9 Connecticut Small Towns With Unmatched Friendliness
Connecticut doesn't get much credit for hospitality. But in Kent, the tavern keeper is a born-and-bred local who'll catch you up on town news while you eat. At the Niantic farmers market, growers hand you samples and talk your ear off about their crops. In Stonington, you'll end up in the locals' conversation over a bowl of clam chowder whether you planned to or not. These nine towns have the waterfalls and the submarine museum too, but the people are the reason to go.
Mystic
With its population of approximately 4,480, very few towns are this small but filled with as much to do as Mystic, Connecticut. Let's begin with Mystic's fabulous Mystic Aquarium: Opened in 1973, it has been beguiling visitors since then with its Beluga whales and sea lions, as well as sting rays, sharks, and more marine creatures than your imagination can conceive. Be sure to get tickets to their fabulous Penguin Encounter, an opportunity you won't want to miss. There's also Mystic Seaport Museum, boasting wooden ships from bygone eras of whaling. If checking out the boats makes you want to go to sea yourself, grab a seat on a Sail Away Argia cruise and enjoy Mystic's shoreline up close. Mystic village itself is crammed with shop after shop enticing you with clothing, ice cream, souvenirs, and all kinds of cuisine. And if art is on your mind, then a visit to the Mystic Museum of Art is a must. Be sure to stop into The Captain Daniel Packer Inn on Water Street - dating back to 1756, you'll never forgive yourself if you don't take a big bite of their famous Hot Buttered Lobster Roll and wash it down with a Mason Island Iced Tea.
Stonington
Although it is close to Mystic, Connecticut, Stonington cultivates a very different identity. Yankee Magazine once named Stonington one of the "Top 10 Prettiest Coastal Towns in New England," an honor it did not bestow on its popular neighbor. Another fun fact is that Stonington is the only Connecticut town facing the Atlantic Ocean: Fishers Island and Long Island, New York, can be seen to the southwest, and Block Island, Rhode Island, to the southeast. To that end, if you unpack your swimsuit and head to Stonington's DuBois Beach, located at the southernmost tip of Water Street at Stonington Point, you will find this vista, a perfect place to relax after any pressures you may have accrued while traveling. Once well rested, it's time to explore the town itself, and a good place to visit is Roberto Freitas American Antiques Gallery, with its large inventory of 18th- and 19th-century American furniture. If you'd rather get out into the wilderness, proceed to Dodge Paddock/Beal Preserve with its beautiful view of Little Narragansett Bay. By now, you deserve a treat, and for that, there's Breakwater Restaurant, where you can enjoy a bowl of New England clam chowder as you join in the locals' conversations around you.
Niantic
Take a detour off of I95 and visit this charming and classic New England "seaside village" perched on Niantic Bay. Be sure to check out their Farmers Market, where home-grown crops and baked goods are on display most of the year, and the local farmers are only too happy to talk about their produce and allow you to sample and, of course, buy. In the mood for a beach day, no problem: Make your way to McCook Point Park, which, in addition to its two beautiful beaches, also provides outdoor showers, restrooms, a playground, a pavilion, and picnic tables - everything you'll need for a glorious day in the sun as you relax and chat with your neighbors. If a child is in tow, Niantic's Children's Museum is so much fun that you may be tempted to take a friend's child if you don't have your own! For sheer entertainment, there is the Niantic Bay Playhouse, where you can catch some amazing shows. Then, when hunger strikes after a wonderful day exploring all that Niantic has to offer, head to Castello of Niantic and treat yourself to some Crescent Beach Calamari - you may never want to leave.
Groton
If you were ever curious about getting up close and personal with submarines in a New England small town, here's your chance: Groton, Connecticut, settled between the Thames River and Long Island Sound, is known as the Submarine Capital of the World and has a strong military heritage. Visit the Submarine Force Library and Museum, and let their friendly, knowledgeable guides help you tour the USS Nautilus, the world's first nuclear-powered ship and the first vessel to reach the North Pole. While you're at it - and remembering this is the sesquicentennial of the United States - consider taking a side trip to Fort Griswold Battlefield State Park, the site of the largest Revolutionary War battle in Connecticut, and see if you can't insinuate yourself into their battle reenactment this year. If beaches have an allure, feel free to relax with the waves at Esker Point Beach and then, once you've had your fill of sun and sand, spread out a picnic blanket at Washington Park and watch the sun set on the lovely day you've just had in Groton.
