9 Offbeat Towns to Visit in Connecticut

Connecticut's outdoor beauty is unmatchable, and yet the home of the ESPN Headquarters in Bristol, Connecticut, has become a fixture indoors in American living rooms. Its official nickname is the Constitution State; however, many people refer to it as the Nutmeg State, the Provisions State, or the Land of Steady Habits. These towns showcase Connecticut's unique offerings, from award-winning chocolates in Essex to indoor golfing adventures in Mystic. Enjoy a tour of the unconventional this year in Connecticut.

Essex

Essex has fantastic options for a fun day out. Sweet-toothed travelers will love stopping at Chocolate Geeks in Essex. The chocolatier’s Ginger Snap Dragées won gold at the 2017 Americas Competition of the International Chocolate Awards. Those who miss golfing in the summer no longer have to fly south in the winter, thanks to Essex Indoor Golf Center. More great memories can be made on a riverboat cruise on the Connecticut River or a trip along the countryside with the Essex Steam Train & Riverboat. Restored, vintage transportation is quickly becoming one of the more interesting choices in American traveler culture. Learn more about the region and the Connecticut River’s history at the Connecticut River Museum. There, viewers will see the first submarine ever used in combat, known as the turtle. The turtle was used against the British flagship, HMS Eagle, in September of 1776.

Burlington

Burlington is beautiful every day of the year. You will feel an aura while exploring through the breathtaking trails of the Nassahegon State Forest. Afterwards, a great place to quench the post-hike thirst is Hogan’s Cider Mill. Hogan’s has a lovely taproom but also offers curbside service throughout the year, which includes their Cheeky Chocolate Caramel drink. Anyone interested in a meal can check out the Enclave Grill, perhaps after a scenic trot along the Farmington River just three miles away. Burlington is at the foot of the Berkshires, making it an excellent base camp for a vacation touring multiple ski hills in the wintertime as well.

Cornwall

Near the Northwest of Mohawk State Park and the famous Mohawk ski resort is the small town of Cornwall. Anyone looking to channel their inner Robin Hood can do so at Newbury Archery, just ten minutes outside of town. The fruits of the surrounding area’s terroir also make for a worthwhile stop, as seen at Calf and Clover Creamery. Calf and Clover offers fresh honey, maple syrup, and lacto-fermented products, including kombucha. Find the perfect, one-of-a-kind piece to serve Calf and Clover goods at Jane Herold Pottery. Lastly, riding beneath the iconic West Cornwall Covered Bridge on a clear morning with a rented e-bike from Covered Bridge Electric Bikes is a beautiful way to get outdoors.

Chester

Chester is a remarkable town full of mom-and-pop fun along the western bank of the Connecticut River. A great way to have a nice night out in Chester is with a pint of Chaos Goblin IPA at the Little House Brewing Company. Planning a trip around a show at the Terris Theater is perfect for anyone interested in musicals. The Terris also has an impressive roster of Goodspeed musicals at the opera house. Another fun way to spend the day is gazing upon the enormous dark eyes of alpacas at Chakana Sky Alpacas. While there are animals at Chakana Sky that produce quality fibers, they are better known for their irresistible faces that never fail to melt hearts.  

Litchfield

When driving northeast of Bantam Lake and the White Memorial Conservation Center, you will eventually come to a stop in Litchfield. Anyone looking to melt away all of their cravings can do so with a cone of actual, alcoholic rum raisin ice cream, the way it was meant to be made, from Peaches 'N Cream. For a beautiful day outdoors, feel free to saunter through Topsmead State Forest. When the winter rolls around, Topsmead is a top-notch destination for cross-country skiers as well. There is also a world of flavors waiting for you while attending a tour and tasting package at the Litchfield Distillery. The Litchfield Distillery produces bourbons, ryes, gins, and vodkas in an array of flavors.

Woodbridge

At its founding, the lovely town of Woodbridge was known as Amity. Today, Woodbridge is home to the Palestine Museum US, which was founded by Palestinian American business leader Faisal Saleh in April 2018. Woodbridge is also on the opposite side of West Rock Ridge State Park from New Haven. If you're interested in trekking back through time, you will love taking a stroll through the Woodbridge Green Historic District, which was officially added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2003. A prime example of the town's history is found in the 18th-century Darling House Museum. After learning about the history of the town, Amity Bowl, a bowling alley with a thriving league and a winning vibe, is a great place to go for a fun night out. Woodbridge is also well known today for its wonderful vineyards. 

Old Saybrook

Old Saybrook has a fascinating history, with a landscape that was mostly influenced by continental glaciers. Travelers can own a piece of Old Saybrook at the Trove antique store. The Trove’s website welcomes guests to “step back in time and embrace the nostalgia” with their beautifully curated collection that can match any desire for a piece of Americana. Pose for a pic at Lynde Point Lighthouse, a well-preserved landmark that once guided ships through the Long Island Sound. One will also not forget the talent showcased at the Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center, known locally as the Kate.

Winsted

Some towns are shaped by the changemakers they raise. Travelers can feel empowered by knowledge of the law at the American Museum of Tort Law, founded by Ralph Nader. Inspiration is all around in Winsted, as seen at the largest indoor collaborative art project in the world. According to its website, the American Mural Project is a “tribute to American workers. " The mural is truly a visual history explored through the lens of American workers, and it is open to visitors on weekends only, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm Friday and Saturday, 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm on Sunday. For dinner and a show in town, be sure to check out the Gilson Café and Cinema as well.

Mystic

Welcome to the wonderful town of Mystic, where the river of the same name flows into Mystic Harbor. Visitors may be mystified by Mystic Museum of Art, which has works by the likes of Henry Ward Ranger, Beatrice Cuming, and Herbert M. Stoops in their permanent collection. Visitors will also enjoy shopping, indulging in fine dining, or standing in awe of live musical talent at Olde Mistick Village, an open-air village of merchants and boutique shops. The Mystic Aquarium is a great place for the whole family as it allows visitors to touch sharks and feed cownose rays while also supporting crucial conservation efforts. Another impressive space exploring the water is the Mystic Seaport Museum, which is considered the largest maritime museum in the United States. 

The singular beauty of Connecticut cannot be exaggerated. Wherever one finds themselves in the Nutmeg State, they will meet people who know how to enjoy time outdoors. Help keep the fifth state beautiful by cleaning up found trash at state parks and reporting sightings of invasive species to the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. It is important to remember that nations such as the Mohegan existed in state borders long before the arrival of Europeans. Consider shopping at Native American-owned businesses whenever possible.