Other items in the museums collection highlight the history of submarines from inventor David Bushnell, a Connecticut native, and his Turtle, constructed in 1776. Swing by to mix with a buzzing crowd while grazing on daily specials served fresh from the kitchen. Originally a full-service gas station, now its a filling station for folks with an appetite for authentic barbecue, local produce and community-building. hosts matches on Sundays. 2 Beds, 1 Bath. Find even more interesting things going on in Connecticut on our list of free things to do in Connecticut. The Jovial Crew bring the Tap Room to life with fun sing-alongs and a great sense of humor. There, you'll be able to take plenty of interesting snaps as you sip on coffee and tuck into delicious desserts. The food here is pretty good. This spot was added to the list of wacky restaurants because you are actually allowed to write on the walls. Only using the condiments of cheese, tomato, and onions. Fondue is always a unique experience, and this place has raised the bar. New Britain was later the source for not only many manufactured goods in the 1800s, but also the machines and know-how to operate them. Judges Cave, New Haven. Much of this guide to Connecticut started with the research and exploration of the state I had to do to keep my spirits up when we were all feeling the most isolated. Located in the heart ofPutnams Antique District, youll find the menu and atmosphere designed with a courthouse and antique theme in mind. The island is lovely, too, and worthy of its own pilgrimage for an afternoon. But there are plenty of things to do in New Haven, even if youre not an alum. Visit the world-class (and many of them free) museums on this Ivy League campus. With a combination of traditional plates and more familiar items like coconut shrimp, this place is a festive spot to catch up with friends. Not to mention their wine list, which is always changing, usually has a large number of names you cant seem to find at other places. Explore southern Connecticut for some of the best events distinctive to our corner of New England. wealthy, NY/CT/NJ skinny girls. A fun and relaxed atmosphere with some seriously good eats. The Melting Pot's fondue is a crowd-pleaser. A jutting coastline, a . "Junmai" means it's made with all rice, no adjuncts or fortifying alcohol added, and "Omachi" is the kind of rice, in this case polished down to just 53 percent of its initial mass, removing external fats and minerals, and leaving you with a cleaner, sweeter drink. Love Connecticut? Its where he spent much of his life, and even served as its mayor for a time. Union Street Tavern offers a relaxed and casual atmosphere in the revamped 1927 Windsor Fire Company firehouse. This spot also features a tequila bar with over 30 options and some of the best margaritas in the state. You can find your vibe in Connecticut, no matter how unique, and no matter the season. Unique foodie fun doesnt always have to be a sit-down experience it can be a walking tour of tasty treats. The Connecticut lobster roll first appeared in the 1920s at a now-closed restaurant named Perrys in Milford, Connecticut. The learning experience continues with more exhibits about life from 1675 until the 1970s. - will answer hunger and intrigue the palette. Arent these places cool? There are plenty of flea markets across New England. Enter if you dare. Below, we've picked out 20 of the most unique places of interest you'll find anywhere in Connecticut. Explore ten individual custom igloo experiences at Dockside's very own igloo park. 15. The bountiful, multifaceted (and yes, lobster-roll-filled) wonders of the American Northeast. Bun Lais mother, Japanese immigrant Yoshiko Lai, opened Miyas Sushi in 1982. Offering an indulgent menu of food and/or drinks, London in the Sky is a unique dining . And this Cold War holdover still has a presence in Groton, Connecticut at the Submarine Force Museum. Treat your tastebuds to more of Chef Tyler Anderson's cuisine with a bite atPorrn & Pia, a Spanish inspired restaurant and wine bar in the historicGoodwin Hotelin Hartford, CT. OnceWallingfords first public library, this restaurant combines the essence of historic downtown Wallingford with the old-world traditions of Portuguese and Mediterranean cuisine. Visitors can add extra activities to their trip with the Essex Steam Train, such as a dinner train service, or hiking excursion to Gillette Castle. in downtown Greenwich for what is arguably the best lobster roll in Connecticut. Today, small farms remain a rarity in other parts of the country, but theyre doing quite well here in New England. While not necessarily unique to the state, there are plenty more fairs, festivals and carnivals to attend