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Fav Spots in CT
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items As a Bostonian who's lived in CT now for 4 years, here are some of my favorite spots in Connecticut. From Central CT down to the coast, these are my go-tos!
Map
Sections
5
Outdoor Activities
Restaurants
Other Food & Drinks
Arts & Entertainment
Local Favorites
Outdoor Activities
An easy trail for daily walks or short hikes with the family - beginning of trail is uphill but will even out as you near the summit. Beautiful views of Farmington valley and tower at summit that hosts events from time to time.
Talcott Mountain State Park
Best farm for fruit picking - love coming in the summer for berries and early fall for apples/pumpkins. Huge property with farm store that has ready products as well. Great place to spend a relaxing day, topped with some ice cream from the farm store
Lyman Orchards
Restaurants
My favorite place to get burgers!! One of the best on the menu is the dry aged burger, however make sure to arrive earlier in the day for your chance to try it (it sells out fast)!
Artisanal Burger Company
The BEST Vietnamese food I've had in CT! Run by a sweet elderly couple, you can trust that anything on the menu will be good. From pho, vermicelli, and claypot braised pork belly, you can never go wrong. My favorite comfort meal
Phở Saigon | Authentic Vietnamese Restaurant
Out of the pizza competitors here in New Haven, this is one of my top choices. Love the crust crisped to perfection in their brick oven with their fresh and slightly sweet tomato sauce. Their pizza with bacon is my top choice. Don't forget your side ...
Modern Apizza
Cute little cafe in the Wooster Square area that I love going to for their matcha drinks - great variety with ceremonial grade matcha, making sure you're getting the best quality matcha around. Super sweet staff + woman-owned!
ERO CAFÉ
My favorite Halal food thus far! HUGE portions and ingredients are fresh. Meat is seasoned well and I appreciate the variety of vegetables in the bowl, as well as the crispy pita strips they include. Best value for your money!!
Ali Baba's Kitchen
If you're craving BBQ, this is the spot! Wings are amazing and combo meals give a good amount of food. This place is seasoning done right.
Ricky D's Rib Shack
Came here for an anniversary dinner and had a great time! Intimate experience with low lighting and live music. Drinks were phenomenal. Love that this soul food is made to be a nice sit-down experience. Make sure to make a reservation!
Grace by Nia
Missing Fogo de Chao but too far to get to? This is the spot! Good $5 caipirinhas with a steady flow of meat being passed around while you dine. Can either walk-in or make a reservation.
Texas de Brazil - Hartford
Other Food & Drinks
Best Asian market I've been to in CT - I live about an hour away and am still a returning customer. Biggest selection of products with great produce, meats, and frozen goods. Ample selection of snacks/treats + teas as well. Make sure to stop by durin...
A Dong Supermarket
Nice vegan grocery store with good selection of produce and fresh herbs. Make sure to check out the health/wellness section for supplements, and even fresh sea moss! Great option for those who don't want to drive to Whole Foods
Edge of the Woods Market
Best Asian bakery I've been to that wasn't in NY! Make sure to arrive early as the line can get pretty long and treats will sell out.
BouNom Café & Bakery
Cute little shop with an adjoining coffee shop, this is a great place to get your fresh cheeses. You are able to try some cheese, and even order a mini charceuterie board made to order with their recommended jam.
Dom's Cheese Shop
Cool paleta shop with great flavors (my fav was the rice pudding). Lots of toppings for your paleta with great presentation. A nice sweet treat!
Dave's Gourmet Paletas
AMAZING bagels!! Good enough that even the bagel alone would suffice. My fav is the cacio e pepe bagel. Love getting the baker's dozen to freeze and keep a stock
Olmo
If you haven't been here, you need to stop by at least once! The Disney of grocery stores - really cool displays and animatronics around the store. Nice selection of groceries with lots of ready-made goods as well.
Stew Leonard's
Arts & Entertainment
I come to this movie theater for any major release that I'm excited for! Comfortable luxury recliners with table service that includes a full menu in addition to your usual movie theater snacks (alc included!)
Cinépolis Luxury Cinemas West Hartford
Local Favorites
My trusted nail tech!! Had the pleasure of attending undergrad with her and watching her business grow. Very knowledagble in nail care and versatile. Make sure to check out her site to book an appointment!
Shi Nailed It | CT Licensed Nail Technician (@shi.nailedit) · Hartford, CT
Best eyebrow artist in CT state! I've done a tint and wax before my vacations and they look amazing, allowing for easy makeup-free looks. She specializes in powder brows and laminations as well. Very trusted, as she is a former RN!
Slay Jay Beauty | Brow Artistry Services
If you're all about protecting your natural hair, whether it be wigs, braids, extensions, or silk presses, this is the place to be! These girls take what they do seriously and know how to have fun.
Trachouse
My favorite Plato's Closet location I've been to in CT - large selection with wide variety of styles and sizes. Bigger mens selection than some other locations as well.
Plato's Closet Wethersfield
My fav Goodwill location for home finds - I've scored some really nice appliances + furniture at this location. Very clean and orderly, making it easier to look through their selections.
Goodwill Avon Store & Donation Station
Huge thrift with large selection of just about anything! Great selection of purses, shoes, and clothes. Watch out for their daily sticker sales based on color. Reminder that this location is cash only!!
Red White & Blue Thrift Store