Like the rest of New England, there’s a lot of history in Connecticut. Whether you’re in our capital city or one of our many small towns, there are elements of the past all around us in the Nutmeg State. Historic architecture abounds from the Quiet Corner to the coast, and there are plenty of places you can go to feel like you’re stepping back in time to simpler days. One of our favorite historic small towns in Connecticut is Washington. This little town has a rich history and strong sense of community that make it wonderful for a day or weekend getaway.

Washington is an affluent town within Litchfield County. It's thought that this area was first settled by Native Americans more than 10,000 years ago.
Kcboling/Wikimedia Commons
The town was first settled by Europeans in 1734, and there are many historic buildings sprinkled all throughout town.
Pedro Xing/Wikimedia Commons
Interestingly enough, Washington was one of the main inspirations for the creators of the hit TV show Gilmore Girls. The show is set in the fictional town of Stars Hollow, Connecticut.
Doug Kerr/Flickr
Is it just me, or does it seem like every quaint small town is practically required to have a charming independent bookstore? You'll find just that in Washington's Hickory Stick Bookshop, which has been open for more than 70 years.
Hickory Stick Book Shop, 2 Green Hill Rd, Washington Depot, CT 06794, USA
Explore Washington CT/Facebook
Click here to visit the Hickory Stick Bookshop.
Another spot you'll want to visit is Hollister House Garden. This 25-acre garden is especially magnificent in the springtime.
Hollister House Garden, 300 Nettleton Hollow Rd, Washington, CT 06793, USA
Explore Washington CT/Facebook
Click here to learn more about the Hollister House Garden
You can learn all about the history of this area at the Gunn Museum, which strives to catalog artifacts and maintain a history of the Litchfield Hills.
Gunn Historical Museum, 5 Wykeham Rd, Washington, CT 06793, USA
Doug Kerr/Flickr
Click here to visit the Gunn Museum
Want to stay more than a day? We don't blame you! Washington's Mayflower Inn is one of the best hotels in Connecticut, and it's the perfect place to stay in Washington, CT.
Mayflower Inn
Click here to learn more about the Mayflower Inn.

Have you ever spent any time in Washington, CT? Share your favorite attractions in the comments!

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