7 Small Towns In Connecticut With Big Charm
It is hard to top that New England charm. And Connecticut, being the Southernmost state within the collective, makes for a great introduction. The combination of its Southern, Long Island Sound shoreline (affectionately and understandably known as the Gold Coast), looming Atlantic Ocean, and vast verdant countryside sets a refreshing and idyllic stage. Toss in colonial and maritime heritage, thriving art colonies (past and present), a propensity for independent retailers, and a culinary scene inspired by the sea, and the Constitution State looks mighty appealing. So, for those planning on connecting with Connecticut this year, take a gander at these seven charming small towns.
Mystic
Perfectly positioned on either side of the Mystic River, as it empties into the Mystic Harbor (en route to Long Island and Block Island Sound), this former seaport and ship-building sanctuary retains all its nostalgic charm underneath its modern attractions. The historic district, founded in 1654, is lined with freshly painted colonial-era structures and the restored Italianate Victorian mansions that once belonged to local sea captains (now available as family vacation rentals). To get better acquainted with the history of Mystic, spend some time in the Seaport Museum before taking a more interactive approach by boarding one of their many historical boat tours (including the Sabino steamboat, the Little Vigilant motor yacht, the Breck Marshall sailboat, and other intimate vessels). Otherwise, Mystic excels in the seafood and sweet departments, so be sure to indulge in some cozy pub fare or snag an ice cream cone to accompany your riverside stroll.
Milford
Mildford's slogan is "A Small City with a Big Heart," but with only 50,000 residents, this waterfront community (the sixth oldest in Connecticut) could just as easily be "A Small Town with Big Charm." Located just 15 minutes Southwest of New Haven, this beloved big-city-getaway possesses 17 miles of shoreline along Long Island Sound (it is also framed by the Housatonic River and Milford Sound), several well-managed green spaces, and a leisure-friendly downtown core. Beachgoers will appreciate Silver Sands State Park on the Southern shore, bird-watchers will love the Connecticut Audubon Society Coastal Center at Milford Point, and everyone will enjoy Milford Sound's combination of marinas, public parks, and the three 17th-century colonial homes that now constitute the Milford Historical Society.
Madison
Continuing the waterfront M-town trend, Madison also rests on the shore of Long Island Sound, but this time, it is 20 miles to the east of New Haven. Madison is, first and foremost, a beach town. Hammonasset Beach State Park not only provides a lovable 2-mile sandy shore but also a tranquil boardwalk and 550 campsites. It is complemented by the Hammonasset Natural Area Preserve and Meigs Point/Meigs Point Nature Center at the island's Southern tip. There are also splotches of public beaches on the mainland aspect of Madison's central core. When not on the water's edge, visitors will delight in the amenities along the main strip (i.e., Boston Post Road). Along with the cute cafes and vintage shops, bibliophiles will be drawn straight to the independent and award-winning bookstore (R.J. Julia Booksellers).
Kent
While Connecticut's coastal towns could easily fill this list, there is some inland bucolic charm to explore, too. Kent is a place to bask in greenery, but still with some splashes of blue for good measure. Just minutes outside of town, in the surrounding Catskill and Taconic Mountains, soothing forest hikes and minor grunts to rewarding vistas, plus pond and riverside fishing can be done all throughout Pond Mountain Natural Area, and Macedonia Brook State Park. Slightly further up the Housatonic River, the 250-foot gushing centerpiece of Kent Falls State Park is always a big hit. For a slower-paced indoor day, head on over to the Eric Sloane Museum, in honor of Connecticut's own famous artist and author, and the Kent Historical Society, which also celebrates Kent's propensity for the arts, in conjunction with its long history.
Putnam
Another enchanting inland town can be found in Connecticut's Northeast corner, on the banks of the Quinebaug River. Even though Putnam has a population of less than 10,000 residents, like so many charming towns in this state, it emphasizes the arts. This Windham County settlement has a playhouse, a performing & creative arts center, a gallery with rotating exhibits, and a pottery studio hosting community classes and other local studios across various mediums. Putnam also has an unparalleled antique marketplace. It occupies an old department store, with 130 dealers dispersed across four floors. Putnam even has a local craft brewery (Bear Hands). When the abundance of fresh air beckons your body to move, cruise the two-mile, pet-friendly Putnam River Trail.
Westport
Westport straddles the Saugatuck River, which also empties into Long Island Sound (you simply can't go wrong along Connecticut's "Gold Coast"). Given its proximity to New York City, Westport found a way to blend its compact small-town core with upscale shopping outlets and classy restaurants. The result satisfies anyone envisioning an escape to cottage country while also tailoring to the vacation itches that modern, big-city travelers sometimes feel. In addition, Westport provides several relaxing beaches, a 235-acre coastal State Park (Sherwood Island), and a golf course on each side of the river. Thespians ought to catch a performance at the Westport Country Playhouse, while fans of contemporary art should set aside some time for the MoCA Westport museum.
Old Saybrook
Founded in 1635, Old Saybrook is aptly named. This quaint Middlesex County town resides on Long Island Sound and the Connecticut River, with many minor waterways weaving their way across its boundary. Old Saybrook is, once again, a big supporter of the arts. Two notable attractions are the Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center, aka "The Kate," which occupies the old Town Hall, and the Florence Griswold Museum (on the East side of the river), which highlights the works and history of the Old Lyme art colony. Nature also takes center stage, with Rocky Neck State Park, the vast coastal forest of The Preserve, and the windswept grassy beaches of Indiantown Harbor offering lovely afternoon retreats. This charming small town is roughly equidistant from New York City and Boston, providing a relaxed yet expressive outlet for residents of these two major East Coast cities.
Just a skip across the Hudson River/Long Island Sound for New Yorkers and bordered by Rhode Island to the East and Massachusetts to the North, Connecticut carves out a charming and accessible chunk of New England goodness. Here, the cleansing presence of the Atlantic meets the rolling green hills and lightly-populated countryside of Northeastern America. With a state composed almost solely of small towns, it is tough to narrow down the options, but these seven surely deliver some of the biggest charms.
