Don’t get us wrong — there are some great big cities in Connecticut. Stamford and Hartford are a blast, and of course New Haven is great. But New England is known for its idyllic little towns, and Connecticut in particular has many small towns that are worth a visit. We’ve collected a few of our favorite small town day trips in Connecticut that are simply perfect for a weekend escape. All these towns in Connecticut have populations of under 7,500, and offer plenty to see and do!

  1. Mystic

R Boed/Flickr Mystic is one of the more famous small towns in Connecticut, thanks largely to the 1988 cult classic film “Mystic Pizza.” The film is partially set in the real-life restaurant of the same name and features a young Julia Roberts and Matt Damon. The Mystic Seaport Museum is another popular attraction in town; it features several well-preserved ships and restored buildings. Mystic, Stonington, CT, USA

  1. Kent

Bob P. B./Flickr Despite its small size, Kent features several museums and two state parks. Kent Falls State Park actually has views of 17 waterfalls! The town has brilliant colonial-style architecture, and some of the best fall foliage in Connecticut if you visit in the autumn months. Kent, CT, USA

  1. Essex

slack12/Flickr Essex is such a perfect little town. It’s got beautiful surroundings and so much history. There are several National Historic Registry sites here, and you can even take a riverboat and/or steam train tour of the town! It’s one of the prettiest waterfront cities in Connecticut. Essex, CT, USA

  1. Niantic

LeanneMarie1215/Flickr If you like books, it’s probably worth the trip to Niantic just for the Book Barn alone. With 500,000 volumes, it’s a bibliophile’s dream. The city also has a beautiful mile-long boardwalk. Niantic, East Lyme, CT, USA

  1. Bolton

lindsayΔlachance/Flickr Bolton Notch State Park is 95 acres of beautiful wilderness that’s a paradise for nature lovers. There are some spectacular trails to explore at this outdoor gem. Bolton, CT 06043, USA

  1. Colebrook

billandkent/Flickr The little town of Colebrook has beautiful surroundings and you can’t beat a view with a brew. The town is home to Norbrook Farm Brewery, which has some amazing beers on tap. Colebrook, CT, USA

Did we miss your favorite town? What’s your favorite small town day trip in Connecticut? Share yours in the comments and maybe you’ll see it featured in our next list of great small towns in Connecticut!

Don’t get us wrong — there are some great big cities in Connecticut. Stamford and Hartford are a blast, and of course New Haven is great. But New England is known for its idyllic little towns, and Connecticut in particular has many small towns that are worth a visit. We’ve collected a few of our favorite small town day trips in Connecticut that are simply perfect for a weekend escape. All these towns in Connecticut have populations of under 7,500, and offer plenty to see and do!

R Boed/Flickr

Mystic is one of the more famous small towns in Connecticut, thanks largely to the 1988 cult classic film “Mystic Pizza.” The film is partially set in the real-life restaurant of the same name and features a young Julia Roberts and Matt Damon. The Mystic Seaport Museum is another popular attraction in town; it features several well-preserved ships and restored buildings.

Mystic, Stonington, CT, USA

Bob P. B./Flickr

Despite its small size, Kent features several museums and two state parks. Kent Falls State Park actually has views of 17 waterfalls! The town has brilliant colonial-style architecture, and some of the best fall foliage in Connecticut if you visit in the autumn months.

Kent, CT, USA

slack12/Flickr

Essex is such a perfect little town. It’s got beautiful surroundings and so much history. There are several National Historic Registry sites here, and you can even take a riverboat and/or steam train tour of the town! It’s one of the prettiest waterfront cities in Connecticut.

Essex, CT, USA

LeanneMarie1215/Flickr

If you like books, it’s probably worth the trip to Niantic just for the Book Barn alone. With 500,000 volumes, it’s a bibliophile’s dream. The city also has a beautiful mile-long boardwalk.

Niantic, East Lyme, CT, USA

lindsayΔlachance/Flickr

Bolton Notch State Park is 95 acres of beautiful wilderness that’s a paradise for nature lovers. There are some spectacular trails to explore at this outdoor gem.

Bolton, CT 06043, USA

billandkent/Flickr

The little town of Colebrook has beautiful surroundings and you can’t beat a view with a brew. The town is home to Norbrook Farm Brewery, which has some amazing beers on tap.

Colebrook, CT, USA

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