Published Feb 19, 2020

Shop For Exquisite Antiques Inside A Historic Connecticut Building At The Housatonic Trading Co.

Housatonic Trading Co. in Bantam is an antique store located in a historic 19th-century factory, offering a mix of restored furniture, new finds, and artwork.

Published Feb 19, 2020

Written by

Elisa Regulski

Experiences|Sights & Landmarks

Updated May 31, 2024

9 Abandoned Places In Connecticut That Nature Is Reclaiming

Explore nine abandoned places in Connecticut where nature is reclaiming its land.

Updated May 31, 2024

Written by

Taylor Ellis

Nature is always reclaiming its land. Try as we might to conquer the great beast that is Earth, our towers tumble and our ground splits open. But luckily it happens pretty slowly and no one gets hurt. In this case, there are some spots around the state that have been left alone for too long, and now nature has come back for them. Check out these photos and see if you can visualize the former human glory of these nine abandoned places in Connecticut.

1. A small abandoned house in the woods.

Looks like nature went for the foundation first, and is now growing in the cracks as well.

2. This Fairfield Hills home.

When I see cute houses like this left behind, I have to wonder what made them leave. Seems suspicious for some reason.

3. The hills of Holy Land.

Holy Land USA is an abandoned Christian theme park. Eventually the ground will swallow this place whole.

4. The greenest green house ever.

If you abandon a greenhouse the plants inside will not stop growing. On the contrary, they will take over.

5. Pleasure Beach.

The green has just started to climb the walls of these houses, but with no plans to stop them it won't be long before this place looks like ruins.

6. These stairs to the stands.

What were once the steps up to the bleachers on a small baseball field in Stratford are now food for the trees. These vines have had their way.

7. Abandoned train tracks in Shelton.

I find this one to be quite lovely. Nature was there first after all.

8. No more mini golf here.

Now I'm mostly left wondering what golf balls are made of. And how a mini gold place could be abandoned. I love mini golf.

9. A hospital in Norwich.

This place used to house the criminally insane, but now it's home to a lot of bushes. It's one of the creepiest abandoned places in CT.

What did you think at the sight of nature reclaiming these abandoned places in Connecticut? Pretty cool, right?

If you're looking for something to do, take our abandoned road trip in Connecticut, and make sure to check out our Ultimate Road Trip Packing List before you go.

If you prefer to explore places that are not abandoned, check out this OnlyInYourState video on Northwest Connecticut:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yobzNRb-jyo

Experiences|Sights & Landmarks

Published May 13, 2024

It’s An Epic New England Adventure On This Lighthouse Cruise Tour In Connecticut

Published May 13, 2024

Written by

Lisa Sammons

The Nutmeg State is quite small, and if you've lived here a while, you may feel like you've seen just about all there is to see. I'm here to tell you you haven't: this place is magical, and there's always more to discover! There are some wonderful day trips and tours in Connecticut that will let you see the state in a whole new way. Of course, one of the best things about life here is our proximity to the water. The New England shoreline is famous for its moody scenery and charming lighthouses. Many families who live near the water own their own boats, but have you ever thought about taking a lighthouse cruise tour? That's just what you'll find if you head out on an adventure with the Cross Sound Ferry's Classic Lighthouse Tour, which runs between New London, CT and Orient Point, NY. This fun family-friendly lighthouse cruise in Connecticut gives you a great experience out on the water. Check it out:

The Cross Sound Ferry is a daily ferry that runs from Connecticut to Long Island, but many don't know that the company also offers lighthouse tours.

A white and red ferry boat cruising on calm waters with a coastal town in the background under a cloudy sky. — Cross Sound Ferry

These scenic tours are grand adventures that the whole family can enjoy.

A scenic view of a waterfront city under a clear blue sky, with buildings and boats reflected in the calm water. — Andreas Schuster/Google Reviews

In all, the trip lasts about two hours. You'll head through the Long Island Sound and see a variety of lighthouses.

A view of a harbor with cranes, boats, and a bridge under a cloudy sky. Water reflects the surroundings. — DEGENERATE MORGAN/Google Reviews

The captain explains information about the history of each lighthouse, and you'll get to circle around each one to get a better view.

A black and white lighthouse stands on a rocky island in the ocean, surrounded by calm waters under a gray sky. — Carl Hoffman/Google Reviews

The boats have air-conditioned seating if it's a hot day and you'd prefer to look through the window, but there's nothing like feeling the breeze in your hair as you sit above deck!

A calm harbor scene with boats, a clear blue sky, and a dock extending into the water. — Mandy Mac/Google Reviews

Cocktails and snacks are available for purchase, so you don't even have to worry about getting hungry along the route.

A scenic beach view featuring a lighthouse, white building, and cloudy blue sky. People enjoy the sandy shore. — Maureen_K/Tripadvisor

This is such a unique way to see the New England coast, and the added benefit of not having to drive is always a plus.

A red and white lighthouse stands on a rocky base in the ocean, surrounded by calm blue waters under a clear sky. — Beyond My Ken/Wikimedia Commons

For more information about this lighthouse cruise in Connecticut, or to book a tour, check out the Cross Sound Ferry website or Cross Sound Ferry Facebook page.

Want to enjoy other fun tours in Connecticut? Check out the great offerings available through Viator!

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on Nov 13

Shop For Exquisite Antiques Inside A Historic Connecticut Building At The Housatonic Trading Co.

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9 Abandoned Places In Connecticut That Nature Is Reclaiming

1. A small abandoned house in the woods.

2. This Fairfield Hills home.

3. The hills of Holy Land.

4. The greenest green house ever.

5. Pleasure Beach.

6. These stairs to the stands.

7. Abandoned train tracks in Shelton.

8. No more mini golf here.

9. A hospital in Norwich.

Subscribe to our newsletter

Get the latest updates and news

It’s An Epic New England Adventure On This Lighthouse Cruise Tour In Connecticut

Subscribe to our newsletter

Get the latest updates and news

All Stories

The Iconic Trail in Colorado Everyone Should Hike Once in Their Lifetime

The Iconic Trail in Alaska Everyone Should Hike Once in Their Lifetime

The Iconic Trail in Montana Everyone Should Hike Once in Their Lifetime

Skip the Crowds: Explore Illinois’s 5 Quietest Trails and Parks This Month

The Audubon Center in Kansas Where You’ll See Dozens of Bird Species in a Single Afternoon