You can in Connecticut. Sunday Dinner 3:00pm-8:00pm. Taylor Ellis grew up in southern Connecticut. The unique experience of a fancy multiple course meal outside on a picturesque farm comes at a price. on Chapel Street is a prime spot to rub shoulders with Yale students while grabbing a coffee and searching for an unexpected literary find. Servers dress in costumes that represent different pop culture icons from the past and present. Only the bathroom features enclosed and opaque walls. Let us take a look at some of the hidden gems in Connecticut and know the state better. And when he died and was buried there, he bequeathed much of his most unique treasures to the city. Today, you can enjoy a tour of this historic site, and see sweeping views of Long Island Sound, and even the NYC skyline on a clear day. 1.The Third Door 131 Church St, Marietta, GA 30060 Speakeasiesare always fun, and the Third Door is no exception. Judges Cave, New Haven. True to its history, Graybarns on the Silvermine River has remained the ideal setting to unite city slickers, international travelers and the local community over food and libation, relaxation and leisure. At this spot burgers are served on slices of white bread and no condiments are allowed cheese, onion and tomato are the only garnishes. 02 of 10 Stay Safe. In fact, Arnold specifically ordered that every building should be on fire.. This spot also features a tequila bar with over 30 options and some of the best margaritas in the state. Even more uniquely Connecticut activities, Connecticuts museums, from Hartford to New Haven, Greenwich to Stonington. And it has one, as the list of activities, attractions, and things to do in Hartford is lengthy. Farms in Connecticut have stood the test of time. Celebrate New Years Eve in Connecticut with drag performances, clubbing, Pork, chicken, cheese, beans, or loroco (flower bud) just some of the many varieties of pupusas you can enjoy. 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. If you dont have an open invitation to one of the private cottages, some of which have been owned by families for generations, you can always ride one of the ferry services for a special day trip. Its sister restaurant,Oyster Club, is located right down the road. Bun Lais mother, Japanese immigrant Yoshiko Lai, opened Miyas Sushi in 1982. With the grounds of Weir Farm open year-round, its one of the best free things to do in Connecticut. This cozy little shop is just off of Greenwich Avenue on Grigg Street in Greenwich. A fun and relaxed atmosphere with some seriously good eats. Then, spend 2 and a half hours on a narrated trip up the Connecticut River Valley, seeing such sights along the way as Gillette Castle and the Goodspeed Opera House. The state capital deserves its own guide. From a restaurant where diners can watch mermaids swim while eating, to spots inside . Many places claim to be the birthplace of the hamburger. Choose from loads of games that line the shelves and play for as long as you wish. Unique restaurants in Boston that will provide you with an amazing dining experience 1. There are so many great spots to choose from, so we turned to the. Yum! The guava caipirinha gets my vote! Booking a meal in an old post office? 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. You'll receive your first newsletter soon! Today, its quite a bit more crowded. Exuding a refined and elegant atmosphere, the Oyster Club is an excellent spot for a romantic dinner or special celebration. The original actor of this character introduced such iconic props as: William Gillette was even the source of the phrase, Elementary, my dear Watson.. Stanton House Inn - will answer hunger and intrigue the palette. A clambake is a traditional, New England, method of cooking seafood using seaweed to steam the quahogs, clams, lobsters, mussels, et cetera. This despite such historic hurdles as invading British troops (Essex is one of the only towns in America invaded by a foreign power) and Prohibition. kappa alumnae You're always a Kappa Find out more about what your lifetime member experience can look like. Freelance restaurant writer Mike Urban of Old Saybrook has written a book about great Connecticut restaurants. Taste the original burger the way it was intended at Louis Lunch, the birthplace of the hamburger. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. Explore the bucolic life on Connecticut farms, Enjoying a glass of wine and the scenery at, Even downing a glass of locally-brewed beer on patios of. Watched over by its iconic rock painted like a frog, Frog Rock Rest Stop includes a gift shop, a menu of tasty treats from seafood to ice cream, tables with awnings, and live music frequently playing right outside. The experience certainly makes for one of the, As befits an unstuffy yet luxurious affair, be sure to bring a picnic of at minimum a bottle of champagne and cheese spread for this, Bring your hiking boots on your trip, if youre so inclined. The bridges themselves are a draw. The building began as a textile mill in the early 1800s, became a speakeasy in the 1920s, and then transformed into an inn. Today, Engine Room features craft beers on tap, the area's largest bourbon selection, craft cocktails and wine, and a menu of locally sourced, creative American comfort foodwith a focus on America's most beloved dish, the burger. Located in the heart ofPutnams Antique District, youll find the menu and atmosphere designed with a courthouse and antique theme in mind. But the white-tailed deer population has exploded in Connecticut without predatory species to keep them in check, wreaking havoc on native plant populations. There are so many great spots to choose from, so we turned to the, Its tree-chopping time! Lobsters, clams, corn, and other items are deliciously grilled on a 18 foot fire pit. Libby's Italian Ice and Pastry Shop New Haven Still serving tasty treats after decades and decades, Libby's has the ultimate in Italian desserts, pastries, Italian ice, and ice cream. 