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Just ninety miles long by 55 miles wide, CONNECTICUT is New England’s southernmost state and the most influenced by New York City; thousands of commuters make the trip each day, and many of the opulent mansions are owned by Wall Street bankers. As a result, tourism here is of a sophisticated sort, with art galleries, vineyards, historical houses, museums and increasingly eclectic cuisine on offer, while the state’s lesser-known natural offerings along the densely populated coast make for some pleasant surprises.

The coast is studded with enticing small towns, from the colonial charms of Mystic and Stonington to hip New London and intellectual New Haven, home of Yale University. Further inland, the state capital at Hartford is a real surprise, with a gradually regenerating downtown and a trio of attractions.

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Connecticut Travel Guide

From suburbs of New York City to historic towns, beautiful rolling countryside, quiet lakes and beaches , vineyards and wineries , even flashy casinos , Connecticut has a lot of variety.

The Connecticut Shoreline bordering Long Island Sound has everything from booming industrial cities to pristine colonial villages. Southwestern Connecticut is heavily influenced by giant New York City , while Northwestern Connecticut is really part of the Berkshire Hills . Pretty towns along the mighty Connecticut River are steeped in history and culture.

Connecticut Highlights

Mystic Seaport is Connecticut's outstanding "living" museum of 19th-century New England maritime life .

Yale University in New Haven has outstanding museums , including the Center for British Art, the University Art Gallery, and the Peabody Museum of Natural History

Hartford 's Wadsworth Atheneum has a fine collection of over 60,000 works of art

Nook Farm , in Hartford , was home to Mark Twain , who wrote Tom Sawyer here, and also to Harriet Beecher Stowe

Goodspeed Opera House right on the Connecticut River in East Haddam is a Victorian gem mounting performances of American musical theater

Connecticut has over a dozen vineyards and wineries producing good to excellent vintages, and offering free wine tasting

Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun near Ledyard, in southeastern Connecticut , offer elaborate gambling casino-resorts

Rural western Connecticut has beautiful lakes for swimming, inns either cozy or elaborate, and several good local wineries .

Here's information on transportation in Connecticut .

Connecticut Shoreline

Connecticut's 618 miles (995 km) of convoluted coastline stretch from the suburbs of New York City in the west to the quaint village of Stonington on the Rhode Island border to the east.

Along the way, it includes New Haven , home of Yale University ; pretty and peaceful Guilford , founded in 1639; Old Lyme, Essex and other fine old towns at the mouth of the Connecticut River ; New London & Groton , submarine capital of the world; Mystic Seaport , the re-creation of an old Connecticut maritime village and, nearby, some of Connecticut's best beaches and several vineyards ; and Stonington , once a shipbuilding town, now noted for its beauty and charm. More...

Connecticut River Valley

The mighty, 410-mile (660-km)-long Connecticut River flowing from Québec, Canada, to Long Island Sound, is dotted with beautiful, historic towns: Old Saybrook and Old Lyme at the river's mouth; Essex and Ivoryton just to the north; farther north, Chester ith its historic ferry, and East Haddam with its Goodspeed Opera House ; and Hartford , Connecticut's capital city.

Hartford & Vicinity

Connecticut's capital , straddling the Connecticut River 45 miles (72 km) north of the Connecticut Shoreline , is marked by tall insurance-company skyscrapers, and famous for its Connecticut historic sites , its Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art , and for Nook Farm , home of Mark Twain and Harriet Beecher Stowe . Nearby Wethersfield is a pretty historic town. More...

Western Connecticut

Perfect for a leisurely scenic drive , Western Connecticut 's historic towns of Litchfield and Salisbury , and pretty Lake Waramaug , are great places to go on a day-trip. You can even sto at a vineyard for a tour and tasting. More...

The Casinos

Southeastern Connecticut's gleaming gambling meccas of Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun stand in stark contrast to the old-fashioned charm of seaside Stonington , but if it's action and entertainment you want, this is the place. More...

Connecticut History

The Constitution State (so called because Connecticut was the first American colony to have a written constitution ) is sprinkled liberally with lakes, rivers, and streams.

The state's namesake is the mighty Connecticut River , which springs from the Connecticut Lakes in northern New Hampshire , flows southward forming the boundary between New Hampshire and Vermont , cuts through Massachusetts and Connecticut, finally to empty into Long Island Sound.

