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 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. Grab the family for a memorable drop-in the kids can even play on the playscape! Freelance restaurant writer Mike Urban of Old Saybrook has written a book about great Connecticut restaurants. In Stamford, the Sign of the Whale Restaurant offers rooftop igloos with couches and chairs for your comfort. Constructed in 1910 in grand Spanish Colonial Revival-style, this iconic building closed in the 1960s. The Place is an unusual restaurant where diners perch on tree stumps and eat outdoors at bright red tables. $2,300 /mo. The Melting Pot's fondue is a crowd-pleaser. HOURS. Saus believes "in the power of the condiment" - its . And everything is served on their firetruck red tables with tree stump seats. Theyre open for lunch and dinner, Tuesday through Saturday. 401 Oakwood Ave New Smyrna Beach, FL 32169. There is one seating per night (7:30 p.m. Wednesday through Friday, 6 p.m . Mystic Pizza - Mystic, CT If you haven't seen the Mystic Pizzamovie, then you have definitely missed out. season 6 60 . Inventive restauranteurs have transformed all sorts of landmark venues into showcases for fine food, whether it's a brick-oven pizza, fresh seafood, farm-to-table fare, or a classic hamburger (We invented it! 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. This restaurant sends you straight on a journey to the south with their inspired cuisine. 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. (203) 432-8987. Check-out our guides for more: There are plenty more attractions, activities, and things to do throughout the Land of Steady Habits. Instead of dividing a single interior into rooms, he divided the space into 14 structures, each with a different function, for example: Johnson entertained and enjoyed the views of the surrounding landscape at the Pavilion in the Pond, He called his warm weather retreat with both air conditioning and a television Grainger, Johnson read and slept in the Brick House, And used the Stucco Studio as a workplace and library, Architecture is the art of how to waste a space, A roundtrip on the ferry to Sheffield Island. Ascot's has a seasonal drink menu and several Wine Flights. If your objective is to have dinner in a party-like setting then East Side Restaurant is a fantastic choice. But there are historic lighthouses up and down the East Coast, right? Nestled off the beaten path in Wilton, Connecticut, sits one of only two national historic sites devoted to the visual arts. 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. Judges Cave, New Haven. If something wasnt closed, like Greenwich parks, it was swamped with other people who had suddenly discovered the outdoors. While not necessarily unique to the state, there are plenty more fairs, festivals and carnivals to attend in Connecticut. You'll receive your first newsletter soon! Natalie is a writer and travel enthusiast who loves uncovering new places along the East Coast. Sunday Dinner 3:00pm-8:00pm. From a restaurant where diners can watch mermaids swim while eating, to spots inside . Head to the only museum in existence managed by the United States Navy to explore the worlds first nuclear-powered submarine. The state capital deserves its own guide. Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library, As far as historic attractions focused on the performing arts goes, much of the attention goes to the. But this is one of those places where you're really coming for the drinks. And in more than a few cases, especially Greenwich, fabulously wealthy. Built in 1868, the lighthouse was in operation until 1902. Theres something more thats unique to the area that happens here every Thursday evening from June to September. Check for the exact date each year before you go. 2023 is almost here so ring it in right. Greenwich, CT, has fine French dining in abundance. In 1649, 59 British Judges sentenced King Charles I to death. 1,750 Sq. And one of the most quaint and historical experiences is riding along the Connecticut River by train and boat. Guests order off one large menu which towers above the tables and join in a lively experience much like a large community cookout. Its where he spent much of his life, and even served as its mayor for a time. For those of you who'd like a more hair-raising dining experience, London in the Sky might be for you. The fries, poutine, sandwiches, burgers, salad bowls, and more - not to mention the delicious sauces! Make the trek to see this Gothic holdover, and recreate your own medieval pilgrimage. This relaxed, upscale pub is housed in a brick veneer that was home toNewtown's first general store. It takes its name from the symbols on the companys logo. Yum! Explore ten individual custom igloo experiences at Dockside's very own igloo park. Find even more interesting things going on in Connecticut on our list of free things to do in Connecticut. While not your typical fare, be ready to try sashimi featuring such threats to native flora and fauna as: That last one is native. Contact: nclunan@onlyinyourstate.com. The Connecticut lobster roll first appeared in the 1920s at a now-closed restaurant named Perrys in Milford, Connecticut. New Haven, CT 06511. Added benefit is a visit to Elephants Trunk could be the start of a Sunday trip to explore even more unique activities, attractions, and things to do in Danbury, Connecticut, and nearby. , next door to Greenwich, hosts an entire antiques district for aficionados. E By Jose Andres Plenty of the most interesting and unique attractions in Connecticut are also free, like viewing the mysterious and historic manuscripts of the Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library. But what makes it so unique is that every meal comes with free books. Dining here is definitely a unique experience. Revenue from the Indian Casinos like Foxwoods Resort Casino has funded some amazing institutions. Out-of-the-ordinary restaurants. 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 youre ready for some mealtime mystery-solving, this interactive dinner spot offers a murder mystery show paired with a tasty four-course meal. We like. Some of the spots I discovered during the Covid lockdown have become my favorite things to do here. Help support local Connecticut farms while enjoying such bucolic activities as: Few other states offer beaches lining one of the largest estuaries in the world (Long Island Sound). 