People Live Their Whole Lives in Connecticut and Somehow Miss These 5 Places

No matter how long you've lived somewhere, chances are, you still haven't seen it all. Connecticut may be a small state, but it's rich in attractions, both natural and man-made, that many lifelong or long-term residents have never visited and, in some cases, never even heard of. Whether it's a historic lighthouse, a museum, or even a charming independent bookstore, here are five must-visit places in Connecticut that even locals miss.

1. Sheffield Island Lighthouse - Norwalk

Lighthouses are certainly popular places to visit in Connecticut, especially the Ledge Lighthouse in New London and the Stonington Harbor Light in Stonington. However, many locals somehow overlook the Sheffield Island Lighthouse. With its location on the southern end of the Norwalk Islands, you must take a ferry to see it up close. While some planning is required to visit this historic lighthouse and its lightkeeper's cottage, it's absolutely worth it for the history lesson, the island's natural beauty, and the stunning coastal views.

2. New England Air Museum - Windsor Locks

Adjacent to Bradley International Airport in Hartford is the New England Air Museum, a popular destination for tourists but often overlooked by many CT residents. However, locals who visit for the first time love it! This air museum boasts an impressive plane collection, featuring a Lockheed 10-A Electra, a Boeing B-29 Superfortress, and a Sikorsky VS-44A Excambian, which is a four-engine flying boat. See for yourself why any Connecticut travel guide would include the New England Air Museum as a point of interest.

3. The Traveler Restaurant - Union

If you're traveling along Hwy I-84 from Massachusetts into Connecticut, chances are you know about The Traveler Restaurant... and maybe you've even stopped here. If not, you'll want to add it to your list of places to visit in CT. This is a fantastic spot to grab a bite to eat. It offers breakfast dishes such as biscuits and gravy, cinnamon raisin French toast, and a jalapeño bacon omelet, as well as sandwiches, pizzas, and more for lunch and dinner. But there's something else The Traveler Restaurant offers—free books with your meal! This unique highway rest stop in Connecticut is perfect for foodies and book lovers, and one you'll want to return to again and again.

4. The Book Barn - Niantic

Another must-visit spot in CT for bibliophiles is The Book Barn. Located in the seaside village of Niantic, this independent bookstore has over 350,000 rare and gently used books distributed throughout several themed buildings—you can certainly spend an entire afternoon here! On a nice day, take a stroll through the gardens and say "hi" to the cats and goats who live on the property. Visit The Book Barn's website for hours and location information.

5. Heublein Tower - Simsbury

Located in Talcott Mountain State Park, the historic Heublin Tower rises 165 feet above the park. To get here requires a walk on a 1.25-mile trail, and you can visit the tower's museum if it's open for the season. Even if the museum is closed, it's worth making a trek to the tower for bucket-list views of the Connecticut River Valley.

Are you a CT resident, and if so, have you visited any of the above-mentioned attractions? What other attractions throughout the state have you not visited yet, but would like to? Please nominate them—we'd love to hear from you!

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