Enter if you dare. hosts over 200 events a year, hosting authors from around the country. Whether you want to come face-to-face with a green sea turtle, get hands on with sharks in our touch tank, feed our cownose rays, visit our belugas, seals, and sea lions in their outdoor habitats, roam our marsh trek, learn about ways you can help fight water pollution, or meet . This spot was added to the list of wacky restaurants because you are actually allowed to write on the walls. Welcome to Midpoint Istanbul Midpoint Istanbul Fine Dining is the first Modern Mediterranean restaurant in New Haven, CT Istanbul is where two continents (Europe & Asia) meets and it has been one of the most diverse food culture in the world Many nations that is made of hundreds of different ethnicities went through and still living on this unique iconic land mark that belongs to the whole . Located in the waterfront outdoor Biergarten. An Organic Farm-to-Table Experience in the Middle of the Jungle. continued until the Civil War, and restarted in the last decade. William Hooker Gillette is best known for his portrayal of Sherlock Holmes. Maker's Mark Bourbon sponsors the event, so the dinner is paired with their offerings. 8 choices for Connecticuts most unique shopping experience, downtown Greenwich Avenue shopping district. Be sure to bring your own beverages (including beer or wine), and plenty of bug spray. 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. During the Revolutionary War, Connecticut was known as the arsenal of America, as it was the most industrialized state in the Union. Photography: Nox - Dine in the Dark. Long Wharf in New Haven is such a popular food truck destination that its been named Food Truck Paradise. But what makes it so unique is that every meal comes with free books. And today, vendors from across the country trek to New Milford, Connecticut, each Sunday to sell their wares. Built over 37 years on 49 acres, Philip Johnson turned homebuilding on its head with The Glass House. The Tee-Pee, Lunchbox, a Dunce-cap and a Carousel are some of the most popular dining spots. Make it a fabulous morning at the semi-monthly Pink Eggs & Glam Drag Brunch! In 1900, a customer ran up and asked for a quick lunch to take with them. This resulted in the dissolution of the monarchy and led Oliver Cromwell into power. can walk the campus grounds, whose Gothic style, inspired by Cambridge and Oxford universities, are reminiscent of Hogwarts to some modern visitors. Saus, Downtown Boston and Bow Market, Somerville. Head to the only museum in existence managed by the United States Navy to explore the worlds first nuclear-powered submarine. The food here is pretty good. Looking for another unique eating adventure? Sign up for our newsletter and be the first to get the latest ideas, deals, and getaways. Highly motivated registered dietitian passionate about helping students and clients with their unique nutrition needs. A SkyVenture adventure is the perfect gift for everyone from kids as young as 3 to seniors in their 90s. Here are six remarkable. And everything is served on their firetruck red tables with tree stump seats. On Monday nights bring your singing voice and your appetite to Sea Chantey Night at the historic Griswold Inn. 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. Some have survived, while others have fallen by the wayside (R.I.P. Featuring, Whats the next best thing to growing your own fruits, vegetables, plants, flowers, and more? (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. According to the restaurant,the jail cells overlooking the three-story bar are still intact, as are the bars on the windows that face the Litchfield Green.". Phone: (203) 869-2110 3 Beds. If you're a cocktail lover, you simply must try one of the specialty cocktails. Bring a blanket and a picnic to stake your space and make an evening of it. Bring your hiking boots on your trip, if youre so inclined. Barnum of circus fame was born in Bethel, Connecticut, but loved Bridgeport. There is no shortage of funky items on display here. Even more unique? Johnson famously joked that he had the most beautiful and expensive wallpaper the world had ever known. The third smallest state in the USA, Connecticut packs more into its tiny borders than one might expect. 2 Beds, 1 Bath. The museum uses text panels, films, and interactive computer programs to educate on Mashantucket Pequot life through the ages. Clean sand, beautiful . 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!). It holds the title for being the worlds first sustainable sushi restaurant. Here are some exciting upcoming LGBTQ+ events. Experience an authentic Chinese cooking tradition, hot pot, which involves preparing food in a simmering pot of broth right on the table. California's abundance of spectacular produce mixed with its innovative chefs is always a recipe for delicious meals. The experience certainly makes for one of the most unique date ideas in Connecticut. And just like in the movie starring Julie Roberts, the restaurant is strikingly similar to the one in the movie, though it wasnt shot on location. Connecticut has some fantastically unusual restaurants that will give you more than just a meal. initiative combines industry-leading health and safety standards with virtual technologies designed to keep real estate moving forward, and give our employees, customers and partners confidence and support to stay safe. Originally a private estate, the Society of St Edmund, a group of monks, now own and occupy it. Some of the oddities that Gillette designed himself