Though small in size, Connecticut has always punched above its weight when it comes to shaping American culture, industry, and even a little bit of chaos. Tucked between New York and Massachusetts, the Nutmeg State is often seen as a quiet New England corner—but scratch beneath the surface and you'll find a place full of firsts, strange laws, historic quirks, and some proudly weird distinctions.

WRKI and WINE logo
Get our free mobile app

Whether it’s the birthplace of the hamburger, the home of haunted towns, or a place where you have to dodge left-side highway exits, Connecticut offers a mix of charm, eccentricity, and legacy that’s uniquely its own.

Today, we’re diving into 15 of the most curious, surprising, and entertaining facts about Connecticut that prove just how much is packed into these 5,500 square miles.

Discover Connecticut: 15 Things That Make the Nutmeg State Unique

Connecticut might be one of the smallest states, but it’s bursting with history, oddities, and original claims to fame. From bizarre traffic quirks to major cultural contributions, here are 15 fun and surprising things that make the Nutmeg State uniquely Connecticut.

Gallery Credit: Lou Milano

I can safely say that my favorite part of writing this article was rattling off absurd Ethan Carey facts. Honestly, I think that subject deserves its own category—the list of absurdities is endless, and I know them all.

Want more Connecticut news and entertainment? Check out the Ethan, Lou & Large Dave Show Podcast on Apple & Spotify 

With Ethan, you’ll never find any “buried bodies”—my macabre way of saying he has no secrets, at least none worth uncovering. No, his splendor lies in the truth. His preferences, hobbies, and daily movements are somehow both mundane and magical. He is a true Renaissance man—if Renaissance men spent all their time taking photos of lakes and then editing the colors for weeks on end.

17 Unspoken Truths About Connecticut That Newbies Should Know

Just got to Connecticut? There are some things you'll need to know that everyone here knows but rarely talks about. These are 17 Unspoken Truths About Connecticut That Newbies Should Know

Gallery Credit: Lou Milano

19 of Connecticut's Most Wanted Fugitives

First, you should know that not every fugitive is some sort of serial killer or bank robber; some are just people who have been charged with crimes and are actively evading law enforcement.

These are 19 of Connecticut's Wanted Fugitives according to BailCo Bail Bonds, who state the following on their website:

"The persons listed on this page are currently wanted by BailCo Bail Bonds Manchester LLC and the State of Connecticut for failing to appear at a scheduled court date. We would be grateful to receive any information you may have about their status or whereabouts, but please first consider the following:No one listed on this page is necessarily guilty of a crime."

Gallery Credit: Lou Milano

20 Connecticut Towns if They Were Cartoon Characters

What if Connecticut's towns and cities were cartoon characters? I began pondering this concept, and soon it became a nagging thought that refused to go away. I had one idea, followed by another and then a full list that is sure to upset a bunch of people.

If I left out your town, you're (probably) welcome!

Gallery Credit: Lou Milano

The Danbury Flood of 1869 is a Local Disaster Lost to Time

Most everyone in Danbury knows about, or has heard of the catastrophic Hat City flood of 1955 where 87 people died. On the other hand, most people we've talked to don't know about the history of the flood of 1869. In "The Place You Live" segment that aired on August 31, 2021, I-95's former News Director Mike Allen shared his research on the failure of the Upper Kohanza dam in Danbury and what it meant for the people in Downtown Danbury that day. 

Gallery Credit: Lou Milano

16 Entertaining Greater-Danbury Youtube Moments You've Never Seen

When you think about viral videos, the Greater-Danbury area probably does'nt jump to mind. There are very few viral Youtube moments to capture around here but that's not to say we don't have some good ones. Here are 16 Youtube videos you've probably never seen but are worth checking out.

Gallery Credit: Lou Milano

More From WRKI and WINE