People from Connecticut are some of the nicest, coolest people in the world (if I do say so myself). But when your state’s as old and unique as this one, there are bound to be some weird things. Why is Connecticut so weird? From strange behaviors to funny phrases, tourists may be left a little confused about life in Connecticut. Read on to see if you’ve developed any quirks from living in Connecticut. Here are some of the weird things to do when in Connecticut if you want to live like a local:

1. We call ourselves Nutmeggers.

sara hattie/Flickr
Some people just add "-ian" to the end of their state, but that's boring. Real locals know where the term Nutmegger comes from, but most people are just going along with it.

2. We go on "packy runs."

caren_ep/Flickr
Liquor stores used to be called package stores, and some still are! So when you need to pick up some adult beverages, you go on a packy run, see? It's just a part of living in Connecticut.

3. We believe winter is a temperature, not a season.

Decaseconds/Flickr
This is what winter should look like, so just because it's December doesn't mean it's winter. If the temperature is over 30 and the snow is less than two inches, it's still fall. So don't be surprised if you still see Connecticut residents in shorts.

4. We use the snow to our advantage.

velo_city/Flickr
We may put off winter, but once it officially hits, we make it as convenient as possible. Drinks are burrowed on the deck and some folks even use the snow to make some quick ice cream. This must be one of the best parts of living in Connecticut.

5. We love our state more than anyone else. And we hate it more too.

ilirjan rrumbullaku/Flickr
Nutmeggers have a hard time complimenting their state without insulting it at the same time. The state is great... but it's been going downhill for years. The park is beautiful... but you'll have to visit before they close it or tax it. We tell it like it is because we want to preserve our piece of paradise. No shame in that!

6. We may or may not have sidewalks and streetlights.

DenisTangneyJr/E+/Getty Images
This one really throws some visitors for a loop. In larger cities, you're sure to find lights, crosswalks, and sidewalks. But in a lot of small towns, they just don't exist. You should watch for joggers around corners just as much as deer.

7. We like our lobster rolls warm and buttery.

libsciterp/Flickr
Cold lobster salad on sliced bread sounds really gross to us. We prefer hot lobster stuffed into a hot dog bun, drizzled in butter, and that's the only way we'll eat it. It's just one of those weird Connecticut stereotypes...

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8. We have to clarify which Dunkin we're going to.

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Especially if you're meeting up with people. There can be more than one on the same street, so you have to say the whole thing. Ex: "I'm going to the Dunkin on Post by CVS." Why do we have so many of these anyway?

9. We get sudden uncontrollable urges to go to the diner.

Pixel/Flickr
If you've never craved a plate of fries and a side of green goddess dipping sauce at midnight, you probably weren't born in Connecticut.

10. We are all Huskies fans. No matter what.

Jimmy Emerson, DVM/Flickr
It's hard not to root for the home team. Especially when they win so often! Whether you went to UConn or not, it's hard to be a Connecticut native and not get excited about the Huskies.

11. We have "designated" trick or treating streets.

Jérôme Decq/Flickr
If you live in a neighborhood where the houses are too far apart, or the driveways are too long, how do you celebrate Halloween? Your town goes to a street more conducive to door-to-door walking, parks their cars at the end of the street, and starts walking! It's a big responsibility for the residents who have to provide all that candy, but hey, it's for the kids! It's just one of those weird things people from Connecticut do.

12. We don't go to the beach to get wet.

Ken-ichi Ueda/Flickr
Connecticut beaches are still and rocky. So we don't go for the surfing. The beach is a place to picnic, tan, walk, or even watch the crabs. We know to beware of rocky shores and jellyfish. The beach, to us, is a place of beauty and life, not just fun and games.

13. We always try to take the back way.

Doug Kerr/Flickr
For some reason, the highway just feels like the worst. So whenever possible, we will opt for the winding back roads, even if it takes a little longer to get there.

14. We call this a grinder.

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No matter how it's made, or what meat is on it. Even Subway is considered a grinder shop for Connecticut residents.

15. We like our pizza with mootz.

Olivier H/Flickr
That means mozzarella! But why waste time saying the whole word?

If anything, this list just proves how cool we Nutmeggers really are! No matter how quirky, Connecticut will always be home sweet home. But what are some other weird things people from Connecticut do? We’d love to know!

Want to show off your Connecticut pride everywhere you go? Check out the great Nutmeg State gear from Wear Your Roots!

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Weird Things People From Connecticut Do

Melissa M. | September 10, 2021

What is living in Connecticut like?

Living in Connecticut can be quite pleasant but the cost of living is a little higher than the national average. If you have children, some of the best schools in the country can be found here. There are close-knit communities throughout the state and beautiful small towns to explore. It’s a beautiful state with so much to offer! But then there’s the weather to consider as well. Summers can be hot with high humidity and winters can be bitter cold with snow. 

Where are the best places to live in Connecticut?

The town of Winsted has a low rate of crime and is a relatively affordable place to live just like Torrington, Norwich, Meriden, Bristol, and Manchester. Additionally, Avon, Simsbury, Westport, and Southport are quite desirable places to live. If you prefer city life and numerous amenities, West Hartford is a good choice. It has some of the best restaurants in the state. You can check out our post, 10 Cheapest Yet Great Places To Live In Connecticut to read more. 

What are some foods Connecticut is known for?

Just like any other state, Connecticut is known for some of its food. Hot and buttered lobster rolls are one and who can really resist those? Steamed cheeseburgers, hot dogs, grinders, and apple cider donuts are a few of the other delicacies that the state is known for. And then there’s apizza, a thin-crust pizza cooked in a coal-fired oven. If you haven’t tried pizza like this, you’re missing out!

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