In the picturesque Hills of Northwest Connecticut, Torrington has a vibrant central business district sprinkled with some striking buildings for a town of just over 35,000. The countryside around Torrington, especially west in the Litchfield Hills, is nothing short of idyllic, and is even better from the patio of one of the area’s wineries. For …
In the lower Naugatuck Valley, Shelton is an amiable riverside town that has been reborn since the 1980s. From the 1860s until recently Shelton relied on heavy industry, the remnants of which survive in giant brick-built factories, some now luxury condos. A patch of the waterfront has been cleared and turned into the Veterans Memorial …
A manufacturing town once known for its cutlery and silverware, Wallingford has moved into high-tech industries in the last 25 years. For you and me Wallingford’s appeal comes from its abundant nature and rural businesses. There are two award-winning vineyards, as well as a cider mill and a beloved farm stand. Spectacular natural landforms dot …
Resting on the west bank of the Connecticut River and dating back to 1650, Middletown is a mid-sized college city with a manufacturing and shipping past. Middletown’s life is mostly concentrated on the tree-lined Main Street. One block in from the river this artery is traced by restaurants, bars and coffee shops. Downtown Middletown is …
Dating right back to 1639, Stratford is a town on Long Island Sound bounded to the east by the final reach of the Housatonic River. At the Housatonic’s mouth, and around the coast, you can lie back on public beaches. One of my favorite places to watch the sun go down is right here, on …
The city of West Haven is a lovable shore community where New Haven Harbor meets Long Island Sound. Now a summer beach destination, this place was previously known for shipping and manufacturing, as well as a historic amusement park that closed down in 1966. At West Haven’s lovely historic green you’re only a few miles …
A working town between New Haven and Hartford, Meriden was an important manufacturing center in the 19th and early 20th century. The city was most famous for its silver and cutlery, but also produced glassware, guns, musical instruments and kitchen appliances. Many worldwide icons of industrial design from this time were conceived right here. There’s …
This maritime town on the east bank of the Thames River is home to the United States Navy’s primary East Coast submarine base. A big chunk of Groton’s population is employed either at the base or at General Dynamics Electric Boat, the navy’s main submarine builder. So I reckon it’s no shock that Groton should …
Even to the uninitiated, Hamden is a name that may already ring a bell. This northern suburb of New Haven often ranks highly on lists of America’s most liveable towns. I’m smitten with the sense of community in Hamden, which you’ll witness at Town Center Park. It’s an idyllic venue for farmers’ markets, free concerts, …
By Long Island Sound, along the lower reaches of the Saugatuck River lies one of the richest towns of its size in the United States. Westport has an artistic pedigree and the sort of sophisticated downtown that I would never expect from a town of just 27,000. Actor Paul Newman moved to Westport in the …