Hidden Gems Of Connecticut

HARTFORD, CT — OK ... how can a significantly historic building, right smack in the middle of the capital city, be hidden? Now think about how many times residents went zooming past Connecticut's Old State House on their way to a hospital, a sporting event, a business meeting or the "new" center of government without even thinking about it.

Yes ... the Old State House is a Hidden Gem.

The circa 1796 building is the very spot where Connecticut's democracy was born and visitors learn about how it happened and who made it happen.

But it's also about "360-degree democracy," which means the displays are interactive and designed to make visitors think about the history and where they fit into democracy themselves.

And, academics aside, there are light-heated displays like a two-headed calf, Mark Twain's bicycle, and dozens of other pieces of Connecticut's "amazing and eccentric history."

And there's added incentive to visit the Old State House in 2021 because, until Sept. 6, Connecticut children 18 and younger, plus one accompanying adult, can visit participating museums free of charge through the Connecticut Summer at the Museum program.

The Old State House is run by the Connecticut General Assembly.

He's a tour for added incentive:

See more on the Old State House here.

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The Hidden Gems series features out-of-the-way mom and pop restaurants, small specialty stores you may have never heard of, little-known historical markers or beautiful nature spots that may be a bit off the beaten path, all located within Connecticut. Other columns in this series for 2021 include:

• BouNom Bakery
• Union Pond Park/Jay Howroyd Fitness Trail
• The Submarine Force Museum/USS Nautilus
• The UConn Dairy Bar
• Grove Hill Cemetery, Vernon
• Backwoods Smokin' BBQ
• The Ranch House
• Connecticut State Police Museum
• Berlin Historic District
• Connecticut Parachutists Skydiving Club
• Tail Winds Ice Cream Shop
• The MLK Mural
• The Hilltop Restaurant and Bar
• Fork & Fire
• Lena's Italian Kitchen
• The Benedict Arnold Trail
• Swank Pearce
• Vernon Depot Historic Park
• Farr's Sporting Goods
• Robs Drivin Diner

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