Christmas Movies Filmed in Connecticut

Every holiday season, networks like Hallmark and Lifetime play romantic, sweet movies that make everyone fall in love with Christmas. This year, quite a few of these movies have recently been filmed here in Connecticut, capturing the magic of our small towns.

Featuring: Amato's Toy and Hobby | City of Hartford | City of New Britain | City of Norwich | Connecticut Convention Center | Griswold Inn | Harkness Memorial State Park | Heirloom Market at Comstock Ferre | Lucky Lou's Bar & Grill | Mansion at Bald Hill | Olde Mistick Village | Silas W. Robbins House | The Inn at Woodstock Hill | Town of Branford | Town of Colchester | Town of Essex | Town of Mystic | Town of North Haven | Town of Old Lyme | Town of Putnam | Town of Stonington | Town of Wethersfield | Town of Woodstock | Webb Deane Stevens Museum

8 Connecticut Towns with Real Holiday Spirit

No one dresses up for the holiday season quite like Connecticut. To find a few of the towns that show particularly scenic levels of festive spirit, we consulted the photo book, A Connecticut Christmas by Caryn B. Davis. We’re sharing some of her photographs that we think perfectly capture the charm of Connecticut and the warmth of the holiday season! 

Featuring: City of Meriden | City of New Haven | Connecticut River Museum | Cornwall Bridge Pottery | Falls Village Inn | Griswold Inn | Homestead Inn - Thomas Henkelmann Restaurant | Hubbard Park & Castle Craig | Libby's Italian Pastry Shop | Little House Brewing Company | Mystic Aquarium | New Haven Green | Olde Mistick Village | Pattaconk 1850 Bar & Grille | The Shops at Yale | The Village Restaurant | Thompson Chocolate | Tollgate Hill Inn | Town of Chester | Town of Essex | Town of Greenwich | Town of Litchfield | Town of Mystic | Town of Newtown | West Cornwall Covered Bridge

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

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

St. Patrick's Day Celebrations!

With so many St. Patrick’s Day celebrations and festivities around the state this March, it’s easy to be green! Join in the fun and take part in Celtic traditions throughout Connecticut. There are parades, Celtic music, food and events, and plenty of good Irish cheer for all!

Featuring: City of Hartford | City of New Haven | City of New London | Connecticut Irish-American Heritage Trail | Garde Arts Center | Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center and Museum | Mohegan Sun | Town of East Lyme | Town of Essex | Town of Greenwich | Town of Mystic | Town of Putnam | Town of Southington

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

Connecticut’s Legendary Lighthouses

Situated along the edge of Long Island Sound, and, further east, the Atlantic Ocean itself, Connecticut’s lighthouses are among the most photographed in New England. From Revolutionary War-era beacons to lights that guided over a century of maritime history, here’s a list of some of Connecticut’s best known lighthouses, along with a few ways to capture the experience yourself! 

Featuring: City of Bridgeport | City of Groton | City of Norwalk | Cross Sound Ferry Lighthouse Cruise | Cross Sound Ferry Lighthouse Cruise | Custom House Maritime Museum | Downeast Lighthouse Cruises | Lighthouse Point Park | New Haven Green | New London Historic Waterfront District | Old Lighthouse Museum | R/V "Spirit of the Sound" | Saybrook Point Resort & Marina | Sheffield Island Lighthouse and Harbor Tour | The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk | Town of Fairfield | Town of Mystic | Town of Old Saybrook | Town of Stonington | Town of Stratford | Winvian Farm

Touring Retro

To some, retro is a hot trend. To others, it's the way things used to be. Whatever the take, visitors to the Mystic Country, Connecticut, region can taste from a bygone era.

Featuring: Aero Diner | Antiques Marketplace | City of New London | Hank's Dairy Bar | Harry's Place | Mansfield Drive-In Theatre & Marketplace | Ocean Beach Park | Sea Swirl of Mystic | Town of Colchester | Town of Mansfield | Town of Mystic | Town of Putnam | Zips Diner

Bike Trails for Every Speed

Shredding through mountain trails or gliding along an open road along the coast or through the countryside, there are so many ways to enjoy biking in Connecticut. We’ve pulled together a few recommendations and resources to help you find the ride that’s right for you.

