton Historical Society

Safe, Merry & Bright: The Holiday Season in 2020

Walkin’ in a winter wonderland may look different this year, but we can still make the holiday season memorable. While the state’s holiday guidance calls for smaller or even virtual gatherings, Connecticut has many new and creative ways to keep your holiday spirits up.

Featuring: Abigail's Grille & Wine Bar | Action Wildlife Foundation | Allen Hill Farm | Angevine Farm | Bear's Smokehouse (Hartford) | Bernard's + Sarah's Wine Bar | Black-Eyed Sally's Southern Kitchen & Bar | Blue Back Square | Broken Arrow Nursery | Cafe on the Green | Castle Hill Farm | Cava Restaurant | Charlie Brown's Christmas Tree Farm | City of Bridgeport | City of Bristol | City of New London | City of Norwalk | City of Torrington | Connecticut Chocolate Trail | Connecticut Trolley Museum | Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo | Copper Beech Inn | Da Capo | Divine Treasures | Dzen Tree Farm | Essex Clipper Dinner Train | Essex Steam Train & Riverboat | Evergreen Acres Tree Farm | Fairview Tree Farm | Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar | Fresh Salt at Saybrook Point Resort & Marina | Goodwin Park | Greiser's Coffee & Market | Griswold Inn | Hickory Ridge Tree Farm | Hubbard Park & Castle Craig | Jones Family Farms | La Trattoria | Madison Beach Hotel | Maple Hollow Christmas Tree Farm | Maple Row Farm | Mayflower Inn & Spa | Mill on the River | Miller Tree Farm | Mohawk Mountain Ski Area | Mount Southington Ski Area | Mozzicato DePasquale Bakery & Pastry Shop | Mystic Seaport Museum | Olde Mistick Village | Powder Ridge Mountain Park & Resort | River - A Waterfront Restaurant & Bar | Shell & Bones Oyster Bar & Grill | Sift Bake Shop | Ski Sundown | Staehly Tree Farm & Winery | Tavern at Graybarns | The Inn at Woodstock Hill | The Shops at Yale | The Whaler's Inn | Town of Avon | Town of Greenwich | Town of Hebron | Town of Sherman | Town of Southington | Town of Washington | Town of West Hartford | Town of Wilton | Town of Windsor | Toyota Oakdale Theatre | West Street Grill | White Memorial Conservation Center Museum | Wickham Park | Winding Trails Cross Country Ski Center | Winterberry Farm | elm Restaurant

Experience the Past in Mystic Country

History in Mystic Country runs deep. This land has been inhabited for hundreds of years by Mohegan, Pequot, and Nipmunk Native American tribes. The Mystic Country shoreline towns were thriving in the Revolutionary War era as whaling ports, and northern Mystic Country was an important postal route between New York City and Boston. In the modern-day, Mystic Country has persevered its historic past, and visitors are greeted with fun activities that blend historic and contemporary experiences.

Featuring: Captain Nathaniel B. Palmer House | City of New London | Custom House Maritime Museum | Fort Griswold Battlefield State Park | Fort Trumbull State Park | Hempsted Houses | Historic Ship Nautilus & Submarine Force Museum | Leffingwell House Museum | Mashantucket Pequot Museum & Research Center | Mystic Seaport Museum | Nathan Hale Homestead | Prudence Crandall Museum | Roseland Cottage Museum | Thames River Heritage Park & Water Taxi

Fun for the Entire Family

Mystic Country is filled with adventures and activities that are sure to please every member of the family. A day or weekend trip to Mystic Country may be temporary but the memories will last a lifetime.

Featuring: Adventure Park at Storrs | Bluff Point Coastal Reserve | Connecticut Audubon Society Center at Pomfret | Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center | HighFlyer Zipline at Foxwoods Resort Casino | Mystic Aquarium | Mystic Seaport Museum | Supercharged Powered by Mohegan Sun - Indoor Karting & Trampoline Park | Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park | TreeTrails Adventures Mystic | Windham Textile and History Museum

Romantic Getaways in Eastern Connecticut

Whether to celebrate an anniversary or wedding to a first date or a replication of your first date, Mystic Country is filled with experiences that will rekindle your love. Make a trip to Mystic Country for your next romantic adventure. From sunset cruises to vineyard tours, there is an endless variety of ways to celebrate your love. Whether to celebrate an anniversary or wedding to a first date or a replication of your first date, Mystic Country is filled with experiences that will rekindle your love.

