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Get the full shoreline guide here.

With nearly 100 miles of shoreline on the Long Island Sound, Connecticut’s coastal areas offer an abundance of maritime history and things to do. The vibe is relaxed yet refined, and there are ample opportunities here for long walks on the beach, lazy afternoons strolling down cobblestoned streets, visiting museums, and indulging in world-class seafood. New London Lighthouse Tours are an educational and engaging introduction to the region’s rich history. And if you have a sweet tooth, a trip to the PEZ Visiting Center shouldn’t be missed. The fun continues all year long with Thimble Island Cruises, which offer everything from narrated sightseeing to foliage tours to seal-watching excursions. And if you’re the type to prefer paddling your own boat, then opt for a Sunset Paddle Tour and Campfire in scenic Old Lyme, where a watery adventure comes to a picturesque and relaxing end around the campfire. Not sure where to start? The good news is that there is no right or wrong answer—each coastal town has its own character and charms, so take your time and explore to find the one you like best.

THE SHORELINE

New London Lighthouse

PEZ Visitors Center

Thimble Island

Get the full LITCHFIELD HILLS guide here.

Country roads, rolling hills, the beauty of a sunset over sweeping farmland—if you’re looking for Connecticut’s pastoral charms, Litchfield County is where to find them. This special area has long attracted city folk and Connecticut locals alike for its laid-back, unpretentious atmosphere. Of course, there is plenty of farm fun to be had, perhaps with a horseback ride at Lee’s Riding Stable or by picking up some delectable chocolates made with local ingredients at Thorncrest Farm or perusing the begonias and roses at White Flower Farm, widely considered one of the top sources for plants in the country. Wherever your adventures lead you, make sure to dedicate at least an entire afternoon at outdoor sculpture garden Hogpen Hill Farms, a 284-acre pasture filled with contemporary statues that complement the landscape. Kids and adults alike can find adventures at Quassy Amusement & Waterpark, where you can find your thrills on the retro-inspired Wooden Warrior roller coaster. Whatever you choose, a visit to Litchfield Hills is like visiting another era—you’ll be amazed at how close it is, yet how transported you will feel.

Litchfield Hills

Quassy Amusement & Waterpark

Lee's Riding Stable

White Flower Farm

Get the full FAIRFIELD COUNTY guide here.

The beating heart of Connecticut, Fairfield County is where you’ll find stately homes, beautiful architecture, and much of the culture that proves this area is so much more than just a bedroom community for New York City. The Phillip Johnson Glass House is one of the country’s best-preserved examples of midcentury-modern architecture and a great place for a picnic or to catch a live music show during the warmer months. Thanks to the number of affluent communities in this area, New Milford’s Elephant’s Trunk Flea Market offers some of the best antiquing in the Northeast. And kids of all ages will be thrilled with a visit to either the Beardsley Zoo or the Maritime Aquarium, both of which offer world-class exhibits and interactive programing for adults and little ones alike. Fairfield County is also home to some unusual museums. In Stamford, the Walker Library of the History of Human Imagination has a range of curiosities you can’t find anywhere else, such as an original Russian space satellite from the 1950s, authentic 17th-century atlases, and one of two known facsimile copies of the original 1776 Declaration of Independence. And if you’re a horror junky, the Zaffis Museum of the Paranormal in Stratford offers some tantalizing, can’t-miss delights. But no matter how you break it down, it’s clear that there is much more to Fairfield County than meets the eye.

FAIRFIELD COUNTY

Maritime Aquarium

Beardsley Zoo

Elephant's Trunk Flea Market

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Select an area below to view the full guides or continue reading to get a taste of each region.

Is it by touring a lighthouse or indulging in a lobster roll on Long Island Sound? Or is it strolling through the rolling hills of Litchfield County? Then again, maybe it’s admiring the architecture and perusing antiques in Fairfield County. No matter which adventure you choose, one of 2020’s silver linings is that we’re all rediscovering local destinations with fresh eyes. Whether you’re a local or you’re new to exploring what the Constitution State has to offer, we’ve broken it down into the state’s four can’t-miss regions—and the best things to do while you’re there.

What's the best way to explore connecticut?

It doesn’t matter if you stick to the shoreline or head up into the hills of Litchfield County, this is the kind of place that has infinite layers to explore. From romantic dinners for two overlooking the Long Island Sound to a fun-filled family afternoon in Hartford, there are many adventures to be had and memories to be made—and all of them are within reach when you’re here in Connecticut.

WHEREVER YOU GO, There are adventures to be had...

Get the full CENTRAL AND NORTHERN guide here.

It’s amazing how unique the various regions of Connecticut are. Central and Northern Connecticut, located halfway between New York City and Boston—as well as halfway between Long Island Sound to the south and the Berkshires to the north—have a unique flavor all their own. There’s a little bit of everything here, from international cuisines to taste to historic homes to explore. Meet some farmers and put together a DIY picnic with fresh produce from the Ellington Farmers Market, or maybe tour the area’s numerous craft breweries onboard the Hard Hittin Beer Shuttle. Looking for something a little more kid friendly? Bring the young ones on a visit to Brownstone Exploration & Discovery Park, which combines education with engagement for a worthwhile experience the whole family can enjoy. After dark, it’s time for a socially distanced movie theater experience at the delightfully retro Mansfield Drive-In Movie Theater.

Central and Northern

Hard Hittin' Beer Shuttle

Ellington Farmers Market

Mansfield Drive-In Movie Theater

The shoreline

litchfield hills

Fairfield County

Central and Northern

Connecticut Offers Year-Round Fun For The Whole Family

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The shoreline

litchfield hills

Fairfield County

Central and Northern

The shoreline

litchfield hills

Fairfield County

Central and Northern

The shoreline

litchfield hills

Fairfield County

Central and Northern