in Connecticut. Here are some local farms to check out as you partake in the beloved holiday tradition of. The Greenwich Polo Club hosts matches on Sundays. Whether you want to come face-to-face with a green sea turtle, get hands on with sharks in our touch tank, feed our cownose rays, visit our belugas, seals, and sea lions in their outdoor habitats, roam our marsh trek, learn about ways you can help fight water pollution, or meet . Kids love dog drool and swamp juice. Text: (475) 263-3732 Just be sure to book ahead! And their plantains are pretty good, too. You can in Connecticut. , such as a dinner train service, or hiking excursion to Gillette Castle. TV screens inside Mystic Pizza run the movie on a continuous loop, in case you need a refresher. 1.The Third Door 131 Church St, Marietta, GA 30060 Speakeasiesare always fun, and the Third Door is no exception. Now I warned you about this place not being a restaurant, but it does serve drinks so Im stretching the rules because it is something you have to do at least once. Keep FOMO far away by penciling in these must-dos in Connecticut. Highlights include the Forager with king oyster mushrooms, delicata squash, bechamel and sage, or The Alchemist with house-made mozzarella, black garlic, miso, broccolini and guanciale. Some of the most popular Yale museums include: Afterwards, be sure to take the free daily tour of campus led by current Yale students. is worth perusing whenever youre shopping Greenwich Avenue. 14 Unusual Dining Experiences in Connecticut. Enjoy an authentic Cajun seafood boil that is packed with flavor and then ask for a marker and leave a comment on the wall. Connecticut was the home of Americas nuclear submarine production. Theres a suggested donation ticket price, though its not required. Be sure to wash it all down with such house-made infused sakes as watermelon chili. Featuring acclaimed Jazz and Blues artists to enhance your dining experience. In 1649, 59 British Judges sentenced King Charles I to death. Its now a certified National Trust Historic Site, open May 1 to November 30. Lusail Food Arena, Lusail (7441 4481). Guests order off one large menu which towers above the tables and join in a lively experience much like a large community cookout. Although seating is usually divided among tables for two and four, dining at EL Ideas is very much a communal experience. A few of the famous names that have made appearances at Ivoryton Playhouse include: In non-pandemic periods, the troupe produces award winning comedies, dramas, and musicals throughout the year. Open only seasonally, many Connecticut residents anticipate the opening of this hot spot every year. Purchase a gift certificate online or by calling toll free, 888-759-8368. For a truly unique Connecticut wining and dining experience, take to the water! Now I already think Connecticut is a pretty unique place, but these eats and drinks are pretty cool. Tell me about it! If youre ready for some mealtime mystery-solving, this interactive dinner spot offers a murder mystery show paired with a tasty four-course meal. House for Rent 509 N Bluff West Dr, Moses Lake, WA 98837 3 Bedrooms | $2,300 View More The Most Rental Listings Choose from over 1 million apartments, houses, condos, and townhomes for rent. So of course Connecticut has some unique places for retail therapy. There is no shortage of spots to grab a great meal in Connecticut. The Magic Time Machine. For those of you who'd like a more hair-raising dining experience, London in the Sky might be for you. Car enthusiasts showing-off their classic cars, which would require a mortgage to maintain for the average person? The state capital deserves its own guide. A gastronomic tour starts with the farm, gardens and surrounding jungle, where you'll learn how a range of organic fruits, vegetables . While the classic American fare at the Griswold Inn is worth a visit, the most intriguing part about the Griswold Inn is its history. But his story went sour after he turned traitor and fought for the British in the Revolutionary War. Saus is a solid pick if you're seeking a unique and quick bite for lunch or dinner. Stanton House Inn 2023. 