Nutty New London Scavenger Hunt

New London is the area's working city, a former whaling capital on the Thames River that has more architectural character than many visitors expect. The Nutty New London Scavenger Hunt turns the downtown into a game, sending teams of friends or family around the streets to find landmarks, solve clues and take photos. It is a playful way to see a place that does not always feature on short itineraries, from the stately Custom House and the railroad station designed by H. H. Richardson to the waterfront where ferries leave for Block Island and Long Island. The format is self-paced, so you choose when to go, how long to take and where to stop for a break.

Scavenger hunts suit travelers who dislike being herded in groups. You receive the clues, you set the speed and you can dip into cafes and shops along the way. The questions typically point to details you might otherwise walk past, which means you end up noticing carvings, plaques and viewpoints.

Families with children often enjoy the competitive element, and teams of adults can make a friendly contest out of it. Because instructions arrive on a phone or a printed sheet, check that your device has a charge and that you understand the start point before you set out.

New London itself is worth knowing. It was once among the busiest whaling ports in the country, and wealth from the trade built the granite and brick buildings that still line State Street. The city is also home to the Coast Guard Academy, the Lyman Allyn Art Museum, the home of playwright Eugene O'Neill and a lively mix of restaurants.

The waterfront, with its views of ferries and the harbor, is a pleasant place to end the hunt, and the Cross Sound ferry to Long Island and the Block Island ferry give you ideas for further adventures.

Allow a couple of hours and choose a day with decent weather. Wear comfortable shoes, bring water and plan a meal in the city's restaurants afterward. The hunt can be combined with a trip to Fort Griswold across the river or with the Seaport, and it is a good choice for a flexible day when you do not want fixed times. Some downtown businesses have limited weekend hours, so check ahead if you plan to enter any buildings. Parking is straightforward in the city's lots and garages.

For a deeper experience, add a stop at one of the museums or cultural sites in the city before or after your hunt. The Lyman Allyn Art Museum, the Custom House Maritime Museum and the Monte Cristo Cottage, the boyhood home of Eugene O'Neill, give additional layers to the city's story. Cafes and restaurants near the waterfront serve a wide range of food, from casual pizza and burgers to seafood, and some have views of the harbor.

If you are traveling with younger children, bring snacks and a small backpack, and agree on a plan for what to do if you get separated. Because the city is a real working place, stay aware of traffic and local rules.

Players often find that the best moments come from stopping to talk with locals, who can point out interesting shortcuts or fun facts. Respect businesses and residents by keeping noise down, and remember that clues may require you to cross busy streets, so use crosswalks. At the end, compare photos with your companions and decide who found the most, then celebrate with a snack on the waterfront.