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

Christmas, Connecticut-Style

Starting with the day after Thanksgiving and going straight through to New Year’s, the Christmas season in Connecticut is packed with holiday activities, celebrations and every kind of tradition. We’ve pulled together a few of the events and happenings for 2020 here. But new items are being added to our This Weekend and Events pages every single week so be sure to check back often! Please make sure you check ahead, due to events are subject to change.

Featuring: Allen Hill Farm | Charlie Brown's Christmas Tree Farm | Connecticut Trolley Museum | Florence Griswold Museum | Goodwin Park | Hubbard Park & Castle Craig | Jones Family Farms | Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum (c.1864) | Olde Mistick Village | Shore Line Trolley Museum | The Shops at Yale | Towill's Christmas Tree Farm | Town of Bethlehem | Town of Greenwich | Town of South Windsor | Wickham Park | Winterberry Farm

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

Great Connecticut Gardens for Fall

Spring and Summer may be Connecticut’s most popular months for garden hopping, but those seasons pale in comparison to the natural colors that take over in fall. Here are just a few of the places that remain great garden destinations for visits and activities throughout the autumn months.

Featuring: Bartlett Arboretum & Gardens | Edgerton Park | Florence Griswold Museum | Glebe House Museum & Gertrude Jekyll Garden | Hill-Stead Museum | Logee's Greenhouses | Town of West Hartford | White Flower Farm

Up Top - Connecticut Restaurants With a View

Whether you go out for lunch in the sun or dinner and cocktails under the stars, Connecticut has plenty of spots to enjoy a meal “above it all.” Check out a few of our favorite rooftop restaurants, patios and decks with a view.

Featuring: Bee & Thistle Inn & Spa | Cava Restaurant | City of Stamford | Elbow Room | Elm City Social | Florence Griswold Museum | Gelston House | Hopkins Inn Restaurant | Hopkins Vineyard | Hotel Zero Degrees Norwalk | Oyster Club | Peaches Southern Pub & Juke Joint | Priam Vineyards | Rocks 21 | Sharpe Hill Vineyard | Stony Creek Brewery | The Russian Lady | Town of Bethel | Town of Glastonbury

Connecticut’s Favorite Towns for Arts and Culture

The state of Connecticut is filled with picturesque towns. That’s why so many artists, musicians, photographers and authors are drawn to them. And that’s exactly what makes them a great place to visit. Here are a few towns where you can explore galleries, studios, gardens, theaters and more, as well as great places to stay, eat and shop!

Featuring: B&B at Bartlett Farm | Carriage Barn Arts Center | Connecticut Art Trail | Connecticut River Artisans | Cooley Gallery | Cooper & Smith Gallery | Copper Beech Inn | Essex Art Association Gallery | Florence Griswold Museum | Grace Farms | Guilford Art Center | Guilford Walking Tours | Ivoryton Playhouse | Lyme Academy of Fine Arts | Lyme Art Association | Old Lyme Arts District | Old Lyme Inn | Ridgefield Guild of Artists | Ridgefield Playhouse | Ridgefield Theater Barn | Roger Sherman Inn | Silvermine Arts Center | Studio 80 + Sculpture Grounds | The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum | The Bird Nest Salon & Gallery | The Glass House | The West Lane Inn | Town of Essex | Town of Guilford | Town of New Canaan | Town of Old Lyme | Town of Ridgefield | Weir Farm National Historic Site

Go It Alone: Great Ideas for Traveling Solo

Have you ever traveled by yourself? Maybe you’re the lone wolf type, or maybe you just need a little me time. More and more people are traveling on their own rather than waiting for others to make plans. If you’re one of them, we’ve got a few great ideas around Connecticut to make the experience of going it alone both fun and fulfilling.