2. The 24-room mansion looks like a medieval stronghold from the outside, but the eccentricities certainly dont stop there. Instead of dividing a single interior into rooms, he divided the space into 14 structures, each with a different function, for example: One of the most famous quirks of the house is that almost the entire structure is one room. Barnum designed the three-story building himself, intending it to be an institute for science and history. Check out this pizza filling station that has something special going on. This constellation of islands vary in size, but none larger than a few miles. With a stellar list of rotating performers, each brunch is filled with games, theater, comedy, music, and debauchery! One of the most cool places to eat in Manchester's Northern Quarter, Trof is a staple for its easy-going vibes, delicious grub, unique interiors and purse-friendly prices. But this is one of those places where you're really coming for the drinks. Some even arriving to shop before the crack of dawn. Any time of year can be an appealing time to take this trip, as the 30 miles or so of the river from the mouth up to Middletown is picturesque villages and marshes. It takes its name from the symbols on the companys logo. Its now home to an eatery that serves hand-carved steaks and seafood, and prepares everything from scratch. Visitors to Yale University can walk the campus grounds, whose Gothic style, inspired by Cambridge and Oxford universities, are reminiscent of Hogwarts to some modern visitors. The Queen Mary offers several dining experiences ranging from the Promenade Cafe, a casual spot with ocean views, to five-star dining at Sir Winston's on the top deck. Infinity Hall is home to a vibrant restaurant and bar scene as well as a fabulous four-star menu. And speaking of wooden rollercoasters, enthusiasts voted Boulder Dash the best wooden roller coaster in the world. As you enter this remarkable home, you're greeted by a stunning floor plan. Newington CT 06111. Connecticut has some fantastically unusual restaurants that will give you more than just a meal. If your objective is to have dinner in a party-like setting then East Side Restaurant is a fantastic choice. Here are six remarkable. Looking for another unique eating adventure? Each one was individually designed to represent architectural styles popular in the 1930s: The Merritt Parkway is also the site of the nations first clover leaf entrance and exit ramps. Be sure to bring your own beverages (including beer or wine), and plenty of bug spray. Live entertainment driven by eerie animatronics and a creepy cast of characters will be sure to liven up your meal. season 6 60 . If youre looking for something truly unique to coastal Connecticut, look no further than the seasonal restaurant, the Place. Thank you! Since 1997, Willibrew (as the locals call it) has been serving up craft brews. All Rights Reserved. With the grounds of Weir Farm open year-round, its one of the best free things to do in Connecticut. Check out these places for a dining experience youll never forget. Looking to show your pride year round? Visit a world class museum Connecticut is packed full of great museums and a number of them serve to celebrate the state's long and illustrious nautical heritage. From checking off, Meet our #CTcreatorChandler Anderson! 2023 is almost here so ring it in right. And one of the most famous of his works is only a 25-minute drive from, Built over 37 years on 49 acres, Philip Johnson turned homebuilding on its head with. Choose from loads of games that line the shelves and play for as long as you wish. Can you say fondue? Open since 1973 on the main drag of Mystic, Connecticut, all pizzas are made with a secret sauce, the recipe of which, just like in the movie, is a mystery to outsiders. can walk the campus grounds, whose Gothic style, inspired by Cambridge and Oxford universities, are reminiscent of Hogwarts to some modern visitors. With a historic and tiny setting and unique, friendly banter among servers and customers, youll immerse yourself in the traditional burger culture and play by the original rules of burger eating. Copyright 2023 Connecticut Office of Tourism, Connecticut: An LGBTQ+ Summer Destination, The Best Christmas Tree Farms in Mystic Country, New Year's Eve Events in Connecticut 2022. You can dine directly on the water; Be served outdoors while seated on tree stumps; Solve a mystery while enjoying your entre. 1,750 Sq. Today, its quite a bit more crowded. A Maine lobster roll is lobster meat tossed with mayonnaise in a buttered and toasted hot dog roll, served cold. And of these spots would be perfect for unique birthday party spots for adults in Connecticut. , hosts a culinary event celebrating one of the most well-known New England fares: clam chowder. And everything is served on their firetruck red tables with tree stump seats. And yet trucks and commercial vehicles are banned due to the low height of the historic bridges crossing the parkway. There are so many great spots to choose from, so we turned to the, Its tree-chopping time! New England's 38 Essential Restaurants. (203) 432-8987. And starting just a year after the burning in 1782, the citizens of New London carried a two-faced effigy of Benedict Arnold before burning him. This is one of the