The Up-And-Coming City in Connecticut That’s Perfectly Sized

We're big fans of small towns in Connecticut here at Only In Your State. The Nutmeg State is teeming with teeny-tiny gems that are barely bigger than dots on a map, but full of quaint charm and quiet beauty. Of course, our big cities like Hartford and New Haven certainly have plenty of appeal, too. Higher populations typically signify that an area is full of shops, restaurants, and other attractions that make life fun. But for many of us, the truly unique getaways lie in mid-sized cities. They're not so large as to be overwhelmingly crowded, but they still have lots of discoveries waiting to be enjoyed, along with a touch of small-town charm. For me, that sweet spot lies around 30,000 or 40,000 people, and that's the approximate population of Norwich, Connecticut. This charming mid-sized harbor city is nicknamed the "Rose of New England," and it's a great spot for a getaway.

Norwich is in New London County and lies at the confluence of the Yantic, Shetucket, and Quinebaug Rivers. This area of southeastern Connecticut is gorgeous and offers up plenty of outdoor recreational opportunities. You'll find several lovely parks within Norwich, including Mohegan Park, Howard T. Brown Memorial Park, and McKeon Park, all of which are perfect for a stroll or picnic on a warm day. Feel like chasing waterfalls? Yantic Falls is a 40-foot-tall cascade in Norwich that's easy to access and quite stunning in any season.

If you love museums, you don't want to miss a visit to the Slater Memorial Museum. This sprawling museum features more than 10,000 display items from all over the world, with art from five different continents. The Leffingwell House Museum is also located in Norwich, in a distinctive red building built around 1675. The museum is open seasonally and has artifacts from the Revolutionary and Civil War eras, and also has a fascinating silversmith shop.

Are you the type who enjoys checking out local shops when in a new area? You'll find plenty to do in Norwich. Gallery at the Wauregan is a small art gallery featuring works from local artists, and there's a gift shop if you'd like to bring home a souvenir. Small Potatoes Crafts & Gifts is another wonderful little boutique shop featuring locally-made crafts.

One of my favorite things to do when traveling is check out local eateries. From nostalgic family restaurants like Olde Tymes Restaurant to Ascot's Pub, an old-school British pub, there's something for everyone in Norwich. Sweet Momma's is a delightful bakery that's perfect for grabbing a sweet treat, and the upscale Bella Fiore Restaurante is an amazing date night spot.

Sports fans might want to catch a Norwich Sea Unicorns game during baseball season at Dodd Stadium. This team is part of the Futures Collegiate Baseball League (FCBL) and is a great way to experience America's favorite pastime in a more intimate setting. No matter where your interests lie, there's something for everyone in Norwich, and it's a wonderful destination for a visit at any time of year.

If you find your schedule a bit too overloaded for a day trip, a visit to Norwich is perfect for a weekend getaway! If you're looking for the perfect place to stay in Norwich, check out The Spa at Norwich Inn. This centrally-located hotel features a beautiful garden and even has an on-site sauna and gym.  Feeling inspired? Try planning your own Connecticut trip using Only In Your State’s itinerary planner.