Ariadne 
Moving to Connecticut? Here’s a list of
Our Favorite Connecticut Attractions,
Hot Spots, and Restaurants
- The Mark Twain House & Museum (351 Farmington Ave, Hartford): This grand, 25-room Victorian mansion was Twain’s home from 1874 to 1891. It is here that he penned classics like Adventures of Huckleberry Finn and The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, and a visit is as impressive as the tales he wrote.
- Paul Brown Monday Night Jazz Series (Bushnell Park): Since 1967, Downtown Hartford has been swinging with free jazz concerts every Monday night throughout July and August. Block out your calendar and enjoy a mix of world-class talent and local up-and-comers.
- ZINC (964 Chapel St, New Haven): Sleek, chic, and perfect for a romantic night out, ZINC serves farm-to-table cuisine with strong ties to the local community.
- Toad’s Place (300 York St, New Haven): Starting in the late ’70s and into the ’80s, Toad’s Place became a magnet for famous—and soon-to-be famous—acts like Cyndi Lauper, Billy Idol, Blondie, The Red Hot Chili Peppers, and most recently, Keanu Reeves’ band. This venue’s history is so iconic that a filmmaker is planning a documentary about it.
- The Barnum Festival: A long-standing tradition dating back to 1948, this neighborhood festival celebrates local businesses and honors world-renowned showman P.T. Barnum with parades, concerts, and family-friendly events.
- International Festival of Arts & Ideas: Founded in 1996, this annual festival cemented New Haven as a major arts destination. World-class artists, thought leaders, and innovators from around the globe come together for two weeks of ambitious performances, lectures, and panel discussions.
- Camacho Garage (36 Fountain St, New Haven): This former gas station has been transformed into New Haven’s go-to spot for Mexican street food and margaritas.
- Hartford Stage (50 Church St, Hartford): This venue isn’t just about classics; it’s where you’ll find innovative takes on old favorites and provocative new works. From breakdancing Shakespeare to plays tackling wartime ethics, Hartford Stage keeps things truly exciting.
- Ola Latin Kitchen (694 Brooklawn Ave, Bridgeport CT): A Latin fusion restaurant offering flavorful small plates, artistic presentation, and impeccable service.
- Yale University: Stroll through the beautiful campus, open Monday to Saturday, or take a free student-led tour to soak in the stunning architecture and historic charm.
- Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art (600 Main St, Hartford): The oldest public art museum in the U.S. features works by Van Gogh, Monet, and Renoir – and manages to strike the balance between offering a myriad of masterpieces without being overwhelming.
- Soundside Music Festival: Formerly known as Sound on Sound, this Seaside Park festival adds big names like Foo Fighters, Noah Kahan, and Fleet Foxes to its impressive two-day lineup.
