Here’s What Connecticut Can Offer Queer Travelers
When LGBTQ+ travelers think of vacationing in the American northeast, most often they will consider visiting places like Provincetown, New York City, or Vermont; but rarely Connecticut, and we think it’s high time that changes.
After a bit of research, it turns out that Connecticut happens to be an especially welcoming destination for LGBTQ+ travelers. And with spring and summer just around the corner, we wanted to highlight some fabulous places and events for you to consider visiting as you plan out your trips for the remainder of 2023.
Here are just a few reasons to plan a warm weather visit this year:
- Arts & culture happenings including the 36th annual Connecticut LGBTQ Film Festival (June), the International Festival of Arts & Ideas (June 10-25), and Chiffon Thomas’ solo museum debut (opens Sept 17), just to name a few.
- Outdoor adventures for all skill levels including hiking, biking, and kayaking, as well as adrenaline-junkie-favorites like UTV and boat rentals, guided mountain climbing, hot air ballooning, and sky diving, all reopening in spring.
- Culinary offerings: The CT Wine Trail and award-winning restaurants and bars, including many helmed by LGBTQ+ chefs/bartenders (e.g., Fair Haven Oyster Co., The Port of Call). Craft beer lovers won’t want to miss the Connecticut Craft Beer Fest (April 22).
- Shoreline beaches with inviting small towns, seafood stands and fresh ice cream galore. Mystic is one such inviting town, home to the annual Mystic Outdoor Art Festival (Aug) with two miles of incredible artwork for show and sale from over 200 artists, all totally free to attend.
- Nightlife, entertainment, and gaming scene featuring musical talent, comedians, and more. Popular Drag variety shows include Lipstick, Lashes & Lies at Mohegan Sun (Fridays and Sundays). There are also a variety of gay bars and nightclub spaces to check out including troupe 429, the Trevi Lounge, and Chez Est.
- Luxury experiences like the award-winning spa and wellness services at Mayflower Inn & Spa, Winvian, Delamar, and more, that change seasonally.
- ‘Green’ getaways at the recently opened Hotel Marcel, the country’s first net zero hotel, Saybrook Point Resort & Spa, and more. Book Saybrook’s Lighthouse Suite (reopens May) for something romantic or the luxury Guesthouses for the whole family.
- Sporting events: The Hartford Yard Goats (home opener April 6) and WNBA’s Connecticut Sun (home opener May 21). Don’t miss the Travelers Championship (June 19-25); this popular PGA event has driven the summer schedules of generations of pro golfers and fans.
- LGBTQ+ history at the Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library (year-round), The Glass House (reopens in April), and Palmer-Warner House (reopens in May).
- Family attractions and events like Mystic Seaport Museum, Connecticut Science Center, and Greater Hartford Festival of Jazz (July 13-16), the largest free jazz event in New England.
- Pride events, including in Middletown (June 3), Norwalk (June), New London (Aug), Hartford (Sept), and New Haven (Sept). Save the date for Hartford Symphony Orchestra Presents: Tchaikovsky & Pride (June 9-11) and Spring Hill Arts Gathering or SHAG (June 22-25), which dedicates a day for Shag with Pride—all set atop a beautiful vineyard.
- Unique places to stay to fit every vibe, including boutique hotels, inns, and B&Bs (including LGBTQ-owned), cottage and treehouse rentals, culinary farm stays, unplugged getaways, and an all-inclusive adult overnight camp. Check out Club Getaway’s annual Camp John Waters weekend (Sept 8-11) for something truly unique