Featuring: Air Line State Park Trail | Bicycle Tour Company | Bluff Point Coastal Reserve | Collis P. Huntington State Park | Connecticut Bed & Breakfast/Bicycle Trail | Connecticut Shoreline Bike/Boat Tour | Covered Bridge Electric Bike Rental | Farmington Canal Linear Park | Gay City State Park | Mohawk State Forest | Mountain Biking at Powder Ridge Mountain Park & Resort | Pedal Power - Vernon | Pedego SoNo Electric Bikes | Rockland Preserve | Town of Clinton | Town of Derby | Town of East Hampton | Town of Fairfield | Town of Greenwich | Town of Harwinton | Town of Litchfield | Town of Mystic | Town of Old Lyme | Town of Plainfield | Town of Putnam | Town of Ridgefield | Town of Simsbury | Town of Trumbull | Town of West Hartford | Town of Westport

Bridging History

With its long history and many rivers and streams, Connecticut has always found a challenge in getting from one side of the water to the other. First came the ferries, but then came the bridges, and they kept on coming until all the rivers were adequately crossed. Today, Connecticut contains a broad array of bridges, many of them unique for their history or design. Here’s a tour of some of the most interesting.

Featuring: City of Hartford | Town of East Haddam | Town of Mystic | West Cornwall Covered Bridge

Instagrammable Connecticut: Brunch

But first, brunch! It’s no secret that #brunch is one of the trendiest topics on Instagram and to provide some inspiration for your feed, we’ve rounded up some of the most mouthwatering spots in the state. From old-school diners to modern bistros and cafés — feast your eyes on these tasty, picture-perfect brunch spots in Connecticut. With our Instagrammable Connecticut series, we’re inviting Instagrammers to share their pictures! Check back often for new topics. Or if you have some photos to share, tag your photos with #CTvisit!

Featuring: Arethusa al tavolo | City of Hartford | City of Norwalk | City of Stamford | Firebox Restaurant | Stone Row Kitchen + Bar | The Corner Restaurant | Town of Mystic | Town of Wallingford

Places to Grill and Chill - and Pick Up Fresh Meat and Seafood in Connecticut

Summer is the time for outdoor fun, and that means getting together with friends and family at Connecticut's state parks and beaches. Many Connecticut state parks offer grills, available on a first come, first served basis. Here’s a current list of where to find them. A few of the state parks with beaches offer grills too, like: Hammonasset Beach State Park in Madison, Rocky Neck State Park in East Lyme and Burr Pond State Park in Torrington. Passport to the Parks program is for residents with Connecticut license plates on their vehicles can enter all state parks and state forests free of charge. But wherever you decided to have your cookout or picnic, we’ve got a few suggestions on where to pick up fresh meat and seafood on the way!

Featuring: City of Danbury | City of Norwalk | Town of Branford | Town of Branford | Town of East Hampton | Town of East Lyme | Town of Fairfield | Town of Greenwich | Town of Mystic | Town of Westport | Town of Wethersfield

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

Looking for a Delicious Experience? Try Agritourism in Connecticut!

What’s better than knowing where your food comes from? Knowing how it’s made! Connecticut is proud of all the locally-sourced food that can be found in its communities. And now, residents and visitors don’t just get to taste the local eats, but they can see for themselves how it’s grown/made. Enjoy a few of Connecticut’s cool “agritourism” experiences for yourself.

Featuring: Arethusa al tavolo | Creamery Brook Bison | Dinners at the Farm | Flamig Farm | Present Company | The Bistro at Chamard Vineyards | Thorncrest Farm, LLC & Milk House Chocolates | Town of East Lyme | Town of Mystic | Town of Weston | Town of Westport | UConn Dairy Bar | University of Connecticut Animal Barns Self-Guided Tours

Places to Celebrate - Anniversary Ideas in Connecticut

Connecticut is a great place to come to celebrate an anniversary, especially if it’s a special milestone. There’s so much to do, so close, it’s easy to arrange a romantic hotel, dining and activities for a short visit or as part of a longer stay. Check out a few interesting ideas that may require some planning ahead but are sure to be an anniversary celebration to remember.

