This little restaurant is also a marketplace if youre looking for some new flavors to cook with. View more recently sold homes. Open Sat-Tue 8am-2am; Wed 8am-midnight; Thu-Fri 24 hours. This is one of the few Mexican restaurants Ive visited where the food is powerfully flavored and quite authentic. And peddlers traveling the American frontier were stereotypically from Connecticut. Read on for a guide to these 10, plus many more! 10. Now, pull in for exceptional pub fare with distinctively delicious meats. Bring a blanket and a picnic to stake your space and make an evening of it. House for Rent. Connecticut has some fantastically unusual restaurants that will give you more than just a meal. Mystic Aquarium offers a wide range of exciting guest experiences. The most extraordinary detail? Weir Farm OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. 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. Theyre open for lunch and dinner, Tuesday through Saturday. But his 1919 home is an attribute to a rather odd gentleman. The Tee-Pee, Lunchbox, a Dunce-cap and a Carousel are some of the most popular dining spots. Offering an indulgent menu of food and/or drinks, London in the Sky is a unique dining . Check for the exact date each year before you go. Its why The Nature Conservancy deemed the Connecticut River Valley one of , An early 19th century example of that eccentricity is, William Gillette was even the source of the phrase, , A system of hidden mirrors for spying on public rooms from the master bedroom, Strange door knobs, locks, and light switches, A steam engine and railroad tracks that once circumnavigated the property, Walking trails featuring wooden trestles and arched bridges, 13. These are not finds akin to the best flea markets in Connecticut, however. If youre ready for some mealtime mystery-solving, this interactive dinner spot offers a murder mystery show paired with a tasty four-course meal. Spud Point Crab Company. Sip unlimited mimosas and Bloody Marys, indulge in an outrageous brunch buffet, and even take home a #PinkEggsAndGlam t-shirt, perfect for autographs from your favorite drag queens! Elephants Trunk staked claim to that title years ago. 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. Of Culture Nigerian Bedford-Stuyvesant Perfect For: Special Occasions Date Night Unique Dining Experience $$$$ 327 Nostrand Avenue, New York View Website Earn 3X Points Infinity Hall is home to a vibrant restaurant and bar scene as well as a fabulous four-star menu. He famously quipped that Architecture is the art of how to waste a space. What other wacky restaurants should be added to our list? Complete with a 36 by 9.5 foot mural of the ancient German city of Heidelberg, waiters in traditional German attire, authentic German cuisine and even tables with snow rails to keep your beverages cold, this spot will take you across the globe. Many of these unique ingredients are often foraged by Bun Lai himself. As you enter this remarkable home, you're greeted by a stunning floor plan. This has girls (or guys) night written all over it. A clambake is a traditional, New England, method of cooking seafood using seaweed to steam the quahogs, clams, lobsters, mussels, et cetera. He also designed such quirks as a brick guesthouse with no windows, an edgeless gatehouse called Da Monsta, and an underground art gallery styled after Agamemnons tomb. You can get some really flavorful and even upscale stuff here without having to spend a fortune. Visit the world-class (and many of them free) museums on this Ivy League campus. Sign up for our newsletter and be the first to get the latest ideas, deals, and getaways. Visitors to Yale University can walk the campus grounds, whose Gothic style, inspired by Cambridge and Oxford universities, are reminiscent of Hogwarts to some modern visitors. Bring a blanket and a picnic to stake your space and make an evening of it. 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!). The award-winning landmark restaurant and pub brewery is located in the heart of northeastern Connecticuts Quiet Corner. The jail, the oldest public building in town, was built to hold British prisoners during the War of 1812. This bookstore on the main street of Madison, opened over two decades ago with a mission to be a place where writers meet readers. But the park continues to improve, with a recent addition being the largest water park in Connecticut. Categories judged include Classic New England Clam Chowder and Most Creative Chowders. Its where he spent much of his life, and even served as its mayor for a time. is the among the oldest of Americas continuously-run taverns. Flying in the vertical wind tunnel at SkyVenture in Nashua, New Hampshire, is a guaranteed memorable bonding experience. Condo for Rent. New England's 38 Essential Restaurants. Some have survived, while others have fallen by the wayside (R.I.P. While other places make a to-do about horse racing, no one enjoys the Sport of Kings quite like Greenwich. Here are our 21 picks where you can have a unique dining experience across America. So our small population has a high proportion of avid readers, and unique shops to serve them throughout Connecticut. Unique culinary institutions cropped up in every corner of the state. And the service areas were recently renovated for drivers needing a Dunkin Donuts fix. SOLD FEB 10, 2023. 