These 9 Underrated Towns Will Rekindle Your Love For Connecticut
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Natalie Clunan
Author
Connecticut is home to 169 towns. From bustling places along the Gold Coast to sleepier spots in the Quiet Corner, each one has something unique to offer. Many times when planning a day trip, we think about popular places like Mystic, Wethersfield, or New Haven. While these spots are worthy destinations, there are also some underrated Connecticut towns that just don’t get enough attention. Here are nine of our favorites that will make you fall in love with our state all over again.
Putnam is a quaint riverside town in the Quiet Corner. You'll find captivating galleries, yummy restaurants, and a massive 4-floor antique store where you can get lost for hours. The Quinebaug River is a paddler's paradise for the outdoor enthusiasts. And how can you not love a town that races thousands of rubber ducks down the river every summer?
Located just 25 minutes outside of Hartford, Simsbury is a picturesque town that blossoms in the spring. Visit the Old Drake Hill Flower Bridge to see a gorgeously colorful community effort. Stroll through downtown on the Simsbury Art Trail or take a bike ride through Stratton Brook State Park. If you're feeling daring, head over to Abigail's Grill for a delicious meal and the chance to spot some ghosts. This is a town with a little bit of everything.
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Sitting on the New York border, Ridgefield has much to offer visitors of all ages. This classic New England town is one of the most artistic places in Connecticut. The downtown area offers a Museum in the Streets, a heritage discovery trail. Get the best of art and the outdoors with a visit to Weir Farm, a park dedicated to painting, or The Garden of Ideas, a whimsical sculpture park. Kids will adore the Prospector Theatre where movies can be watched in bean bag seats!
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East Hampton is a lakeside town with country charm. Lake Pocotopaug is a summertime hub of activity for swimming, boating, and other watersports. Grab an after lake meal at Angelico's Lakehouse Restaurant where the tiki bar and outdoor space keeps things lively. In the fall, visit the seasonal Pumpkintown U.S.A. that is full of cheerful pumpkin heads and all of their dwellings.
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People flock to Farmington in autumn with their cameras to take advantage of leaf peeping opportunities. But this all season town has plenty to do year-round. A visit to the Hillstead Museum will appeal to art lovers, while outdoor enthusiasts will love Winding Trails where you can do everything from cross-country skiing to paddleboarding. A wealth of tasty restaurants will keep foodies in their element.
Chester is a quiet, artsy town worth exploring. Local galleries and studios are bountiful in this charming spot. A meal at the River Town will deliver some of the most delicious pub food you've ever sampled. Head away from the center of town for a lovely farm visit at Chakana Sky Alpacas.
Scenic Guilford is located on the Long Island Sound and a hub of boating activity during the warmer months. The walkable town green is filled with quaint restaurants and shops. Fourth of July is celebrated with a bang featuring a fabulous fireworks display. Summertime also brings the seasonal grilled seafood of The Place, an outdoor restaurant where you dine on lobster while sitting on a tree stump. It doesn't get much better than that!
Far east in the Nutmeg State, you'll find Stonington, the last coastal town before Rhode Island. Water Street is a joy to stroll with its appealing architecture. Visit the Saltwater Farm Vineyard, a waterfront winery with breathtaking views. Check out the Old Lighthouse Museum for a bit of history and then walk the waterfront to feel the salt air on your face. Finish off your time in this seaside town with a visit to Zack's Bar & Grille, a true culinary gem.
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Up in the Secret Corner of Connecticut, you'll find Kent. This outdoorsy town is full of spectacular color in the fall. Strap on your hiking boots and take the waterfall staircase trail at Kent Falls for scenery unlike any other. Stop by the House of Books to find your next read or do some antique hunting or gallery hopping in town. For a small town, Kent sure has a lot going on!
Which of these underrated Connecticut towns are your favorites? Which ones do you still need to visit? If you love trying new restaurants, visit one of these delicious foodie towns in the Nutmeg State.
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