June 28, 2026
Connecticut: New England's Most Underrated Coastal Escape with Pauline Frommer
<p>Connecticut rarely tops travelers' New England wish lists, yet it offers many of the experiences that make the region so beloved. Historic seaports, charming coastal towns, outstanding seafood, vibrant arts scenes, fall foliage, and centuries of American history are all packed into a state that remains surprisingly uncrowded.</p><p>In this episode, David Brodie sits down with Pauline Frommer, President of Frommer's Media and one of the most respected voices in travel publishing, to explore the hidden appeal of Connecticut. As Pauline updates the Connecticut chapter for the upcoming Frommer's New England guidebook, she shares the destinations, museums, restaurants, and experiences that surprised her most.</p><p>From world-class art collections and Yale University's stunning campus to lobster shacks, colonial villages, and scenic countryside retreats, Connecticut emerges as a destination that delivers authentic New England experiences without the crowds often found elsewhere in the region.</p><h2>Topics Covered</h2><p>• <strong>Why Connecticut Is Overlooked</strong> – The state's surprising mix of coastal charm, history, culture, and outdoor experiences.</p><p>• <strong>Historic New England</strong> – Colonial architecture, Revolutionary War sites, and maritime heritage.</p><p>• <strong>Museums & Arts</strong> – Yale's exceptional museums, historic homes, and unique cultural attractions.</p><p>• <strong>Food Scene</strong> – New Haven pizza, fresh seafood, and locally sourced dining experiences.</p><p>• <strong>Coastal Connecticut</strong> – Exploring Mystic, Long Island Sound, and charming waterfront communities.</p><p>• <strong>Outdoor Recreation</strong> – Hiking, kayaking, canoeing, horseback riding, and scenic countryside escapes.</p><h2>Top Things to See & Do</h2><p><strong>Mystic Seaport Museum</strong></p><p>One of America's premier living history museums, Mystic Seaport combines maritime heritage, historic buildings, working ship restoration projects, and engaging exhibits that bring New England's seafaring past to life.</p><p><strong>Yale University</strong></p><p>The iconic New Haven campus offers stunning Gothic architecture, fascinating guided tours, student theatre productions, and several outstanding museums.</p><p><strong>Yale University Art Gallery</strong></p><p>One of the finest small art museums in the United States, featuring works by Picasso, Braque, Van Gogh, and significant collections from around the world.</p><p><strong>Beinecke Rare Book & Manuscript Library</strong></p><p>An architectural masterpiece housing rare books, rotating exhibitions, and one of the world's treasured copies of the Gutenberg Bible.</p><p><strong>The Glass House, New Canaan</strong></p><p>A landmark of modernist architecture designed by Philip Johnson, offering visitors a fascinating glimpse into mid-century design and American architectural history.</p><p><strong>Putnam Memorial State Park</strong></p><p>Known as Connecticut's Valley Forge, this Revolutionary War site preserves the history of George Washington's winter encampment and the hardships endured by Continental Army soldiers.</p><p><strong>Mark Twain House & Museum</strong></p><p>One of Connecticut's most famous historic homes, showcasing the life, success, and eventual financial struggles of one of America's greatest authors.</p><h2>Where to Eat & Drink</h2><p><strong>Sally's Apizza</strong></p><p>A legendary New Haven institution serving the thin-crust pizza style that has made the city famous among food lovers.</p><p><strong>Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana</strong></p><p>One of Connecticut's most iconic pizza destinations and a key stop on any New Haven pizza pilgrimage.</p><p><strong>Modern Apizza</strong></p><p>Another celebrated New Haven favorite known for its classic pies and loyal local following.</p><p><strong>The Shipwright's Daughter</strong></p><p>A nationally recognized restaurant in Mystic focused on hyper-local seafood and farm-fresh ingredients sourced from nearby producers.</p><p><strong>Mystic Seafood Shacks</strong></p><p>The Mystic area is filled with casual seafood spots serving lobster rolls, steamed clams, oysters, and other New England classics.</p><p><strong>Roly Poly</strong></p><p>A well-regarded Hungarian restaurant in New Haven that showcases the city's surprisingly diverse culinary scene.