There are some great larger cities in Connecticut. A weekend trip to Hartford or New Haven will give you almost limitless things to do. But the heart and soul of the Nutmeg State lies in our small towns, and we have so many wonderful small towns in Connecticut. Whether you’re looking for wonderful getaways in nature, want to explore the history of the area, or are simply wanting to enjoy a quintessential New England small town, these six small towns in Connecticut make for excellent day trips:
- Essex (2020 population: 6,733)
James Spellacy/Flickr Essex has actually officially been named the perfect small town, so you know we had to put it on this list! It’s got tons of fascinating history and is one of the few cities on American soil to be invaded by a foreign power. Great Britain invaded the city in the War of 1812. Essex, CT, USA
- Kent (2020 population: 3,019)
Bob P.B./Flickr Kent is a great option for a weekend trip in Connecticut. It’s home to Kent Falls State Park, arguably the most beautiful state park in Connecticut, plus several wonderful shops and cafes. Kent, CT, USA
- Mystic (2020 population: 4,776)
Andrew Seles/Flickr Thanks to the cult classic ’80s film “Mystic Pizza,” Mystic is perhaps the best-known small town in Connecticut. You can visit the pizza shop that inspired the film, but there’s plenty else to see, with the Mystic Aquarium and Mystic Seaport Museum both residing here. Mystic, Stonington, CT, USA
- Old Saybrook (2020 population: 10,481)
Juliejules/Wikimedia Commons Old Saybrook has a lot to see and do as a charming little shore town. It’s also one of the best foodie towns in Connecticut. You’ll find all kinds of culinary delights here! Old Saybrook, CT, USA
- Putnam (2020 population: 9,224)
JJBers/Wikimedia Commons Putnam is tucked away in the Quiet Corner, so it’s often overlooked by visitors, but this is another place that has some phenomenal food. This region of the state is also quite popular for antique shopping, so keep your eyes peeled for bargains! Putnam, CT, USA
- Cornwall (2020 population: 1,567)
Joe Mabel/Wikimedia Commons Cornwall is a lovely little town in the rolling Litchfield Hills. This is such a scenic area of the state! You can find lots to do here, including a state park, plenty of historical attractions, and tasty restaurants. Cornwall, CT, USA
There are so many great small towns in Connecticut that we could’ve gone on and on with this list. Did we miss your favorite? Share your suggestions in the comments – who knows, maybe you’ll see them featured in a future article!
James Spellacy/Flickr
Essex has actually officially been named the perfect small town, so you know we had to put it on this list! It’s got tons of fascinating history and is one of the few cities on American soil to be invaded by a foreign power. Great Britain invaded the city in the War of 1812.
Essex, CT, USA
Bob P.B./Flickr
Kent is a great option for a weekend trip in Connecticut. It’s home to Kent Falls State Park, arguably the most beautiful state park in Connecticut, plus several wonderful shops and cafes.
Kent, CT, USA
Andrew Seles/Flickr
Thanks to the cult classic ’80s film “Mystic Pizza,” Mystic is perhaps the best-known small town in Connecticut. You can visit the pizza shop that inspired the film, but there’s plenty else to see, with the Mystic Aquarium and Mystic Seaport Museum both residing here.
Mystic, Stonington, CT, USA
Juliejules/Wikimedia Commons
Old Saybrook has a lot to see and do as a charming little shore town. It’s also one of the best foodie towns in Connecticut. You’ll find all kinds of culinary delights here!
Old Saybrook, CT, USA
JJBers/Wikimedia Commons
Putnam is tucked away in the Quiet Corner, so it’s often overlooked by visitors, but this is another place that has some phenomenal food. This region of the state is also quite popular for antique shopping, so keep your eyes peeled for bargains!
Putnam, CT, USA
Joe Mabel/Wikimedia Commons
Cornwall is a lovely little town in the rolling Litchfield Hills. This is such a scenic area of the state! You can find lots to do here, including a state park, plenty of historical attractions, and tasty restaurants.
Cornwall, CT, USA
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