Featuring: Clinton Crossing Premium Outlets | Connecticut Women's Heritage Trail | Florence Griswold Museum | Harriet Beecher Stowe Center | Hill-Stead Museum | Lavender Pond Farm | Mayflower Inn & Spa | Saybrook Point Resort & Marina | Spa at Delamar Southport | Tanger Outlets at Foxwoods | The Spa at Norwich Inn | The Spa at Water's Edge | Westbrook Outlets | White Flower Farm | Wickham Park

Historic Homes & Gardens You Need to Tour

Old houses have treasures to find and secrets to uncover, and in Connecticut, there are over four centuries of homes to explore. Some were home to well-known historic figures, like Mark Twain and Harriet Beecher Stowe. Others were built by individuals who became larger than life, such as actor William Gillette’s “castle” on the Connecticut River and dictionary namesake Noah Webster’s West Hartford birthplace. Still others house amazing art collections or are surrounded by lush, expertly tended gardens. You’ll find dozens of these historic houses, many of which are National Historic Landmarks, all over the state—and each has a story to tell.

Featuring: Bellamy-Ferriday House & Garden | Butler-McCook House & Garden | Connecticut Freedom Trail | Florence Griswold Museum | General David Humphreys House (c.1698) | Greenwich Historical Society | Harkness Memorial State Park | Hempsted Houses | Henry Whitfield State Museum | Hill-Stead Museum | Hollister House Garden | Keeler Tavern Museum (c.1713) | Leffingwell House Museum | Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum (c.1864) | Nathan Hale Homestead | Noah Webster House & West Hartford Historical Society | Ogden House & Gardens | Phelps-Hatheway House | Roseland Cottage Museum | The Glass House | The Mark Twain House & Museum | Webb Deane Stevens Museum

Instagrammable Connecticut: Summer Gardens

In Connecticut, you’re never far from a beautiful garden in bloom. But don’t take our word for it — just see for yourself some of the gorgeous places people are sharing on social media! 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: Elizabeth Park Rose Gardens | Florence Griswold Museum | Harkness Memorial State Park | White Flower Farm | Wickham Park

Romantic Winter Retreats in Connecticut

When the weather cools down, romance heats up in Connecticut’s hotels, inns and B&Bs. Whether getting cozy by the fire or enjoying a wintry hike in the woods, we’ve got so many ways to help you make the most of the season together.  Here are just a few of the destinations where you’ll find safety-friendly lodgings, activities and attractions to help you set the mood. Planning a romantic escape to Connecticut? You'll always find great ideas and getaways here.

Featuring: 116 Crown | Book Barn | Bruce Museum | Carlson's Landing | Connecticut River Artisans | Connecticut River Museum | Fife 'n Drum Restaurant & Inn | Flanders Fish Market & Restaurant | Florence Griswold Museum | Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana - New Haven | Greenwich Point Park | Griswold Inn | Gumdrops & Lollipops Candy Shoppe | Homestead Inn | Hopkins Vineyard | Inn at Harbor Hill Marina | Kehler Liddell Gallery | La Belle Aurore | Macedonia Brook State Park | Manor House Inn | Meli-Melo | Old Lyme Inn | R.J. Julia Booksellers | RiverQuest | Rocky Neck State Park | Rolling River Antiques | Scranton Seahorse Inn | Soleil & Suns Bakery | Taste of New Haven Tours | Taylor Brooke Winery | The Company Store Antiques | The Inn at Woodstock Hill | l'escale

Connecticut's Summer Blossom Finder

Summer in Connecticut erupts with color, from carefully tended gardens to wild grown fields and forest trails. In June, the roses make their entrance. In July, the rhododendrons and lavender take center stage. And in August the sunflowers provide the grand finale. Here are a few of the biggest and best viewing opportunities, as well as some suggestions for other places in Connecticut also beginning to bloom. Remember, Connecticut’s Historic Gardens Day is June 23, so be sure to check for locations celebrating throughout the state.