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. Open May through October in Guilford, this entirely open-air camp kitchen cooks all its dishes over a fire pit since it opened in 1971. Explore ten individual custom igloo experiences at Dockside's very own igloo park. Built in 1911, this theatre is the oldest continuously performing summer theatre in the United States. In Victoria, Wheelies Motorcycles draws motorheads and Sunday brunch-ers to its Rock Bay Avenue caf and shop for chocolate fudge brownie ice cream sandwiches. Barnum designed the three-story building himself, intending it to be an institute for science and history. hosts matches on Sundays. As of May 15th 2022: Tuesday-Wednesday 11:30-9:00pm. You can dine directly on the water; Be served outdoors while seated on tree stumps; Solve a mystery while enjoying your entre. But nothing else compares to those expansive dioramas, in this writers opinion. Each September, Westport, one of the most charming towns in Connecticut, hosts a culinary event celebrating one of the most well-known New England fares: clam chowder. 2023 is almost here so ring it in right. (203) 432-8987. ". Kids love dog drool and swamp juice. ; house many of these native-born treasures. Only using the condiments of cheese, tomato, and onions. But the silver lining of having your normal routine adjusted by a pandemic was being forced to get creative and do more research. Set in a repurposed car garage, Olive Oyls brings delicious carry-out bites to the heart of walkable downtown Essex. The Connecticut lobster roll first appeared in the 1920s at a now-closed restaurant named Perrys in Milford, Connecticut. 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. They're the sorority everyone wants a bid from whether they admit . Chow down on hanging kebabs, sharing boards and crispy halloumi burgers, all while the bartenders whip you up some of their award-winning cocktails packed with fresh herbs, fruits and spirits. Unique restaurants in Boston that will provide you with an amazing dining experience 1. , the largest Native American museum in the world. But there are historic lighthouses up and down the East Coast, right? The experience certainly makes for one of the most unique date ideas in Connecticut. Can you say fondue? 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. Zillow Group's Move Forward. Dining out doesn't have to be just eating - it can be an adventure. The unique experience of a fancy multiple course meal outside on a picturesque farm comes at a price. Order tickets for the Thursday evening clambake to enjoy: But the main attraction is the clambake, of course. 5300 S Atlantic Ave New Smyrna Beach, FL 32169. While not your typical fare, be ready to try sashimi featuring such threats to native flora and fauna as: That last one is native. True to its history, Graybarns on the Silvermine River has remained the ideal setting to unite city slickers, international travelers and the local community over food and libation, relaxation and leisure. It could very well be one of the most romantic. The Griswold Inn is the among the oldest of Americas continuously-run taverns. Youll likely bump into a celebrity or two while taking part in the time-honored tradition of stomping divots in the field. Sunday Dinner 3:00pm-8:00pm. Overlooking theLitchfield Green,Market Place Tavern serves its patrons in one of the oldest penal facilities in the state. An early 19th century example of that eccentricity is Gillette Castle. p.p1 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px 'Helvetica Neue'; color: #454545} Locals also use it to imply an intended arson. With the grounds of Weir Farm open year-round, its one of the best free things to do in Connecticut. The cafe has a small but satisfying menu including grilled cheese paninis and a gourmet mac and cheese. Barnum of circus fame was born in Bethel, Connecticut, but loved Bridgeport. From 1931 to the 1980s, these brick walls were headquarters of the Vigilant Hose Company, firefighters protecting the community. Dining out doesnt have to be just eating it can be an adventure. . So maybe a fancy anniversary getaway? Email: info@stantonhouseinn.com 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. That said, Olde Mistick Village hosts musicians, dancers, storytellers, and more events in the gazebo and meetinghouse throughout the year. 