The Perfect Connecticut Getaway To Take If You Have Been Dreaming Of Vail

Times are tough, and many of us are pinching pennies nowadays. There's only so much you can cut back on necessities like food and gas, so one area that sometimes falls by the wayside is travel. Maybe you're not heading overseas this year or taking fewer trips. Maybe you're just sticking closer to home. "Vacation dupe" destinations are a concept that's been trending on social media for the last few months. Instead of traveling overseas, people find similar destinations that aren't as far away (and aren't as expensive). Connecticut can come off as such a typical, suburban state that it might seem like it is hard to find a vacation dupe in Connecticut, but if you've been fantasizing about a trip to Vail, Colorado, we've got you covered with a winter trip to lovely Cornwall, CT!

Vail, Colorado is a hot tourist destination, especially in the wintertime. This small town is tucked away in a forest and has stunning scenery, plus amazing access to winter sports.

You might think you can't find anywhere quite that scenic or exciting in Connecticut, but Cornwall, CT is a lovely winter trip that can be had at a fraction of the cost of a flight to Vail.

This little town is nestled in the Litchfield Hills. We admit, they're not quite as striking as Vail's Rocky Mountain surroundings, but they still make for lovely scenery.

Fans of winter sports will find plenty to indulge in at Mohawk Mountain Ski Area in Cornwall.

This top-rated ski resort offers up skiing and snowboarding for adventurers of all ages, plus tubing for those who aren't quite brave enough for upright winter sports.

Learn more from the Mohawk Mountain Ski Area website.

What's a trip without epic meals? Since you saved money on travel costs, this is a perfect chance to indulge in an upscale restaurant, and we know just the spot: Arethusa al tavolo in nearby Bantam, CT.

This is one of the most upscale restaurants in Connecticut, serving up an array of New American dishes to satisfy any palate.

Check out the full menu on the Arethusa al tavolo website.

If you decide to spend multiple days in the Cornwall area, this cozy and bright vacation rental in Cornwall is the perfect place to stay.

The "Brookside Barn" can sleep up to three guests and is an ideal spot for a quite getaway.

Check availability and book a stay at the Airbnb listing.

I don't know about you, but I'm ready for a getaway! What other vacation dupes in Connecticut can you think of? Share your thoughts in the comments! Cornwall is also home to this beautiful Connecticut forest, so you can definitely make a trip out of it.