7 Close-Knit Towns To Visit In Connecticut
Tourism in Connecticut reached an all-time high in 2023, with nearly 68 million visitors exploring the state鈥攁 figure that comes as no surprise to locals, who are accustomed to the state's natural beauty, rich New England history, and coastal attractions. In fact, some of the most welcoming and friendly spots in Connecticut can be found in its small towns, where family-owned restaurants, artisan markets, and scenic farms abound. Whether you are coming from New York City or are a Connecticut local looking to explore a charming fall destination, these seven close-knit towns guarantee a warm and cozy weekend getaway.
Montville
Montville, a quirky town in southeastern Connecticut, is home to around 18,000 residents and is best known for Nature鈥檚 Art Village, a popular entertainment facility. Within Nature鈥檚 Art Village, visitors can explore The Dinosaur Place, a 60-acre attraction with 60 life-size dinosaur models, Copper Creek Mini-golf, a shopping village offering jewelry, toys, and gifts, and a geode and gem digging center.
Residents often relax at Hopemead State Park, a 60-acre park with access to Gardner Lake and places to hike and fish. Looking for a cozy and inviting place to fuel up for the day before starting your adventure in Montville? Grab a bite at Breakfast at Diana鈥檚, a highly-rated diner serving classic American breakfast dishes.
Guilford
Guilford is one of New England鈥檚 most traditional and charming towns. It lies along the coast and has sites dating back as early as the 17th century. Visit the George Hyland House, built around 1690 for a sheep farmer, or the First Congregational Church of Guilford, an iconic white church with a towering steeple, completed in 1830.
During warmer months, locals and tourists alike congregate on Jacobs Beach and Shells Beach or go boating or fishing at the Guilford Marina. One of the most well-known restaurants in town, The Brownstone House Family, has been in business for over 60 years. It serves breakfasts, burgers, salads, and seafood, guaranteeing a meal that will satisfy every member of the family.
Westport
Westport has the most river and oceanfront of any town in Connecticut, drawing in countless visitors each year to take in the sun. Sherwood Island, Compo Beach, and Old Mill Beach are just a few of the beaches where residents often dwell on weekends.
The town鈥檚 strong sense of community is reflected in its lively event calendar, with something always happening to bring residents together. On December 7th, visitors can head to the Westport Museum for the annual Winter Market, admire a festive gingerbread village, and enjoy hot cocoa. Those wanting to enjoy the fine arts can visit the MoCa Museum of Contemporary Art, which frequently hosts music performances, visual arts exhibitions, and arts education programs.
Niantic
Niantic, a bayside village in southeastern Connecticut along Long Island Sound, is known for having one of the most picturesque Main Streets in the state. Record stores, antique stores, craft shops, and candy stores are just a few of the unique stores awaiting travelers. For panoramic views of Long Island Sound, visitors can stroll along the 1.1-mile-long Niantic Bay Boardwalk.
To experience a piece of Niantic鈥檚 history, travelers should visit the Brookside Farm Museum, a Greek Revival farmhouse built around 1845 that allows visitors to experience 19th-century life in Connecticut. If you are craving fresh seafood, Constantine鈥檚 on the Bay is an excellent choice, offering innovative steak and seafood dishes alongside handcrafted cocktails.
Essex
The seaside town of Essex, named the 'Perfect Small American Town' by the guidebook 1,000 Places to See Before You Die, truly lives up to its reputation. The Ivoryton Historic District, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, showcases 19th-century Victorian, Italianate, and Queen Anne architecture and an array of shops to explore.
Safe Harbor Essex Island offers a relaxing retreat for boaters and cruisers, set on a 13-acre island with amenities like a pool and a volleyball court. Just off Main Street, visitors can relax at Clark鈥檚 Pond, a serene spot featuring a meadow and fishing pond, popular for ice skating during the winter months.
Cornwall
Cornwall is a laid-back village with roughly 1,500 residents, featuring five cozy villages throughout town to explore. In West Cornwall, travelers can admire one of the state鈥檚 last covered bridges, built in 1864 and measuring 172 feet by 15 feet. For premium chocolate, pastries, and ice cream, visitors can stop by Cornwall Market, known for its focus on high-quality, locally sourced foods.
During the winter months, Cornwall attracts many skiers in town who want to enjoy the slopes on Mohawk Mountain, the largest ski area in the state, featuring a 650-foot vertical drop for experienced skiers. Not a skier? The resort also has places to snow tube and a country kitchen that serves breakfast, lunch, dinner, and, of course, warm hot cocoa. In the fall and spring, Cornwall is an excellent place to hike, with trails such as Mohawk Blue Blazed Trail, Cathedral Pines, and Pine Knob Loop Trail having beautiful forests and fall foliage to explore.
Burlington
Burlington, located less than a half-hour鈥檚 drive from Hartford, is celebrated for its abundant wildlife, as well as its rich traditions in maple syrup and cider production. This 700-acre protected area is home to black bears, American porcupines, groundhogs, salamanders, five species of frogs, and over 30 bird species. The Beaver Pond Trail, which winds through a wetland, offers an excellent way to experience the area鈥檚 natural beauty.
Visitors with a sweet tooth can spend an afternoon at Lamothe鈥檚 Sugar House, a farm specializing in maple syrup, jams, and honey. Guests can tour the syrup-making process and enjoy a maple syrup tasting after. Hogan's Cider Mill, a historic landmark operating since 1912, makes for the perfect fall excursion. Visitors can sample sweet apple cider and hard cider in the taproom, open Thursday through Sunday.
Final Thoughts
When life feels like it is always moving at full speed, these Connecticut towns offer the perfect escape to relax and embrace a slower pace of life. Whether you are drawn to the great outdoors or enjoy a day of shopping, each town on this list has something to interest you. So take a moment to breathe, be greeted by a friendly smile, and immerse yourself in the warmth and excitement that these towns have to offer.