The great river is navigable as far north as Hartford , a significant fact that was not lost on the region's Native American inhabitants. They were the ones who gave it the name Quinnehtukqut , "the long tidal river."

Almost three-quarters of the territory in Connecticut is woodland , and drives along the back roads through these forests reveal rich fields of corn, grain, vegetables, and tobacco. But the state's wealth comes not from agriculture, or from tourism, but rather from insurance and manufacturing .

In the old days the state's production of buttons, pins, doo-dads, and kitchenwares gave rise to the breed of men known as Yankee peddlers , who traveled from town to town in horse and buggy, spreading the products of Connecticut's industry far and wide. Later Connecticut Yankees such as Charles Goodyear, Eli Whitney, Seth Thomas, and Mr. Fuller (of Fuller Brush fame) pave the way for today's Connecticut products: helicopters, submarines, insurance, firearms and high-tech .

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Connecticut travel guide

The historic state of Connecticut offers maritime traditions along its coast, rural charm in its hillside villages, and the sites of early patriotism and social reforms.

Connecticut villages

Connecticut’s picturesque colonial villages, with their carefully kept, white clapboard homes and manicured lawns, evoke an image of quiet wealth, propriety, and old school ties. Its dollar-savvy Puritan founders left a legacy of sharp business acumen which has served the state well. But there is also a great pride in the place and a heartfelt sense of its history.

Geography of the state

With Long Island Sound as its southern border, Connecticut roughly forms a rectangle measuring 90 miles (145km) from east to west and 55 miles (89km) north to south. The Connecticut River bisects the state; along with the Thames and Housatonic rivers, they were vital avenues of settlement and industrialization.

Places to visit in Connecticut

The state capital is home to the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art, America’s oldest continually operating public art museum (600 Main Street; tel: 860-278 2670). Housed in five buildings – themselves historically and architecturally significant – the museum has Greek and Roman antiquities, Baroque, Impressionist, modernist, and surrealist paintings, Hudson River landscapes, and American decorative arts.

Hartford’s most famous resident, Samuel Langhorne Clemens, was better known by his pen name, Mark Twain. Clemens thought Hartford was the loveliest city he’d ever seen and moved here in 1884. The Mark Twain House and Museum (351 Farmington Avenue; tel: 860-247 0998) is a wonderful, whimsical display of Victorian Gothic indulgence.

The Litchfield Hills

In the northwest corner of Connecticut, the wooded Litchfield Hills are dotted with quintessential New England villages, covered bridges, and the tumbling stone walls of forgotten farms. Through it runs the Housatonic River, crystal clear and freckled with trout, and excellent for canoeing. Hikers may want to follow the Appalachian Trail from Kent to Salisbury and Mt Frissell.

The Housatonic Valley has one of its most dramatic moments in the town of Kent at Kent Falls State Park (Route 7; tel: 860-927 3238), where water tumbles 250ft (76 meters) down a natural stone staircase. There’s also a covered bridge. In fall foliage season, the colors are extraordinary.

Gillette Castle

67 River Road

tel: 860-526 2336

The spectacularly eccentric Gillette Castle at Gillette Castle State Park was the home of William Gillette (1853–1937), a much admired American actor whose stage portrayal of Sherlock Holmes brought him fame and fortune. 

For his dream house, the actor selected a hilltop aerie overlooking the Connecticut River and its surrounding countryside. Work on the 122-acre (49-hectare) site with its stone-and-concrete castle began in 1914, took five years, and cost more than $1 million. The results are whimsical and bizarre. He installed hidden mirrors so that he could spy on public rooms from the master bedroom. The park’s 184 acres (75 hectares) have hiking trails and fine views of the river.

Philip Johnson’s Glass House

199 Elm Street

tel: 203-594 9884/866-811 4111

http://theglasshouse.org

Take Route 7N off I–95 to CT 123 and New Canaan to visit the architect’s minimalist masterpiece – once his private (if glass-walled) retreat – on 47 magnificently landscaped acres (19 hectares). The estate is operated to preserve and interpret modern architecture, landscape, and art. There are several different tours, which sell out quickly. Reservations are highly recommended.

