I’m pretty excited to finally get today’s post put together. It’s one I’ve been thinking up for a few months now but have felt a little overwhelmed on how to really make it come to life. Luckily, I turned to my fellow Connecticut residents on social media and you all had some great suggestions for helping me make this the best library of the most Instagram-worthy spots in the lovely state of Connecticut. Some of these are spots I love and others are ones you suggested I’d never heard of before (time to plan some afternoon trips!)
One thing I’ve always loved about Connecticut is its diversity. From mountain tops to shoreline to farmland to cities, you kind of have a little bit of everything here. So, the options for the perfect Insta lay just around the corner!
I actually had a lot of fun stalking a bunch of fellow CT residents to grab all these Instagram shots and even learning about some new spots in this state I’ve never been! I’ve lived in Connecticut since I was 5 (minus a 4-year detour to live in Bar Harbor, Maine) and am still amazed at how much of this small state I still have to explore. I, like most people, love to travel and see the world, but I also love the idea that there are so many amazing little corners of your own home state that are still left to enjoy! I think that’s part of what inspired me to make this post. That and the always present blogger problem of “where should we take our next picture?” #bloggerstruggles.
So, after reaching out to you on social media, and compiling my own list, I narrowed down the most Instagrammable spots in Connecticut. If I forgot any – let me know and I’ll keep the list updated!
Rand’s View, Fall’s River
Situated along the Appalachian Trail, Rand’s View is a spot for those who aren’t afraid of a good hike. However, you’ll be rewarded for your efforts when you come to the stunning open meadow overlooking the Berkshire Mountains.
Saville Dam, Barkhampston
A gorgeous work of masonry the Saville Dam was built in 1940 and overlooks the Farmington River.
Downtown Hartford
There are a lot of photo ops in our state’s capital city. The capitol building is always a great spot with its green lush lawn in the spring and summer, and of course Bushnell Park and the Carousel. We also have the new Yard Goat’s Stadium which is the perfect backdrop for a quintessential summer shot. And, the Hartford Riverfront is always a great place to get a view of the downtown skyline.
Elizabeth Park, West Hartford
Between the capital city and the bustling shops of WeHa center is Elizabeth Park, a little oasis of gorgeous flowers and vine-covered archways. There’s a reason so many people pop over here to snap some wedding shots on their big day, it’s a magical spot.
Case Mountain, Manchester
Case Mountain offers a wide variety of photo ops. From the beautiful stone archway to the summit which gives hikers a view of downtown Hartford.
Kent Falls Brewery
A farm brewery in Kent, Ct, Kent Falls brewery has Instagram-worthy shots around every corner. From their beautiful expanse of farmland to their muraled interior walls to the adorable workroom barn.
Connecticut Wine Trail
Within the past 10 years making wine has become a lot easier in CT thanks to innovation and technology. There are over 24 vineyards in Connecticut and most are set on adorable, scenic farms with the beautiful backdrop of grape vines.
Gilette Castle
Gilette Castle is a famous structure in CT and was surprisingly once a private residence for an actor. Now it’s a state park where you can hike the grounds explore the building, and take in views of the Connecticut River.
Lavender Pond Farm, Killingworth
Lavender Pond Farm is just as it sounds, a lavender farm, with a pond. Go ahead and try to convince me that standing in a field of lavender isn’t the prettiest insta there ever was- yea didn’t think so. The farm is open to the public and has 10,000 lavender plants in 30+ beds.
Drake Hill Flower Bridge, Simsbury
As the name suggested this sweet bridge is typically adorned in 62 flower boxes and 32 hanging baskets.
The Florence Griswold House, Old Lyme
During the time of the American Impressionist movement, the Florence Griswold Museum was the center of the Old Lyme Art Colony. Many artists lived in the Florence Griswold House during this time. Now, the two buildings live together on a single campus with beautiful grounds covered in florals.
Connecticut Shoreline
The Connecticut Shoreline is bustling with beautiful spots, so I did my best to highlight a few, but to be honest, this could be an entire post on its own, “Best Instagram Spots on the Connecticut Shoreline.”
