The Register Citizen (Torrington, CT)
5 cute towns to visit this summer
Connecticut is not only known for its pizza but for its towns around the shoreline and Colonial-era villages. In the summer, there’s no better way to pass the time than at local creameries, beaches and parks.
Mystic
Mystic is home of the only beluga whales in New England at Mystic Aquarium, as well as the home of Mystic Pizza, a pizza shop featured in the 1988 Julia Roberts film of the same name, where visitors can still grab a slice today.
This summer, visitors can also take a stroll at the Olde Mistick Village outdoor shopping mall, local shops where you can find local honey, handmade soaps and more.
While some people shop, others might be paddle boarding, kayaking or biking with Adventure Mystic or taking guided tours where you can drive your own boat and explore the town with Mystic Boat Adventures.
The charming seaside village is home to some of Connecticut’s best restaurants. Check out The Standard, home to Abbott’s Outpost, a yearround seafood sibling to Abbott’s Lobster in the Rough and Costello’s Clam Shack in Noank, with a menu featuring highlights from each.
Madison
Madison was part of Guilford and known as East Guilford until 1826, when it was named Madison for President James Madison. Madison is only 15 miles east of the pizza capital in New England and a great place to grab some lobster rolls.
Madison is a great place to enjoy the sea breeze and the outdoors at Hammonasset Beach State Park. The park includes a nature center, large campground, which has more than 500 units, and beach activities like swimming, picnicking, hiking and fishing.
Before heading to Hammonasset Beach State Park, you might want to grab a book from R.J. Julia Booksellers, where Netflix filmed “The Noel Diary” starring Justin Hartley from “This is Us” in May 2021.
Greenwich
Less than an hour’s train ride from New York City, Greenwich is the perfect getaway from city life.
Greenwich has city feel, with Greenwich Avenue featuring stores like Saks Fifth Avenue, Vineyard Vines and Todd Snyder, which opened in November.
For the nature lovers, there is the Audubon Center, which is home to seven nature sanctuaries that total 686 acres of diverse habitat, according to the center’s website.
Some might want to take a stroll at Bruce Park and make some food using the grills provided. Others can visit the Flinn Gallery or Cavalier Galleries, which have locations in Nantucket, Mass.; Palm Beach, Fla.; and New York, N.Y.
Litchfield
Located 50 minutes east of Hartford and 80 minutes northeast of Stamford, Litchfield is full of unique activities and attractions that set it apart.
Be sure to pack a camera when hiking, bicycling or walking around Topsmead State Forest, “where there’s a butterfly garden that is in full bloom all season,” Mohawk State Forest and Mount Tom State Park. The West Cornwall covered bridge, 12 miles northeast of Litchfield, is a great place to take a stroll.
What’s better than ice cream on a summer day? You might want to visit Arethusa Farm, which has locations in Litchfield, West Hartford, Bantam and New Haven, for some ice cream, milk or a grilled cheese, or visit Peaches ‘n Cream ice cream parlor and grab an ice cream cone or sorbet.
Westport
“Westport’s unique character can be traced to the town’s roots in the Native American tribes who frequented the area, the five original ‘Bankside Farmers’ who settled what is now known as Green’s Farms in 1648,” the town’s website says.
Westport is located just 50 miles outside of New York City and its downtown area gives you a little taste of the city. Downtown Westport is around the Saugatuck River and has restaurants with view of the river, such as Bartaco. The area is great to go shopping at stores like Lululemon, Tiffany’s and J. Crew.
Feeling artsy? MoCA Westport is the town’s contemporary art museum with visual and performing arts programs. The town also expresses art in a different way with the Westport Country Playhouse, where you can watch a play.
Before hitting the downtown area, you can go sailing, kayaking, stand- up paddleboarding, fishing and surfing at Compo Beach or Old Mill Beach and Sherwood Island State Park.