Featuring: Argia Mystic Cruises | Breakwater | Cassidy Hill Vineyard | Inn at Harbor Hill Marina | Inn at Mystic | Jonathan Edwards Winery | Mansion at Bald Hill | Mystic Seaport Museum | Old Lighthouse Museum | Oyster Club | Priam Vineyards | S&P Oyster Co. | Saltwater Farm Vineyard | Sharpe Hill Vineyard | Spring Hill Inn | Taylor Brooke Winery | The Inn at Woodstock Hill | Town of Mystic

35 Things to Do in Connecticut this April

Looking for something to do in Connecticut in April? Even with all the COVID-19 safety restrictions, there is still so much to see and do — and you can be sure businesses are working hard to keep you safe. Whether you want something active or relaxing, cultural or nature-oriented, historic or trendy, Connecticut's got you covered. Here are some highlights for April.

Featuring: Adventure Park at Storrs | Adventure Park at the Discovery Museum | Aer Blarney Balloons, LLC | Backyard Adventure UTV Tours | Berkshire Balloons | Blazing Fresh Donuts | City Climb Gym | City of Milford | City of New Haven | Delamar Spa West Hartford | Farmington Canal Linear Park | Farmington Valley Arts Center | Flying Connie Fishing Charters | Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana - New Haven | Greater Middletown Military Museum | Half Full Brewery | Halfinger Farms | Inn at Stonington | Institute for American Indian Studies | Madison Beach Hotel | Mandara Spa at Mohegan Sun | Middlebank II | Mystic Seaport Museum | Neil's Donuts | New England Carousel Museum | New England Motorcycle Museum | NewSylum Brewing | Newtown Salt Spa | North Coast Charters | Osprey Sport Fishing | Phantom Brewing Company | Powder Ridge Mountain Park & Resort | Prime Climb Mountain Fun | Project Oceanology | Rock Climb Fairfield | Salt Cave of Darien | Saybrook Point Resort & Marina | Smash Avenue | Soulshine Salt Cavern | Stamford Museum & Nature Center | Stone Age Rock Gym | The Connecticut Pizza Trail | The Essex Public Market & Food Hall | The Spa at Litchfield Hills | The Spa at Norwich Inn | The Vault Virtual Reality | Town of Avon | Town of Chester | Town of Madison | Town of Simsbury | Town of Thomaston | Town of West Hartford | Town of Westbrook | Vintage Hi Fi Museum | Washington Art Association & Gallery | Water's Edge Resort & Spa | Wesleyan Potters

Spring Break Fun in Mystic Country

Spring break season is upon us once again. Thankfully this year is looking a bit better than last, and there are plenty of nearby options for enjoying some spring weather, entertaining the kiddos, and even sneaking in some fun for the grownups too. Let’s hit the road and have some fun this month, shall we?

Featuring: Book Barn | Foxwoods Resort Casino | Gumdrops & Lollipops Candy Shoppe | Monza World Class Karting at Foxwoods | Mystic Seaport Museum | Niantic Children's Museum | The Dinosaur Place at Nature's Art Village | The Last Green Valley

Book Your Connecticut Beach Rental Now!

Now’s the time to secure your rental property so you won’t miss out on a summer vacation at the Connecticut shore! Imagine relaxing days swimming and sunbathing, taking walks along the beach searching for seashells, planning outdoor gatherings by the barbecue and discovering your favorite ice cream spot.  For families, Connecticut offers several shoreline communities that are ideal for fun in the sun and lazy days at the beach.

Featuring: Allis-Bushnell House and Museum (c.1785) | Audubon Guilford Salt Meadow Sanctuary | Bishop's Orchards Farm Market & Winery | Black Hall Outfitters - Old Lyme | Chaffinch Island Park | Chamard Vineyards | Clinton Antique Center | Clinton Crossing Premium Outlets | Florence Griswold Museum | Foxwoods Resort Casino | General William Hart House (c.1767) | Henry Whitfield State Museum | Hey Day Antiques | Indian River Kayak | Jacob's Beach | Lyme Academy of Fine Arts | Meigs Point Nature Center | Mohegan Sun | Mystic Aquarium | Mystic Arbor Cottage | Mystic Seaport Museum | Old Beautiful | Penny Lane Pub Restaurant | R.J. Julia Booksellers | Saybrook Home | Saybrook Point Park | Shoreline Segway | Studio 80 + Sculpture Grounds | The Sculpture Mile | The Village Chocolatier | Town of Clinton | Town of Guilford | Town of Madison | Town of Mystic | Town of Old Lyme | Town of Old Saybrook

Virtual Activities for At-Home Experiences

Connecticut attractions, museums and entertainment venues have temporarily closed in order to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. But that doesn’t mean you can’t visit—virtually.