Yale University

Visitor center, 149 Elm Street

tel: 203-432 2300

New Haven is best known for Yale University. Founded in 1701 by a group of Puritan clergymen, it was originally located in nearby Saybrook. In 1716, the school was moved to New Haven, and two years later it took the name of benefactor Elihu Yale.

Any visit to the university should include the Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library at 121 Wall Street (tel: 203-432 2977), where an edition of the Gutenberg Bible and original Audubon bird prints are displayed.  

Two blocks south, the Yale University Art Gallery (1111 Chapel Street; tel: 203-432 0600; open Tue–Sun; no charge) has a comprehensive collection of American, African, and ancient art, and canvases by Manet, Van Gogh, Corot, Degas, and Matisse.

Mystic Seaport

75 Greenmanville Avenue

tel: 888-973 2767

www.mysticseaport.org

Mystic Seaport, The Museum of America and the Sea, is a living replica of a 19th-century waterfront community during the heyday of sailing ships. A full day and plenty of stamina are required to tour the entire seaport properly. Visitors can wander along the wharves and streets of the village and taste the old seafaring way of life. Most buildings are set up to show their functions at the time. Others have special exhibits like a collection of carved ship figureheads or the story of women and the sea. A planetarium demonstrates how sailors used the stars for navigation.

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Connecticut Travel Guide

Destinations, introduction.

Although often overlooked by visitors to the States, Connecticut is well worth visiting for its scenic shores, rural beauty and a plethora of interesting historic sites. Scattered about are plenty of charming towns and small cities to stop by with the small state also boasting numerous world-class museums and several stupendous state parks.

One of the original Thirteen Colonies, it lies nestled away in New England bordered by New York , Massachusetts and Rhode Island . While much of its territory consists of rolling hills and rural areas, the rushing Connecticut River divides the state in two. In addition, some lovely beaches, bays and cliffs can be found along the scenic Long Island Sound which lies just inland from the Atlantic.

Aside from its sizeable capital Hartford , which is set in the center of the state, most of its main cities and towns are located along its long and indented coastline. Particularly popular places to check out are Mystic and New London for their historic old seaports and picture-perfect natural harbors. The larger cities of Bridgeport, Stamford and Norwalk also attract lots of people.

While the latter three all boast fantastic dining scenes and lively nightlife spots, New Haven appeals for an entirely different reason. Home to Yale, one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the world, its gorgeous green campus is dotted with excellent museums and fabulous art collections. While the nearby state parks of West Rock and Sleeping Giant offer all kinds of outdoor activities.

Aside from exploring its seaside cities and stopping by the dozens of colleges and universities that dot the Knowledge Corridor, visitors can hike and bike about its charming countryside, or swim and sunbathe at state parks like Silver Sands and Hammonasset Beach. On top of this, Gillette Castle is well worth visiting for its amazing architecture, interesting oddities and elegant gardens.

2023 Connecticut Travel Guide | Best Restaurants, Hotels, & Things to Do

With an eye on what’s new for 2023, Yankee’s editors round up the best attractions, eateries, and hotels in top Connecticut travel destinations.

By Yankee Editors

Apr 29 2023

Best of Connecticut 2023

With an eye on what’s new for 2023, Yankee’s editors round up the best attractions, eateries, and hotels in top Connecticut travel destinations. Headed to the city? Check out our spotlight guide to New Haven, Connecticut.

Editors’ Picks: Where to Eat and Drink in Connecticut in 2023

Bakery, Bread | Soleil Bakery, Woodstock

Step around industrial-size sacks of flour stacked on the bakery floor and place your order at Soleil’s pastry-packed glass counter. The aroma of fresh-baked bread permeates this Quiet Corner bakery tucked away in a modest strip mall. Loaves emerge from the ovens throughout the day, along with a vast array of cookies, cakes, pies, muffins, brownies, and more. Local favorite: the melt-in-your-mouth kalamata bread, loaded with tart, brined Greek olives.

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Coffee Roaster | Perkatory Coffee Roasters , Middletown

On your way to heaven (or Hartford), be sure to grab a cup of soul-reviving java at Perkatory. Steeped in the skate-punk culture of the 1980s, this youthful place is tricked out with lots of spooky art and skateboards repurposed into seats and benches. Their most popular offerings include drip, espresso, and cold-brew coffees and lattes made from single-source beans roasted on the premises. Check out the roasting machine churning away behind the counter.

