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6 Unique Places You Didn't Know Were In Connecticut

Gothamist Getaways

Published May 30, 2015

Modified May 30, 2015

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Published May 30, 2015

Modified May 30, 2015

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Dive into Gothamist Getaways, where we bring you stories about travel, food, new products and handy tips for making your trips—both near and far—more enjoyable. So kick back, dream about your next journey, and let us know if you have any hints for us—email [email protected].

Ever been stuck in traffic on the I-95 and thought, what weird stuff is going on in Connecticut? Okay, even if that thought never crossed your mind, we're going to let you know about six strange places you probably didn't realize were in Connecticut. From the New England Society for Psychic Research to the world's largest jack-in-the box, there's a lot of odd stuff rattling around the Nutmeg State.

And in case you're the type who thinks Connecticut is only for insurance folks or the state on the way to getting to Boston, this list is for you.

THE WARREN'S OCCULT MUSEUM, THE NEW ENGLAND SOCIETY FOR PSYCHIC RESEARCH

Fans of the paranormal should book a tour of this occult museum, which has been around for over sixty years, and is less than a two hour drive from the city. Founded by paranormal investigators, the late Ed Warren and his wife Lorraine, The Warren's Occult Museum houses a collection of obscure and haunted objects. They just hosted an evening with Annabelle, a doll that was the premise for the 2013 horror flick The Conjuring. The museum is only open for tours and events, so be sure to check the schedule.

WILD BILL'S NOSTALGIA

This nostalgia store has the world's largest bobbing head doll and jack-in-the-box, as well as a Yugo farm in the parking lot. A two hour drive from the city in Middletown, the shop is open every day from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and claims it's "not just a store, it's a way of life." For more strange excitement, there is also a fun house on the 45-acre property that houses this kitschy shop.

TRAVELER RESTAURANT

You'll find poetic and literary inspiration at this local restaurant with a sign that reads "Food and Books." Sit among shelves of books and peruse their extensive collection. If you think you can't get anything for free, you haven't visited the Traveler Restaurant, where you'll score two books just for eating here.

THE TIMEX MUSEUM IN WATERBURY

Apple is trying to make the watch relevant in today's society, but before the tech-obsessed started sporting the Apple watch, people wore Timex watches. Learn all about the history of the Waterbury Clock Company and view retro Timex commercials at Timexpo, a museum dedicated to the old fashioned way we used to track the minutes. And you should head there before it closes at the end of September (apparently attendance has been low—was a clock museum ahead of its... time?!?)

VINTAGE RADIO AND COMMUNICATIONS MUSEUM OF CONNECTICUT

Yes, there was a world before Tinder, Twitter, Snapchat and all the addictive pleasures on your smartphone. Learn about the history of electronic communications at this unique Windsor museum. If you think you’re retro because you own a turntable, try listening to tunes on a vintage radio. View their collection of historic forms of communication from candlestick phones to telegraphs. Know a hobbyist who restores old radios, etc.? Definitely stop by the gift shop and get them some vacuum tubes.

THE BARNUM MUSEUM

This Bridgeport museum dedicated to the life of P.T. Barnum suffered damage from a tornado and Hurricane Sandy, and hopes to eventually reopen. However you can still view artifacts that belonged to P.T. Barnum and Tom Thumb at the "Envisioning the Future!" exhibit, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Thursdays, Fridays and "Summer Saturdays" (May 30 to September 5). It's located in the People's United Bank Gallery adjacent to the museum. And what can be stranger than looking at P.T. Barnum and Tom Thumb's old things?

Alison Lowenstein, Gothamist Getaways editor, is the author of NYC guidebooks and the Brooklyn expert at About.com. She has covered travel for National Geographic Traveler, Newsday, NY Daily News, Travelandleisure.com, etc. When she isn't planning trips, she enjoys jogging around the streets of NYC. Despite her athletic pursuits, her favorite food is the donut. You can find her on Twitter at @cityweekendsnyc

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