There are some great larger cities in Connecticut. A weekend trip to Hartford or New Haven will give you almost limitless things to do. But the heart and soul of the Nutmeg State lies in our small towns, and we have so many wonderful small towns in Connecticut. Whether you’re looking for wonderful getaways in nature, want to explore the history of the area, or are simply wanting to enjoy a quintessential New England small town, these six small towns in Connecticut make for excellent day trips:

1. Essex (2020 population: 6,733)
Essex, CT, USA
James Spellacy/Flickr
Essex has actually officially been named the perfect small town, so you know we had to put it on this list! It's got tons of fascinating history and is one of the few cities on American soil to be invaded by a foreign power. Great Britain invaded the city in the War of 1812.
2. Kent (2020 population: 3,019)
Kent, CT, USA
Bob P.B./Flickr
Kent is a great option for a weekend trip in Connecticut. It's home to Kent Falls State Park, arguably the most beautiful state park in Connecticut, plus several wonderful shops and cafes.
3. Mystic (2020 population: 4,776)
Mystic, Stonington, CT, USA
Andrew Seles/Flickr
Thanks to the cult classic '80s film "Mystic Pizza," Mystic is perhaps the best-known small town in Connecticut. You can visit the pizza shop that inspired the film, but there's plenty else to see, with the Mystic Aquarium and Mystic Seaport Museum both residing here.

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4. Old Saybrook (2020 population: 10,481)
Old Saybrook, CT, USA
Juliejules/Wikimedia Commons
Old Saybrook has a lot to see and do as a charming little shore town. It's also one of the best foodie towns in Connecticut. You'll find all kinds of culinary delights here!
5. Putnam (2020 population: 9,224)
Putnam, CT, USA
JJBers/Wikimedia Commons
Putnam is tucked away in the Quiet Corner, so it's often overlooked by visitors, but this is another place that has some phenomenal food. This region of the state is also quite popular for antique shopping, so keep your eyes peeled for bargains!
6. Cornwall (2020 population: 1,567)
Cornwall, CT, USA
Joe Mabel/Wikimedia Commons
Cornwall is a lovely little town in the rolling Litchfield Hills. This is such a scenic area of the state! You can find lots to do here, including a state park, plenty of historical attractions, and tasty restaurants.

There are so many great small towns in Connecticut that we could’ve gone on and on with this list. Did we miss your favorite? Share your suggestions in the comments – who knows, maybe you’ll see them featured in a future article!

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More to Explore

Small Towns in Connecticut

Tori Jane | March 10, 2023
  1. Which small towns in Connecticut are bucket-list worthy? 

Connecticut is a beautiful little state with a lot of wonderful small towns that are so delightful they belong on everyone’s to-do list. Some of the best bucket-worthy small towns in Connecticut are ones like:  

  • Washington – If you’re a fan of the classic show Gilmore Girls, you’ll be happy to know the fictional town from the show was inspired by this very real one in Connecticut!  
  • Ridgefield – If you’re into artsy things, this is the town for you, featuring plenty of wonderful galleries, eateries, and shops.  
  • Putnam – This is the epitome of a foodie town; you’ll find plenty of places to eat here that you’ll never find anywhere else.  

 

Learn more about these amazingly wonderful bucket-list towns in Connecticut.   

  1. What are some of the best small towns in Connecticut for families? 

Of course, every small town is lovely – but some are extra perfect for families with kids! Some of the best small towns in Connecticut for families are:  

  • Old Greenwich – This area is known for its A+ schools, parks, and overall family-friendly vibe.  
  • Riverside – Another area with excellent schools, Riverside is perfect for families with just one or multiple little ones.  
  • Ridgefield – We know, we mentioned this one already – but it’s so perfect it’s worth mentioning again thanks to its parks and rec.  

 

Learn more about some of our other favorite small towns in Connecticut.  

  1. What are some cool things to do in Connecticut? 

Connecticut might be a state on the smaller side, but there’s plenty to do here! There are so many wonderful things to do in Connecticut that we simply can’t list them all, but some of our favorites include:  

  • Visit any (or all) of our amazing state parks – with more than 130 amazing state park sites to choose from, you could make a lifetime out of exploring every one.  
  • Go on a road trip – there are so many options here! From foodie road trips to small towns, ghost towns, and restaurants, you never know what kind of adventures you can piece together.  
  • Go hiking – Connecticut is home to some of the most beautiful hiking trails in the world.  

 

Learn more about all these awesome ideas for cool things to do in Connecticut!   

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