Connecticut is a little state with big heart.

There are many well-known wonders to be found here, but what about the less recognizable finds hiding in plain sight?

There's adventure around every corner if you're willing to find it.

Let's explore Connecticut's hidden gems.

This episode is for the creatives, and our journey begins in Bristol.

Here we are at Bristol Bazaar, a year round indoor maker's market that features over 75 small local artists.

Let's take a look.

Bristol Bazaar is a curated, boutique style destination where shopping and community can come together.

There is another location in Milford, but as for this one, the storybook town square-inspired space creates an inviting, immersive setting for a rotating mix of local makers and independent creators, offering small batch, locally made goods.

-Wow they have a full... I can't - like this is huge.

I kind of can't get over how big it is.

It just keeps going.

Wild Raven farm.

Portal to other world.

I can't imagine a better like rainy day activity than coming here... Getting a little treat shopping around.

Like, winner winner!

If you suggest this to somebody, you're like, “Oh, you want to go to Bristol Bazaar?” and-” “Yes, yes, I do.” Another cool aspect of the space is that it's home to Yellow King Bristol, a 38 seat coffee shop with a diverse menu featuring light bites, beer, cocktails and a creative's best friend: coffee.

Next up, let's switch vibes and check out Goodspeed Musicals over at the iconic That Sweet Opera House.

Donlan Hilton is our expert here and gives us an inside look at the organized fashion in more ways than one.

Goodspeed produces only musical theater, right here on this beautiful stage in the historic Goodspeed Opera House.

And also down the river in the Terris Theater in Chester, Connecticut.

This building, this location on the banks of the Connecticut River is one reason that it's special I think the the real reason it's special is the incredible, excellent Broadway quality work that is- that takes place on this stage.

Everything that we do at Goodspeed, all the props, the scenery, the costumes is built right here in East Haddam for every show.

The shows are cast predominantly out of New York City.

We do use some Connecticut actors as well, but the shows are rehearsed here.

Everything is done right here in East Haddam, Connecticut, for Connecticut audiences.

And I think that one of the secrets to our success is that, as you see, the theater behind me is quite small and intimate.

There are 398 seats, and I think the energy that comes off of the stage to an audience is absolutely overwhelming and is part of the reason that we have been so successful for 63 years.

Sometimes an actor will be on stage doing a number, and they'll finish the number blackout.

They exit the stage and something happens and they have to like do a quick change or something, and then they have to enter on the other side of the stage.

Do you want to see what they have to do to do that?

Desperately.

Okay, we're going to go for a walk.

So they're exiting stage left.

Be careful.

(Sped up) Hahaha come on!

(Unclear sped up joyful chatter) Wow!

Yeah.

I'm going to pop into the dressing room and change my clothes.

Maybe, maybe maybe not.

I'm going to do a real quick change a bit.

Yeah, a dresser will be down here waiting for me, and then I'm going to continue.

(Sped up) Up the stairs.

You can stop and take in the view of the swing bridge as you go.

If you have time, you might not have time, though.

(Sped up) Watch your head!

(Sped up) Watch your head!

Ta-da!

WOW!

And you're back on stage.

Right on cue.

On stage, right on cue.

That takes about 35 seconds at a good clip.

So if you don't have a costume change, if you just exit stage left, run through back up and back on stage, it takes about 35 seconds.

Keep the audience clapping.

Yeah, let's hear it.

Yeah.

Pad out the... Yep.

That's incredible.

On our way out, we got a last minute moment with Dan McMahon, the marketing director of Goodspeed Musicals, who dropped some incredible theater lore.

So you know that “Annie” began h 50 years ago, and one of the stars in “Annie,” besides Annie herself is Sandy and the original Sandy was a rescue dog, Billy Berloni who lives in deep River and started his career here with “Annie,” found Sandy, trained Sandy, and he's made a career of animal training for the theater ever since.

And this is a bronze statue of the original Sandy.

“Oh my goodnesss!” Look!

Sandy!

Our last stop on the creative trail is the Semilla Cafe + Studio.

This spot is a unique cafe that combines the best aspects of a part coffee shop and part community living room.

This multifaceted space operates as a cozy third place, a flavorful retreat, and even as a true studio for both art and entertainment.

Here are some shots by CT Public photojournalist Ayannah Brown to help you get an idea of the late night vibes that can be found here.

Semilla Cafe is warm and welcoming here.

There's something for everyone.

What are your favorite local gems?

Let us know and thanks for watching!

“Connecticut's Hidden Gems.”