The New England states are a beautiful area for a number of reasons, including the fall foliage, the food, and iconic locations. And of course, there is plenty of history to go around. One of the smaller states in the region, Connecticut, is rich in history and beautiful locations worth visiting at least once. And if you want to learn more about the state and potentially plan a visit, we have some books that might be worth checking out.
From books about what to do in Connecticut, to some of the interesting ghost stories from the area, these books have a little bit of everything to expand your knowledge of this tiny but mighty state.
So whether you are planning a trip to Connecticut or you just want to learn more about the state and what it has to offer, these five books are at the top of our list for books to check out.
5 books about Connecticut featuring everything from things to do to spooky stories
100 Things to Do in Connecticut Before You Die
The title might just say it all, but 100 Things to Do in Connecticut Before You Die is definitely a great choice for people to pick up if they are planning a visit or who live in the area and love a good road trip. This book has some interesting options for people looking to do something different when they visit Connecticut, including walking "among 50 life-size dinosaurs at Dinosaur Place," or even taking the Essex Steam Train for a ride. Every one of these things to do is a chance to experience the state in a whole new way, and it is definitely one of those books that is worth picking up even for those of us who have lived in New England for years.
The Ghostly Tales of Mystic
Mystic, Connecticut might be one of the more iconic seaports in the state. Home of the Mystic Seaport Museum and the Mystic Aquarium, this village is a beautiful destination for people who love history, science, and the beauty of the water. But it likely comes as no surprise that as a historic seaport with history dating back to the late 1700s, there are also plenty of ghost stories to go around. And what better way to get a feel for the spooky side of Connecticut than with a book centered around Mystic and its ghosts? The Ghostly Tales of Mystic is a fun one that adds a touch of spooky-vibes to our history tour of the state.
Historic Houses of the Connecticut River Valley
Perhaps unsurprisingly, there is a rich history in Connecticut that can easily be told with the help of the houses that were built here. And the Connecticut River Valley is definitely a prime location for stunning homes and pieces of history that run over 400 miles. While this book does not center exclusively on Connecticut, this is definitely a must read for lovers of architecture and history. And with this being a story of the Connecticut River Valley, it absolutely does show love to the state itself.
Connecticut Bootlegger Queen Nellie Green
Have you ever heard of Nellie Green? The answer is probably no. But if you love strong historical women doing things that prove that they will not be stepped on, then the Connecticut Bootlegger Queen Nellie Green is the perfect book for you. This is a story of a woman who carried the moniker of "Queen of the Rumrunners on the East Coast." And if that doesn't peek your interest, how about the fact that she was the leader of an underground empire where her men had aliases such as "King Tut" and "Wing." This is a look at Connecticut in a whole new light, and it is all thanks to a woman who would not let her gender stop her from living life in her own way. (I found this book at a local bookstore and was shocked by everything this woman did at a time when women were fighting for their rights and prohibition was in full effect.)
A History of Connecticut Food: A Proud Tradition of Puddings, Clambakes & Steamed Cheeseburgers
Food in Connecticut is a rather unique thing. In some cases, there are foods here that you don't see everywhere else. And then there are things that you don't expect to fall in love with. In order to appreciate the state, you need to understand its history with food. And luckily, A History of Connecticut Food does just that. This is a look at everything that makes the food of Connecticut special, right down to the livestock and crops produced in the state to the recipes that scream New England nostalgia. This book is a culinary journey through Connecticut, done in a way that is informative and fascinating. Bring on that taste of tradition, and shine a light on some dishes that might just inspire you to try something new the next time you explore the state.