Saybrook Point
Saybrook Point is classified by the Saybrook Point Inn but has a long pier, a causeway over the water, and endless photos ops.
Madison, CT
Groton Long Point
Milford
Walnut Beach in Milford has a picturesque wooden boardwalk that makes for perfect pictures every time.
Niantic Boardwalk
Downtown Niantic is a perfect seaside town with a great beach, boardwalk, and main street with shops and restaurants.
Mystic, Connecticut
Both Mystic Seaport and Downtown Mystic are amazing spots to snap the quintessential New England Shot. The seaport offers beautiful old ships from the whaling time while downtown is a mix of New England charm with small shops and the famous Mystic River Bridge. Plus, there is no shortage of Instagram-worthy restaurants as well.
Lobster Landing- Clinton, CT
Connecticut has a handful of adorable Lobster shacks adorned with buoys and set on the backdrop of the Long Island Sound. The Lobster Landing is in Clinton, but you could also try Ford’s Lobster Pound Groton.
The Blue Oar, Haddam
One of my personal favorite hidden gems, the Blue Oar is nestled into a marina in Haddam, CT. The quirky and colorful building and hanging bistro lights make this the one of the cutest little outdoor food joint in CT.
Beer Garden at Shippan Landing, Stamford, CT
In Stamford, make sure to stop by The Beer Garden at Shippan Landing is an outdoor beer garden serving craft beer, a variety of creative food trucks, live music, and special events – all overlooking the water.
Downtown New Haven
New Haven is full of awesome photo ops whether you’re strolling through Wooster Square, getting a hip craft cocktail at Elm City Social or THE BBQ, or posing in front of one of the many wall murals.
Yale University
While in New Haven, of course, you can’t miss the beautiful architecture of the famous Yale Campus.
Historic Downtown Essex and The Griswold Inn
I’m biased on this choice as I used to live in Essex, but this Connecticut River town is a must-see in Connecticut. Not only is the historic downtown perfectly charming, but it’s also home to the Griswold Inn. The Griswold Inn is the oldest continuously run inn in America (it hasn’t closed its doors once since it opened in 1776. I can speak to this because when I first graduated college I worked here and had to check in guests by candlelight when we lost power! The Inn is also on the 1,000 places to see before you die!
Comstock Bridge, East Hampton
Looking for a picture-perfect covered bridge, well look no further than the Comstock Covered Bridge. This bridge was build in the 1800’s and is one of only 3 historical covered bridges in the Connecticut.
Winvian Farm, Morris
This place is sort of like out of a fairy tale. Winvian Farm is 18 luxury resort cottages on 113 acres. The main house is a 1175 manor and is surrounded by 18 individually-designed cottages. These aren’t just any cottages, think a treehouse, a greenhouse and musical conservatory. Oh, and don’t forget their 5-star farm-to-table restaurant.
Thoreau Bridge at Hidden Valley Preserve
Hidden Valley Preserve is in Washinton Depot, CT and the Thoreau bridge is the perfect spot for an Instagram #wanderlust shot.
Buttonwood Farm, Griswold
Want to stand in a field of bright yellow sunflowers? Look no further than Buttonwood Farm in Griswold.
Goodspeed Oprea House, Haddam
This opera house sits on the Connecticut River and has been around since the 1800s. Come for the Instagram, stay for the shows.
Hollister House, Litchfield
The Hollister House is a sloping, terraced English garden in the rolling hills of Litchfield County open to the public to enjoy.
Stonington Borough
Know as “the borough” to us locals, downtown Stonington oozes old-time New England charm. From quaint restaurants to local shops, it’s a perfect Connecticut backdrop.
Lord Thompson Manor, Thompson
A country estate in Thompson, CT that’s a popular destination for weddings and special events. Around every corner, there is a beautiful hidden gem.
What did you think? Where did I miss? Email me or leave a comment if I forgot an insta-worthy spot to share!