Destination Brewery | Elicit Brewing , Manchester

Elicit is that special brewery that welcomes the entire family. Housed in an 1800s brick mill building, the expansive space includes a beer hall with dozens of brews on tap, several rooms for private parties, and a massive beer garden with firepits out back. And there’s a kitchen counter for ordering light meals and bar foods. Numerous pinball machines and arcade games keep the kids (and adults) busy in this frenetic hall of fun.

Historic Restaurant | Griswold Inn , Essex

How’s this for history? The Griswold Inn is one of the oldest in the country and was occupied by British soldiers during the War of 1812. Today, “The Gris” is a peaceful gathering spot with a priceless collection of maritime and other antiques, sea chanty singalongs on Monday nights, and a global menu with some New England classics (chowder, fish and chips, and prime rib). Don’t miss the apple pie.

New Restaurant | Materia , Bantam

This newest star in the Litchfield dining firmament is wowing foodies from near and far. Chef-owner David DiStasi, a Le Bernardin alum, brings his fresh take on Italian cuisine to a six-course tasting menu and à la carte delights such as roasted corn velouté, tagliatelle al ragú, and aged Rohan duck breast. Finish with a nip from Materia’s seductive grappa cart.

Pizza | Sparrow Pizza Bar , West Hartford

Hometown boy Adam Greenberg has returned after multiple Chopped championships to helm this busy, colorful bistro that’s half pizza joint, half watering hole. The bar pizzas feature paper-thin crust with inventive, mostly veggie toppings. Street art enlivens the walls, adding to the electric atmosphere. There are more than 25 seats around the oval-shaped bar, providing a focal point for socializing and game watching on flat-screen TVs.

Seafood Shack | Lobster Landing , Clinton

This salt-scrubbed shack perched on pilings over Long Island Sound serves our favorite hot-and-buttered Connecticut-style roll. Owner Enea Bacci sources meat from Long Island Sound and delicately poaches it in lobster stock, giving it wonderful sweetness. The menu is limited, but the lobster bisque and chowder are also great, and the sausage sub with peppers will satisfy the seafood-averse.

Editors’ Picks: Best Places to Stay in Connecticut in 2023

Budget Stay with a View | Blackberry River Inn , Norfolk

When lodging prices in western Massachusetts spike during the summer arts season, rates remain steady and reasonable 45 minutes south in the Berkshire foothills. Set on 27 acres with gentle ridgelines in view—even while you’re cooling off in the outdoor pool—activity here revolves around the 1763 main house, where breakfast, featuring signature raised waffles, is served every morning.

Green Hote | Saybrook Point Resort & Marina , Old Saybrook

Four-star and eco-friendly don’t always go hand in hand, but they come together in grand style at Saybrook Point. The resort became the state’s first “Green Lodging”–certified hotel in 2009, but it didn’t stop there: From the pool warmed by recycled heat to biofuel generators, and from locally focused cuisine to electric vehicle charging stations, Saybrook Point continues to set the eco-innovation bar high.

Hotel Restaurant | Terreno at the Goodwin Hotel, Hartford

After a prolonged closure, there’s a restaurant again at the capital’s finest hotel. And not just any restaurant: Celebrated chef Tyler Anderson is behind a menu of comforting California-Italian dishes crafted with travelers and the pre-theater crowd in mind. Start with Sicilian-style pizzettes, made with superb local bakery Small State Provisions’ focaccia, before you oink out on house-made pasta or cioppino loaded with East Coast seafood.

Luxury Suite | Greenhouse at Winvian Farm , Morris

For lovers of architecture and design and cravers of pampering and privacy, Winvian Farm’s cottages and the surrounding 113 acres of woodlands and fields are the ultimate escape. While options like Treehouse and Helicopter are fantastically whimsical, the restyled, dog-friendly Greenhouse is our choice for a summer steal-away. Steps from the spa and pool, and with its own jetted bathtub and stone-walled patio, it’s a space where nature seeps into your psyche. The Great Room’s high glass ceiling lets a little starlight magic in, too.

