There is one place in America which always gets me to reflect on America’s immense natural beauty: Hammonasset State Park in Connecticut. You probably haven’t heard of the park because it’s really just a small 2-mile stretch of beach on the Connecticut coast of Long Island Sound. But with over 500 campsites and a nature …
Connecticut
Travel blogs, photos and features from Connecticut
Connecticut Travel Guide
The ultimate guide to the best things to do and see in Connecticut
The Nutmeg State, one of the richest in the country, is home to some gorgeous landscapes with beautiful coastlines and forests, as well as some excellent seafood! Start here with my basic Connecticut travel tips, or jump down below to read my latest Connecticut travel blogs.
When to Visit
If you’re interested in visiting for the fall colors, clearly the best time to visit Connecticut is in September and October. Summer is also a great time to get out into nature and experience the great outdoors that Connecticut and New England in general is famous for, especially if you want to spend time by the water at some of the state’s most beautiful beaches.
If you’re coming in winter, there’ll still be plenty to do in the cities, in particular Hartford and New Haven (home to Yale and also one of the best pizzerias in America).
Top Things To Do
Yale University Art Gallery – This expansive and free art museum in New Haven has an impressive collection of art from the 1500s to modern day. You can just as easily pop in here for an hour or spend a whole day exploring the treasures on display.
Hammonasset State Park – You probably haven’t heard of this place which gets me to reflect on America’s immense natural beauty. It’s really just a small 2-mile stretch of beach on the Connecticut coast of Long Island Sound. But with over 500 campsites and a nature center and boardwalk, the park is a small gem of nature. I’m particularly fond of an area called The Rocks (well, that’s what I call it). It’s this rocky area of the beach with giant boulders protruding out to the sea.
Mark Twain House and Museum – The former home of this famous American author, it was here that Twain wrote many of his best-known works in the late 19th century. It can now be visited as a museum, and offers many activities that showcase his legacy and what it was like living in the house in his lifetime.
Connecticut Tours
Taking a tour around different parts of Connecticut is an excellent way to see more of the state and get out to places you might otherwise miss by yourself.
LGBTQ – Gay Connecticut Travel Guide
These are a few of the best things you should know about visiting gay Connecticut.
168 York Street Café – A quirky little café and bar in an old brownstone building in the Yale campus, this place is the oldest gay bar in Connecticut and currently the only gay owned business in New Haven. It’s a cute, convivial place, where you can grab a coffee, beer or even a meal with friend or make some new ones. Their Sunday brunch is a big deal, so get there early to find a seat.
Chez Est – Cocktails, karaoke, drag queens and assorted DJs, this place in downtown Hartford has all the trappings of a classic gay club. It’s small, but cosy and super friendly and the outside patio is a nice place to hang out on warm summer evenings.
Vine Symmetry – Definitely one of the most hipster places in Farmington, this place attracts a young crowd and has a cool, alternative vibe featuring classic hits from the 70s to 90s. They also serve some excellent sushi at the bar in case you’re hungry!
More gay travel resources here.
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