Old Lyme
Old Lyme has an interesting, albeit convoluted, history, but suffice it to say that in 1857 its borders and name were officially established. Today, Old Lyme is a thriving coastal town with a busy town center featuring shops, restaurants, a library, and Town Hall. Soundview Beach, America's first public beach, is open daily and a good place to get some sun and cool off in the waves. If you have more energy and hiking interests, Old Lyme has 20 public trails, including Bartholomew Open Space for an easygoing walk, or you can opt for slightly more difficult terrain at Goberis Chadwick Preserve. You might also consider checking out the self-guided Walking Tour of Lyme Street and learn all the fascinating back stories of this historic area. And finally, after your wonderful day at the beach, on the trails, and in the center of town, treat yourself to a sesame-ginger salad at Old Lyme Inn, home to The Side Door Jazz Club: a perfect way to end your day as you sip your Old Lyme Old Fashioned and listen to some great tunes.
Kent
Located in the picturesque northwest corner of Litchfield County, Connecticut, Kent is a gem of a small and friendly New England town. Most of its businesses are locally owned, and you are welcome to explore downtown to get a feel for the pulse of this village, incorporated in 1739. Put on your hiking boots and find your way to the top of the cascading waterfalls at Kent Falls State Park: 51 miles of the Appalachian Trail run through Connecticut, including through this bucolic town, and they're all yours to enjoy. While you're on the trail, detour over to Kent's famous covered Bulls Bridge: built in 1842, it's still in use, and the surrounding area - replete with waterfalls and gorges - is well worth a visit. Back in town, check out Connecticut Antique Machinery Museum and, if the timing's right, their Tractor Pull & Mineral Show. By now, you're looking for something refreshing, so stop into Kingsley Tavern on North Main Street to enjoy a Mint Limeade as you indulge in their Strawberry Rhubarb Salad. You may even get to hear the latest town news from the proprietor, Anna Gowan, who knows just how to appeal to her patrons since she is a born-and-bred Kent native herself.
Litchfield
Having originally derived its name from its British counterpart, Lichfield, today this small Connecticut town is home to a vibrant community, steeped in history but thoroughly modern in its approach to welcoming visitors. While you're there, take a trip to the White Memorial Conservation Center, home to its Nature Museum and 40 miles of trails through bucolic surroundings. If you prefer an indoor setting, visit the Litchfield History Museum to learn about the past, which is ever-present in this town, which is over three centuries old. Another recommended stop is Litchfield Distillery, where free tastings of some fabulous artisanal liquors are offered. For a taste of something more substantial, it's practically mandatory that you visit Arethusa Farm, where, as its website proudly states, it's "local, seasonal, inspired." Executive Chef Dan Magill invites you to taste this exceptional cuisine, and he just might stop by your table to make sure you're enjoying every bite.
Norwich
If you were paying attention to the introduction, you probably noticed the inclusion of the word "spa" - and in Norwich, Connecticut, you have found one of the best: The Spa at Norwich Inn. Here is where you'll not only be pampered within this gorgeous inn, but you'll be enveloped in good cheer and greeted at every treatment like a long-lost acquaintance who just has to stay a while. The Spa is home to Kensington's Restaurant with its modern take on delicious locally sourced cuisine, and is also just a stone's throw from not only one famous hotel and casino - Mohegan Sun - but Foxwoods, as well. However, if you crave more than spa treatments and casinos, there's always a visit to the Leffingwell House Museum, circa 1675, which evolved from a two-room home to a tavern to an elegant townhouse. While there, walk over to the Joseph Carpenter Silversmith Shop and get a view of how this town appeared back in 1772. This is truly a special town in a very unique location - take the time to visit and relax.
Noank
Named as a historic district on the National Register of Historic Places, this small town enjoys a reputation as the home of numerous seaside lobster shacks and flourishing oyster aquaculture operations, which is why your first stop should be to Noank Oysters, members of the Noank Aquaculture Cooperative: The staff will be only too happy to clue you in on this eco-friendly (and tasty) industry. Noank is located on a small peninsula where the Mystic River empties into Fishers Island Sound, so next navigate over to Main Street Dock and Beach, where you can see the sights and get further acclimated. Then head to Sylvan Street Museum, which is housed in Noank's 1902 Grace Episcopal Church. Their archives are worth a visit, so prepare to stay a while. Notable, as well, is Noank Community Garden, six acres of pastoral greenspace. Now it may be time to take a bystander's advice and head to the popular restaurant, Haring's, and indulge in their classic Shore Dinner with Courtney's Cheddar-Bay biscuit and, best of all, be privy to the latest town news from the Noank patrons who gather there.
With the attraction of unmatched friendliness waiting for you in these towns, it would be hard for you to resist a visit, so why even try? Each one simply wants you to turn off your car engine, pull up a chair, and stay a while.