Pet Pampering | Delamar Greenwich Harbor , Greenwich

If pups could talk, they’d implore their families to take them to this swanky, marina-side hotel. Not just because the pet amenities here include a welcome treat and a snuggly bed, plus add-on services like walking, grooming, and even dog massage. But because a portion of the nightly $50 pet fee is donated to local nonprofit Adopt-a-Dog, ensuring homes as loving as yours will be found for their canine kin.

Romantic Overnight | The Homestead , Madison

A vitamin-infused shower softens your skin; 1,000-thread-count sheets soften your sleep; and beach passes and bikes to borrow make playful adventures easy-breezy for you and your boo. Mood-setting vinyl will be waiting by your room’s record player if you share your musical tastes pre-arrival, and two outdoor firepits make staying “out” late to sip wine and stargaze equally inviting.

Stay & Play | Water’s Edge Resort & Spa , Westbrook

A private, creamy-sand beach is a rare amenity in Connecticut. And with indoor and outdoor pools to complement the gently wavy waters of Long Island Sound, all of your cool-off options are covered. But wait: There are more reasons you’ll rarely venture off-property. Play tennis, revive your skin at the spa, dine at four restaurants, and don’t miss the spectacle that is Sunday brunch.

Editors’ Picks: Best Things To Do in Connecticut in 2023

Animal Encounter | Riverside Reptiles Education Center ,  Enfield

Most days, especially weekends, you can interact with a few of the 200-plus creatures that inhabit education- and conservation-focused Riverside Reptiles. Private experiences, though, are even more unforgettable. Spend 20 minutes with a reticulated python in your lap. Hand-feed giant tortoises Leo and Fig and African spurred tortoise Tank (but don’t wear red sneakers, which they’re apt to confuse for strawberries). Or be zookeeper for a half day … if you can deal with cleaning up reptile poop.

General Store | Warren General Store , Warren

The late-19th-century general store at the crossroads of Litchfield County had been vacant eight years when John Favreau decided to restore it. He’s now run Warren’s vibrant hub for four years—and he’s crushing it, with smartly curated products from emergency necessities (Pampers!) to local craft and gourmet goods to order-ahead indulgences (caviar!). People drive miles for the privately roasted coffee, pastries, creative sandwiches, to-go meals, hand-selected wines, and yesteryear community spirit.

Ghost Tour | Seaside Shadows Haunted History Tours , Mystic

Walk among Mystic’s dead, who may or may not be RIP-ing, on a lantern-lit tour that is equal parts history lesson and creepy-good fun. Think you’ll need liquid courage? A paranormal pub crawl is the option to book. Once you’ve met Mystic’s spirits, venture across the Rhode Island state line for a rendezvous with the souls of shipwrecked sailors and the witches of Westerly.

New Attraction | Connecticut Golf Land , Vernon

A 50-year-old attraction that shut down in 2014 is resurrected at last. Golf Land is set to open in May with all-new family enticements including dinosaur-themed mini golf, bumper boats, and the Rocking Horse Smokehouse: a barbecue restaurant in an old movie theater. ConeHeads ice creamery will satisfy your cravings for classic flavors. And as summer progresses, even more fun will be on offer: Watch for a game room, volleyball courts, and a rooftop patio.

Stay-All-Day Beach | Ocean Beach Park , New London

Soft sand and the Sound’s relatively gentle, warm waves may be the main attraction, but a multitude of amusements keep Ocean Beach lively 14 hours each day. There’s an Olympic-size pool, a Spray Park for kids, an arcade, mini golf, water slides, and nostalgic rides, plus everything you might want to consume including bay scallop pizza and local beers. As daylight wanes, hear a band, learn to salsa or line dance, “Ooh!” at fireworks, or admire classic cars.

Summer Performances | Levitt Pavilion, Westport

You don’t have to be besties with the promoter. You don’t have to be caller number nine. You just have to scoop up free tickets online or at the box office before any of the more than “50 Free Nights Under the Stars” hosted by Westport’s riverfront venue each summer. You can see big names here, too, for a price. It’s a feel-good investment that helps to sustain a 50-year-old nonprofit with a mission of making live music accessible for all.

Used Bookstore | Pourings & Passages , Danielson

Playful, bright, and eight times the size of its old space, this volunteer-powered purveyor of children’s books, best sellers, movies, music, craft kits, and puzzles may cure your Amazon addiction. Prices are more than fair. All proceeds benefit St. James School just around the bend. And the tiny café is just mighty enough to keep you browsing for hours if that’s your heart’s content.