10. But the coolest exhibits are the life-size dioramas. is the among the oldest of Americas continuously-run taverns. The only remaining steam train and riverboat connection in America is based in Essex, Connecticut, as the name implies. Dining here is definitely a unique experience. There, they can watch a simulated hunt by the ancestors of the Mashantucket Pequots, complete with the sound of creaking ice and winds. /*-->*/. Make the trek to see this Gothic holdover, and recreate your own medieval pilgrimage. Saus believes "in the power of the condiment" - its . ; house many of these native-born treasures. Originally a private estate, the Society of St Edmund, a group of monks, now own and occupy it. Tell us what interests you most (check all that apply), Connecticut is a place for everyoneso all our fun is LGBTQ+ friendly fun. Sample the culinary expertise featured at renowned hot spots, and discover hidden gems that come with delicious findings! In addition to naming the . With options from blue crab, lobster and shrimp to mouthwatering sauces like Cajun, lemon pepper and garlic butter, your seafood fix will be satisfied and the experience will be unlike any other. Inventive restauranteurs have transformed all sorts of landmark venues into showcases for fine food, whether its a brick-oven pizza, fresh seafood, farm-to-table fare, or a classic hamburger (We invented it!). 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. Get more stories delivered right to your email. 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. Experience an authentic Chinese cooking tradition, hot pot, which involves preparing food in a simmering pot of broth right on the table. This is seasonal dining at its finest, but not for kids. (860) 345-2994, blueoarct.wix.com Litchfield Hills Hopkins Inn, Warren Given the cuisine, ambiance and surrounding terrain, it's easy to imagine that you're gazing out over a pristine Austrian mountain lake when you're enjoying the view from a table on the flagstone patio of the Hopkins Inn. Love Connecticut? And the quaintness gets kicked up a notch around Christmas time, when the Christmas shop on-site likely makes the vast majority of its sales. Featuring acclaimed Jazz and Blues artists to enhance your dining experience. Have a bite to eat and join the musical spirit that gets the entire crowd singing along. The City That Works, next door to Greenwich, hosts an entire antiques district for aficionados. Top 10 Diners' Choice Winners in Connecticut The Luke Brasserie Bar & Cafe Exceptional ( 80) $$$$ Contemporary French / American New Haven Booked 10 times today The Anchor Spa Exceptional ( 44) $$$$ Caribbean New Haven Booked 10 times today Quattro Pazzi Cafe Exceptional ( 180) $$$$ Italian Fairfield, Connecticut Booked 8 times today , the largest Native American museum in the world. The experience certainly makes for one of the most unique date ideas in Connecticut. Alone, each Kappa brings unique qualities to campus, but together we make a difference. This is seasonal dining at its finest, but not for kids. It could very well be one of the most romantic. And buyers have eagerly come to peruse their wares. Hanging 100ft above South Bank, 22 diners can enjoy breakfast, lunch, dinner and cocktails prepared by a team standing at the centre of the table. Cajun Boiled Seafood CT is clean, bright, and fun. CTvisit.com is proud to partner with some of the region's most popular content, From Yale University football to world-class golf tournaments, high-scoring college sports to high-energy professional, Looking for the best restaurants in Connecticut? The giant pirate Minion outside of Stowe's Seafood is just a prelude to what you will find at this seafood shack. Hosted at Barberry Hill Farm in Madison and White Gate Farm in East Lyme, the experience is $150 per person. The cooks put littleneck clams in the fire until they open, then douse them in a mixture of cocktail sauce and butter. Looking to show your pride year round? Head to the only museum in existence managed by the United States Navy to explore the worlds first nuclear-powered submarine. Afterwards, grab a bucket and go berry picking! 401 Oakwood Ave New Smyrna Beach, FL 32169. Youll likely bump into a celebrity or two while taking part in the time-honored tradition of stomping divots in the field. Connecticut has some fantastically unusual restaurants that will give you more than just a meal. The unique experience of a fancy multiple course meal outside on a picturesque farm comes at a price. Though its New York neighbor gets more culinary street cred, Connecticut is a hotbed of local flavors, including a local take on the lobster roll, collegiate-level ice . But I appreciated the various things to do here even more during the Covid pandemic, especially the lockdown. The Jovial Crew bring the Tap Room to life with fun sing-alongs and a great sense of humor. The menu may even include an insect or two, if youre feeling particularly adventurous. Take a stroll along the water and sample delicious food from tacos to hot dogs, ice cream to pizza, Thai cuisine to Middle Eastern food from the nearly 30 food trucks parked along Food Truck Paradise. Get more stories delivered right to your email. Located in picturesque Newburyport, Massachusetts, this private dining experience for two is ranked among the Top 35 Things To Do in all of New England by Yankee Magazine. 