include: Start your visit to one of the best state parks in CT with a grand entrance by taking the Hadlyme ferry across the Connecticut River from Chester. Enjoy healthy fresh soups and seasonal salads plus restaurant-style entrees like chicken pot pie, chili, chowders, stews, meat loaf, Cajun shrimp, short ribs, and more. Instead of dividing a single interior into rooms, he divided the space into 14 structures, each with a different function, for example: One of the most famous quirks of the house is that almost the entire structure is one room. Map design by Stanton House Inn using resources fromFlaticon.com. Bun Lais mother, Japanese immigrant Yoshiko Lai, opened. At least according to the current owner, Bun Lai Yoshiko. You can dine directly on the water; Be served outdoors while seated on tree stumps; Solve a mystery while enjoying your entre. The original actor of this character introduced such iconic props as: William Gillette was even the source of the phrase, Elementary, my dear Watson.. Spud Point Crab Company, owned by Tony and Carol Anello, opened on July 10, 2004. Natalie is a writer and travel enthusiast who loves uncovering new places along the East Coast. $3,500. Offering an indulgent menu of food and/or drinks, London in the Sky is a unique dining . . Built in 1875, the single-story, Italianate-style brick building was once theSimsburyRailroad Depot. P.T. Visitors start their visit in a simulation of a glacial crevasse in the last Ice Age. , he is considered one of the most influential 20th century architects. Their stipulations include: Louis Lunch was originally a lunch truck owned by the eponymous Louis Lassen. If your objective is to have dinner in a party-like setting then East Side Restaurant is a fantastic choice. With a stellar list of rotating performers, each brunch is filled with games, theater, comedy, music, and debauchery! What other wacky restaurants should be added to our list? The menu may even include an insect or two, if youre feeling particularly adventurous. E By Jose Andres Some of the top Stamford antique shops include: Theres no question that some of the best antique stores in Connecticut are located here. The Hop Brook Mill, built in 1680 and now Millwrights home, was a grist and sawmill in the village ofSimsbury. Follow her at taylorellisblogger.com, This Unique Restaurant In Connecticut Will Give You An Unforgettable Dining Experience, This Train In Connecticut Is Actually A Restaurant And You Need To Visit, This Restaurant In Connecticut Is Located In The Most Unforgettable Setting, The Quirkiest Restaurant In Connecticut Thats Impossible Not To Love, 10 Hole In The Wall Restaurants In Connecticut That Will Blow Your Taste Buds Away, Youll Find Doggone Good Crab Cakes At This Quirky Restaurant In Connecticut, 12 Under The Radar Restaurants In Connecticut That Are Scrumdiddlyumptious, The Tiny Restaurant In Connecticut That Serves Mexican Food To Die For. run the movie on a continuous loop, in case you need a refresher. 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. Looking to show your pride year round? In 1882, Impressionist painter J. Alden Weir, established himself, his work, and his family at Weir Farm. 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. Making sure life's most-important celebrations are as awesome as possible is our job at Unique Dining. 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. Many of these unique ingredients are often foraged by Bun Lai himself. As the most populous part of Connecticut, much of Fairfield County was shut-down for months. Noshing in the Nutmeg State. But the silver lining of having your normal routine adjusted by a pandemic was being forced to get creative and do more research. Even more uniquely Connecticut activities, Connecticuts museums, from Hartford to New Haven, Greenwich to Stonington. Today, Louis Lunch has occupied the same location since the 1970s. Greenwich, CT 06830 You'll love all the vintage touches, from the velvet curtains, vintage paintings, and 14-foot polished wood bars. Car enthusiasts showing-off their classic cars, which would require a mortgage to maintain for the average person? Mystic Pizza - Mystic, CT If you haven't seen the Mystic Pizzamovie, then you have definitely missed out. In downtown Bridgeport, close to I-95, sits a unique red and yellow domed building made of stone and terracotta. Dine on picnic tables in a Texan like environment at Joey C's Roadhouse BBQ & Tex Mex. The island is lovely, too, and worthy of its own pilgrimage for an afternoon. 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. Just off the I-84, this could be a great stop on your next road trip. From spring to fall, youll be sure to enjoy the beautiful views on your approach to the castle and state park. And their plantains are pretty good, too. 12. 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. From being the second state to legalize same, Putting together your 2023 priorities? Some farms have been in operation since the 1700s. A multi-course meal featuring corn on the cob, potatoes, clams, salad, and dessert are all served under a tented pavilion on the lighthouse lawn. SOLD FEB 10, 2023. Now I already think Connecticut is a pretty unique place, but these eats and drinks are pretty cool. 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. Today, that macabre relic is viewable in the chapel on the island: the severed arm of St Edmund. You can enjoy Frog Rock Rest Stop between the months of May and September. Former U.S. But the white-tailed deer population has exploded in Connecticut without predatory species to keep them in check, wreaking havoc on native plant populations. Aqua Gastronomy is a multi-sensory dining experience at Resorts World Sentosa 1. Specializing in food allergies, on campus dining accommodations, menu . 