When it comes to underrated places, the state of Connecticut as a whole could be listed. Our small state doesn’t always seem appealing to tourists, but locals know that we actually have a lot to offer. So next time your friends or relatives come to visit, offer up one of these unique trips. They’ll love discovering new places, and you’ll be reminded why you fell in love with this state in the first place.
- Route 169
Doug Kerr/Flickr If you think it’s too cold, or your visitors just aren’t feeling very active, you can take them on a relaxing scenic drive. Voted one of America’s most outstanding scenic byways,the 32 miles from Woodstock to Lisbon are just as beautiful when covered in snow.
- The Crypt At Center Church
Center Church/TripAdvisor Dating back to 1687, few people know that there is actually an entire cemetery hidden underneath Center Church. Nearly 1,000 unmarked remains reside here in this creepy yet amazing basement attraction.
The church is located at 250 Temple Street, New Haven, CT 06511.
- The Mark Twain House
Ken Zirkel/Flickr Sure, perfectly preserved author’s homes exist across the country, but few as unique as this gothic estate. There are even activities for the children!
The house is located at 351 Farmington Avenue, Hartford, CT 06105.
- Wild Bill’s Nostalgia Store
Rafael S./Yelp Please note, Wild Bill’s Nostalgia Center has permanently closed. There is no shopping experience in the world like this one in Connecticut. Want to see cars balanced on top of balls? How about the world’s largest (and creepiest) jack-in-the-box? It’s all here!
The store is located at 1003 Newfield Street, Middletown, CT 06457.
- First Presbyterian Church
eveninct./Flickr This oddly shaped building is likely one of the most awe inspiring places to see stained glass in New England. You will be completely mesmerized by this modern expression of faith.
The church is located at 1101 Bedford St, Stamford, CT 06905.
- Beckley Furnace
Doug Kerr/Flickr One of the most underrated places, this larger than life industrial monument is located in a lovely park setting. Its size alone will impress you, but the history and stone work really makes it worth visiting.
The furnace is located at 140 Lower Road, East Canaan, CT 06024.
- Cushing/Whitney Medical Library
John_from_CT/Flickr Calling all mad scientists! The Yale University campus is full of places to explore and is surrounded by great pizza joints. But stopping by this library means getting to see preserved body parts, like brains in jars.
The library is located at 333 Cedar Street, New Haven, CT 06510.
- Woodbury Antiques & Flea Market
Woodbury Antiques & Flea Market/Facebook As the antiques capital, you can’t have guests and not tell them about this incredible market. It’s a great place to hunt for statement furniture pieces and unique gifts.
The Market is located at the bottom of Sherman Hill Road near the intersection of routes 6 and 64 in Woodbury.
- Shore Line Trolley Museum
Branford Electric Railway Association/Shore Line Trolley Museum/Facebook Trains are cool, but how often do you get the chance to ride a historic trolley down a scenic track that cuts through forest and wetlands?
The museum is located at 17 River Street, East Haven, CT 06512.
- Gillette Castle
CJ Oliver/Flickr One of the state’s top attractions, this castle once belonged to the actor who made Sherlock Holmes so unforgettable. Your guests will love the quirky details and sweeping views.
The castle is located at 67 River Road, East Haddam, CT 06423.
- Union Cemetery
Neil R/Flickr Are your houseguests enthralled by the paranormal? This cemetery could be the most haunted in the country. In fact, the infamous Warrens wrote a book detailing just how scary this place is.
The cemetery is located at 29 Church Road, Easton, CT 06612.
- Kent Falls State Park
Jaine/Flickr One of the easiest set of falls to observe, the surrounding park area is perfect for family activities. Collectively, the drop nearly 250 feet over a quarter mile!
The park is located at 462 Kent Cornwall Road, Kent, CT 06757.
Now you’re ready to entertain guests! They’ll definitely enjoy these underrated places, but whether or not they’re prepared for all the Weird Things Nutmeggers Do is something you’ll just have to wait to find out. Another great and easy idea to keep guests entertained is to send them in search of Connecticut’s bizarre roadside attractions.
Doug Kerr/Flickr
If you think it’s too cold, or your visitors just aren’t feeling very active, you can take them on a relaxing scenic drive. Voted one of America’s most outstanding scenic byways,the 32 miles from Woodstock to Lisbon are just as beautiful when covered in snow.
Center Church/TripAdvisor
Dating back to 1687, few people know that there is actually an entire cemetery hidden underneath Center Church. Nearly 1,000 unmarked remains reside here in this creepy yet amazing basement attraction.
The church is located at 250 Temple Street, New Haven, CT 06511.
Ken Zirkel/Flickr
Sure, perfectly preserved author’s homes exist across the country, but few as unique as this gothic estate. There are even activities for the children!
The house is located at 351 Farmington Avenue, Hartford, CT 06105.
Rafael S./Yelp
Please note, Wild Bill’s Nostalgia Center has permanently closed. There is no shopping experience in the world like this one in Connecticut. Want to see cars balanced on top of balls? How about the world’s largest (and creepiest) jack-in-the-box? It’s all here!
The store is located at 1003 Newfield Street, Middletown, CT 06457.
eveninct./Flickr
This oddly shaped building is likely one of the most awe inspiring places to see stained glass in New England. You will be completely mesmerized by this modern expression of faith.
The church is located at 1101 Bedford St, Stamford, CT 06905.
One of the most underrated places, this larger than life industrial monument is located in a lovely park setting. Its size alone will impress you, but the history and stone work really makes it worth visiting.
The furnace is located at 140 Lower Road, East Canaan, CT 06024.
John_from_CT/Flickr
Calling all mad scientists! The Yale University campus is full of places to explore and is surrounded by great pizza joints. But stopping by this library means getting to see preserved body parts, like brains in jars.
The library is located at 333 Cedar Street, New Haven, CT 06510.
Woodbury Antiques & Flea Market/Facebook
As the antiques capital, you can’t have guests and not tell them about this incredible market. It’s a great place to hunt for statement furniture pieces and unique gifts.
The Market is located at the bottom of Sherman Hill Road near the intersection of routes 6 and 64 in Woodbury.
Branford Electric Railway Association/Shore Line Trolley Museum/Facebook
Trains are cool, but how often do you get the chance to ride a historic trolley down a scenic track that cuts through forest and wetlands?
The museum is located at 17 River Street, East Haven, CT 06512.
CJ Oliver/Flickr
One of the state’s top attractions, this castle once belonged to the actor who made Sherlock Holmes so unforgettable. Your guests will love the quirky details and sweeping views.
The castle is located at 67 River Road, East Haddam, CT 06423.
Neil R/Flickr
Are your houseguests enthralled by the paranormal? This cemetery could be the most haunted in the country. In fact, the infamous Warrens wrote a book detailing just how scary this place is.
The cemetery is located at 29 Church Road, Easton, CT 06612.
Jaine/Flickr
One of the easiest set of falls to observe, the surrounding park area is perfect for family activities. Collectively, the drop nearly 250 feet over a quarter mile!
The park is located at 462 Kent Cornwall Road, Kent, CT 06757.
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