9 Stress-Free Connecticut Towns For A Weekend Retreat
When life’s daily frenzy gets a little too much, a prompt escape to calming sanctuaries greatly contributes to one’s emotional well-being. Connecticut, one of the six New England states situated between the favored hotspots of Boston and New York City in the nation’s northeastern corner, is brimming with winsome towns radiating peacefulness. Spotlighting entrancing sun-kissed sand beaches, the flowing Connecticut River, foliage-covered hills, and town squares ringed by copious retro buildings, the innumerable small communities dotting the Constitution State are stress-free retreats where breathtaking landscapes and warm-hearted townspeople hog all the limelight. So, what are you all waiting for? Pack your bags and embark on a journey to these teeny towns where everyday stress completely melts away.
Washington
In the Litchfield Hills region, Washington is a paradisal rustic town in Litchfield County, perfect for an idyllic sojourn. With its picturesque countryside featuring gentle rolling hills, open arable lands, numerous well-maintained classic residences, and spirited community life, this 3,646-inhabitant town exudes a quintessential New England feel. The crystal-clear waters of the 656-acre Lake Waramaug provide outdoor enthusiasts with ample opportunities for fishing, swimming, canoeing, camping, and picnicking.
Nature lovers would not want to miss a tour of the Hollister House Garden, a hillside retreat where dramatic hedges and vibrant floral arrangements open onto stunning vistas of the surrounding landscape. At The Institute For American Indian Studies Museum, acquire knowledge about the heritage and culture of Native American peoples through myriad artifacts, and unwind after a busy day of exploration at the Mayflower Inn & Spa.
Old Saybrook
A quaint Middlesex County settlement located at the meeting of the Connecticut River and Long Island Sound, Old Saybrook is one of the Nutmeg State’s oldest towns. Boasting beautiful waterfront views and coveted family-friendly public beaches like Harveys Beach, well-known for its serene waters, white sands, and a variety of amenities, Old Saybrook’s seaside allure and relaxed vibes make it a fitting locale for a blissful reprieve.
Weekenders get to shop for one-of-a-kind gifts from Main Street’s prominent home goods store, Driftwood of Old Saybrook: Unique Gifts & Home Décor; witness an excellent repertoire of music, theater, dance, opera, and children’s programs at Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center; and rest comfortably in the renovated guest rooms of Super 8 by Wyndham Old Saybrook.
Litchfield
Originally called Bantam township and later retitled for the English city of Litchfield, this quondam government seat of Litchfield County, sits southwest of the County’s most populous municipality, Torrington. Seamlessly blending marvelous natural settings, lots of conscientiously maintained architectural treasures, and a relaxed lifestyle, Litchfield presents an amicable realm for a refreshing vacation.
At the White Memorial Foundation & Conservation Center, inspect the 40 miles of trails crisscrossing the distinctive habitats and the many wall-to-wall exhibits in the Nature Museum, educating all age groups about the area’s natural history. The 947-acre Bantam Lake offers abundant water sports facilities, bird watching opportunities, public beaches, and campgrounds; while the multiple gift shops like Hope and Honey Gift & Bookshop, the modern American cuisine serving West Street Grill restaurant, and the Litchfield Inn housed in a plush Colonial-style building, are must-stops when on a tour of the town.
Westport
An attractive coastal community in Lower Fairfield County, Westport is set at the Saugatuck River’s mouth next to the Long Island Sound, approximately 50 miles northeast of the Big Apple. This sought-after holiday destination lures vacationers with the squeaky-clean Compo Beach, a chill-out space with a handicap-accessible boardwalk, sweeping sandy shoreline, wooden playground, and grassy areas for picnics.
Outdoorsy types should tour the nature center and engage in fishing, bird watching, picnicking, and saltwater swimming activities at the Sherwood Island State Park. Watch concerts and cutting-edge plays in the placid settings of the Westport Country Playhouse, besides enjoying a restful slumber at The Inn at Longshore.
Madison
Named as a tribute to the 4th US President James Madison, this appealing waterside town in the South Central Connecticut Planning Region occupies the kernel of the state’s Long Island Sound shoreline. Travelers visiting Madison get to spend quality time at Hammonasset Beach State Park, admiring its two-mile-long sandy stretch, the Meigs Point Nature Center, and a sizable campground.
