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Haley Eklund l The Connecticut Life

@theconnecticutlife

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📍Fairfield County, Connecticut
🌊 Lover of Coastal New England
⚓️Sharing my favorite spots in Connecticut and beyond
📩 [email protected]

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The Onera Foundation in Connecticut has a new exhibition and it’s a must-see.

Located in New Canaan, the Onera Foundation is currently presenting America Abroad: Art, Architecture, and Diplomacy, an exhibition that offers a rare opportunity to see artworks that are typically only on view inside U.S. embassies around the world. Presented in partnership with FAPE, the exhibition features work by some of America’s most celebrated artists, including Jasper Johns, Roy Lichtenstein, Carrie Mae Weems and many more. You’ll also see original sculpture maquettes, photography, and a replica of the 1823 engraving of the Declaration of Independence. Beyond the artwork itself, the exhibition explores the cultural and historical significance of embassy architecture in a way that’s both interesting and accessible.

📍 Onera Foundation | 63 Park Street New Canaan 🎟️ Free admission. Reservations Suggested.  🗓️ On view through December 31, 2026

@onerafoundation @fapeculturaldiplomacy taken in New Canaan, Connecticut by @theconnecticutlife

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2 hours ago

If you’re looking for a relaxing summer getaway in Connecticut, add the @whitehart_inn in Salisbury to your list.

Litchfield County is one of my favorite parts of the state, and while other towns may get more attention, Salisbury feels like one of Connecticut’s best-kept secrets. Tucked into the state’s northwest corner, it’s just 10 minutes from Millerton, New York, and a short drive from Great Barrington, Massachusetts.

Located right on the town green, the White Hart Inn was originally built as a farmhouse in 1806 and is one of those places that feels quintessentially New England. The rooms are cozy but elevated, and I loved spending time reading on the front porch and browsing the library.

You can start your morning with coffee and pastries from @whitehart_provisions, the on-site café, then come back for dinner at the restaurant, which serves seasonal, local inspired dishes. If you’re visiting on a Wednesday, don’t miss Pizza Night on the lawn. The wood-fired pizzas are excellent and they’re incredibly popular, so I’d recommend ordering early.

I happened to be here during all the wildfire smoke and while that would be dissapointing at some places, The White Hart truly has everything you need on the grounds that it was easy to just slow down and enjoy all the property has to offer.

The town of Salisbury is pretty small, but @sweetwilliamsbakery is a MUST for coffee and pastries, and nearby Millerton is a really cute town with a bookstore, great antique restaurants and a fab restaurant, @willa.hv.ny. There are some great hiking trails in the area, and I also loved going on a little drive over to Canaan for coffee at @ilsecoffee and stoppping into to @freundsfarmmarket.

This is one of those places that’s just as perfect for a summer escape as it is for a cozy fall weekend. 🤍 taken in Salisbury, Connecticut by @theconnecticutlife

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If you’ve never been to The Wadsworth (@thewadsworth) in Hartford, consider this your sign to go. I recently visited for the first time, and spent hours wandering through the galleries and still feel like I only scratched the surface.

Here are five reasons it’s worth a visit:

⭐ A piece of American history. Located in the heart of Hartford, the Wadsworth Atheneum is the oldest continuously operating public art museum in the United States.

🏛️ The building itself. The architecture is beautiful, and every gallery feels different from the last.

🖼️ Framing American Democracy. One of the highlights of my visit was exploring Framing American Democracy, a series of exhibitions that examines the ideas, people, and movements that have shaped our country. From Connecticut’s revolutionary roots to contemporary artists reflecting on democracy today, it offers a unique look at America’s past and present.

🎨 The variety. You can go from European masterpieces and Impressionist paintings to contemporary art, photography, decorative arts, and rotating exhibitions all in one visit.

🚶 You can really take your time. Whether you’re there for an hour or an entire afternoon, it’s the kind of museum that’s easy to explore at your own pace.

Save this post and plan your visit to The Wadsworth! 🎨🖼️

#TheWadsworth taken in Hartford, Connecticut by @theconnecticutlife

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2 days ago

If you’re looking for the perfect Connecticut summer day, add the @florencegriswoldmuseum in Old Lyme to your list. 🌿🎨

This is one of those places I find myself coming back to again and again, and it’s truly special in any season. I love strolling the beautiful gardens, exploring the historic Florence Griswold House, and admiring the Impressionist galleries.