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. And its been self-supporting for the entirety of its history. Dine "underwater" in Singapore Imagine tucking into your meal as a manta ray or hammerhead shark glides by languidly, accompanied by divers swimming in choreographed motion. Overlooking theLitchfield Green,Market Place Tavern serves its patrons in one of the oldest penal facilities in the state. Taylor Ellis grew up in southern Connecticut. Writer Ayn Rand even spent some time here. This relaxed, upscale pub is housed in a brick veneer that was home toNewtown's first general store. . Stroll along picturesque urban scenery. As you enter this remarkable home, you're greeted by a stunning floor plan. Instead, youll find some of the best preserved antiques from any period for which youre searching. 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. All Rights Reserved. Union Oyster House. In fact, Arnold specifically ordered that every building should be on fire.. Nearby homes similar to 1220 Kingman Ct SW have recently sold between $200K to $200K at an average of $115 per square foot. - will answer hunger and intrigue the palette. 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. in Niantic, Connecticut, requires some exploring, based on your personal literary interests: sits at the entrance, with new arrivals waiting to be processed, is a makeshift structure devoted to thrillers and romance novels, at the back of the property hosts two stories of thrillers and mystery novels, hosts fiction, paperbacks, essays, and poetry, is the final maze of books, especially more non-fiction. It has still maintained its local offerings, as well, to keep what youll find here unique and interesting. My mother has memories of her parents going for relaxed Sunday drives on the Merritt Parkway, stopping to picnic on a shoulder along the way. Here are some local farms to check out as you partake in the beloved holiday tradition of. And one of the most famous of his works is only a 25-minute drive from, Built over 37 years on 49 acres, Philip Johnson turned homebuilding on its head with. We're hiring. And speaking of wooden rollercoasters, enthusiasts voted Boulder Dash the best wooden roller coaster in the world. After you eat, dive into their one-of-a-kind bowling alley for more under the sea themed fun. Discover even more unique things to do in CT, Find even more interesting things going on in Connecticut on our. As of May 15th 2022: Tuesday-Wednesday 11:30-9:00pm. Explore our hotel and hospitality jobs. $2,300 /mo. Purchase a gift certificate online or by calling toll free, 888-759-8368. But the proceeds go to a number of charities. p.p1 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px 'Helvetica Neue'; color: #454545} Some Other Fantastic French Restaurants Hug the Connecticut Shoreline: Union League Cafe, New Haven This writer has memories of going to Union League Cafe as a child. 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. The seafood is fresh and well cooked, and the lobster roll has quite a fantastic reputation around town. Connecticut packs plenty of variety in its approximately 100 miles from Greenwich to Stonington. And perhaps he was thinking of the Glass House when he made that comment. . The original Red Brick store first opened in 1908and legend has it that one of its frequent shoppers was Marilyn Monroe. Constructed in 1910 in grand Spanish Colonial Revival-style, this iconic building closed in the 1960s. 6. Check for the exact date each year before you go. What was once a muddy country road in a backwoods town is now one of the most cosmopolitan shopping districts in America. Theyre open for lunch and dinner, Tuesday through Saturday. But if you are looking for something a little extra, that x-factor that adds to the overall dining experience, weve got it covered. Head to the Lobster Bin in downtown Greenwich for what is arguably the best lobster roll in Connecticut. Connecticut has some fantastically unusual restaurants that will give you more than just a meal. Union Street Tavern offers a relaxed and casual atmosphere in the revamped 1927 Windsor Fire Company firehouse. The downtown Greenwich Avenue shopping district is a destination for all of Connecticut and beyond for the huge number of high-end luxury boutiques that line the street. A Maine lobster roll is lobster meat tossed with mayonnaise in a buttered and toasted hot dog roll, served cold. But the park continues to improve, with a recent addition being the largest water park in Connecticut. The menu has simple and delicious local staples. Featuring acclaimed Jazz and Blues artists to enhance your dining experience. And its largely a difference between mayonnaise and butter. 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. There are so many great spots to choose from, so we turned to the. From checking off, Looking for the best restaurants in Connecticut? has occupied the same location since the 1970s. Kids love dog drool and swamp juice. Be sure to bring your own beverages (including beer or wine), and plenty of bug spray. Visitors can explore the hiking trails through the former fields of the farm, take a tour of the Weir studio and home, and even paint their own masterpiece. The Flying Monkey Grill Bar 400 American (New) Cocktail Bars Wine Bars $$ This is a placeholder "The bar at the Monkey has been home to many a fun times for me and my friends." more Outdoor seating Delivery Takeout Start Order 2. From being the second state to legalize same, Putting together your 2023 priorities? You'll receive your first newsletter soon! This constellation of islands vary in size, but none larger than a few miles. But the coolest exhibits are the life-size dioramas. The US has more than its fair share of quirky and unusual dining experiences. 