Check out our full 2023 Best of New England Summer Travel Guide to find our current editors’ picks in all six New England states.

Yankee Editors

These Are The 12 Most Beautiful Towns In Connecticut You Should Visit

• Key takeaways:
• Connecticut offers a variety of beautiful small towns with charming natural and historic beauty, including Kent, Chester, and Essex.
• These towns provide a range of activities such as hiking, visiting state parks, exploring local restaurants and shops, and enjoying the scenic waterfronts.
• Each town has its own unique character and attractions, making them ideal destinations for day trips or longer weekend getaways.

Besides its delightful New England charm, Connecticut offers a lot of fun things to do that can be seen everywhere, from its picturesque beachy scenery to its forested hills and its rolling farmland to its mountains, rivers, and seaside waterfronts. And there’s no better way to appreciate the state’s signature beauty than by checking out one of its most beautiful small towns—here are some of the very best.

UPDATE: 2023/09/04 13:26 EST BY NICHOLAS MAYAMBA

Most Beautiful Towns In Connecticut To Visit

Connecticut is a lovely New England state with charming small towns that place tourists in the middle of nature. From lush forests to sprawling lakes, this updated article highlights the prettiest towns in Connecticut worth checking out.

Related: 10 Most Beautiful Hikes You Can Do In Connecticut

Famous for its fabulous fall foliage , Kent is a quaint Connecticut charmer whose lush scenery is a sight to behold—and not just when the leaves are at their best and brightest. A lovely town center completes this picture-perfect New England town, while a plethora of nearby outdoor attractions means there’s always something to see and do.

• Things To Do: Macedonia Brook State Park; Kent Falls State Park; Bull’s Bridge; House of Books; Kent Falls Brewing Co.
• Wine & Dine: Kingsley Tavern; Swyft; Sophie’s Restaurant & Bakery
• Stay The Night: The Victorian; Fife Country Inn

Its rolling hills and scenic Connecticut River setting make Chester a quaint rural retreat full of natural and historic beauty. But that’s not all: once a hub for shipbuilding and milling, the picturesque town is now home to an up-and-coming local art and culture scene that’s all Main Street USA charm.

• Things To Do: Gillette Castle State Park; Pattaconk Reservoir Trail; Little House Brewing Company; Godspeed Musicals at the Terris Theatre; Chester-Hadlyme Ferry
• Wine & Dine: The Village Bistro; Grano Arso; Thai Riverside
• Stay The Night: Copper Beech Inn (10 minutes); Boardman House (15 minutes)

The coastal town of Westport is all seafront scenery and colonial charm—and perfectly placed for a road trip to the Big Apple (50 miles away!), It’s the perfect weekend getaway from the city. Brimming with small-town beauty, Westport also has plenty of attractions to entice vacationers who like their R&R with a side of creativity and culture.

• Things To Do: Westport County Playhouse; Westport Museum for History and Culture; Compo Beach; Earthplace; Sherwood Island State Park
• Wine & Dine: Rive Bistro; Little Barn; Pane e Bene
• Stay The Night: The Inn at Longshore; Hotel Zero Degrees (10 minutes)

Colonial charm meets waterfront beauty in the pretty Connecticut town of Essex. The perfect place for both day trips and (long) weekends, visitors will enjoy strolling the picturesque harbor, admiring the historic architecture, and enjoying the fun shops and restaurants in the town center of this cozy rural retreat.

• Things To Do: Essex Steam Train & Riverboat; The Pratt House; Connecticut River Museum; Falls River Preserve; The Pratt House
• Wine & Dine: Scotch Plains Tavern; Carlson’s Landing; Tap Room at The Griswold Inn
• Stay The Night: The Griswold Inn; Old Lyme Inn (10 minutes)

A charming historic district—including the second-longest green in New England —gives the seafront setting of Milford quintessential small-town vibes. Full of character and idyllic beauty, plenty of eclectic shops and eateries are here to keep visitors busy when they’re not out on the water (or simply admiring its beachy beauty).

