This quaint town is nestled on the banks of the Quinebaug River in the northeast corner of the state. Putnam is renowned for its antique market, boasting several shops offering unique items. Recently, the town has been reinventing itself with an “Arts & Al Fresco” motif, featuring small boutiques, theaters, and art galleries. In addition to its vibrant arts and culture scene, Putnam offers several outdoor recreation options, including the Putnam River Trail. This two-mile trail winds through woodlands, parks, the antique shopping district, and near the mills. The pet-friendly trail is perfect

Watertown is home to a diverse range of businesses, from farming and agriculture to retail and manufacturing. This vibrant community offers an array of services, dining options, and outdoor recreation. Black Rock State Park invites visitors to enjoy swimming, hiking, camping, fishing, and scenic views, all nestled within rolling hills and enriched by local Native American legend. Hike along the scenic Mattatuck Trail, which stretches from Waterbury to Morris with beautiful views of the Naugatuck Valley. Unwind at the breathtaking Hawk Ridge Winery, a family-owned vineyard since 2012, where you

This modern residential town is steeped in New England history. Originally founded as a farming community, Wilton has transformed over the decades into a suburban haven with 18,000 residents. Its rural charm includes winding back roads, streams, ponds, woods, and rolling hills. Wilton is home to Weir Farm, the only national historic site in Connecticut and part of the U.S. National Park Service. Spanning 60 acres across Wilton and Ridgefield, Weir Farm celebrates the visual arts and was once the residence of impressionist artist Julian Alden Weir. The beautifully preserved historic home and

Nestled in the Litchfield Hills, Torrington exudes historic New England charm and offers diverse options for shopping, dining, and recreation. Downtown serves as a vibrant cultural hub, featuring the Warner Theatre, Nutmeg Conservatory, and numerous art galleries. Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy Torrington's parks, offering hiking, biking, fishing, and picnicking. Burr Pond State Park provides swimming, a boat launch, and picnic shelters, while Paugnut State Forest spans 1,702 acres across northern Torrington, connecting Burr Pond and Sunny Brook State Parks. For arts lovers, the Warner Theatre

Trumbull is a lively, welcoming town that captures the charm of New England while offering all the perks of a vibrant community. With over 1,400 acres of beautiful parks, Trumbull invites you to explore — from the fascinating mineral history of Old Mine Park to the scenic Pequonnock River Trail, perfect for a countryside bike ride. Just a quick 5-mile drive from Long Island Sound, you’re minutes from beaches and seaside dining. For families, Trumbull brims with fun attractions, including Escapology Escape Rooms, Kidz Klub, and Sky Zone.

This suburban town is conveniently located just 30 minutes from the shoreline to the south and Hartford to the north. Covering nearly 50 square miles, Colchester is rich with state parks and beautiful farmlands. The Salmon River State Forest offers ample opportunities for hiking, hunting, fishing, and picnicking. Colchester is also home to Comstock Bridge, one of Connecticut’s last three remaining covered bridges, which connects East Hampton to Colchester while spanning the Salmon River. After a day of adventure, unwind at Priam Vineyards, where you can enjoy wine tastings, picnics, and summer

This 13.5-square-mile town offers both small-town tranquility and easy access to I-95, I-91, and I-84. Just 14 miles from Hartford and 28 miles from New Haven, it’s perfectly positioned for city escapes or outdoor adventures. Discover River Highlands State Park, a scenic gem overlooking the Connecticut River, where visitors can hike, camp, and birdwatch amid stunning natural surroundings.

Waterbury, known as the "Brass City," offers a vibrant blend of historic architecture with a classic New England twist. The city has transformed to meet the needs of residents and visitors alike, featuring centralized shopping centers, family-owned restaurants, and unique activities. At the Brass Mill Shopping Center, you can catch a movie or explore a variety of shops. For a more hands-on experience, head to Fascia’s Chocolates, a family-owned chocolate factory where you can enjoy a “full chocolate experience,” including a tour, tasting, and the chance to create your own chocolate bar. Or

Known as the “Home of the Covered Bridge,” this peaceful northwest Connecticut town boasts the historic West Cornwall Covered Bridge, still in service today. Nestled along the Housatonic River, it offers abundant outdoor adventures, from river rafting and canoeing to fly fishing. Mohawk Mountain Ski Area, the largest in the state, features 25 trails and 7 lifts across 330 acres. Nearby, Mohawk State Forest invites visitors to hike its rugged hills, immersing them in the beauty of this protected wildlife sanctuary. For information on what to do an see in Cronwall visit explorecornwallct.com .

Just west of New Haven, Orange offers the perfect small-town feel with close proximity to a bustling city. This town remained a simple farming community until the 1940s, when postwar residential construction began. Field View Farm, one of the oldest farms in the country, has operated here since 1639—visit to explore the farmlands and enjoy some homemade ice cream. The PEZ Candy factory, located in town, has been making candy with collectible dispensers for over 50 years. The factory also offers tours, where you can watch the candy-making process and take home a sweet treat!