Top Things to Do in Connecticut
New Haven
Yale University
You have to go to Jail… I mean Yale if you are in Connecticut. It is the third oldest institution of higher education in the United States founded in 1701.
The architecture here is amazing!
Yale University Art Gallery
Oldest university art museum in the Western Hemisphere and emphasizes in early Italian painting, African sculpture, and modern art. Totally free!
Yale Center for British Art
Right across the street from the Yale University Art Gallery is the Yale Center for British art.
This museum holds the largest collection of British art outside the United Kingdom.
The collection emphasizes on the development of culture and British art from the Elizabethan period onward.
Totally Free!
Louis' Lunch
This family owned restaurant claims to have invented the hamburger and has been in business since 1895.
Currently on the 4th generation, this is one of the oldest, family-run businesses in the country.
Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to try the hamburger when I visited since they were closed due to their “Annual inventory of spoons”
Meriden
Castle Craig
Standing at 976 feet above sea level, this castle offers awesome views of Connecticut.
You can bike, hike, or drive up. Bring a lunch and have a picnic up there!
Totally free!
East Haddam
Gillette Castle State Park
Sitting right above the Connecticut River is the Gillette Castle State Park.
This castle was once the residence of William Gillette, an American actor most famous for his portrayal of Sherlock Holmes on stage.
Milford
Silver Sands State Park
Contemporary museum containing a permanent collection of more than 4,500 pieces including haute couture, drawings, painting, sculpture, photography, prints and more. It is not huge but the works are of high quality.
Groton
USS Nautilus & Submarine Force Museum
Here is the world’s first operational nuclear-powered submarine and first submarine and the best thing is you can go inside for FREE!
There are many things to do here, the museum recounts history of the U.S. Submarine Force. Working periscopes, mini-subs, mini-theaters. Gift shop, and a picnic area.
Hartford
Connecticut State Capitol
I didn’t go inside because it was late when I arrived and I only stayed one day.
The architecture is amaizing.
Hartford City Hall
I only went inside to check out the architecture. It was kind of creepy.
Bushnell Park
Nice park to relax after lots of walking.
Mortensen Riverfront Plaza
There are nice views of Hartford and the Connecticut River from the Founders Bridge.
I would honestly skip Hartford unless there is something in particular that you must do here.