One of my favorite parts of the day is lunch at @cafeflo. The patio overlooks the Lieutenant River, making it one of the prettiest lunch spots in the state. (Highly recommend the lobster BLT. 🦞)

And if you visit this summer, don’t miss the museum’s newest exhibition, Patchwork: Connecticut Artists Consider 250. Featuring work by more than 80 Connecticut artists, the exhibition explores American history, identity, place, and community through the perspectives of artists from across our state. It’s a thoughtful and inspiring way to celebrate Connecticut’s creative community during America’s 250th anniversary.

Save this post and plan your next visit to The Florence Griswold Museum 🤍 taken in Old Lyme, Connecticut by @theconnecticutlife

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4 days ago

ad | Summer entertaining, New England style. ☀️🦞🌿

I teamed up with @newenglandsummers to host a summer dinner party using ingredients we found at @bigyfoods. As a New England-based grocery store, Big Y made it easy to find everything in one stop from fresh local produce and flowers to some of our favorite regional brands.

Our menu:
🫐 Blueberry Basil Lemonade
Made with @stonewallkitchen Wild Maine Blueberry Jam, fresh basil, and lemon.

🍅 Heirloom Tomato Caprese
Heirloom tomatoes, local mozzarella, fresh basil, and balsamic glaze.

🦞 Connecticut-Style Lobster Rolls
Warm buttered lobster on @kayembrand split-top buns with @cabotcreamery butter and @capecodchips (Pro tip: Big Y will even steam the lobsters for you!)

🍑 Summer Stone Fruit Sundaes
Fresh summer peaches and berries served over @arethusa_farm vanilla ice cream.

Whether you’re planning a backyard dinner party or just looking for fresh local ingredients, Big Y has everything you need to celebrate summer in New England. #bigypartner #bigyfoods by @theconnecticutlife

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5 days ago

I find covered bridges fascinating so when I was in the area, I had to stop at this iconic Connecticut landmark.

The West Cornwall Covered Bridge was built around 1864, and the 172-foot-long bridge spans the Housatonic River. It’s one of the last remaining covered bridges in Connecticut. It’s also listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

A few tips if you visit:
 ✨ Park at The Bend, just south of the bridge, where they have free parking, restrooms, and access to the Housatonic River. 🥾 Walk the bridge, then explore the nearby river trails and local shops in the village of West Cornwall. 📸 Visit early in the morning or on a weekday for the most peaceful experience and the best photos.

📍West Cornwall Covered Bridge
Cornwall, Connecticut

#newengland #connecticut #ctvisit #connecticutlife #litchfieldcounty taken in West Cornwall, Connecticut by @theconnecticutlife

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8 days ago

The Wadsworth in Hartford, Connecticut 🎨

Did you know Connecticut is home to the oldest continuously operating public art museum in the United States? I recently spent the day exploring the Wadsworth and was completely blown away. You’ll find everything from European masterpieces and Impressionist paintings to contemporary art, photography, decorative arts, and rotating exhibitions. I loved how every gallery felt completely different from the one before it, and you could easily spend an entire day here.

One of the highlights of my visit was Framing American Democracy, a powerful exhibition that explores the people, events, and ideas that have shaped our nation. It was one of my favorite exhibits of the day and definitely worth seeing while it’s on view.

If you love art, history, or simply spending an afternoon discovering something new, add the Wadsworth to your list. #thewadsworth @thewadsworth taken in Hartford, Connecticut by @theconnecticutlife

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12 days ago

Recent moments around Connecticut ✨

June was a crazy month and I didn’t spend a ton of time in Connecticut, but looking forward to less travel in July and being able to enjoy home a bit more 🩵

1. Wandering around Essex
2. Morning at @risedoughnut
3. Dinner at @thecottagect in Westport
4. Beach days in Stamford
5. Pizza from @sallysapizza in New Haven
6. The beautiful gardens at the @florencegriswoldmuseum
7. A dinner party with new friends in Cheshire
8. An afternoon at @thewadsworth in Hartford
9. Iced caramel latte from @ashlawnfarmcoffee in Old Saybrook
10. View from my window in Stamford
11. Checking out the new exhibition at @thealdrich in Ridgefield
12. Lobster BLT from @cafeflo in Old Lyme
13. Ballard Park in Ridgefield
14. Wandering the gardens at @keelertavernmuseum
15. A stop at @heirloommarket in Old Wethersfield
16. Happy hour and the World Cup at @lykos_taverna
17. A resting cat on my favorite blanket @chathammfg taken in Connecticut by @theconnecticutlife

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15 days ago

Salem is best known as a fall destination but the magic can be felt all year long. ✨ @destsalem

One of my favorite times to visit The Witch City is actually during the summer. I recently took some family around Salem for the first time, and these are 5 things I always have on a Salem itinerary:

🖤 House of the Seven Gables (@h7gables) – Tour the iconic seaside mansion that inspired Nathaniel Hawthorne’s novel, explore the gardens and Hawthorne’s birthplace.