</p><h2>Neighborhoods & Regions to Explore</h2><p><strong>Mystic</strong></p><p>A charming coastal town known for maritime history, seafood, waterfront scenery, and one of the state's most beloved attractions.</p><p><strong>New Haven</strong></p><p>Home to Yale University, exceptional museums, renowned pizza, and a thriving cultural scene.</p><p><strong>Litchfield Hills</strong></p><p>A scenic region filled with colonial villages, hiking trails, countryside estates, and art installations.</p><p><strong>Greenwich</strong></p><p>Connecticut's most affluent community offers luxury shopping, impressive architecture, and an intriguing glimpse into the lifestyles of the ultra-wealthy.</p><p><strong>New Canaan</strong></p><p>A destination for architecture enthusiasts thanks to its concentration of significant modernist buildings.</p><p><strong>Hartford</strong></p><p>The state capital combines literary history, museums, and important cultural landmarks.</p><h2>Where to Stay</h2><p><strong><a href="https://expedia.stay22.com/voyascape/n347Q3fxD8" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Delamar</a></strong></p><p>A stylish Connecticut-based boutique hotel collection known for incorporating local design influences into each property. With locations across the state, Delamar offers an upscale base for exploring Connecticut's coastal towns, countryside, and cities.</p><p><strong><a href="https://expedia.stay22.com/voyascape/bc4gMvTCPp" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Spark by Hilton Mystic Groton</a></strong></p><p>An affordable and convenient option near Mystic, offering easy access to the region's top attractions. Pauline highlighted its welcoming atmosphere, pet-friendly amenities, and excellent value.</p><p><strong>Vicksburg Manor</strong></p><p>A unique inn housed within a historic mansion attached to a nunnery. Known for its peaceful setting, beautiful grounds, and excellent value, it offers a retreat-like experience for travelers seeking quiet relaxation.</p><h2>Can't-Miss Experiences</h2><ul><li>Explore the historic waterfront at Mystic Seaport.</li><li>Sample Connecticut's famous New Haven-style pizza.</li><li>Tour Yale University's campus and museums.</li><li>Visit the Beinecke Rare Book & Manuscript Library.</li><li>Discover the modernist architecture of The Glass House.</li><li>Experience Connecticut's spectacular fall foliage.</li><li>Enjoy fresh lobster rolls and seafood along the coast.</li><li>Visit the Mark Twain House in Hartford.</li><li>Explore Revolutionary War history at Putnam Memorial State Park.</li><li>Spend time hiking and exploring the Litchfield Hills.</li><li>Attend a Yale School of Drama performance.</li><li>Kayak or canoe along the Long Island Sound coastline.</li></ul><br/><h2>Gateway to New England</h2><p>Connecticut serves as an ideal introduction to New England, offering many of the region's signature experiences within a compact and accessible destination. Located between New York City and Boston, it is easy to incorporate into a broader Northeast itinerary. As Pauline argues throughout the episode, however, Connecticut deserves consideration as a destination in its own right, offering the culture, history, scenery, and cuisine that define New England without the crowds often found elsewhere.</p><h2>Final Thoughts</h2><p>Connecticut combines coastal beauty, fascinating history, world-class museums, excellent food, and authentic New England character in a destination that remains refreshingly under the radar. Whether you're exploring the maritime heritage of Mystic, admiring masterpieces at Yale, hiking through the Litchfield Hills, or sampling some of America's best pizza in New Haven, Connecticut rewards travelers willing to look beyond the obvious New England destinations.</p><h2>Follow Us & Stay Connected</h2><p><strong>Instagram:</strong> @voyascapemedia</p><p><strong>Listen on:</strong> Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music</p><h2>Disclosure</h2><p>Some links in these show notes are affiliate links. If you use them to book, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps support the production of the Travel in 10 podcast.</p><p>Mentioned in this episode:</p><p><strong>Check out all of our other travel podcasts from around the world</strong></p><p>This podcast is part of the Voyascape Network, a collection of some of the world’s best travel podcasts. Explore more at Voyascape.com.
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