7 Off-the-Map Towns In Connecticut

When visiting America’s famed New England region, a sojourn in the wonderful “Constitution State” of Connecticut certainly cannot be missed. A destination rich in historic intrigue and natural beauty, Connecticut is a well-rounded place to spend one’s next American holiday. But while such major urban centers like Stamford and Hartford attract much attention, there are also a number of smaller “off the map” communities in the State that are equally captivating and charming. Here, some of the best of Connecticut’s friendly hospitality, fascinating history, and geographic splendor shine through, making them ideal spots to discover firsthand. Wait no longer and come see the fine state of Connecticut through an exploration of its smaller towns, and get a truly intimate feeling of what makes New England such a special region!

Cornwall

Just over 1,500 residents call the charming and historic town of Cornwall home, which was established way back in the 1740s. Beautifully situated along the Housatonic River and with a most breathtaking framing of the Berkshire Mountains, Cornwall is a lovely community to relish a quieter pace amongst some of Connecticut’s finest natural ambiance. Enjoy opportunities for boating and swimming on the River, while scenic cycling and hiking trails abound in a climate known for cool winters and warm summers. And do not forget about the nearby Mohawk State Forest and its sprawling 4,000 acres of raw natural beauty. Finally, for the alpine enthusiast, be sure to hit the slopes at Mohawk Mountain for a fun time.

Meanwhile, for the history enthusiast, Cornwall will certainly delight with its assortment of covered bridges in town and the surrounding area. Many of these are even listed on the National Register of Historic Places, including the West Cornwall Covered Bridge. From there, explore other historic landmarks like the Cornwall Bridge Station from the 1880s and the concrete Cornwall Bridge (1930). Finish the day with a stroll through West Cornwall and its collection of fine local businesses, like the RSVP French Restaurant, and get a genuine dose of Americana, New England style!

Washington

Just a short 30-minute drive from Cornwall, Washington is another lovely historic town for those looking for a quiet ambiance. Formally incorporated in 1779, just over 3,600 call this scenic community home today, where there is certainly never a shortage of cultural and natural beauty. Admired a wide range of historic architectural styles, including Greek Revival, Italianate, and Georgian, here, displayed on such landmarks as the First Congregational Church. And with three historic districts to choose from, getting a feeling of the 18^th and 19^th centuries has never been easier.

Spend leisure time at the Shepaug River or Lake Waramaug, where activities like swimming, boating, hiking, and biking remain ever popular. Add in cute shops like Five Janes Boutique and the Po Café, and this lesser-known Washington will leave a most positive impression on all ages.

Guilford

One of America’s oldest towns, Guilford, can trace its modern roots back to the early 1600s! Now with a modest population of some 22,000 inhabitants, visitors can continue to appreciate Guilford for its special historic charm and natural beauty, making it an ideal place to enjoy a relaxing vacation. Experience more than 300 years' worth of American history and marvel at several landmarks in town from the 17^th to 19^th centuries. Including many sites listed on the National Register of Historic Places, guests can explore the Henry Whitfield House (1639), the Hyland Wildman House (1713), the Acadian House (1670), the Falkner Island Light (1802), and the Medad Stone Tavern (1803), among many others.

Furthermore, Guilford’s natural beauty and its cool year-round climate make it attractive for those looking for an alternative to the big city. Home to a number of pretty park areas and inviting beaches, including Chaffinch Island Park and Jacobs Beach, tourists will never find a shortage of fun opportunities to go swimming, sailing, biking, hiking, and picnicking. End the day with a fine meal at such local eateries as Chapter One Food and Drink and Pa’s Place near the Long Island Sound, and an awesome slice of New England will definitely leave its mark.

Mystic

The town of Mystic lies scenically along Connecticut’s Atlantic coastline, where it was established in the late 18^th century. A historically important shipbuilding center, the modern Mystic continues to charm guests with its intrigue and small-town allure. Home to just over 4,000 residents, visitors will quickly fall in love with this cute Connecticut community, and exploring the three historic districts brings one back to the America of yesterday. Visit such landmarks as the Charles Morgan whaling ship, constructed in 1841, and the always popular Mystic Seaport Museum, which houses an impressive collection of ships, boats, and a recreated 19th-century seaport village.