Featuring: Argia Mystic Cruises | Boardman House Inn | Bruce Museum | Delamar Greenwich Harbor | Dinners at the Farm | Gelston House | Goodspeed Musicals - The Goodspeed | Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center and Museum | Lady Katharine Cruises - Haddam | Madison Beach Hotel | Mayflower Inn & Spa | Mystic Knotwork | R.J. Julia Booksellers | Saybrook Point Resort & Marina | The Antiques Depot | The Whaler's Inn | Town of Greenwich | Town of Mystic | White Flower Farm | White Horse Country Pub | White Memorial Foundation | Winvian Farm

Fear Factor: Haunted Houses in Connecticut

Halloween has become a month-long celebration in Connecticut, especially among older kids who want to scare themselves half to death. To help them do just that, a creepy world of haunted houses, scary hayrides and cemetery tours have popped up to ratchet up the fear factor. Be warned that most of these attractions are not for young children. Get ready to get your scare on with these frightfully good Connecticut haunts!

Featuring: City of Milford | City of New Haven | Connecticut Trolley Museum | Fairview Tree Farm | Flamig Farm | Hempsted Houses | Lyman Orchards | Nathan Hale Homestead | Shore Line Trolley Museum | Staehly Tree Farm & Winery | Town of Mystic | Town of Putnam | Town of Wallingford | Windham Textile and History Museum

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

Immersive Travel in Connecticut

Ever heard the expression, “It’s not the destination, it’s the journey”? Today, travelers are adapting this mentality more and more. They consciously look to visit destinations where they can immerse themselves in local cultures and ways of life. Immersive travel experiences offer a range of possibilities for the traveler—focusing less on fitting specific places and attractions into an itinerary, and more on experiencing the special traits that make a destination unique.

Connecticut has lots of unique characteristics and authentic experiences for visitors to immerse in. From attending staple events to meeting local artisans to working and learning on farms—here are a few ideas to inspire your immersive travel trip to Connecticut!

Featuring: B&B at Bartlett Farm | Bashan Lake Mansion | Bridgeport Islanders | City of Hartford | City of New Haven | City of New London | City of Norwalk | City of Stamford | Cold Spring Farm | Connecticut Historical Society Museum and Library | Connecticut Sun | Fitstyle Walking Tours | Greenwich Historical Society | Griswold Inn | Guilford Art Center | Hartford Athletic | Hartford Wolfpack | Hartford Yard Goats | Heirloom Market at Comstock Ferre | Lavender Pond Farm | Lime Rock Park | Milford Walking Tour | Silas W. Robbins House | The Blake Hotel | The Wine Press | Town of Greenwich | Town of Mystic | Town of New Milford | Town of Southington | Town of Westport | Wall to Wall: The New London Mural Walk | Winvian Farm

Ways to Dine Out While Staying In

During this trying time, many Connecticut restaurants that have shifted their offerings to accommodate safety – and have gone the extra mile to support the community and make in-home eating enjoyable.

Many restaurants in the state are now offering takeout or delivery, but we wanted to highlight a few that are offering particularly notable experiences. As the state’s situation quickly evolves, each restaurant’s offering may evolve just as quickly, so be sure to check with each spot before placing your order.

Featuring: Arethusa al tavolo | Bear's Smokehouse (Hartford) | Brewery Legitimus | Brignole Vineyards | Chamard Vineyards | Charter Oak Brewing Company | City Steam Brewery Cafe | City of Middletown | Connecticut Valley Brewing Company | Elicit Brewing Co. | Geronimo Bar & Grill | Half Full Brewery | Hog River Brewing Company | Kinsmen Brewing Company | Maugle Sierra Vineyards & Winery | Priam Vineyards | Sayulita | Terrain Garden Cafe | The White Hart | These Guys Brewing Company | Town of Essex | Town of Fairfield | Town of Manchester | Town of Middlefield | Town of Mystic | Town of Old Saybrook | Town of Ridgefield | Town of West Hartford | Town of Westport | Two Roads Brewing Company | Urban Lodge Brewing | l'escale

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

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

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

The Perfect New England Fall...is in Connecticut

New England is internationally recognized for having among the most spectacular fall foliage displays in the world — renowned for vibrant reds among the oranges and yellows.  And in Connecticut, you can experience the quintessential New England fall without traveling far. From hiking, biking and ziplining, to craft breweries, pumpkin picking, corn mazes and everything in between, it’s all right here in Connecticut!

We’ve compiled a few of the more popular autumn activities below, so you can find fall faster.