🖤 Peabody Essex Museum (@peabodyessex) – One of New England’s best! My favorites are the Salem Witch Trials exhibit and the maritime collection.

🖤 Hocus Pocus Tour – Take a local walking tour with @witchcitywalkingtours and see iconic movie locations like Ropes Mansion, Old Town Hall, and Salem Commons.

🖤 Visit Local Shops – Salem is full of incredible small businesses. My personal favorites are Wicked Good Books (@wickedgoodbooks), Oak & Moss (@shop.oakandmoss), Moody’s Gifts (@moodysgifts), Spruce Home (@shop.sprucehome), Salem Bespoke Boutique (@salembespokeboutique) and Black Cut Curiosity Shoppe (@blackcatcuriosityshoppe).

🖤 Eat at Local Restaurants – Grab breakfast at A&J King Bakery (@ajkingbakery) and Odd Meter Coffee (@oddmetercoffee), have lunch at Mercy Tavern (@mercytavern) or Maitland Kitchen (@maitlandfarmkitchen), and end the day with dinner at Settler Salem (@settlersalem) or Ledger (@ledgersalem) For post-dinner cocktails, All Souls Lounge (@allsoulssalem) is a great option!

✨ Bonus: Marblehead is a short drive away and the cutest coastal town.

Save this post and plan a summer trip to The Witch City 🧹🧙‍♀️🖤

#salem #newengland #visitmassachusetts #massachussets taken in Salem, Massachusetts by @theconnecticutlife

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18 days ago

Castle Hill on the Crane Estate ✨

When I had some family in town recently and we spent time on the North Shore, this was at the top of my list of places to bring them. It’s one of my favorite places in New England. From the sweeping Grand Allée to the Italian Garden and ocean views from Castle Hill, every corner is absolutely stunning.

Castle Hill sits on land originally stewarded by Indigenous peoples known as Agawam, meaning "place beyond the marsh." In 1910, industrialist Richard Teller Crane Jr. and his wife Florence transformed the property into one of America's grandest European-inspired summer estates, complete with a mansion, formal gardens, a working farm, and sweeping coastal landscapes.

Another fun fact: Castle Hill on the Crane Estate was used as a stand-in for Paris in Greta Gerwig's Little Women. Amy's art studio, the Italian Garden, and several scenes between Amy and Laurie were all filmed here, while nearby Crane Beach also appears in the movie.

@thetrustees @craneestate_trustees

#newengland #visitma #massachusetts #newengland_igers taken in Ipswich, Massachusetts by @theconnecticutlife

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20 days ago

POV: it’s the 4th of July and you live in Connecticut ❤️🤍💙

Happy 250th Birthday, America. 🇺🇸 by @theconnecticutlife

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21 days ago

*GIVEAWAY CLOSED* Winner is @brookevlad!

Block Island GIVEAWAY! 💙🇺🇸 If you’ve been wanting to plan a trip to Block Island, this is your sign.

I’m so excited to partner with the @springhousehotel on Block Island to giveaway an $100 gift card to The Spring House Hotel and a 4th of July shirt! Gift card can be used at The Main Hotel, The Mott House, New Harbor, The Inn at Spring House, The Main Hotel Restaurant & The Barn at Spring House.

To enter: ✨ Follow @theconnecticutlife and @springhousehotel  ✨ Like this post ✨ Tag the person you’d bring with you (each tag = one entry!) ✨ Share to your story for a bonus entry and tag us so we can see it.

After my recent trip to Block Island a few months ago, I had such a fabulous dinner at The Barn, from the beautiful setting to the incredible food and service, it was truly one of my favorite parts of the trip.

Giveaway closes at midnight on Thursday, July 9th. Winner will be contacted via DM from @theconnecticutlife only. Good luck, and happy summer! ❤️🤍💙 taken in Block Island, Rhode Island by @theconnecticutlife

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