Here are a few popular attractions across Connecticut that have created special online experiences or projects to entertain, teach and engage you while you stay safe at home.

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

Featuring: Artspace | Avon Theatre Film Center | Ballard Institute & Museum of Puppetry | Bartlett Arboretum & Gardens | Beinecke Rare Book & Manuscript Library | Bradley Playhouse | Bruce Museum | Cafe Aura | City of Bristol | City of Danbury | City of Hartford | City of New Haven | Connecticut Art Trail | Connecticut Historical Society Museum and Library | Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo | Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center | Eli Whitney Museum | Fairfield Museum & History Center | Fairfield Theatre Company | Fairfield University Art Museum | Fitstyle Walking Tours | Florence Griswold Museum | Glastonbury Planetarium | Goodspeed Musicals - The Goodspeed | Harriet Beecher Stowe Center | Hartford Public Library | Hartford Stage | Henry Whitfield State Museum | Imagine Nation, A Museum Early Learning Center | Kehler Liddell Gallery | KidsPlay Children's Museum | Lake Compounce Theme Park | Lyman Allyn Art Museum | Lyme Art Association | Maritime Grille | Mattatuck Museum | Meigs Point Nature Center | Mohegan Sun | Mystic Aquarium | Mystic Seaport Museum | Mystified Escape Rooms | New England Air Museum | New England Carousel Museum | Niantic Children's Museum | Noah Webster House & West Hartford Historical Society | Norfolk Chamber Music Festival | Old New-Gate Prison & Copper Mine | PEZ Visitor Center | Palace Theater | Pequot Library | Playhouse on Park | Quassy Amusement & Waterpark | Roseland Cottage Museum | Seaside Shadows Haunted History Tours | Slater Memorial Museum | Stafford Motor Speedway | Stamford Museum & Nature Center | The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum | The Children's Museum | The Glass House | The Mark Twain House & Museum | TheaterWorks | Town of Ashford | Town of Guilford | Town of Hamden | Town of Orange | Town of Salisbury | Town of Stonington | Town of West Hartford | Town of Westport | Town of Wethersfield | Town of Woodbridge | United States Coast Guard Academy | Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art | Wadsworth Mansion | Westport Country Playhouse | Westport Museum for History & Culture | White Memorial Conservation Center Museum | William Benton Museum of Art | Wilton Historical Society | Windham Textile and History Museum | Woodcock Nature Center | Yale Center for British Art | Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History | Yale University Art Gallery | Yale University Visitor Center

Coastal Eastern Connecticut

Coastal Eastern Connecticut brings you must-visit state icons, stunning waterfront escapes, idyllic cruises and more. Below, discover a few of Eastern Connecticut's coastal towns and ways to make the most of your visit.

Featuring: 33 Golden | Abbott's Lobster in the Rough | Argia Mystic Cruises | Beer'd Brewing Company - The Mill (Stonington) | Berry's Ice Cream & Candy Bar | Black Hall Outfitters - Old Lyme | Bluff Point Coastal Reserve | Breakwater | Captain Scott's Lobster Dock | Captain Seth Sportfishing Fleet | Carolyn Ann | Chester's Barbecue | City of Groton | City of New London | Cooley Gallery | Cross Sound Ferry Lighthouse Cruise | Custom House Maritime Museum | Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center | Downeast Lighthouse Cruises | Eastern Point Beach | Esker Point Beach | Florence Griswold Museum | Fort Trumbull State Park | Good Company II | Greens Harbor Beach | Hallmark Drive-In | Hangry Goose | Hideaway Restaurant | Historic Mystic Harbor Tours | Historic Ship Nautilus & Submarine Force Museum | Inn at Mystic | Inn at Ocean Avenue | Kokomo's Restaurant & Beach Club | Lauren `B' | Lyman Allyn Art Museum | Marlintini | Marsh and Bay Expeditions | Mystic Aquarium | Mystic Boat Adventures LLC | Mystic Drawbridge Ice Cream | Mystic Marriott Hotel | Mystic Museum of Art | Mystic Pizza | Mystic Seaport Museum | Mystic Whaler Cruises | New England Science & Sailing | Ocean Beach Park | Old Lighthouse Museum | Old Lyme Inn | Olde Mistick Village | On the Waterfront | Orchard Street Inn | Osprey Sport Fishing | Outer Light Brewing Company | Paddle Mystic-Mystic River Adventure Company | Project Oceanology | Red 36 | Reelin | Rum Runner | S&P Oyster Co. | Saltwater Farm Vineyard | Schooner Brilliant at Mystic Seaport | Sea Swirl of Mystic | Shennecossett Golf Course | Sift Bake Shop | Sound View Beach | Stonington Borough | Stonington Vineyards | Studio 80 + Sculpture Grounds | Thames River Heritage Park & Water Taxi | The Chocolate Shell | The Fisherman Restaurant at Groton Long Point | The Velvet Mill | The Whaler's Inn | Town of Mystic | Town of Old Lyme | Town of Stonington | Tox Brewing Company | Wall to Wall: The New London Mural Walk | Water Street Cafe | White Sands Beach

