Connecticut: New England's Most Underrated Coastal Escape with Pauline Frommer

Check out the new Smart Travel PodcastThis episode is supported by Smart Travel a new podcast from Nerd Wallet. Travel smarter — and spend less — with help from NerdWallet. Follow Smart Travel wherever you get your podcasts.Smart Travel PodcastConnecticut rarely tops travelers' New England wish lists, yet it offers many of the experiences that make the region so beloved. Historic seaports, charming coastal towns, outstanding seafood, vibrant arts scenes, fall foliage, and centuries of American history are all packed into a state that remains surprisingly uncrowded.

In this episode, David Brodie sits down with Pauline Frommer, President of Frommer's Media and one of the most respected voices in travel publishing, to explore the hidden appeal of Connecticut. As Pauline updates the Connecticut chapter for the upcoming Frommer's New England guidebook, she shares the destinations, museums, restaurants, and experiences that surprised her most.

From world-class art collections and Yale University's stunning campus to lobster shacks, colonial villages, and scenic countryside retreats, Connecticut emerges as a destination that delivers authentic New England experiences without the crowds often found elsewhere in the region.

Topics Covered• Why Connecticut Is Overlooked – The state's surprising mix of coastal charm, history, culture, and outdoor experiences.

• Historic New England – Colonial architecture, Revolutionary War sites, and maritime heritage.

• Museums & Arts – Yale's exceptional museums, historic homes, and unique cultural attractions.

• Food Scene – New Haven pizza, fresh seafood, and locally sourced dining experiences.

• Coastal Connecticut – Exploring Mystic, Long Island Sound, and charming waterfront communities.

• Outdoor Recreation – Hiking, kayaking, canoeing, horseback riding, and scenic countryside escapes.

Top Things to See & DoMystic Seaport Museum

One of America's premier living history museums, Mystic Seaport combines maritime heritage, historic buildings, working ship restoration projects, and engaging exhibits that bring New England's seafaring past to life.

Yale University