While the Nutmeg State isn’t necessarily known as a hotspot for tourists, we do get our fair share of out-of-town visitors throughout the year. While we natives are pretty comfortable with all of the little idiosyncrasies of our state, visitors can be completely oblivious. That’s why it’s pretty easy to spot tourists in Connecticut.

1. They ask what a tag sale is.
Flickr/Eric Bartholomew
No, we aren't selling tags. Tourists have a hard time understanding it just a regular old-fashioned garage or yard sale.
2. Tourists walk around with a handful of PEZ dispensers they just bought at the Visitor's Center.
Facebook/PEZ Candy USA
A visit to PEZ is fun, but add those dispensers to your collection, we don't actually eat candy out of them in Connecticut.
3. They ask at 10:30 at night where to buy more beer.
Flickr/John Penny
Connecticut laws for alcohol sales prohibit the late night purchases of beer, wine, or spirits at package stores. Here in the Nutmeg State, you have to plan ahead.
4. They don't know what a package store is.
Flickr/JJBers
When you tell tourists to head to the package store to get their beer, they look at you in bewilderment.
5. Tourists flock to Pepe's in New Haven and then order a pepperoni pizza.
Google Images/Luis Betancourt
If you want the true Pepe's experience, everyone knows you have to order a white clam or tomato pie.
6. They may have figured out where out major cities are but still have no idea where to find Connecticut's Secret Corner or Quiet Corner.
Wikimedia Commons/LtPowers
Not all of Connecticut's great places are found in the cities. Our small towns are some of the prettiest in the nation.

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11. They seem surprised that we have waterfalls, mountains, and other natural wonders.
Flickr/CJ Oliver
Connecticut has over 100 state parks plus even more natural areas, wildlife refuges, and forests. We are full of unspoiled areas brimming over with beautiful sights.
8. Tourists show you the 100 photos on their phone that they took at Mystic Aquarium.
Google Images/Craig Ward
Don't get us wrong, Mystic Aquarium is a fantastic place. But there are only so many selfies with fish you can take.
9. They freak out when you pass Dunkin' Donuts without stopping for coffee.
Flickr/Mike Mozart
Don't worry out-of-towner, there's another Dunkin' Donuts just down the road.
10. They try to order a sub at our local sandwich shops.
Flickr/Foodista
The only place in Connecticut where you can get a sub is at Subway. The local shops sell grinders and boy are they delicious.
11. They go to the beach and ask, where are the waves?
Flickr/slack12
Our beaches aren't known for stellar surf. But these sandy shores on the Long Island Sound are great for families and cooling off on hot summer days.
12. Tourists wear I LOVE N.Y. T-shirts.
Flickr/Greg Lloyd
With Connecticut being so close to the Big Apple, the tourists have probably made a trip into the city. If you see someone wearing an I LOVE N.Y. T-shirt, chances are they're a tourist.

How else can you spot tourists in Connecticut? Let us know in the comments section below. Though we like to be hospitable to tourists, here are a few hidden gems you might not want to share.

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