We all need a getaway sometimes, and one of the benefits of the Nutmeg State’s small size is that it’s not hard to find destinations that are easy to reach for a day or two. People in larger states would have to travel for days to see multiple parts of their states, so we’re quite fortunate to have so many easy-to-reach weekend trips in Connecticut. We’ve gathered up a few of our favorites for you. No matter what part of the state you reside in, each of these spots should be easy to reach for a 2-3 day escape.

  1. Niantic

Pi.1415926535/Wikimedia Commons As a beach town, many think of visiting the little village of Niantic only in the summertime, but this is actually one of the best small towns in Connecticut to visit at any time of year. You’ll find an array of wonderful attractions here for the entire family. There are plenty of cute restaurants, a beautiful area to stroll by the beach, and the town is home to the largest bookstore in Connecticut, The Book Barn. Niantic, East Lyme, CT, USA

  1. Hartford

Tony Sprezzatura/Flickr Hartford may be the capital of the Nutmeg State, but it often gets a bad rap as a boring town filled with insurance companies. However, there’s plenty for tourists to enjoy here, too! A weekend trip to Hartford, Connecticut has endless possibilities for a good time, whether you’re looking for world-class art museums, historical attractions like the Mark Twain House, or beautiful gardens like the Elizabeth Park Conservancy. Hartford, CT, USA

  1. Mystic

R Boed/Flickr Mystic is one of our favorite family destinations in Connecticut, but in truth, it’s great for solo travelers or couples as well. This place truly has it all, with natural beauty, tons of history, delicious restaurants, local shops, and history-filled museums. Mystic, Stonington, CT, USA

  1. Kent

Adrian Scottow/Flickr Kent is best-known as the home of Kent Falls State Park, but there are actually many great attractions in Kent, CT. You can also find Macedonia State Park here, so needless to say, Kent is a great destination for nature lovers. Kent, CT, USA

  1. Waterfalls Road Trip

Chad Giulini/Flickr Feel like chasing waterfalls in Connecticut? We’ve got just the road trip. It requires about five hours on the road, but you’ll get to see some of the most beautiful cascades in the state. There’s nothing like a themed trip to make your weekend grand.

  1. Quiet Corner

JJBers/Flickr If you’re a fan of taking life slowly, you’ll definitely want to visit Connecticut’s Quiet Corner. The northeast corner of the state gets this nickname because it’s mostly home to pastoral lands with no notable big cities. However, it’s heaven for those who love small towns. You’ll find bucolic scenery, charming little towns with local shops and cafes, and plenty of peace and quiet here.

  1. Essex

Dave Snowden/Flickr Did you know Essex has officially been named one of America’s coolest small towns? It’s really no wonder why - this place has so many great attractions. It’s full of history, beautiful landscape, and tons of neat businesses. Essex, CT, USA

Did we miss your favorite weekend getaway in Connecticut? Share your suggestions in the comments!

Pi.1415926535/Wikimedia Commons

As a beach town, many think of visiting the little village of Niantic only in the summertime, but this is actually one of the best small towns in Connecticut to visit at any time of year. You’ll find an array of wonderful attractions here for the entire family. There are plenty of cute restaurants, a beautiful area to stroll by the beach, and the town is home to the largest bookstore in Connecticut, The Book Barn.

Niantic, East Lyme, CT, USA

Tony Sprezzatura/Flickr

Hartford may be the capital of the Nutmeg State, but it often gets a bad rap as a boring town filled with insurance companies. However, there’s plenty for tourists to enjoy here, too! A weekend trip to Hartford, Connecticut has endless possibilities for a good time, whether you’re looking for world-class art museums, historical attractions like the Mark Twain House, or beautiful gardens like the Elizabeth Park Conservancy.

Hartford, CT, USA

R Boed/Flickr

Mystic is one of our favorite family destinations in Connecticut, but in truth, it’s great for solo travelers or couples as well. This place truly has it all, with natural beauty, tons of history, delicious restaurants, local shops, and history-filled museums.

Mystic, Stonington, CT, USA

Adrian Scottow/Flickr

Kent is best-known as the home of Kent Falls State Park, but there are actually many great attractions in Kent, CT. You can also find Macedonia State Park here, so needless to say, Kent is a great destination for nature lovers.

Kent, CT, USA

Chad Giulini/Flickr

Feel like chasing waterfalls in Connecticut? We’ve got just the road trip. It requires about five hours on the road, but you’ll get to see some of the most beautiful cascades in the state. There’s nothing like a themed trip to make your weekend grand.

JJBers/Flickr

If you’re a fan of taking life slowly, you’ll definitely want to visit Connecticut’s Quiet Corner. The northeast corner of the state gets this nickname because it’s mostly home to pastoral lands with no notable big cities. However, it’s heaven for those who love small towns. You’ll find bucolic scenery, charming little towns with local shops and cafes, and plenty of peace and quiet here.

Dave Snowden/Flickr

Did you know Essex has officially been named one of America’s coolest small towns? It’s really no wonder why - this place has so many great attractions. It’s full of history, beautiful landscape, and tons of neat businesses.

Essex, CT, USA

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