Featuring: Abigail's Grille & Wine Bar | Adventure Park at Storrs | Adventure Park at the Discovery Museum | Angevine Farm | Barcelona Restaurant & Wine Bar | Berkshire Balloons | Bidwell Tavern | Bigelow Hollow State Park | Bishop's Orchards Farm Market & Winery | Black Hall Outfitters - Old Lyme | Black Hall Outfitters - Westbrook | Blue Jay Orchards | Brignole Vineyards | Captain Daniel Packer Inne | City of New Haven | Connecticut Parachutists, Inc. | Connecticut Valley Brewing Company | Connecticut Voyager Balloons | Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center | Ellsworth Hill Orchard & Berry Farm | Engine Room | Essex Steam Train & Riverboat | Flamig Farm | Fresh Salt at Saybrook Point Resort & Marina | G.W. Tavern | Gouveia Vineyards | Grano Arso | Griswold Inn | Hidden Valley Preserve | HighFlyer Zipline at Foxwoods Resort Casino | Hopkins Vineyard | Housatonic River Brewing | Hubbard Park & Castle Craig | Jones Family Farms | Lyman Orchards | Macedonia Brook State Park | Mattabesett Blue Trail | Mine Hill Preserve/Roxbury Land Trust | Mountain Biking at Powder Ridge Mountain Park & Resort | Nathan Hale Homestead | Present Company | Preston Ridge Vineyard | Rose's Berry Farm | Saltwater Farm Vineyard | Seaside Shadows Haunted History Tours | Silverman's Farm | Skydive Danielson | Stony Creek Brewery | Talcott Mountain State Park | The Mark Twain House & Museum | Town of Mystic | Town of Plainville | Town of Stratford | Town of Wallingford | Town of Wallingford | Town of Wethersfield | Tox Brewing Company | Two Roads Brewing Company | Union League Café | Urban Lodge Brewing | Warbird Experience | White Memorial Conservation Center Museum | elm Restaurant

Holiday Tidings & Santa Sightings

Fun-filled Connecticut events brimming with holiday cheer at this special time of year!

Featuring: American Clock & Watch Museum | City of Stamford | City of Torrington | Connecticut River Museum | Connecticut Trolley Museum | Danbury Railway Museum | Fairfield Museum & History Center | Florence Griswold Museum | Foxwoods Resort Casino | Goodspeed Musicals - The Goodspeed | Goodwin Park | Hartford Healthcare Amphitheater | Hartford Stage | Lake Compounce Theme Park | Lighthouse Point Park | Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum (c.1864) | Mohegan Sun | Olde Mistick Village | Palace Theater | Pratt & Whitney Stadium at Rentschler Field | Railroad Museum of New England/Naugatuck Railroad Company | Sherman Playhouse | Shore Line Trolley Museum | Shubert Theatre | Stanley-Whitman House | The Bushnell Center for the Performing Arts | The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk | TheaterWorks | Town of Bethlehem | Town of East Lyme | Town of Greenwich | Town of Mystic | Town of Old Saybrook | Town of Putnam | Town of Windsor | Toyota Oakdale Theatre | Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art | Warner Theatre | Wickham Park

How to Eat Your Way Through Mystic Country

When you think of food in Mystic Country, the first thing that comes to mind is probably seafood. There’s a good reason for that, locals here indeed enjoy some of the finest delicacies fresh from the briny waters of Long Island Sound. But seafood is just the start of all the good things to eat.  No matter if you dine by the water or in the countryside, the local restaurants of Mystic Country are sure to please.

Featuring: Beer'd Brewing Company - The Mill (Stonington) | City of New London | Epicure Brewing | Grass & Bone | Hangry Goose | Jonathan Edwards Winery | Lakeview Restaurant & Bar | Maugle Sierra Vineyards & Winery | Outer Light Brewing Company | Oyster Club | Preston Ridge Vineyard | Red 36 | S&P Oyster Co. | Sharpe Hill Vineyard | Taylor Brooke Winery | The Harp on Church | The Inn at Woodstock Hill | Town of Mystic | Town of Stonington | Town of Waterford | Willimantic Brewing Company

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

Get Shopping in Mystic Country

Mystic Country is rich with locally owned and operated businesses for all of your shopping necessities.

Featuring: Antiques Marketplace | Downtown Storrs | Memories Too Antique Center | Nathan Liverant & Son Antiques, LLC | Olde Mistick Village | Stonington Borough | Town of Mystic | Town of Putnam | Town of Windham | University of Connecticut

Unique (and Safety-Friendly) Businesses Launched During the Pandemic

It’s no secret that the pandemic has turned our lives upside down, including the way we dine, play, and travel – but that hasn’t stopped these businesses from opening new ventures during these difficult times.  We’ve rounded up a few of the new experiences that have popped-up in the last year, all of which have been designed with safety in mind. From new Covid-safe dining models to unique ways to relieve stress, check out these new options invented with a little help from Mother Necessity.