few Mexican restaurants Ive visited where the food is powerfully flavored and quite authentic. Here are our 21 picks where you can have a unique dining experience across America. Make it a fabulous morning at the semi-monthly Pink Eggs & Glam Drag Brunch! But one of the most unique aspects of the city is the many holdovers from its days as an economic center of the Victorian era. Youll likely bump into a celebrity or two while taking part in the time-honored tradition of stomping divots in the field. House for Rent. If you're a cocktail lover, you simply must try one of the specialty cocktails. They're worth, Mystic Country is rich with locally owned and operated businesses for all your shopping needs. Keep FOMO far away by penciling in these must-dos in Connecticut. Pizza restaurants here frequently win national awards. At this spot burgers are served on slices of white bread and no condiments are allowed cheese, onion and tomato are the only garnishes. Get lost in your favorite tune at this unique music venue. Sunday Dinner 3:00pm-8:00pm. Freelance restaurant writer Mike Urban of Old Saybrook has written a book about great Connecticut restaurants. Dining out doesn't have to be just eating - it can be an adventure. Get more stories delivered right to your email. Greenwich, CT 06830 And buyers have eagerly come to peruse their wares. Established in 1826, Union Oyster House is one of the oldest operating restaurants in the US. And the service areas were recently renovated for drivers needing a Dunkin Donuts fix. Stanton House Inn are scattered along the route of the Merritt. An early 19th century example of that eccentricity is Gillette Castle. Order tickets for the Thursday evening clambake to enjoy: But the main attraction is the clambake, of course. There are so many great spots to choose from, so we turned to the Connecticut Restaurant Association for the 2021 winners and nominees of its annual CRAzies Awards. Historic and highbrow, quirky and cool, weird and wonderful there's something for everyone with these 10 . Map design by Stanton House Inn using resources fromFlaticon.com. And its largely a difference between mayonnaise and butter. Ft. 936 Amberwood West Dr SW, Byron Center, MI 49315. Shakespeare on the Sound hosts 16 performances in the open-air of Pinkney Park in Rowayton for two weeks each summer. And of these spots would be perfect for, 1. And Bun Lai has created an innovative menu serving local invasive species. Fresh baked bread and homemade jam add extra personality to these one-of-a-kind menu options. A Marine Corps veteran, turned trial lawyer, turned brewery owner, Walt traded in his combat boots for dress shoes and now flip flops. You can enjoy Frog Rock Rest Stop between the months of May and September. Another Mystic contribution to the list of unique things to do in Connecticut, Olde Mistick Village is more than just a tourist trap. Have a bite to eat and join the musical spirit that gets the entire crowd singing along. Tell us what interests you most (check all that apply), Connecticut is a place for everyoneso all our fun is LGBTQ+ friendly fun. Silver Diner - Cherry Hill This classic diner has its own jukebox. 12 Connecticut Travel Resolutions for 2023, Great Places for Workcations in Connecticut, 34 Things to Do in Connecticut This March, Winter - Celebrating Places to Dine and Drink in Connecticut, Stories > That said, Olde Mistick Village hosts musicians, dancers, storytellers, and more events in the gazebo and meetinghouse throughout the year. Each igloo even has its own fun theme! How many of these fun spots have you been to? Making your own sodas is good old fashioned fun, and at this factory you get nice glass bottles and low low prices. Yum! Built in 1868, the lighthouse was in operation until 1902. He slaughtered surrendering forces after capturing New London, then burned the city to the ground. Nestled off the beaten path in Wilton, Connecticut, sits one of only two national historic sites devoted to the visual arts. Sample the culinary expertise featured at renowned hot spots, and discover hidden gems that come with delicious findings! This one-of-a-kind spot is more than just a rest stop its a destination for food, music, community and fun. , he is considered one of the most influential 20th century architects. The Hop Brook Mill, built in 1680 and now Millwrights home, was a grist and sawmill in the village ofSimsbury. 1. They offer a number of items and a pretty decent charcuterie plate. 1. One of the most unique and well-known displays of New England cuisine is the clambake. Show more. 401 Oakwood Ave New Smyrna Beach, FL 32169. Their stipulations include: Louis Lunch was originally a lunch truck owned by the eponymous Louis Lassen.