6 Best Downtowns In Connecticut
Depending on whom you ask, or the day of the week, Connecticut is either considered part of the Tri-State as its southwestern region borders New Jersey and New York, or a New England State, as the rest of the state aligns with Massachusetts and other New England states. One thing the state is known for is its many tiny communities, each featuring walkable, picturesque, and inviting downtown squares. These downtown areas offer visitors and residents excellent local restaurants, shops, and unique museums and historical sites found only in these communities. When going on a road trip or a solo vacation, be sure to explore these amazing municipalities.
Ridgefield
Just south of Danbury, right on the New York state line, is the town of Ridgefield, which boasts a lovely, walkable downtown featuring a picturesque Main Street that runs through the community. The Lounsbury House is a historic and breathtaking event venue that hosts weddings, private events, corporate events, and community events for everyone to enjoy in the historic 19th-century landmark.
Further north up Main Street, people can unwind and dine at haunts like the Lantern, which serves American cuisine in a classical, upbeat setting, and visit D. Colabella Fine Art Gallery to enjoy exquisite art created by local artists. Just in the vicinity of downtown is the Ridgefield Playhouse, where visitors and residents can enjoy local plays, musical performances, and live theater performances, making it a must-see when visiting town.
Mystic
Right on the Mystic River and Harbor is the historic and iconic village of Mystic. The town is situated between the communities of Stonnington and Groton, and has an incredible downtown to explore. S&P Oyster Restaurant and Bar provides patrons with alluring views of the river and the rest of town, and serves savory and delicious seafood and drinks for a glorious night out on the town.
Right on Main Street is the Whaler's Inn Hotel of Mystic, where guests are treated to stunning, comfortable rooms and suites, can host weddings, meetings, and other events, and is within walking distance of everything downtown has to offer. Across the river is the lovely Mystic Museum of Art, where visitors can enjoy exhibits featuring gorgeous artwork by local artists, sign up for studio classes, and attend local community events.
New Milford
Just north of Danbury, along the Housatonic River, is the town of New Milford, renowned for its whimsical New England charm and historic downtown. The New Milford Town Green is in the heart of downtown and boasts one of the prettiest greens in New England. The green, surrounded by the community's local restaurants, shops, and businesses, has plenty of benches to enjoy a sunny day and is an excellent spot for community events.
On the western end of the green is 19Main, a historic wedding and event venue that used to be the United Bank Building, which was converted into a luxurious event venue in 2015 and can host weddings and other enchanting events, with a mix of luxury and bank in its interior. Just north of 19Main is La Piccolina, which serves patrons delicious, authentic Northern Italian cuisine and provides catering and banquet menus for significant events.
New Canaan
Between Stamford and Norwalk, and an hour away from New York City by train, in the state's panhandle, is New Canaan, a town with a picturesque setting, stunning architecture throughout, and an incredibly walkable downtown. On the western side of Elm Street is the Glass House, a museum featuring a collection of 20th-century paintings and sculptures, as well as other unique exhibits for visitors and residents to enjoy.
The rest of Elm Street consists of dynamic shops and restaurants, like Blackbird Restaurant, a sleek and refined restaurant and bar that serves delicious meals inspired by Mexico, France, Italy, and parts of Asia, along with some flavorful drinks to keep the night young. Another museum in town is the New Canaan Museum and Historical Society, where people can learn more about the town's history, view unique photos and artifacts on display, and attend community events and programs.
Torrington
About 30 to 32 miles west of Hartford is Torrington, a city with a rich industrial past, a relaxing downtown, and the birthplace of abolitionist John Brown. Torrington's downtown has the Naugatuck River flowing through the center, along with Franklin Plaza. This small, cozy park was a street converted to a walkway and serves as a marketplace for local vendors.
Right at the eastern end of the plaza is Crumbs by Toast and Co., which serves locally prepared coffee and breakfast in a quaint setting with relaxing views of the adjacent river. West on Water Street is the Bad Dog Brewing Company, a local brewery that provides the community and region with flavorful small-batch craft beer, hosts a cornhole league, and hosts private events. Just within walking distance of City Hall is the Hotchkiss-Fyler House Museum, a Victorian-style house that preserves the city's history, displays numerous artifacts from the past, and hosts events.
Middletown
Just south of New Britain and on the banks of the Connecticut River is the city of Middletown. The city has a vibrant arts scene and is the home of Wesleyan University. The perfect spot to blend into the arts scene, the Buttonwood Tree is the place to be for people who want to enjoy concerts by local musicians and artists, and it inspires and educates through programs centered on music and much more.
The Inn at Middletown is a stunning hotel set in an old Colonial-style armory that offers guests luxurious, elegant rooms, is pet-friendly, features modern amenities, including complimentary coffee served from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., and hosts weddings, meetings, and other memorable events. About a five-minute walk due north of the Inn is MIA Latin American Cuisine, a warm, welcoming, and lively Latin-style restaurant with a hip, enticing interior, serving tasty meals and alluring drinks and hosting exciting events to keep the night young and entertaining.
What makes these six communities excellent and timely is their unique and historic downtowns. Places like New Canaan, Mystic, and Middletown welcome visitors from out of town with their history, their vibrant arts and cultural scene, and warm, welcoming restaurants and local hotels. These towns are also excellent places to enjoy on the weekend after a long week in major cities, not to mention their local charm that pulls visitors back time after time, making for amazing places to explore and create memories worthy of a lifetime.