Spending time on the beach is an activity that cannot be overlooked in Mystic. While Connecticut may not be the first place to spring to mind when thinking about the beach, Mystic’s lovely selection of coastal beach areas has made it a favorite for all ages. Choose from a number of public beaches, including Williams Beach Park, DuBois Beach, Esker Point Beach, and enjoy a pleasing moderate climate coupled with awesome coastal vistas. Add in some great local restaurants like Cucina Al Pantheon and the cute shops at Olde Mistick Village, and an awesome Connecticut holiday is never far away.

East Lyme

East Lyme is another stunning coastal community, just a short drive west of Mystic. Home to just under 19,000 residents, the town was founded in the 1830s, and with its historic allure and natural beauty, it is easy to see why it attracts visitors. Visit the historic villages of Flanders and Niantic and explore such preserved landmarks as the Morton Freeman Plant Hunting Lodge (1908), the Thomas Lee House (1660s), and the Smith Harris House (1845), amongst others listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Meanwhile, relaxation along the beach is never far away in East Lyme, and guests can unwind at a number of publicly accessible areas. These include McCook Point Park, Hole in the Wall Beach, and Rocky Neck State Park, among others. Soak up warm sunlight, cool Atlantic breezes, picturesque rocky shorelines, and soft sandy coasts, and let the charm of New England do its work. And with great seafood options like Flanders Fish Market and Skippers Seafood Restaurant, some of the best in Atlantic catches will surely satisfy guests.

Colebrook

A perfect destination for a quiet weekend getaway, Colebrook is a beautifully scenic community with its modern roots in the late 18^th century. With a modest population of just over 1,300, guests can appreciate Colebrook’s slower pace of life and charming, rustic ambiance. Spend time at the nearby Haystack Mountain Observation Tower (1929) and marvel at breathtaking 360-degree views, while the raw nature of the Algonquin State Forest is a most unique experience.

Here, intimate encounters with wildlife await, while activities like biking, hiking, and camping thrill across an area that covers almost 3,000 acres. And after all that adventure, finish the day with a genuine American-style meal at great local eateries like the Norbrook Farm Brewery.

Old Saybrook

Home to a modest population of just over 10,500, residents will surely tell any guest that time spent in Old Saybrook is an experience filled with scenic and historic delights. Beautifully situated along the Connecticut River and settled in the 1630s, the natural beauty of this community joins with its special old-world charm to create an ambiance that will have all ages dazzled. Spend time at Harveys Beach, where boating, fishing, and swimming are always popular, and where shining white sands make it ideal to simply unwind and relax. Then head on over to the downtown area, where a welcoming array of local shops, restaurants, and theatres dot the landscape. These include the Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center, built in 1910, and later renamed to honor the iconic American actress.

And as a historic town, there are plenty of fascinating landmarks to visit and get a glimpse into Old Saybrook’s past. These include the Black Horse Tavern (1712), the James Pharmacy (1820), and the Samuel Eliot House (1737), amongst many others listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Plus, the imposing Saybrook Breakwater Lighthouse (1886), which stands at some 48 feet tall! Here, wonderful photos await, giving guests the sense of yesterday in a modern and charming Connecticut town.

Also known as the “Constitution State,” Connecticut is an undeniable gem of the New England region in the northeastern United States. From stunning coastal geography to fascinating colonial history, Connecticut is a worthy place to spend one’s next vacation, either with family or as a solo traveller. Here, plenty of charm and intrigue await, even outside of the major cities of Hartford and Stamford. The smaller towns, sometimes considered “off the map,” are also worthy of a first-hand discovery, giving visitors a unique look into another side of the state. Enjoy the historic character of Guilford and Cornwall, while the special beaches of Mystic and Old Saybrook create the perfect combo of relaxation and learning. So delay no more and choose Connecticut for one’s next American holiday, and see why the “Constitution State” and its smaller towns are some of the prettiest and most welcoming places in all of New England!