12 Magnificent Hidden Gems to Discover in Connecticut This Year

Is your New Year's resolution to get out and explore more? There are so many places to go in the Nutmeg State that it's almost overwhelming, so it's really no wonder we have so many hidden gems in Connecticut. It's only natural that some places would fall through the cracks and not get as much attention as they should. If you're looking to plan out a year's worth of travels, here are some great under-appreciated places throughout the state. Some are better known than others, but all are worth a visit!

January: Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art in Hartford

Did you know that the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art is the oldest-running public art museum in the country? There are both permanent and traveling exhibits here, and your self-guided tour can be accompanied by a smartphone app that gives you more information on the works of art here. This is the perfect indoor attraction for a cold January day.

February: Mew Haven Cat Cafe in New Haven

People who love both felines and caffeine will be delighted to know there's a cat cafe in Connecticut. New Haven's Mew Haven Cafe features one side where beverages and snacks are sold and a separate area where visitors can interact with adoptable cats. The cats live at the cafe while waiting to be adopted, so if you fall in love with one, you can even apply to take it home. I can't wait to visit this cat cafe this year!

March: Submarine Force Museum in Groton

The Submarine Force Museum is one of our favorite free museums in Connecticut. Even if you don't feel like you're particularly interested in naval history, this place has plenty of fascinating exhibits. There are several dioramas of submarines and you can even tour the USS Nautilus, the world's first nuclear-powered ship. This is one of the most fascinating hidden gems in CT.

April: Glass House in New Canaan

The Glass House is located in a 200-acre park and is one of the most impressive pieces of architecture in Connecticut. The house was designed by famed architect Philip Johnson and is made almost entirely out of glass, except for a steel frame. No one lives in the house today, and it's open for tours seasonally starting in April.

May: Weir Farm National Historic Site in Wilton

By May, the weather is warm and the flowers are in bloom. It's a perfect time to head outside and spend time in nature, and Weir Farm is just the place to do it. This 60-acre historic site features an old farmhouse and tons of gardens to explore, plus a pond. The farmhouse is open for tours from May to October and is one of the best places to visit in CT in the spring.

June: Lavender Pond Farm in Killingworth

The scent of lavender is such a calming and delightful smell. If you want to feel completely surrounded by that, you'll absolutely love a visit to Lavender Pond Farm, one of the best lavender farms in Connecticut. Lavender typically starts blooming in early summer, so June is a great time to visit. This place looks straight out of a fairy tale!

July: Hawk Ridge Winery in Watertown

Hawk Ridge Winery is such a delightful summer trip! Stroll through the beautiful grapevines or enjoy the wine and cheese that are available for sampling. What a relaxing way to spend an afternoon!

August: Buttonwood Farm in Griswold

Is there a better combination for summer than sunflowers and ice cream? You can get just that at Buttonwood Farm. By August, the farm's 14 acres of sunflowers are typically in bloom. Pair that with freshly-made ice cream and you're in for a real treat.

September: Yantic Falls near Norwich

There are so many waterfalls in Connecticut that it's easy to overlook some, but we have to say, Yantic Falls is one of the most underrated. There's a nearby pedestrian bridge that provides a perfect vantage point for capturing this 40-foot cascade.

October: Connecticut's Old State House in Hartford

The Old State House was constructed back in 1796. It is now home to a Connecticut history museum on the lower floors, but the third floor is probably the most interesting. There, you'll find a unique and fascinating curiosities museum with items like a two-headed pig fetus, a two-headed calf, and plenty more.

November: Abbey of Regina Laudis in Bethlehem

The Abbey of Regina Laudis is one of the most unusual attractions in Connecticut. It's a 450-acre farm operated by a group of nuns. The farm is authorized to sell raw milk that has not been pasteurized and also is a producer of delicious artisanal cheeses. This is one of the most unique places to visit in CT.

December: Barker Character, Comic, and Cartoon Museum in Cheshire

The Barker Character, Comic, and Cartoon Museum is a great attraction if you're looking to feel some nostalgia. This place has over 80,000 vintage toys, with plenty of memorabilia from Disney and old TV shows.

Have you been to any of these places in Connecticut? What was your experience like? Did we miss your favorite hidden gems in Connecticut? Let us know and share your suggestions through our nominations page. We always love hearing from you.

Whether it's to discover even more hidden gems in Connecticut or more mainstream activities, be sure to check out Viator for help planning your next adventure!