Connecticut is overflowing with awesome towns to visit, from tiny hidden gems to waterfront wonderlands. Whether you’re looking for an easy day trip or a week-long staycation, you’re sure to find a spot you love on this list. Explore all the best your state has to offer by venturing out to each of these unique spots. With so many scenic roads, it’s hard to resist the chance for a road trip! Check out these awesome towns for yourself, and follow the links for more details!
1. The Winter Wonderland
Say hello to Milford! Believe it or not, this coastal town is just as picturesque in the winter as it is in the summer. Snag a local cup of coffee and watch the sun rise from the pier, or snuggle up for a romantic sunset viewing. Stop by in the summer time for fun in the sun and great shopping. You'll never want to leave!
2. Our Best Kept Secret
You're going to love Union. Plenty of land in this small town, but not too many people. The famous Traveler Restaurant is here, where patrons get free books with their meal, adding to the small town charm. This place is loaded with nature though, with a third of its land being used for a state park, sanctuary, and school of forestry. It's perfect for a summer day trip, where you can snag a unique meal and go boating or hiking.
3. The Quiet Fishing Town
Stonington is frozen in time. That's why this picture perfect fishing town is the quiet escape you've been looking for. Take a boat ride, enjoy a leisurely stroll down historic streets, and soak up some sun. With a nearby lighthouse and vineyard, this is also a perfect pick for a romantic getaway.
4. The Hard To Resist
Known for its irresistible charm, Kent has a colonial feel with plenty of quaint locales. Head over to the state park for a picnic and check out the waterfalls, do some light shopping and admire paintings at the Caboose Gallery. Town life is slow here, so it's the ideal place to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. You can't pass through without stopping!
5. Perfectly New England
Guilford is the spot. Seriously. Few places are as quintessentially New England as this. In fact, no list of awesome towns would be complete without Guilford! A bustling downtown, a lush town green, waterfront views and colonial styled homes make this a must visit. Explore the nature scene at the marina or lake and stroll along the coast for great views and a peak at some impressive waterfront estates. Every season is beautiful here.
6. The Old Beauty
The first English settlement in the state, Windsor has the honor of being the state's oldest town. With a title like that, you can bet that history is preserved here. But it's not all colonial. The Vintage Radio and Communications Museum of Connecticut is located here! This little place is stuck in time, with lots of nature and plenty of quiet activities. This gem almost defected to Massachusetts in the 1640s, but ultimately decided their politics were better served right here in the Constitution State. Lucky for us, because this town is wonderful.
7. Full Of Activities
Litchfield really impresses. You can't let the fall season pass without spending at least one day in this fall foliage dreamland. The nature attractions elevate the experience, allowing you to really immerse yourself in the vibrant colors. Plus the local Litchfield Inn makes it easy to extend your visit while providing a comfy cozy stay with just a dash of luxury. A visit to Litchfield is always a memorable one.
8. The Place Of Noises
The small town of Moodus has been plagued by strange rumblings for several centuries. What Puritan settlers called the devil's yell has since been explained by science. This town is subject to hundreds of earthquakes every year! Stop by to see the quaint census-designated village before heading into Machimoodus State Park. That's where the sounds are loudest, and where you can explore the cave.
9. A Town For The Adventurous
This college town is often overlooked in lieu of larger in state options, but the Connecticut College town of New London is definitely worth checking out. Home to the Coast Guard Academy, this place is a great sight seeing scene for ocean lovers. Complete your visit with a trip to the arboretum, where endangered plants are in full bloom. Or pack a lunch and enjoy a nice picnic on the lawn.
10. On The Charming Towns Road Trip
Not only is Putnam a premiere destination for antique shopping, but it's also a cultural hub. Come to this tiny town for theatre performances, an array of dining options, and fun activities like pottery. Few towns can accomplish a quaint and remote atmosphere while providing all the fixes of an urban center. But Putnam sure can!
11. The Most Unique Town In The World
There's no place like East Haddam. You'll feel like you're in a colonial village from the second you enter the town, where a small red schoolhouse overlooks a cemetery. Plenty of sights to be found here, including the famous Gillette's Castle, and perhaps even more famous, Godspeed Opera House. Said to be crafted by the devil himself, East Haddam will definitely tempt you. From the riverboat to the waterfalls, you won't be able to stop yourself from exploring.
These awesome towns are just the beginning of the ways you can enjoy the year in Connecticut. Check out the 2017 Restaurant List for some scrumptious dining!
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.