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. Uncle Buck's Fish Bowl & Grill creates an atmosphere that makes you feel like you are dining underwater. This Restaurant In Connecticut Is The First Of Its Kind And Youll Want To Visit, Youll Find Doggone Good Crab Cakes At This Quirky Restaurant In Connecticut, Walk Into Another Decade At This 30s Themed Restaurant In Connecticut, 11 Wackadoodle Restaurants In Connecticut That Will Change The Way You Think Of Eating Out, This Cheese Themed Restaurant in Connecticut Is What Dreams Are Made Of, This British Themed Restaurant In Connecticut Makes The Most Whimsical Pot Pie, You Can Watch Planes Land At This Underrated Restaurant In Connecticut, The Most Delicious All-You-Can-Eat Dining Experience In Connecticut Youll Absolutely Love. 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. From being the second state to legalize same, Putting together your 2023 priorities? 3 Beds. The mill is now an award-winning restaurant that offers sophisticated New England cuisine. Today, small farms remain a rarity in other parts of the country, but theyre doing quite well here in New England. Originally a private estate, the Society of St Edmund, a group of monks, now own and occupy it. Our state even offers a unique spin on dog-friendly activities in Connecticut. Many of these unique ingredients are often foraged by Bun Lai himself. But the white-tailed deer population has exploded in Connecticut without predatory species to keep them in check, wreaking havoc on native plant populations. 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. There is no shortage of spots to grab a great meal in Connecticut. The Merritt Parkway was built before I-95 to help lower traffic volumes on the Post Road. Keep FOMO far away by penciling in these must-dos in Connecticut. The people of New London never forgave him. 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. 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. Bring your hiking boots on your trip, if youre so inclined. Founded by George Peabody, the Peabody Museum of Natural History is located at Yale University and is one of the oldest and largest natural history museums in the entire world. Repurposed Spaces-Unique-Restaurant Experiences in CT. 15 of the most unique things to do in Connecticut 1. This is seasonal dining at its finest, but not for kids. These are not finds akin to the best flea markets in Connecticut, however. It holds the title for being the worlds first sustainable sushi restaurant. The menu has casual American fare that features tasty burgers, sandwiches, and salads. If youve seen our latest films, The Sound on the Sound Music Festival at Seaside Park in Bridgeport made Connecticut a 2-day mecca for music. Small in global terms, the Thimble Islands are the largest archipelago in Connecticut. Sunday Brunch 10:15am-2:30pm. There is no shortage of funky items on display here. Live entertainment driven by eerie animatronics and a creepy cast of characters will be sure to liven up your meal. One of the oldest universities in America sits in downtown New Haven, Connecticut. If you're looking to experience one in Doha, you'll have to head up to the Lusail Food Arena for Ink Caf. It has still maintained its local offerings, as well, to keep what youll find here unique and interesting. And yet trucks and commercial vehicles are banned due to the low height of the historic bridges crossing the parkway. 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. Bun Lais mother, Japanese immigrant Yoshiko Lai, opened. Featuring acclaimed Jazz and Blues artists to enhance your dining experience. This is seasonal dining at its finest, but not for kids. Embark on an unforgettable lunch or Sunday brunch cruise aboard an authentic tall ship. Lobsters, clams, corn, and other items are deliciously grilled on a 18 foot fire pit. Visit the world-class (and many of them free) museums on this Ivy League campus. New England's 38 Essential Restaurants. And because theyre not as famous as the beaches in other states, theyre also much calmer and quieter. So of course Connecticut has some unique places for retail therapy. Some have survived, while others have fallen by the wayside (R.I.P. It could very well be one of the most romantic. From the perfect Christmas gift for the person who has . Its sister restaurant,Oyster Club, is located right down the road. But the smaller, unassuming Ivoryton Playhouse is just as unique, and with an interesting cultural history. Top 10 Diners' Choice Winners in Connecticut The Luke Brasserie Bar & Cafe Exceptional ( 80) $$$$ Contemporary French / American New Haven Booked 20 times today Arethusa al Tavolo Exceptional ( 2930) $$$$ Contemporary American Bantam Booked 26 times today Pasta Vera Exceptional ( 5) $$$$ Italian Greenwich Winvian Farm Exceptional ( 195) A Marine Corps veteran, turned trial lawyer, turned brewery owner, Walt traded in his combat boots for dress shoes and now flip flops. Enjoy delicious dishes while you watch and find out who done it. Today, OKO Kitchen offers an innovative take on traditional Japanese food and sushi. As the most populous part of Connecticut, much of Fairfield County was shut-down for months. "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. 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. Visitors can add extra activities to their trip with the. There are so many great spots to choose from, so we turned to the. in downtown Greenwich for what is arguably the best lobster roll in Connecticut. The Connecticut lobster roll, meanwhile, is hot lobster meat dressed with butter and served in a warm, toasted bun. The Hop Brook Mill, built in 1680 and now Millwrights home, was a grist and sawmill in the village ofSimsbury. Cooking their burgers on the unique, vertical stove towers on which theyve been using since 1898. Established in 1826, Union Oyster House is one of the oldest operating restaurants in the US. On Monday nights bring your singing voice and your appetite to Sea Chantey Night at the historic Griswold Inn. Specializing in food allergies, on campus dining accommodations, menu . Looking for the most unique things to do in Connecticut? Barnum of circus fame was born in Bethel, Connecticut, but loved Bridgeport. 10. But nothing else compares to those expansive dioramas, in this writers opinion. And this Cold War holdover still has a presence in Groton, Connecticut at the, 15. The Thimble Islands were a favorite summer playground of famous turn-of-the-century Americans as President William Taft and Tom Thumb. Now I already think Connecticut is a pretty unique place, but these eats and drinks are pretty cool. 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.