Haunted History in Mystic Country

The autumn air isn’t the only thing that’s chilling in the region this season. Take a journey around eastern Connecticut to learn about the people and places that still haunt us today.

Featuring: Bradley Playhouse | Captain Daniel Packer Inne | City of Groton | City of Norwich | Garde Arts Center | Leffingwell House Museum | Monte Cristo Cottage | Mystic Seaport Museum | Nathan Hale Homestead | Seaside Shadows Haunted History Tours | Whitehall Mansion | Windham Textile and History Museum

A Dozen Ways to Get Out on the Water

Historic ships, sunset cruises, charters, sailing or kayaking – Connecticut's Mystic Country offers almost as many boating adventures as it has waterways.

Featuring: Argia Mystic Cruises | Breck Marshall at Mystic Seaport | Cross Sound Ferry Lighthouse Cruise | Custom House Maritime Museum | Historic Mystic Harbor Tours | Historic Ship Nautilus & Submarine Force Museum | Mystic Seaport Museum | Mystic Whaler Cruises | New England Science & Sailing | Paddle Mystic-Mystic River Adventure Company | Project Oceanology | Schooner Brilliant at Mystic Seaport | The Last Green Valley

Connecticut's on TV — in Full Color!

It’s time to experience all the fall colors of Connecticut. If you're looking to check out the great Connecticut attractions you saw featured in our new television campaign, Full Color Connecticut, we've gathered all four commercials here and added a clickable list of each attraction featured within them. Find your favorite shades and experience them in full color this fall

Featuring: Adventure Park at Storrs | Backyard Adventure UTV Tours | Berkshire Balloons | Chamard Vineyards | Delamar Southport | Essex Steam Train & Riverboat | Foxwoods Resort Casino | Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana - New Haven | Goodspeed Musicals - The Goodspeed | Guided Flyfishing Trips-Housatonic River Outfitters | Hidden Valley Preserve | Lee's Riding Stable | Lyman Orchards | Mansfield Hollow State Park | Mohegan Sun | Mystic Aquarium | Mystic Seaport Museum | Saybrook Point Resort & Marina | Silverman's Farm | Talcott Mountain State Park | Taylor Brooke Brewery | The Glass House | The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk | Town of Brooklyn

Halloween Fun for 2021

Halloween is around the corner and this year, Connecticut is filled with tricks, treats, and spooky celebrations. From zombie fashion shows, pumpkin festivals and scarecrow contests to ghost tours, haunted hayrides and beyond, there are plenty of fantastic frights to go around. To make sure you make the most of the season, we’ve broken down all the happenings – from kid-friendly events to truly scary experiences. Happy hauntings!

Featuring: Beardsley's Cider Mill & Orchard | Cedar Hill Cemetery | City of Milford | City of New Haven | City of Norwich | Connecticut River Museum | Connecticut Trolley Museum | Ellsworth Hill Orchard & Berry Farm | Fairview Tree Farm | Hempsted Houses | Lake Compounce Theme Park | Lyman Orchards | Mystic Seaport Museum | Nathan Hale Homestead | Noah Webster House & West Hartford Historical Society | Quassy Amusement & Waterpark | Rogers Orchards Shuttle Meadow Farm | Seaside Shadows Haunted History Tours | Shore Line Trolley Museum | Simsbury Meadows Performing Arts Center | SoNo Collection | The Dinosaur Place at Nature's Art Village | Town of Essex | Town of Glastonbury | Town of Lebanon | Town of Plymouth | Town of Putnam | Town of Wallingford | Town of Wethersfield | Wilton Historical Society | Windham Textile and History Museum | Yankee Cider Barn at Staehly Farms

Fall Family Fun in Mystic Country

October is a packed month here in Mystic Country for events, activities, and good old-fashioned family fun.  From epic corn mazes to festivals, fairs, and Halloween events, here is a rundown of things to enjoy this month!

