Is your New Year's resolution to get out and explore the Nutmeg State? We've got just the treat for you. There's nothing like visiting the numerous wonderful small towns in Connecticut. Whether you're visiting our waterfront villages, the northeast Quiet Corner, or the stunning Litchfield Hills, there are tons of places for a small town getaway that's sure to delight at any time of year.
January: Washington
The piece of media most closely associated with Connecticut is probably the hit TV show Gilmore Girls. It was set in the fictional town of Stars Hollow. You may not be able to visit Stars Hollow since it doesn't actually exist, but one of the towns that inspired it is the rural town of Washington. Tucked away in the beautiful Litchfield Hills region, you'll find plenty of historic architecture and beautiful natural scenery here. It looks like something from a fairy tale when this quintessential New England town is all covered in snow, so we think January is the perfect time for a visit.
February: Ridgefield
We don't know about you, but by February, we're often starting to feel the winter blues. The holidays are long gone, shoveling snow has grown old, and it's simply too darn cold. One place with plenty of indoor attractions to enjoy when the weather's frightful is Ridgefield. This one's a little bigger than some of the other towns on this list, but it's got such a great vibe to it that makes it the artsiest town in Connecticut. The Main Street area has plenty of shops to warm up in, and there's no shortage of artsy attractions like the Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum (pictured).
March: Putnam
If you're visiting Putnam, we hope you're hungry! This place is one of the best foodie towns in Connecticut. You'll find a diverse array of culinary attractions here, plus lots of great antique stores. It's located in the state's Quiet Corner, where the scenery is quite lovely if you'd just like to drive around and admire the area's beauty.
April: Columbia
April brings in beautiful weather, so it's a wonderful time to explore some of the great state parks in the Nutmeg State! One of the most interesting is Camp Columbia State Park in the town of Columbia. The park has some historic structures and a few quick and easy hikes.
May: Chester
Chester is an ideal spot for a summer getaway in Connecticut. Whether you're looking to explore for a weekend or simply an afternoon, you'll find a variety of local shops and restaurants to check out, plus history and natural beauty.
June: Cornwall
Another town filled with history that has its own state park is Cornwall. For a small town, there's a lot to do here! Mohawk Mountain State Park is perfect for exploring nature on a sunny June day.
July: Colebrook
One of the top attractions in the little town of Colebrook is the Colebrook Store. It's one of the oldest general stores in the entire country, having been built around 1800! You'll also find some great little restaurants and other shops in this Litchfield Hills town.
August: Niantic
Niantic is small, but it's one of the best summer towns in Connecticut. The boardwalk is wonderful, it's got the largest book store in the state in The Book Barn, excellent museums, restaurants, and so much more to explore.
September: Essex
Essex has actually been officially declared The Coolest Small Town In America, so you know we had to put it on this list! It's got fascinating history, amazing scenery, a distinct local vibe, and plenty of fun places to check out.
October: Kent
Come October, the leaves in New England look pretty fantastic. Kent is one of the best places to check out fall foliage in Connecticut. This town is best known for Kent Falls State Park, which is considered one of the most beautiful places in the state at any time of year. It's especially magical in early October.
November: East Haddam
Most people associate castles with medieval Europe, but we've got several castles in Connecticut! Among the most famous is on display at East Haddam's Gillette Castle State Park. This is another spot that's just lovely in the fall.
December: Mystic
As a seaport town, Mystic is often associated with the summer, but December is an equally great time to visit. There are some wonderful holiday celebrations here, and plenty of family attractions to enjoy.
Did we miss your favorite small town in Connecticut? What do you think should be added to the list? Share your thoughts in the comments!
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