Top 10 Weekend Trips In Connecticut, The USA

weekend getaways from connecticut
Tenissa
Tenissa 
Published
| 4 min read

Made up of small towns and coastal cities, no wonder Connecticut makes an excellent destination for a vacation. The U.S. state is perhaps most well-known for being the home to one of the most reputable universities in the world, Yale University. The university, no doubt, attracts plenty of tourists from everywhere in the country as well as outside the country. But, there is more to Connecticut than just Yale University. The best way to explore Connecticut is by taking weekend trips continuously. Each weekend you should visit a new destination. Keep reading to learn more about the top weekend trips in Connecticut, the USA.

1. Chester

Gillette Castle 05
Source: Photo by Flickr user Joe Mabel used under CC BY-SA 2.0

The first destination on the list is a small town that is a part of Middlesex County called Chester. Chester is known for its tourism spots that guarantee memorable retreats in the middle of nature. Pattaconk Recreation Area that boasts a stunning lake is the first place to visit as soon as you enter Chester. Enjoy swimming in the water or just get a tan on the sand. Then, you can visit another attraction called Cockaponset State Forest. Here, you can get lost in the forest and forget everything else in your life. You can also enjoy activities such as fishing and hiking. Finally, be sure to stop by Gillette Castle State Park that features a Medieval mansion that resembles a castle.

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2. Essex

Essex CT - harbor from foot of Main Street 01
Source: Photo by Flickr user Joe Mabel used under CC BY-SA 2.0

Still in Middlesex County, your next destination should be Essex, which takes approximately nine minutes from Chester if you drive all the way without stopping anywhere. You can explore the three villages that make up the whole Essex, namely Essex Village, Centerbrook, and Ivoryton. Then, you can visit some attractions separately. To enjoy the view of the water and observe the diverse wildlife, you should stop by South Cove. Then, make a stop at Connecticut River Museum to gain insight into the maritime heritage and marine environment of the area. Do not forget to visit the Pratt House Museum to witness one of the oldest buildings in Connecticut.

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3. Greenwich

Greenwich, CT
Source: Photo by Flickr user Paul Sableman used under CC BY 2.0

You can now move on from Essex and just keep it in your memories because you have a new destination to explore, which is Greenwich. To get to Greenwich from Essex, you need to drive for approximately one hour and thirty minutes. You will also enter another county if you decide to visit Greenwich and that is called Fairfield County. Kensico Dam Plaza is among the top attractions here. You can first pay respect to the victims of 911 as you are seeing the memorial. After, enjoy a scenic picnic. Then, visit Mianus River State Park for outdoor activities like biking, hiking and fishing.

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4. Hartford

Connecticut State Capitol, Hartford (cropped)
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user jglazer75 used under CC BY 2.0

Drive for another one and a half hours and you will reach the capital of Connecticut, Hartford. If you are a huge fan of literary works, the name Mark Twain is not a stranger to your ears. Everyone who visits Hartford should make a stop at Mark Twain House & Museum, the place in which the author spent his life and produced tremendous works. It is also worth it to visit the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art and peruse the art pieces produced by the American artists from the 19th and 20th centuries. Be sure to stop by the early 20th century Bushnell Park Carousel for a merry-go-round.

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5. Litchfield

Litchfield, CT 33
Source: Photo by Flickr user Joe Mabel used under CC BY-SA 2.0

Not far from Hartford, if you drive for about 45 minutes, you will get to Litchfield, a small town nestled in Litchfield County. You can see numerous residential communities that are claimed to be among the most beautiful in the USA. In addition, some of the most notable attractions in Litchfield include Railroad Museum - New England that lets you indulge in a collection of old train displays, and White Memorial Conservation Center that lets you enjoy camping, marvel at a beautiful lake and reconnect with nature in a peaceful setting.

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6. Westport

Saugatuck River, Westport
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user WestportWiki used under CC BY-SA 3.0

If you drive south from Litchfield, in approximately one hour you will reach Westport. The town is renowned for its astonishing beaches, along with other nature-related attractions. Feel like paradise when you get to Long Island Sound. Be amazed by the blue water while you are spending time boating and fishing. Relax and recharge at Calf Pasture beach that also makes a nice place for fishing. The lush greenery at Sherwood Island will bring joy to your mind, soul and eyes.

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7. Kent

Housatonic River, Kent CT
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user John Phelan used under CC BY-SA 3.0

From Westport, it would be nice to drive to Kent as it takes only one hour to enter the small town. Just like many other destinations in Connecticut, Kent is also a splendid nature getaway. Kent Falls State Park is not to be missed because this place boasts the dramatic views of waterfalls and lets you enjoy a scenic trip. Then, enjoy camping at Lake Waramaug, where you will be surrounded by the beauty of the lake and lush landscape like a garden and a park.

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8. New Haven

Front Street in New Haven CT
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Iracaz used under CC BY-SA 3.0

If you have seen many small towns before, now you should stop and see a coastal city named New Haven, that takes approximately one hour and seventeen minutes if you drive from Kent. As briefly mentioned above, New Haven is where you can see Yale University, from its art galleries to its book library, everything that belongs to the university must be explored. Once satisfied, visit East Rock Park, a heavenly haven where you can hike and enjoy a picnic accompanied by marvelous views of nature.

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9. Madison

Madison, Connecticut
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Léo Schmitt used under CC BY-SA 4.0

It would be difficult to leave New Haven, but since there is so much to explore in Connecticut, it would be best to move on to Madison, a town that is situated only 22 minutes away from New Haven. Boasting the shoreline of Long Island Sound, Madison’s most worthy attractions are Hammonasset Beach State Park that is known for its boardwalk and beach, and Jacobs beach for another amazing beach retreat.

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10. Cornwall

West Cornwall, CT - 02
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Joe Mabel used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Last but not least is Cornwall, which is as far apart as one and a half hours from Madison. Indulge in outdoor activities such as fly fishing and hiking at Housatonic Meadows State Park. If you still crave for more outdoor adventure, go to Mohawk State Forest for hiking and scenic views.

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Plan an unforgettable weekend trip in Connecticut

Now that you have read through the article, you can see how Connecticut is filled with a lot of destinations that guarantee fantastic trips during the weekend. What are you waiting for? It is time to start planning your weekend trips. Enjoy Connecticut and create happy memories!

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Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
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Tenissa is a content writer, translator and editor. She enjoys being a globetrotter and has traveled to many countries around the world. So far, her favourite destination is Switzerland. She looks...Read more

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