Featuring: Buttonwood Farm Ice Cream | Ekonk Hill Turkey Farm | Mystic Seaport Museum | The Dinosaur Place at Nature's Art Village | The Last Green Valley

5 Great Ways to Relieve Your Cabin Fever

Dreaming of escaping the cold weather blues? Hide from January chills at a variety of luxury resorts and cozy bed and breakfasts. Make February the month to celebrate your love of food at great local restaurants. And try unforgettable experiences like maple sugaring in March!

Featuring: Antiques Marketplace | Arethusa al tavolo | Connecticut River Museum | Delamar Greenwich Harbor | Escape New Haven | Foxwoods Resort Casino | Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana - New Haven | Haight-Brown Vineyard | Half Full Brewery | Hartford Flavor Company | Kehler Liddell Gallery | Lamothe's Sugar House | Litchfield Distillery | Mill on the River | Miya's Sushi | Mohegan Sun | Mystic Seaport Museum | New England Air Museum | Saybrook Point Resort & Marina | Tarry Lodge - Westport | Taste of New Haven Tours | The Spa at Norwich Inn | White Memorial Conservation Center Museum

Three Generational Travel in Connecticut

After so many of us missed beloved family events and holiday parties with loved ones, we’re ready to make up for lost time. And nothing says quality time like traveling together! From cozy accommodations and delicious dining to active adventures, arts & culture, outdoor fun, and beyond, we’ve gathered ways to get away with grandparents, grandkids, and everyone in between.

Featuring: 1754 House Inn, Restaurant & Tavern | 85 Main | Abigail's Grille & Wine Bar | Adventure Rooms | Ambler Farm | Arethusa Farm | Ashley's Ice Cream (Hamden) | Barker Character, Comic & Cartoon Museum | Bishop's Orchards Farm Market & Winery | Brignole Vineyards | Buell's Orchard | Chester's Barbecue | City of New Haven | Clark Farms at Bushy Hill Orchard | Club Getaway | Comfort Inn & Suites - Dayville | Connecticut Science Center | Connecticut Trolley Museum | Connecticut Voyager Balloons | Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo | Consiglio's Restaurant | Custom House Maritime Museum | Denmo's Dairy & Snack Bar | DoubleTree by Hilton - Bristol | Fascia's Chocolates | Fire at the Ridge | Flamig Farm | Fort Hill Farms | Foxwoods Resort Casino | Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana - New Haven | Gouveia Vineyards | Guided Flyfishing Trips-Housatonic River Outfitters | Hampton Inn Shelton | Hank's Restaurant | Harbor View Landing | Hartford Yard Goats | Homewood Suites by Hilton Wallingford/Meriden | Interlaken Inn, Resort & Conference Center | J. Timothy's Taverne | Jesse Camille's Restaurant | Jones Family Farms | Lenny & Joe's Fish Tale Restaurant (Westbrook) | Louis' Lunch | Lyman Orchards | Madison Beach Hotel | Main Stream Canoes & Kayaks | Market Grille | Market Place Tavern | Max Burger | Max a Mia Ristorante | Mew Haven Cat Cafe | MindBreak Escape Rooms | Modern Apizza | Mohegan Sun | Mystic Aquarium | Mystic Diner | Mystic Drawbridge Ice Cream | Mystic Marriott Hotel | Mystic Pizza | Mystic Seaport Museum | Mystified Escape Rooms | New Britain Bees | New England Air Museum | New England Carousel Museum | New England Science & Sailing | New Haven Village Suites | O'Neill's Pub & Restaurant | Ocean Pizza Restaurant | Olde Mistick Village | Olde Tymes Restaurant | Oyster Club | PEZ Visitor Center | Paradise Hills Vineyard & Winery | Parkville Market | Putnam River Trail | Ray of Light Farm | Rose's Berry Farm | Sally's Apizza | San Marino Restorante Italiano | Saybrook Point Resort & Marina | Shore Line Trolley Museum | Sift Bake Shop | Sign of the Whale | SpringHill Suites by Marriott - Milford | Steamboat Inn | StoneBridge Restaurant | Team vs Time - Premier Room Escape | The Courthouse Bar & Grille | The Essex Public Market & Food Hall | The Inn at Storrs | The Little Pub Restaurant | The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk | The North House | The Place | The Shops at Nature's Art Village | The Vanilla Bean Café | Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park | Town of Granby | Town of Woodbridge | Tyrone Farm | Water's Edge Resort & Spa | Webb Mountain Discovery Zone | Wells Hollow Creamery | Woodstock Orchards LLC

Holiday Happenings in Mystic Country

The holiday season is in full swing here in Mystic Country and we are delighted that many of our favorite annual events and traditions are back this year. Most of these events are free and outdoors, so there is plenty of room for social distancing and safety while still getting merry and jolly. Happy holidays!

