10 Things People from Connecticut Do Every Time They Come Back to Connecticut

Whether you’ve been gone for a few days or a few years, returning to Connecticut feels like stepping back into a world of charming towns, endless Dunkin’ locations, and debates about which pizza reigns supreme. There’s just something about the Nutmeg State that pulls you right back into its rhythm. Here are ten things every true Connecticut native does when they return home.

Immediately Compare Pizza

You can’t set foot back in Connecticut without immediately debating which pizza is best—New Haven’s Pepe’s or Sally’s? Or maybe Modern Apizza is your go-to. Either way, you’re going straight to the source to remind yourself what real pizza tastes like.

Grumble About Taxes

You waste no time complaining about Connecticut’s high property taxes, even if you’re just visiting. It’s a Nutmeg State tradition to remind everyone that, yes, it costs a pretty penny to live in such a charming state.

Rediscover Dunkin’ Loyalty

You spot a Dunkin’ on every corner and remember why you never stray too far from your favorite order. Whether it’s a regular coffee or an iced “Dunkaccino,” nothing says home like a trip to the most beloved coffee chain in the state.

Take a Scenic Drive Through Quaint Towns

You find yourself driving through the scenic backroads of Connecticut, marveling at the colonial-style homes and tree-lined streets. You might even stop by a charming town green, just to soak in that New England vibe.

Brag About Proximity to Everything

You remind anyone who’ll listen that Connecticut’s best feature is its perfect location—just a quick hop to NYC or Boston, and the beach or the mountains are never far away. The phrase “everything is within two hours” will inevitably slip out of your mouth.

Get Confused by the Weather

You remember that Connecticut weather is a year-round guessing game. One day it’s sunny and beautiful, and the next it’s raining sideways or there’s snow on the ground—because why not?

Admire the Fall Foliage (or Miss It Dearly)

If it’s autumn, you’ll find yourself basking in the glory of the fall foliage, probably while sipping apple cider from an orchard. If it’s not fall, you’ll spend a good amount of time lamenting how no other state does autumn like Connecticut.

Catch Up on Local Gossip

Whether it’s about the latest happenings in your hometown or what’s new in Hartford, you’ll quickly find yourself back in the loop of small-town drama. Connecticut may be small, but the local chatter is always juicy.

Savor a Lobster Roll (or Two)

You immediately hunt down a lobster roll—preferably Connecticut-style, warm with butter. No trip home is complete without indulging in this local delicacy, and you make sure to remind yourself why it’s superior to that mayonnaise-covered monstrosity.

Feel Nostalgic for Yale

Whether you went there or not, the presence of Yale University looms large, and you can’t help but feel a little Ivy League pride. Even if your only connection to Yale is walking around its historic campus, it still feels like a point of personal pride that it’s in your home state.

Returning to Connecticut is like settling back into a place that’s small in size but big in personality. From the pizza battles to the Dunkin’ runs, it’s the little quirks that make you feel right at home. So, embrace the scenic drives, grab another lobster roll, and remember—there’s no place quite like the Nutmeg State.