9 Most Beautiful College Towns In Connecticut
Because of how they often brim with academic prestige, dynamic culture, and youthful energy, college towns are fantastic places to visit or live in. Connecticut, which boasts highly rated higher education institutions and the second-best public school systems in the country, is honeycombed with small, charming towns that are home to beautiful college campuses, some of which define the culture and atmosphere of their host towns. Aside from New Haven, discover below the 9 most beautiful college towns in Connecticut.
Middletown
At the risk of evoking New Haven's jealousy, Wesleyan University in Middletown has one of the most beautiful campuses in the United States. Middletown is a small city in central Connecticut, whose Main Street was voted “One of the Most Romantic” by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, making it an unforgettable spot to explore with a special other. Wesleyan University spans over 300 acres and features a prominent display of Greek Revival architecture. Many buildings on the campus, including the beautiful Olin Library, were designed by legendary architecture firm McKim, Mead, and White, the creators of the Brooklyn Museum, among other triumphs.
After taking a tour of the world-renowned university, just up the hill from Main Street, you can jump on an excursion along the Connecticut River, or turn back the wheels of time at General Mansfield House, which serves as the headquarters of the Middlesex County Historical Society. Just don't miss Kidcity Children's Museum, especially if tagging your little angels along. It is a unique place with several interesting rooms, including a mini theater with costumes, a camera, and buttons to control the lighting, a mini market, a post office, and a kitchen.
New London
New London has tons of fun things to offer, aside from a beautiful, coastal arboretum campus at Mitchell College with a commanding view of Long Island Sound. New London boasts a colorful, walkable downtown with public art and lots of eye-catching murals, including the Wyland Whaling Wall Mural, one of 100 in the world and the only one in Connecticut. It is the handiwork of internationally renowned marine life artist Robert Wyland, hailed a "Marine Michelangelo" by USA Today and recognized for his art and conservation efforts by the United Nations.
Although a bit of a hidden gem, Sarge's Comics & Games is an absolute banger, especially for its great selection of back issues, toys, books, and several other random knick-knacks. Garde Arts Center is on the same street and is an incredibly beautiful building with a clean, intimate space to enjoy a movie. After walking down along the pier for fresh air, find your way to the historic Fort Trumbull State Park, a cool old fort with nice views of the river and some interesting informational plaques.
Hamden
Hamden is a picturesque town that is home to Quinnipiac University’s beautiful Mount Carmel Campus, which boasts attentively maintained lawns, an iconic clock tower, a charming quad, and welcoming architecture. And the town, with its delightful mix of scenic landscapes, is no less of a tantalizer. If you’re in Hamden, Sleeping Giant State Park is typically the starting point. With a ridge that resembles a giant lying down, hence the name, this park offers several trails to explore, including the Tower Trail, which leads to the cloud-grazing Sleeping Giant Observation Tower. The tower sits atop the highest point in the park and provides panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
If you are in the area around the park and feel like you need a filling meal, MiKro Depot is a perfect hideaway with an outside railroad-style patio that connects to a trail. It should be a perfect stop after exploring the trails in the area, and before checking out the nicely maintained Pardee Rose Gardens, an intimate space with scented smells and heartwarming views.
Storrs
You will want to catch a glimpse of the University of Connecticut campus in Storrs, which is loved for its tree-dotted scenery and eye-catching natural setting. The campus doubles up as a vibrant cultural space, with three museums, including the unmissable William Benton Museum of Art, Connecticut’s State art museum. It is an excellent university museum with a fine collection of American art from the 19th and 20th centuries. Jorgensen Center for the Performing Arts, one of five theatres in the college, has a great sound system, comfortable seating, and fantastic performances.
Pass by the swoon-worthy Eagleville Preserve, a relaxing place with lovely trails and lots of flying birds, including bald eagles, blue herons, and swans. It is also one of the best places to kayak. As for food, Dog Lane Café serves several good vegetarian and vegan options, including some killer smoothies.
Willimantic
Willimantic hosts the historic Eastern Connecticut State University, founded in 1889 and the third-oldest public university in the state. The university is the Alma mater of celebrated Nigerian writer Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, whose most famous works include "Purple Hibiscus" and "Half of a Yellow Sun." It also has a nice art gallery that displays an annual Senior Art Exhibition.
