It’s great to get in the car and travel somewhere – we love road trips in the Nutmeg State. However, there’s something uniquely magical about an area of the state that you can walk around – it feels like a nostalgic escape to simpler times, before life seemed to get so hectic. Our small towns in Connecticut are perfect for when you’re seeking a walkable getaway, and one of the areas of the state that’s easiest to walk around is the downtown district in the little town of Putnam. Putnam is tucked away in the northeast corner of Connecticut, which is such a tranquil spot that it’s nicknamed the Quiet Corner. Don’t be fooled by the name, though: there are several wonderful towns here that are just perfect for a day or weekend trip, and Putnam is one of the best.
Putnam is a small town with a population of just over 7,000. The area is a wellspring of small shops, with plenty of little cafes and locally-owned boutique businesses to support.
Discover Putnam
The downtown area is just perfect for spending the afternoon walking through unique shops. Supporting local businesses is a wonderful way to explore a new area.
Discover Putnam
Start your day off with a visit to the Chubby Dog Coffee Co. for a bit of caffeine served up with a smile.
Chubby Dog Coffee Co./Google Local Chubby Dog Coffee Co., 164 Main Street, Putnam, CT 06260, USA
The Quiet Corner is famously filled with wonderful antique shops, and one of the very best is Putnam’s Antiques Marketplace, a four-story antique wonderland with more than 300 vendors selling their wares.
Richard English/Google Local ANTIQUES MARKETPLACE, 109 Main Street, Putnam, CT 06260, USA
Feeling a little peckish? You’ll find plenty of great restaurants in Putnam. Upscale New American fare doesn’t come much better than that served at 85 Main. There’s even sushi and a raw bar, and occasionally you’ll find live music.
85main 85 Main Street, Putnam, CT 06260, USA
The craft beer industry in Connecticut is growing at a rapid pace, and you can enjoy some tasty IPAs, cocktails, or mocktails at Bear Hands Brewing Company. Depending on when you visit, you can enjoy trivia nights, live music, and other events.
Bear Hands Brewing Company/Facebook Bear Hands Brewing Company, 75 Main Street Suite 1, Putnam, CT 06260, USA
Looking for a wonderful comic and pop culture shop with all kinds of nerdy delights? Putnam’s got it! Wonderland Comics is your one-stop shop for comic books, graphic novels, action figures, Funko Pops figures, and so much more.
Wonderland Comics/Google Local Wonderland Comics, 160 Main Street, Putnam, CT 06260, USA
Putnam is truly one of our favorite day trips in Connecticut - it’s such a delightful town to explore by foot on a lovely day.
Discover Putnam
Have you ever spent the day in Putnam? Share your favorite shops and attractions in the comments!
Discover Putnam
Chubby Dog Coffee Co./Google Local
Chubby Dog Coffee Co., 164 Main Street, Putnam, CT 06260, USA
Richard English/Google Local
ANTIQUES MARKETPLACE, 109 Main Street, Putnam, CT 06260, USA
85main
85 Main Street, Putnam, CT 06260, USA
Bear Hands Brewing Company/Facebook
Bear Hands Brewing Company, 75 Main Street Suite 1, Putnam, CT 06260, USA
Wonderland Comics/Google Local
Wonderland Comics, 160 Main Street, Putnam, CT 06260, USA
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Address: Putnam, CT, USA