• Things To Do: Old Town Milford; Milford Historical Society House Tours; Silver Stands State Park; Eisenhower Park; The Coastal Audubon Center at Milford Point
• Wine & Dine: Founder’s House Pub & Patio; Bonfire Grille; Bridge House Restaurant
• Stay The Night: Homestead Inn; The Blake Hotel (20 minutes)

Wethersfield

An idyllic natural setting complete with tree-lined streets and lush landscapes makes Wethersfield one of the most beautiful towns in Connecticut—and the rural retreat. But there’s more to this beauty than meets the eye; the small hamlet also has a storied past, evident in everything from its plethora of architectural wonders to its many historical heritage sites,

• Things To Do: The Broad Street Green; Wethersfield Heritage Walk; Heritage Way Bike Route; Heirloom Market; Old Wethersfield Historic District
• Wine & Dine: The Charles; Lenoci’s Italian Kitchen; Kaliubon Ramen
• Stay The Night: Silas W. Robbins House; Goodwin Hotel (10 minutes)

Though just a short train ride from NYC, the cozy Connecticut town of Greenwich is all small-town charm: from its historic buildings to its Main Street USA vibes. But Greenwich’s location near the Big Apple also gives it a somewhat metropolitan flair seen throughout its distinctive local shops, boutiques, and eateries.

• Things To Do: Greenwich Avenue and Historic District; Greenwich Point Park; Putnam Cottage Tour; Babcock Preserve; The Flinn Gallery
• Wine & Dine: Le Fat Poodle; L’escale Restaurant & Bar; Elm Street Oyster House
• Stay The Night: Delamar Greenwich Harbor; The J House Greenwich

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With a location at the foothills of the Berkshires and housing much of Mohawk State Forest, it’s no surprise that Cornwall is famed for its scenic natural setting. And this forested beauty is not just easy on the eyes, it’s an epic outdoor playground, too—complete with plenty of year-round recreation opportunities for everything from biking to skiing.

• Things To Do: Mohawk Mountain Ski Area; Mohawk State Forest; West Cornwall Covered Bridge; Housatonic Meadows State Park; Bike the Western New England Greenway
• Wine & Dine: frank.food company; The Village Restaurant (10 minutes); When Pigs Fly South Southern BBQ (15 minutes)
• Stay The Night: Cornwall Inn; Winvian Farm (20 minutes)

Old Saybrook

Quintessential New England waterfront vibes abound in the pleasantly idyllic Old Saybrook . Think all the frills of a harbor town, like timeless charm, scenic seaside beauty, and locally-owned storefronts that make this welcoming community perfect for a day away—or a long (relaxing)weekend stay.

• Things To Do: Harvey’s Beach; Fort Saybrook Monument Park; Visit Essex Village; The Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center; Rocky Neck State Park
• Wine & Dine: Alforno Trattoria; Little Pub Old Saybrook; The Essex
• Stay The Night: Water’s Edge Resort & Spa; Saybrook Point Resort & Marina

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Though the bustling CT town of New Haven is right on its doorstep, the picturesque and pretty Branford has a distinctly charming small-town feel that can be seen everywhere, from its bucolic beaches to its stately homes. From basking in beachy vibes to trekking the town’s scenic trail, this lovely suburb has it all.

• Things To Do: Branford Trail; Cruise to Thimble Islands; Shore Line Trolley Museum; Branford Point Beach; Stony Creek Brewery; Branford Supply Pond Park
• Wine & Dine: Home; Rosso Vino; Mosaico Cuisine
• Stay The Night: Owenago Inn; Thimble Islands Bed & Breakfast

Tourists will be hard-pressed to find a more charming Connecticut town than Mystic. Its rich maritime heritage is evident at every street corner, from the numerous sea-related museums that dot the town to the different annual events honoring boats and pirates. Whether looking to stay on dry land or venture out at sea, there are endless fun things to do in Mystic .

• Things To Do : The Seaport Museum, Olde Mystic Village, The Mystic Aquarium, Historic Ship Nautilus & Submarine Force Museum, Mystic Downtown Marina, Mystic Museum of Art
• Wine & Dine: Mystic Pizza, Trattoria Amalfi, The Mariner
• Spend The Night: Hilton Mystic, Steamboat Inn, Taber Inn And Suites

A sweet escape from the rigors of daily urban life, this sleepy town in the Connecticut countryside offers a therapeutic dose of natural beauty and small-town charm. Surrounded by sprawling hills and sparkling waters, Colebrook is the perfect playground for nature lovers and comes to its own during fall when hues of yellow, red, and orange highlight its lushly forested spaces.

