About Every Spot Explorer
Our story, our mission, and our passion for meaningful travel experiences.
Our Story
Every Spot Explorer started in February 2025 when my wife Aastha accepted a position at Yale School of Public Health and we packed up our Massachusetts life and moved to Connecticut.
We knew almost nobody here and almost nothing about the state. So I did what I do as a business analyst — I started researching everything obsessively. Local Facebook groups, Google ratings, Reddit threads, community forums. I cross-referenced recommendations, looked for patterns, and then actually went to the places that kept coming up.
The hidden waterfalls tucked behind suburban towns. The best clam shacks on the shoreline that locals keep to themselves. The restaurants Hartford locals swear by before a show. The hiking trails that don’t show up on tourist lists.
Every Spot Explorer was built to document all of it — honestly, carefully, and without pretending to be something we’re not. We’re newcomers discovering Connecticut one spot at a time, and sharing everything we find.
This site is our attempt to document Connecticut the way people actually experience it — not through a tourism board brochure, but through real research and real visits. I’m Rikesh, the business analyst behind the research. Aastha brings the same evidence-based thinking she uses at Yale to finding what’s actually worth your time.
No fluff. No paid placements. No fake local expertise.
If you know a hidden gem we missed, a CT restaurant worth trying, or just want to say hi — we’d genuinely love to hear from you.
— Rikesh & Aastha, Every Spot Explorer
EverySpotExplorer Mission
Our mission is to inspire travelers to explore more intentionally, whether that means planning a weekend road trip, discovering a local restaurant, visiting a historic town, or finding a destination that feels unforgettable.
What You'll Find Here
Travel Guides
Helpful destination guides across the United States.
Food Guides
Restaurants, local dishes, and memorable food experiences.
Hidden Gems
Places that feel special, scenic, or overlooked.
Real Experiences
Honest travel writing based on curiosity and exploration.