The Nutmeg State may get a bad rap, but we’ve got tons of great destinations here. There’s no shortage of amazing weekend getaways in Connecticut, whether you’re seeking out our delightful small towns, our luxurious beaches, or our big city attractions. One of the most unassuming towns that makes for a wonderful weekend trip is Chester. This little town’s population is under 4,000, but it’s a great jumping-point for several attractions in the area, plus it’s filled with natural beauty and quaint New England charm.

Chester’s downtown area feels like a throwback to old New England. You’ll find lots of 19th-century shops and locally-owned restaurants to explore.

Doug Kerr/Flickr

There are plenty of historic homes to admire as you meander through the town’s winding streets.

Jimmy Emerson, DVM/Flickr

However, you’ll also find natural beauty galore in Chester.

Barry Whitiker/The Image Bank/Getty Images

The town is home to the Pattaconk Recreation Area, also known as the Cockaponset State Forest. This 17,000-acre preserve spans over several towns, including Chester.

Jack Collins/Google Local Pattaconk Recreation Area (Cockaponset State Forest), State Forest Rd, Chester, CT 06412, USA

Fans of musical theater won’t want to miss a visit to The Terris Theatre, a two-time Tony Award winning theater.

The Terris Theatre/Google Local The Terris Theatre, 33 N Main St, Chester, CT 06412, USA

Another great attraction in Chester is Chakana Sky Alpacas.

Chakana Sky Alpacas This alpaca farm offers one-hour tours by appointment only, so call ahead! Chakana Sky Alpacas, 36A Turkey Hill Rd, Chester, CT 06412, USA

One of the best things about Chester is that it’s a great launching point for other Connecticut adventures. The town is home to the second-oldest continuously-operating ferry in Connecticut.

I, Denimadept/Wikimedia Commons The ferry, which operates from spring to fall, will take you to the Haddam side of the Connecticut River, where you can visit the magnificent Gillette Castle State Park. Chester-Hadlyme Ferry (West Side Landing), 99 Ferry Rd, Chester, CT 06412, USA

If you’d like to stay in the area the whole weekend, it doesn’t get much more luxurious than the Boardman House. This four-star hotel was built around 1860 and is the height of elegant beauty.

Boardman House/Google Local Boardman House, 8 Norwich Rd, East Haddam, CT 06423, USA

Have you ever enjoyed a weekend getaway to Chester? Share your favorite places to check out in the comments!

Doug Kerr/Flickr

Jimmy Emerson, DVM/Flickr

Barry Whitiker/The Image Bank/Getty Images

Jack Collins/Google Local

Pattaconk Recreation Area (Cockaponset State Forest), State Forest Rd, Chester, CT 06412, USA

The Terris Theatre/Google Local

The Terris Theatre, 33 N Main St, Chester, CT 06412, USA

Chakana Sky Alpacas

This alpaca farm offers one-hour tours by appointment only, so call ahead!

Chakana Sky Alpacas, 36A Turkey Hill Rd, Chester, CT 06412, USA

I, Denimadept/Wikimedia Commons

The ferry, which operates from spring to fall, will take you to the Haddam side of the Connecticut River, where you can visit the magnificent Gillette Castle State Park.

Chester-Hadlyme Ferry (West Side Landing), 99 Ferry Rd, Chester, CT 06412, USA

Boardman House/Google Local

Boardman House, 8 Norwich Rd, East Haddam, CT 06423, USA

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Address: Chester, CT, USA