Keep in mind that Willimantic was once home to the American Thread Company, at the time the largest thread manufacturer in the world. This gives the area a unique industrial and Victorian charm, reflected in the town’s culture, architecture, and community events. Frog Bridge, a symbol of Willimantic’s quirky character, is typically the starting point. The gold-eyed beauty of the four frogs is unique and unforgettable. Next in line should be the Willimantic Textile & History Museum, a cool place to see beautiful locally made quilts and learn interesting stuff about the history of the mills in the area. Willimantic Brewing Company serves hearty American fare in a 1909 post office building, including some of the best nachos in the entire area.
West Haven
West Haven is a small but vibrant college town that boasts the longest stretch of publicly accessible shoreline in Connecticut. It hosts the University of New Haven, a prestigious private institution with a history that dates back to the 1920s. The main campus is set atop a hill with views of the New Haven skyline—an inherently scenic location. Its charm and residential atmosphere blend beautifully with the character of West Haven, especially with the scenic and peaceful panoramas of Long Island Sound.
Vacationers shouldn't miss the Sandy Point Beach & Bird Sanctuary, one of the best beaches to visit in New England. Not just that, Sandy Point is also one of the state's foremost locations to observe rare shorebirds and has been designated an “Important Bird Area” by Audubon Connecticut. Louis Lunch, a family-run establishment since the 1890s, was recognized by the Library of Congress as the Birthplace of the Hamburger Sandwich. A meal here should pave the way for an hour at Savin Rock Park, where a beautiful boardwalk and a magical sunset will be waiting.
Fairfield
Fairfield is a cool college town to consider for moving to or visiting, especially because it is just about an hour from downtown New York City. Fairfield is home to the prestigious Fairfield University, a private Jesuit institution with a picturesque campus that was founded in 1942.
There are several cool spots to check out in town, including the iconic Burr Mansion, whose guest list includes names like George Washington, Samuel Adams, John Adams, John Hancock, and Aaron Burr. There is Penfield Beach as well, if you want to enjoy sandy comforts and yummy waterfront views. Finally, check out Fairfield University Art Museum, a small but awesome space with a decent number of mind-rousing exhibits.
Groton
The University of Connecticut at Avery Point, a regional campus of UConn, is situated in Groton, overlooking Long Island Sound. Established in 1967, the university is home to the National Institute for Undersea Vehicle Technology. The town is neat and has an element of rustic charm, especially with the scenic Thames River flowing on its western flanks.
Visit the historic Fort Griswold, and if possible, climb the monument for panoramic views of the fort and the surrounding areas. After this, learn about the world's first nuclear-powered submarine at the Submarine Force Museum and Library, a U.S. Navy-run submarine museum with interesting exhibits on submarine history. Finally, Puffins Restaurant is right on the Thames River, meaning you can sit outside and enjoy a hearty meal with beautiful views of the river.
East Hartford
East Hartford is home to Goodwin University, a private university founded in 1962 as the Data Institute Business School. Situated along the Connecticut River, Goodwin University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education and has reached an impressive series of milestones, including the creation of one of Connecticut’s leading nursing programs. Cabela's East Hartford, a New England first, is both an educational and entertainment attraction. Whether you are going fishing, hiking, or just chilling in your backyard, you will find a vast array of rods, bows, and firearms to choose from.
Meanwhile, Pratt & Whitney Hangar Museum keeps a diverse range of aircraft engine designs produced by Pratt & Whitney, and it will be an exciting stop on your visit. For a front-row seat at New England’s longest river, spend some time at the aptly named Great River Park, a peaceful space with lighted walkways, a boat launch, and well-maintained walking paths.
The Takeaway
Each college town in Connecticut, although different in one aspect or another, knows how to strut its stuff. Some boast artsy downtowns splashed with murals, others rustic scenery with heart-warming waterfront views, while some go all out on food and entertainment. In these towns, you will find downtown areas with several photo-op corners, stuff to make you wonder if you have stumbled onto a movie set.