Featuring: Bartlett Arboretum & Gardens | Buttonwood Farm Ice Cream | City of Hartford | City of New Britain | City of New London | Elizabeth Park Rose Gardens | Florence Griswold Museum | Lavender Pond Farm | Lyman Orchards | Mohegan Park & Memorial Rose Garden | Pachaug State Forest | Town of Bethlehem | Town of North Branford | Town of Old Lyme | Town of Stonington | Town of Thomaston | Town of Thompson | Wickham Park

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

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

Up Top - Connecticut Restaurants With a View

Whether you go out for lunch in the sun or dinner and cocktails under the stars, Connecticut has plenty of spots to enjoy a meal “above it all.” Check out a few of our favorite rooftop restaurants, patios and decks with a view.

Featuring: Café Flo | Cava Restaurant | City of Stamford | Elbow Room | Elm City Social | Florence Griswold Museum | Gelston House | High George Rooftop Restaurant | Hopkins Inn | Hopkins Vineyard | Hotel Zero Degrees Norwalk | Old Lyme Inn | Oyster Club | Peaches Southern Pub & Juke Joint | Priam Vineyards | Rocks 21 | Rooftop 120 | Sharpe Hill Vineyard | Sign of the Whale | Stony Creek Brewery | The Blake Hotel | The Russian Lady

31 Things to do in Connecticut this November

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

Featuring: Adventure Park at Storrs | Adventure Park at the Discovery Museum | Alice in the Village | Angevine Farm | Bigelow Hollow State Park | Bishop's Orchards Farm Market & Winery | Black Hall Outfitters - Old Lyme | Black Hall Outfitters - Westbrook | City of Hartford | Clark Farms at Bushy Hill Orchard | Clark Farms at Bushy Hill Orchard | Collinsville Canoe & Kayak | Connecticut Science Center | Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo | Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center | Ekonk Hill Turkey Farm | Ekonk Hill Turkey Farm | Ellsworth Hill Orchard & Berry Farm | EverWonder Children's Museum | Fairview Tree Farm | Flamig Farm | Florence Griswold Museum | Greater Middletown Military Museum | Hogan's Cider Mill | IT Adventure Ropes Course | KidsPlay Children's Museum | Maple Bank Farm | Maple Bank Farm | Mattabesett Blue Trail | Miller Tree Farm | New Canaan Nature Center | Noah Webster House & West Hartford Historical Society | Northwest Park & Nature Center | PEZ Visitor Center | Salt of the Earth Therapeutic Spa | Seaside Shadows Haunted History Tours | Shore Line Trolley Museum | Silverman's Farm | Spoke + Spy Ciderworks | Still Waters Retreat | The Mark Twain House & Museum | The Spa at Norwich Inn | Toyota Oakdale Theatre | West Haven Veteran's Museum and Learning Center | Wigwam Escape | Yankee Cider Barn at Staehly Farms

Connecticut on Ice: Great Winter Activities

Don’t give the season the cold shoulder! Winter in Connecticut doesn’t need to be spent indoors, pining away for the first signs of spring. In fact, there are scores of activities all over the state for even the most winter-averse.

Featuring: Central Rock Gym | City of Hartford | Connecticut Science Center | Connecticut Trolley Museum | Essex Steam Train & Riverboat | Florence Griswold Museum | Hill-Stead Museum | Keeler Tavern Museum (c.1713) | Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum (c.1864) | Mohawk Mountain Ski Area | Mount Southington Ski Area | Mystic Aquarium | Osborne Homestead Museum | PEZ Visitor Center | Phelps-Hatheway House | Powder Ridge Mountain Park & Resort | Prime Climb Mountain Fun | Railroad Museum of New England/Naugatuck Railroad Company | RoseGarden Ice Arena | Shore Line Trolley Museum | Ski Sundown | Supercharged Powered by Mohegan Sun - Indoor Karting & Trampoline Park | The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk | Town of Simsbury | Webb Deane Stevens Museum

A Feast of Impressionist Art

Connecticut was an important creative seedbed of American Impressionism in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. With art colonies of talented painters taking up residence in Cos Cob and at Florence Griswold's boarding house in Old Lyme, many of the great Impressionist scenes painted during those years are scenes of Connecticut. Because of this rich heritage, many museums in the state are now home to Impressionist masterworks. Begin with a look at the Connecticut Art Trail, a tour that will take you to 21 museums and historic sites throughout the state. As you make your travel plans, here are a few key sites for Connecticut Impressionists to put on your list:

Featuring: Connecticut Art Trail | Florence Griswold Museum | Greenwich Historical Society | Hill-Stead Museum | Mattatuck Museum | New Britain Museum of American Art | Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art | Weir Farm National Historic Site

Connecticut’s Top Winter Attractions

Why spend a winter weekend kicking around the house when you can be exploring so much of what Connecticut has to offer instead? Whether you like being indoors or out, whether it’s food or fun you’re after, Connecticut has lots of answers for you on its wintertime menu. Pick a few and try them out. It will be time well spent.

Featuring: Connecticut Chocolate Trail | Connecticut Science Center | Connecticut Wine Country | Florence Griswold Museum | Foxwoods Resort Casino | Infinity Music Hall & Bistro (Norfolk) | Infinity Music Hall (Hartford) | Mohawk Mountain Ski Area | Mohegan Sun | Mount Southington Ski Area | Mystic Aquarium | New Britain Museum of American Art | New England Air Museum | Powder Ridge Mountain Park & Resort | Saybrook Point Resort & Marina | Ski Sundown | The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum | The Connecticut Beer Trail | The Connecticut Pizza Trail | The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk | The Mark Twain House & Museum | Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art | Yale University Art Gallery

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

Celebrating Women's History in Connecticut

2020 marks the 100th anniversary of the ratification of the 19th Amendment, which legalized women’s right to vote – what an exciting time to celebrate Women’s History Month in March. Connecticut is rich with stories of female trailblazers who influenced American history. Explore the state that spawned the first boarding school for women of color, the home of one of the nation’s first female architects, and more! The Connecticut Women's Heritage Trail is filled with ways to celebrate strong women from our state. Here are some historic landmarks on the trail and events to honor Women’s History in Connecticut.

Featuring: City of Hartford | City of New Haven | Connecticut River Museum | Connecticut Women's Heritage Trail | Danbury Museum | Florence Griswold Museum | Greenwich Historical Society | Harriet Beecher Stowe Center | Hill-Stead Museum | Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center and Museum | New England Air Museum | Prudence Crandall Museum | Town of Derby | Town of East Hartford | Town of Litchfield | Town of Oxford | Town of Ridgefield | Town of West Hartford | Town of Wilton | Windham Textile and History Museum

33 Things to Do in Connecticut This March

Looking for something to do in Connecticut in March? Whether you want something active or relaxing, cultural or nature-oriented, historic or trendy, Connecticut's got you covered. Here are some highlights for March.

Featuring: Aer Blarney Balloons, LLC | Ambler Farm | Berkshire Balloons | Cheshire Coffee | Connecticut Science Center | Essex Paint & Sip | Fired Up | Florence Griswold Museum | Fresh Salt at Saybrook Point Resort & Marina | Greenwich Historical Society | Higher Grounds Coffee House & Art Gallery | Hill-Stead Museum | IT Adventure Ropes Course | JavaHut Cafe & Bistro | Keeler Tavern Museum (c.1713) | Lamothe's Sugar House | Lutz Children's Museum | Middletown Roller Skating Rink | Mind Factory Escape Games | Mission Escape Games | Molten Java | Muse Paintbar (West Hartford) | Mystified Escape Rooms | New Haven Museum | Nomads Adventure Quest | Painting with a Twist | Ron-A-Roll Indoor Roller Skating Center | Salt Cave of Darien | SoNo Nightlife | Soulshine Salt Cavern | Stepping Stones Museum for Children | Sweet Wind Farm Sugarhouse & Farm Stand | Thrillz High Flying Adventure Park | Town of Avon | Town of Griswold | Town of Kent | Town of Southbury | Town of Stonington | Wigwam Escape

Essential Gardens to Visit in Connecticut

Connecticut is home to many beautiful blossoms. If you love beautiful historic gardens, our state is a paradise. Connecticut’s modest size means it’s easy to fit a lot of experiences into a short time. No matter what part of the state you’re in, you’ll be a stone’s throw away from one of these essential gardens!