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. Aqua Gastronomy is a multi-sensory dining experience at Resorts World Sentosa 1. Within the walls of this historic site, Lathrop machinists manufactured oil and gas engines from 1897 through World War II. But what makes it so unique is that every meal comes with free books. But there are plenty of things to do in New Haven, even if youre not an alum. The menu may even include an insect or two, if youre feeling particularly adventurous. The tradition of, parading and burning the traitors effigy. This despite such historic hurdles as invading British troops (Essex is one of the only towns in America invaded by a foreign power) and Prohibition. The City That Works, next door to Greenwich, hosts an entire antiques district for aficionados. There are so many great spots to choose from, so we turned to the. If youre looking for something truly unique to coastal Connecticut, look no further than the seasonal restaurant. Sharks are suspended from the ceiling and the bar area features a 750 gallon saltwater aquarium. The Place is an unusual restaurant where diners perch on tree stumps and eat outdoors at bright red tables. Named after the original owners saying Theres no place, quite like this place, anywhere near this place, so this must be The Place this unusual outdoor restaurant serves seafood while guests sit on tree stumps rather than chairs. 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. But the proceeds go to a number of charities. Our state even offers a unique spin on dog-friendly activities in Connecticut. From checking off, Looking for the best restaurants in Connecticut? Chowdafest happens annually in Sherwood Park. Theyre open for lunch and dinner, Tuesday through Saturday. During Foxwoods Resort Casino's Ice Rink and Winter Patio, you can take your group inside and rent an igloo accompanied by special menus. And speaking of wooden rollercoasters, enthusiasts voted Boulder Dash the best wooden roller coaster in the world. Specializing in food allergies, on campus dining accommodations, menu . 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. Looking for the most unique things to do in Connecticut? The menu has simple and delicious local staples. Featuring acclaimed Jazz and Blues artists to enhance your dining experience. Since in 2004, Xperience Days has been offering exciting and unique Experience Gifts. The Merritt Parkway was built before I-95 to help lower traffic volumes on the Post Road. Explore the bucolic life on Connecticut farms, Enjoying a glass of wine and the scenery at, Even downing a glass of locally-brewed beer on patios of. If you're a cocktail lover, you simply must try one of the specialty cocktails. Mashantucket Pequot Museum & Research Center, Mashantucket Pequot Museum & Research Center. And buyers have eagerly come to peruse their wares. Philip Johnson was an American architect born in Ohio who settled in New Canaan, Connecticut. Looking for the best restaurants in Connecticut? And their plantains are pretty good, too. Be sure to wash it all down with such house-made infused sakes as watermelon chili. They offer a number of items and a pretty decent charcuterie plate. How many of these fun spots have you been to? Located in the heart ofPutnams Antique District, youll find the menu and atmosphere designed with a courthouse and antique theme in mind. 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. Youll have to taste to find out! hosts over 200 events a year, hosting authors from around the country. But the smaller, unassuming Ivoryton Playhouse is just as unique, and with an interesting cultural history. From the bustling downtown of South Norwalk, ride the ferry from May to September out to Sheffield Island in the Norwalk Harbor. Sitting off the coast of Connecticut, accessible by a causeway, sits Enders Island. Some of the most popular Yale museums include: Afterwards, be sure to take the free daily tour of campus led by current Yale students. This order started in France, but fled to the United Kingdom in the 19th century before settling on Enders Island, always traveling with their religious relic. 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. A Maine lobster roll is lobster meat tossed with mayonnaise in a buttered and toasted hot dog roll, served cold. And its largely a difference between mayonnaise and butter. There is no shortage of funky items on display here. CTvisit.com is proud to partner with some of the region's most popular content, From Yale University football to world-class golf tournaments, high-scoring college sports to high-energy professional, Looking for the best restaurants in Connecticut? 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. has occupied the same location since the 1970s. Writer Ayn Rand even spent some time here. Guests can sample and judge more than 40 different chowder recipes from various restaurants. . From the perfect Christmas gift for the person who has . A jutting coastline, a . 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. 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. Get more stories delivered right to your email. 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. New Britain was later the source for not only many manufactured goods in the 1800s, but also the machines and know-how to operate them. 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. [CDATA[/* >