2 Baths. Many of these unique ingredients are often foraged by Bun Lai himself. The island is lovely, too, and worthy of its own pilgrimage for an afternoon. 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 1882, Impressionist painter J. Alden Weir, established himself, his work, and his family at Weir Farm. "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. Centuries later, New London, Connecticut, still really dislikes Benedict Arnold. Be sure to wash it all down with such house-made infused sakes as watermelon chili. And its been self-supporting for the entirety of its history. Bring a blanket and a picnic to stake your space and make an evening of it. 2. $3,500. Just off of I-95, Olde Mistick Village is modeled after a New England colonial village, complete with such touches as: The brick pathways connect the more than 40 shops sprinkled throughout the area, selling gifts from around the world. 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. This despite such historic hurdles as invading British troops (Essex is one of the only towns in America invaded by a foreign power) and Prohibition. Of Culture Nigerian Bedford-Stuyvesant Perfect For: Special Occasions Date Night Unique Dining Experience $$$$ 327 Nostrand Avenue, New York View Website Earn 3X Points Spud Point Crab Company. 14 Unusual Dining Experiences in Connecticut. 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. View more recently sold homes. For a pitch-black experience: Nox - Dine in the Dark. Youll have to taste to find out! In 1649, 59 British Judges sentenced King Charles I to death. Dont bother asking for other condiments, as they simply dont have them. The lobster roll at McLoons in Maine. Opened in 2005, the all-glass restaurant has a menu consisting of fresh seafood, beef rib eye, veal, and other gourmet items. Elephants Trunk staked claim to that title years ago. What began as a singular structure devoted to books has expanded to about half a million literary works, sprawled across five different buildings and even makeshift structures. With a transparent acrylic roof above, the restaurant offers its diners a 270-degree panoramic view of sea creatures swimming in the Maldives' crystal clear waters. So our small population has a high proportion of avid readers, and unique shops to serve them throughout Connecticut. Sure, everywhere has a pumpkin festival, an arts and crafts festival, and the like, but where else on this continent can you burn an effigy of a public figure?! If you're looking for one of the most unique themed restaurants in NYC, you can't get much stranger than this spooky recreation of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. When you step inside, youll be greeted by shelves of books, framed and signed photos of authors, and a menu filled with literature-themed dishes. This is one of the few Mexican restaurants Ive visited where the food is powerfully flavored and quite authentic. While not your typical fare, be ready to try sashimi featuring such threats to native flora and fauna as: That last one is native. Johnson completed his home in 1949. Make it a fabulous morning at the semi-monthly Pink Eggs & Glam Drag Brunch! Or checkout some of our other guides, like: Whatever you do, and whenever you do it, we hope it helps you to re-find your love of Connecticut! The bountiful, multifaceted (and yes, lobster-roll-filled) wonders of the American Northeast. Bun Lais mother, Japanese immigrant Yoshiko Lai, opened. Built in 1899, it was restored back to its classic, architectural beauty by the Gouveia family ofGouveia Vineyards, Wallingford, CT. With a combination of traditional plates and more familiar items like coconut shrimp, this place is a festive spot to catch up with friends. Barnum of circus fame was born in Bethel, Connecticut, but loved Bridgeport. Follow the path into a completely recreated 16th century coastal Pequot village to get a life-size view of life before the arrival of Europeans. While Johnson lived here for parts of his life, it eventually became just a space for entertaining. From being the second state to legalize same, Putting together your 2023 priorities? Of the lengthy list, heres a map of our top 10 things to do across Connecticut that seem the most uniquely Connecticutian. The Place is open May 1st - late October. 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. 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. "Unique Eats and Eateries of Connecticut: The People and Stories Behind the . Kids love dog drool and swamp juice. Decades later, it remains a local favorite earning national recognition. Named after the original owners saying Theres no place, quite like this place, anywhere near this place, so this must be The Place this unusual outdoor restaurant serves seafood while guests sit on tree stumps rather than chairs. Email: info@stantonhouseinn.com hosts matches on Sundays. But his story went sour after he turned traitor and fought for the British in the Revolutionary War. is worth perusing whenever youre shopping Greenwich Avenue. Today, that macabre relic is viewable in the chapel on the island: the severed arm of St Edmund. Theres something more thats unique to the area that happens here every Thursday evening from June to September. 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.