Featuring: Bartlett Arboretum & Gardens | Edgerton Park | Elizabeth Park Rose Gardens | Florence Griswold Museum | Glebe House Museum & Gertrude Jekyll Garden | Harkness Memorial State Park | Hill-Stead Museum | Hollister House Garden | Pardee Rose Gardens | Wickham Park

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

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

32 Things to Do in Connecticut This January

Looking for something to do in Connecticut in January? 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 January.

Featuring: Abigail's Grille & Wine Bar | Adventure Rooms | Bantam Lake | Blackstones Grille | Blue Ox Axe Throwing - Bridgeport | Bruce Museum | Cabela's | City of Norwalk | Connecticut River Museum | Florence Griswold Museum | Fresh Salt at Saybrook Point Resort & Marina | Guided Flyfishing Trips-Housatonic River Outfitters | International Skating Center of Connecticut | Lake Waramaug State Park | Lyman Allyn Art Museum | Meadowbrook Estate and Mansion | Mohawk Mountain Ski Area | Mohawk State Forest | Mount Southington Ski Area | Muse Paintbar (Glastonbury) | Muse Paintbar (Norwalk) | Muse Paintbar (West Hartford) | Mystic Aquarium | On Track Karting | Pine & Iron Axe Throwing - Hartford | Powder Ridge Mountain Park & Resort | Ski Sundown | The Goodwin Hotel | The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk | Thrillz High Flying Adventure Park | Town of Chester | Town of Guilford | Town of West Hartford | Town of Westport | Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art | White Memorial Conservation Center Museum | Winding Trails Cross Country Ski Center | Yale Center for British Art

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

Summer 2021 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 2021 special art exhibits in Connecticut that you really won’t want to miss!

Featuring: Florence Griswold Museum | Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum (c.1864) | Lyme Academy of Fine Arts | Lyme Art Association | Spectrum Art Gallery | The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum | The Glass House | The Velvet Mill | Town of New Canaan

Discover Old Lyme in Mystic Country

Summer is in the air, which means it is time to get outside and enjoy some open spaces, fresh air, and our beautiful coastline.  If you are looking for a unique way to explore the local waters, a visit to Old Lyme may be just what the doctor ordered.

Featuring: Black Hall Outfitters - Old Lyme | Café Flo | Florence Griswold Museum | Lyme Art Association | Old Lyme Arts District | Studio 80 + Sculpture Grounds | Town of Old Lyme

Picture-Perfect Connecticut Gardens for Budding Photographers

Whether you're a photo pro, an Instagrammer with a great eye or just love snapping pics, you'll find Connecticut one big photo op. Here are just a few of the breathtaking garden spots, fields of flowers, nurseries, and historic homes that offer amazing backdrops for your photos. But don't just capture these picturesque spots for yourself. Share them and tag them #ctvisit! Visit Instagrammable Connecticut to see photos and get tips on taking and sharing photos, too!

Featuring: Bellamy-Ferriday House & Garden | Buttonwood Farm Ice Cream | City of New Britain | Elizabeth Park Rose Gardens | Florence Griswold Museum | Glebe House Museum & Gertrude Jekyll Garden | Harkness Memorial State Park | Hill-Stead Museum | Hollister House Garden | Old Drake Hill Flower Bridge | Osborne Homestead Museum | Roseland Cottage Museum | Webb Deane Stevens Museum | Weir Farm National Historic Site | White Flower Farm | Wickham Park

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

Great Connecticut Gardens for Fall

Spring and Summer may be Connecticut’s most popular months for garden hopping, but those seasons pale in comparison to the natural colors that take over in fall. Here are just a few of the places that remain great garden destinations for visits and activities throughout the autumn months.

Featuring: Bartlett Arboretum & Gardens | Edgerton Park | Florence Griswold Museum | Glebe House Museum & Gertrude Jekyll Garden | Hill-Stead Museum | Logee's Greenhouses | Town of West Hartford | White Flower Farm