• Things To Do: Lake Triangle Dam, Algonquin State Forest, Colebrook River Lake, Peoples State Forest
• Wine & Dine: Barnstormer's Burgers & More, Colebrook Store
• Spend The Night: Days Inn by Wyndham Torrington, Royal Coachman Tavern

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A summary of what Mystic has to offer.

If you're looking for a postcard-worthy New England seaside port village with oodles of atmosphere you'll find character - as well as safe harbor and cultural happenings - in Mystic.

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Mystic, Connecticut Travel Guide

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The old seafaring village of Mystic sits at the mouth of the river of the same name. Looking out to sea in a misty reverie, it seems to be thinking back on those days when it was captain of the shipyards. Time seems to have stood still since then, at least in this little town.

Mystic began building boats in the 1600s and continued the trade up into the first third of the 20th Century. During its Golden Years, more than 600 wooden maritime vessels were constructed here. After 1929, the business crumbled. Today, Mystic Seaport (a society dedicated to preserving Connecticut's maritime history) harbors more maritime boats, photos and artifacts than any other place on the planet.

Mystic Seaport is a reconstructed 19th Century seaside community built with history in mind and maritime in the heart. The village boasts old-time shops and dining. This is probably the only place on Earth where a nickel buys a beer. More than 1500 volunteers work at the seaport making this living museum a success.

Other points of interest in Mystic include: Mystic Aquarium, which houses nearly 6,000 marine animals in a spectacular array of exhibits, and the Denison Homestead Museum at Pequotsepos Manor (circa 1717).

With the Mystic River on tap, this village offers a number of excellent water sports, including kayaking and sailing. Several fishing charters pull out for adventures on the water. Lorna Anne Fishing Charters specializes in bluefish and bass offshore fishing. Mataura Sportfish sails offshore for tuna and shark, and inshore for bass and bluefish.

Indoor rock climbing and tennis facilities are available. In nearby Stonington, golfing is offered at the Pequot Golf Club and at both the Birch Plain Golf Course and Four Season Golf in Groton.

Other sports in the area include: camping; walking the seven miles of trails at Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center; fishing at the pier in New London's Fort Trumbull State Park; and the fine art of beachcombing at Ocean Beach Park in New London.

Mystic, a living museum, is located in southeast Connecticut on I-95.

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Connecticut: Travel Guide (English) (World Guides) Paperback – May 18, 2023

Purchase options and add-ons.

• Immerse yourself in the rich history and charming beauty of Connecticut with our comprehensive travel guide. From the picturesque coastal towns of Mystic and Newport to the vibrant city life of Hartford and New Haven, discover the hidden gems that make Connecticut a true New England gem.
• Uncover the best of Connecticut with our expert recommendations. Whether you're interested in exploring historic landmarks like Mark Twain's House or the stunning beaches along the Long Island Sound, our guide provides detailed information on must-visit attractions, local festivals, and cultural experiences that will make your trip unforgettable.
• Maximize your exploration with our carefully curated itineraries. Whether you're a nature lover, a history enthusiast, or a foodie, our guide offers suggested routes and activities to cater to every interest. From hiking in the Appalachian Mountains to indulging in the vibrant culinary scene of New Haven, we have you covered.
• Benefit from the insights of experienced travelers. Our team of Connecticut enthusiasts has immersed themselves in the state's rich heritage, uncovering its hidden treasures and lesser-known wonders. With our book as your companion, you'll have access to their firsthand knowledge, insider tips, and practical advice, ensuring an authentic and extraordinary experience in the beautiful state of Connecticut.
• Part of series World Guides
• Print length 68 pages
• Language English
• Publication date May 18, 2023
• Dimensions 6 x 0.16 x 9 inches
• ISBN-13 979-8395174895
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Product details

• ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0C5P9NNZ2
• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Independently published (May 18, 2023)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Paperback ‏ : ‎ 68 pages
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 979-8395174895
• Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 5.4 ounces
• Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6 x 0.16 x 9 inches
• #3,134 in New England US Travel Books
• #11,012 in Hiking & Camping Excursion Guides (Books)

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