Additionally, check out the continually updated book collections and monthly art exhibits at the E. C. Scranton Memorial Library, taste authentic Mexican cuisine in Comomango Mexican Kitchen and Cantina, and spend the night at the Madison Beach Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton.
Kent
Wonderfully amalgamating history with contemporaneity, Kent is a well-liked town placed along the state frontier with New York in Litchfield County, nearly 26 miles north of Danbury. This 3,019-resident community’s star attraction is the extraordinary cascades and gentle trekking paths in the 307-acre Kent Falls State Park.
Scan the vintage collections and the American landscape painter Eric Sloane’s studio at the Eric Sloane Museum; savor eclectic American fare at Kingsley Tavern; attend the yearly ‘Parade of Lights’ as part of the Kent Holiday Fest in early December, and make yourself at home in The Kent Collection I The Firefly Inn.
Putnam
Initially christened Aspinock and retitled as a homage to the Revolutionary War General Israel Putnam, this charming town sits by the Quinebaug River in northeastern Connecticut’s Windham County. Formerly an active mill town, Putnam has, over time, transformed into a lively artistic community. Leisurely stroll through the streets of downtown, taking note of the artworks by local visual artists at Silver Circle Gallery, browsing unique antique stores like Antiques Marketplace, and gorging on New American cuisine at 85 Main.
For nonchalant walks by the eastern shores of the Quinebaug River, access the 2.5-mile-long multi-purpose Putnam River Trail that ends on Providence Street at Miller Park, spectate plays produced by a regional performing arts company at The Bradley Playhouse, and have a good night’s sleep at Comfort Inn & Suites - Dayville, just a short drive from Putnam.
Chester
Chester, a pleasant town in Middlesex County of south-central Connecticut, is renowned for its captivating scenery, aside from its impressive heritage and state-of-the-art amenities. Excursionists visiting Chester between April 1 and November 30 can enjoy a delightful ride aboard the Chester-Hadlyme Ferry, Connecticut’s second-oldest perpetually running ferry service, ferrying passengers from Chester to Hadlyme’s Gillette Castle State Park. Stop by the town's small Chakana Sky Alpacas farm and learn more about the alpacas, their history, and buy warm alpaca clothing, yarn, and novel gifts from the Farm Store.
Sample top-quality craft beers in the welcoming Little House Brewing Company, visit the Norma Terris Theatre, the second stage of Goodspeed Musicals, where cutting-edge musicals are developed and presented, and book your stay at the refurbished The Millhouse Downtown Chester.
Essex
This 6,733-habitant Middlesex County town, adjacent to the Connecticut River, paints a utopian picture of a coastal New England haven. Every holidaymaker dropping in at Essex must take a memorable 2.5-hour journey on board the Essex Steam Train & Riverboat into the heart of the pristine Connecticut River Valley.
History fanatics need to set foot in the three-story Connecticut River Museum in a restored steamboat warehouse, where the huge collection of maritime-related artifacts, nautical artworks, and navigation equipment tells tales about the rich seafaring traditions of the Connecticut River Valley. For year-round golf entertainment, go directly to the Essex Indoor Golf Center and experience its six simulator bays, digital 3-D graphics, and mini-golf fantasy courses. At the end of the day, drift off into a deep slumber at The Griswold Inn.
From seafaring settlements like Old Saybrook and Madison by the Long Island Sound to the rural towns of Kent and Washington in the Litchfield Hills region, the tranquil Connecticut towns are the best antidote to mundane routines. Drawing every out-of-towner’s attention with their personalized assortment of untouched beauty, cultural highlights, and rejuvenation amenities, each Constitution State destination guarantees a laid-back lifestyle and adequate serenity. Whether you are gaga for quiet beaches, want to wander the walkable downtown streets lined by exclusive shops and restaurants, be a participant in outdoor recreations and seasonal festivities, or express pleasure at the open-hearted reception of the affable townsfolk, these nine Connecticut towns have everything that is required for a recharging weekend escape.