Featuring: Aquila's Nest Vineyards | City of Bridgeport | City of Middletown | City of New Haven | NewSylum Brewing | Parkville Market | Sift Bake Shop | Six Summit Gallery | Smash Avenue | The Essex Public Market & Food Hall | The Lloyd | The Vault Virtual Reality | Town of Fairfield | Town of Greenwich | Town of Mystic | Town of Newtown | Young Buns Donghnuts

Sláinte! Celebrate St. Patrick's Day in Mystic Country

As they say… we are all Irish on St. Patrick’s Day, so if you are looking for an authentic Irish meal and a properly poured Guinness to celebrate with, we are happy to help steer you in the right direction! And if you would rather earn your beer with a light workout, or even celebrate via a drive-through parade, we have got the details on those options too. Get your green (masks) ready and read on for our best ways to celebrate the season.

Featuring: City of New London | Inishmor Pub | The Hare & The Hound | Town of Mystic

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

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

Shop Small in Mystic Country

Local businesses need our support more than ever these days, and we are lucky to have so many great ones in the Mystic Country. From clothing boutiques to cafes, and bookstores to general stores, shopping small has never been so big. As you finish up your holiday shopping this season, be sure to stop in some of these beloved small businesses and pick up a unique gift, a homemade treat, or just a little something for yourself!

Featuring: City of New London | Gumdrops & Lollipops Candy Shoppe | Town of Mystic | Town of North Stonington | Town of Putnam | Town of Stonington

Things to Do for Young People in Connecticut

Connecticut has way more than meets the eye — especially for the younger crowd. Whoever said having beautiful nature and charming towns meant we lacked excitement? In Connecticut, you can find it all. From foodie scenes and boozy brunch to night clubs, skydiving, live music, and photo-worthy hot spots, here’s where to go for fun in your 20s and 30s, all across the state.

Featuring: Aquila's Nest Vineyards | Avalon Nightclub | Avon Theatre Film Center | BAR | Backyard Adventure UTV Tours | Barcade | Barcelona West Hartford | Bartaco - West Hartford | Bear's Smokehouse (Hartford) | Bear's Smokehouse (New Haven) | Bear's Smokehouse (South Windsor) | Bear's Smokehouse (Windsor) | Bicycle Tour Company | Black Hall Outfitters - Old Lyme | Brignole Vineyards | Captain John's Tiki Tours | Chatfield Hollow State Park | Chez Est | City of Hartford | City of Stamford | College Street Music Hall | Covered Bridge Electric Bike Rental | Dockside Brewery & Waterfront Biergarten | Elbow Room | Eli Cannon's Tap Room | Elicit Brewing Company | Elizabeth's Farmhouse | Elm City Party Bike | Fox Farm Brewery | Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana - New Haven | Geronimo Bar & Grill | Gillette Castle State Park | Gouveia Vineyards | Hawk Ridge Winery | HighFlyer Zipline at Foxwoods Resort Casino | Hops on the Hill Brewery | Kent Falls State Park | Litchfield County Axe House | New England Cider Company | Norwalk Art Space | Oyster Club | Painting with a Twist | Parkville Market | Pedal Cruise Connecticut | People's State Forest | Pine & Iron Axe Throwing - New Haven | Real Art Ways | Red 36 | River - A Waterfront Restaurant & Bar | Rooftop 120 | Sally's Apizza | Saltwater Farm Vineyard | Shrine at Foxwoods | Sift Bake Shop | Sign of the Whale | Skydive Danielson | Smash Avenue | SoNo Nightlife | Stony Creek Brewery | Sunset Meadow Vineyards | Swyft | TAO Asian Bistro & Lounge | Taste of New Haven Tours | Taylor Brooke Brewery | Terrain Garden Cafe | The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum | The Beer Garden at Shippan Landing | The Hops Company | The Knowlton | The Place 2 Be | The Russian Lady | The Scorpion Bar | Toad's Place | Town of Burlington | Town of Canaan | Town of Griswold | Town of Mystic | Town of Southington | Town of West Hartford | Two Roads Brewing Company | Viron Rondo Osteria | Vista Lounge | West Hartford Center | Willimantic Brewing Company | Wurst Haus