Featuring: City of New London | Hygienic Art Galleries & Art Park | Mystic Seaport Museum | New England Science & Sailing | Olde Mistick Village | Stonington Harbor Marina | Town of East Lyme | Town of Stonington

Celebrating Black Culture & Businesses in Connecticut

Connecticut is a state with rich history and remarkable innovation – and so much of it has been influenced by the Black individuals who live or have lived here. From historic monuments to Black-owned restaurants, boutiques, and other businesses, we’ve gathered ways to honor and support the Black history, culture, and businesses that make Connecticut special.

Since there are so many great businesses, we were only able to feature a sample, but encourage you to find even more at ShopBlackCT.com.

Featuring: Amistad Center for Art & Culture | Amistad Memorial | Ancient Burying Ground of Hartford | Black-Eyed Sally's Southern Kitchen & Bar | Capital Ice Cream | City of Bridgeport | City of Bristol | City of Hartford | City of Meriden | City of Middletown | City of Milford | City of New Britain | City of New Haven | City of New London | City of New London | City of Norwich | Connecticut Historical Society Museum and Library | Connecticut Science Center | Connecticut's Old State House | Fire & Spice Vegan Restaurant | Harriet Beecher Stowe Center | Music Theatre of Connecticut | Mystic Seaport Museum | New Britain Museum of American Art | Prudence Crandall Museum | Rhythm Brewing Company | Ruby & Calvin Fletcher African American History Museum | Soldiers' Monument & Memorial Park | Soul de Cuba Café | The Bijou Theatre | The Russell | Tosca | Town of Bloomfield | Town of Cheshire | Town of Coventry | Town of Derby | Town of East Haven | Town of Enfield | Town of Fairfield | Town of Farmington | Town of Greenwich | Town of Hamden | Town of Simsbury | Town of Watertown | Town of West Hartford | Town of Windham | Town of Windsor | Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art

10 Reasons to Make Connecticut Your First Stop in New England

Connecticut is located halfway between Boston and New York City.  That’s what makes it such an easy place to visit. But what really makes Connecticut an amazing destination is how much you can do in this compact state — all year round! From hiking to sailing, cross-country skiing to designer outlet shopping, riding a roller coaster to being a high roller at the casino, there is so much to do in Connecticut, you won’t know what to experience first.

Featuring: B&B at Bartlett Farm | Beinecke Rare Book & Manuscript Library | Blue Back Square | Bradley International Airport | Brownstone Adventure Sports Park | Candlelight Farms Inn | Clinton Crossing Premium Outlets | Connecticut Science Center | Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo | Cross Sound Ferry Lighthouse Cruise | Dinosaur State Park | Downeast Lighthouse Cruises | Essex Steam Train & Riverboat | Foxwoods Resort Casino | Griswold Inn | Hard Rock Cafe at Foxwoods | Homestead Inn | Hopkins Inn | Inn at Stonington | Institute for American Indian Studies | Keeler Tavern Museum (c.1713) | Lake Compounce Theme Park | Lake of Isles Golf Course | Lighthouse Point Park | Mandara Spa at Mohegan Sun | Mashantucket Pequot Museum & Research Center | Mohegan Sun | Mohegan Sun's Sky Tower and Earth Tower | Mystic Aquarium | Mystic Seaport Museum | New London Historic Waterfront District | Old Lighthouse Museum | Omni New Haven Hotel at Yale | Putnam Memorial State Park | R/V "Spirit of the Sound" | Riverwind Inn Bed & Breakfast | Scoot & Paddle | Sheffield Island Lighthouse and Harbor Tour | Silas W. Robbins House | Tanger Outlets at Foxwoods | Tanger Outlets at Foxwoods | The Fitch House B&B | The Promenade Shops at Evergreen Walk | The Shops at Yale | The West Lane Inn | Webb Deane Stevens Museum | Westbrook Outlets | Wolf Den at Mohegan Sun | Yale Center for British Art | Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History | Yale University Art Gallery | Yale University Visitor Center