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. This is one of the few Mexican restaurants Ive visited where the food is powerfully flavored and quite authentic. Small in global terms, the Thimble Islands are the largest archipelago in Connecticut. Order tickets for the Thursday evening clambake to enjoy: But the main attraction is the clambake, of course. Its why The Nature Conservancy deemed the Connecticut River Valley one of the last great places on Earth. For extra fun, try a cocktail or frozen drink served in a fishbowl! ; house many of these native-born treasures. And Bun Lai has created an innovative menu serving local invasive species. That's the idea at this pitch-black restaurant, one of the most memorable dining experiences in Singapore. happens annually in Sherwood Park. Other items in the museums collection highlight the history of submarines from inventor David Bushnell, a Connecticut native, and his Turtle, constructed in 1776. 76 Maple Avenue The cooks put littleneck clams in the fire until they open, then douse them in a mixture of cocktail sauce and butter. And, as befits, a small state, theyre all close enough to our Greenwich, Connecticut, bed and breakfast to be an easy day trip. But what makes this place especially unique is that it's built in a beautifully restored 1920s gas station. This has girls (or guys) night written all over it. 15. 1. Today, its quite a bit more crowded. Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History New Haven. And of these spots would be perfect for unique birthday party spots for adults in Connecticut. The jail, the oldest public building in town, was built to hold British prisoners during the War of 1812. Youll likely bump into a celebrity or two while taking part in the time-honored tradition of stomping divots in the field. Explore ten individual custom igloo experiences at Dockside's very own igloo park. 9. Decades later, it remains a local favorite earning national recognition. Hosted at Barberry Hill Farm in Madison and White Gate Farm in East Lyme, the experience is $150 per person. The tradition of parading and burning the traitors effigy continued until the Civil War, and restarted in the last decade. Lobsters, clams, corn, and other items are deliciously grilled on a 18 foot fire pit. Others are recent additions, thanks to the resurgence of interest in local food. 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. Chowdafest happens annually in Sherwood Park. House for Rent 509 N Bluff West Dr, Moses Lake, WA 98837 3 Bedrooms | $2,300 View More The Most Rental Listings Choose from over 1 million apartments, houses, condos, and townhomes for rent. Afterwards, grab a bucket and go berry picking! 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 most unique of outdoor activities in Connecticut. The guava caipirinha gets my vote! From enjoying great food at an arcade all the way to indulging in soup in slurp-friendly environments, these unique dining experiences in Las Vegas will be a huge W on your list. 12 Connecticut Travel Resolutions for 2023, Great Places for Workcations in Connecticut, 34 Things to Do in Connecticut This March, Winter - Celebrating Places to Dine and Drink in Connecticut, Stories > is just as unique, and with an interesting cultural history. THE SPOTS photo credit: David A. Lee Ratings FAQ 8.7 Dept. Since 1997, Willibrew (as the locals call it) has been serving up craft brews. Connecticuts Severed Arm of Saint Edmund, list of activities, attractions, and things to do in Hartford, Mark Twain House, where the celebrated writer wrote many of his most famous works, Wadsworth Atheneum, the first public museum in America, Elizabeth Park Rose Garden, first municipal garden and oldest public rose garden in America, Connecticut offers a culinary tour of historic and futuristic firsts. But the smaller, unassuming Ivoryton Playhouse is just as unique, and with an interesting cultural history. Find even more interesting things going on in Connecticut on our list of free things to do in Connecticut. 1. Connecticut is all about quaint and appreciating the history of the state. Established in 1826, Union Oyster House is one of the oldest operating restaurants in the US. Pair that with the colorful decor and the absolutely amazing margaritas and youve got a good thing going. But I appreciated the various things to do here even more during the Covid pandemic, especially the lockdown. Their slow-cooked, root beer-braised pork sandwich alongside inventive drinks like the Driveshaft (whiskey, Kahlua, Bailey's, fresh espresso, and milk) are also crowd pleasers. How about brunching in a fire station? Its hard to blame the city: Benedict Arnold was from nearby Norwich. While not your typical fare, be ready to try sashimi featuring such threats to native flora and fauna as: That last one is native. 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. Judges Cave, New Haven. Built in 1899, it was restored back to its classic, architectural beauty by the Gouveia family ofGouveia Vineyards, Wallingford, CT. During the early 1900s, this building was the home of justice.