Connecticut

6 Most Scenic Small Towns in Connecticut

Published

2 years ago

May 3, 2024

6 Most Scenic Small Towns in Connecticut

Connecticut may be a small state, but there is a ton of stunning natural scenery. From rivers and lakes to mountains and stretches of forests, Connecticut is brimming with natural beauty. One of the best places to enjoy the serenity that nature in Connecticut offers is in the state’s small towns. In small towns such as Kent, you can enjoy rugged, beautiful landscapes with waterfalls while immersed in local history. In Essex, you can see a town so charming it inspired the hometown in the television show Gilmore Girls. From historic buildings to a walk on the riverside, the small towns in Connecticut are undeniably scenic destinations. Here, we will explore the top six scenic small towns in the Green State.

Kent

Winding road through a golden forest on a sunny autumn day. Kent, CT.

Kent is a quiet town with a population of under 3,000. However, despite its small size, Kent is a scenic place. Being near two state parks, the town is full of ruggedly beautiful scenery. Some of the state’s best waterfalls are at Kent Falls State Park. Here, you can see waterfalls and covered bridges and explore miles of trails. Kent is also near Macedonia Brook State Park and the East Kent Hamlet Land Trust. These are both great places to enjoy a stroll through amazing natural scenery. Besides the natural scenery, Kent has some interesting history to explore. Visit the Kent Historical Society to learn more about the town’s history. Eric Sloane Museum is another historic site where visitors can see the artist’s work. The historic site contains his collection of early American tools, his artworks, his pioneer cabin, and the remains of the Kent Iron Furnace. This is significant since they are some of the first ironworks in the state.

Chester

Another scenic Connecticut town that attracted artists is Chester. Built in the hills on the side of the Connecticut River, Chester is a mix of forests, rivers, and historic sites. Near the town, there are wonderful natural sites to enjoy, including Cockaponset State Forest and the Selden Neck State Park. Both spots are great places to enjoy hiking, cycling, or camping. One of the must-visit attractions in town is Gillette Castle State Park. The medieval-style castle in the park is a stunning architectural attraction. There are trails to enjoy and amazing picnic spots to enjoy some lunch. For a unique experience, take the Chester-Hadlyme Ferry to reach the castle. Here, you will get a stunning view of the castle from the water. Another historic building to enjoy in Chester is the Goodspeed Opera House. The venue dates back to 1877 and is a great place to enjoy a local show today.

Essex

Just ten minutes outside Chester is another scenic Connecticut town, Essex. The cute town is recognizable as the location that may have inspired the famous Stars Hollow town in Gilmore Girls. Stepping into Essex is like stepping into the past. The town has an enduring historic charm, with old farmhouses from the Revolutionary War and other historic buildings. The First Baptist Church of Essex is a popular spot to visit. It is one of three Egyptian Revival churches built in the entire United States. Those looking for an old-timey feel should pay a visit to the Essex Steam Train. The original 19th-century railway locomotive gives a nostalgic tour of the area. Learn more about the history of the area by visiting the Connecticut River Museum. Here, enjoy the lovely view of the water and learn about Native American history, the river, and the local ecosystem. You can also appreciate the riverfront views in Essex by walking on the harbor. There are some nice photo opportunities at the harbor next to the cute little Essex Reef Lighthouse.

Chaplin

Chaplin is a quaint town with a population of under 2,500 residents. The town is a close-knit community with lovely historic buildings and natural places. Two notable places to visit in town are the Chaplin Historic District and Witter House. The Georgian architecture in these spots is from the 19th century and is something to admire. These are also great spots to learn more about the town’s history. One of the most scenic aspects of Chaplin is the rural nature of the town. There are many forested areas to explore. Some of the most popular include Diana’s Pool and James L. Goodwin Forest.

Cornwall

Those going to Connecticut for the mountains should pay a visit to Cornwall. The town has a hidden gem, one of the last covered bridges in the state. The West Cornwall Covered Bridge is 172 feet long and 15 feet wide and is on the National Register of Historic Places. Beyond the bridge, people come to Cornwall to experience the area’s green scenery. Full of mountains and forests, Cornwall is a hiker’s haven. A popular hike to do in town is the Pine Knob Loop Trail. Located in Housatonic Meadows State Park and Housatonic State Forest, the short hike is challenging, with rewarding mountain views. The Housatonic River has a section that runs through Cornwall. Paddling, fishing, and hiking are popular activities around the river.

Madison

Another town with stunning outdoor scenery in Connecticut is Madison. Madison is a beachside town near Long Island Sound. There is plenty to do in town to enjoy the scenery, including fishing, surfing, hiking, and picnicking. The Shoreline Greenway Trail is a popular place to enjoy a walk with shoreside views. Madison is near plenty of beaches, including Hammonasset Beach State Park, Surf Club Beach, East Wharf, and West Wharf. To explore and learn about nature in town, check out Meigs Point Nature Center. Those who are more interested in staying inside can still enjoy the town. The downtown has several cute shops to explore, including boutiques, bookshops, and restaurants. Movie lovers should check out the Madison Art Cinema. The local theater dates back to 1912 and is independently run. The interior of the theater is uniquely designed with a stunning color scheme of aquamarine, antique gold, and a tone of red.

Ultimately, these six small towns are some of the most scenic in Connecticut. Many of the towns have a mix of stunning natural scenery and unique historic architecture to admire. While all these towns have beautiful natural scenery, they are all quite different. Some of the towns, such as Cornwall, showcase the mighty Connecticut mountains. Others, such as Madison, show the relaxed, beachy environment the state can have. Chester, on the other hand, is a balance of natural beauty and architectural marvel. Overall, these towns all offer a unique experience of the state.

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Connecticut

Iranian Yale scholar in Connecticut celebrates fall of regime, calls for free elections

Published

10 hours ago

March 2, 2026

Press Room

Iranian Yale scholar in Connecticut celebrates fall of regime, calls for free elections

HARTFORD, Conn. (WFSB) – Thousands of Connecticut families with ties to Iran are watching and waiting as their home country undergoes a historic change.

Among them is Ramin Ahmadi, a Yale doctor, human rights activist and founder of the Iran Human Rights Documentation Center. He has spent decades advocating for freedom in Iran from his home in Connecticut.

Ahmadi moved to the United States when he was 18. On Saturday morning, he learned of military strikes in Iran and the death of the country’s supreme leader.

Ahmadi said protests for democracy and human rights in Iran intensified in December, drawing millions of participants — including his own family and friends.

“The situation in Iran was a humanitarian emergency and it needed an intervention,” Ahmadi said.

He said he celebrated when he heard the news Saturday morning.

“I was celebrating along with all other Iranians inside and outside the country,” Ahmadi said. “I do regret that we cannot bring him to a trial for crimes that he has committed against humanity.”

Ahmadi said he spoke with his sister in Iran after she celebrated in the streets. She was later told to return home for her safety.

He shared a message she relayed from those around her.

“They said do not let our death be exploited because worse than that is having to live with the criminals who have done this to us for the rest of our lives,” Ahmadi said. “We do not want to do that.”

For those questioning whether the conflict was America’s to engage in, Ahmadi offered a direct response.

“We will all be affected,” he said. “And to those that tell you that the U.S. and Israel are beating the drums of war in Iran, one has to remind them that it was not like before this Iranian people were listening to Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 in D minor. We had a war already declared on us by this regime. We were being slaughtered on a daily basis.”

Ahmadi said he believes the path forward begins with young military officers forcing out what remains of the regime, followed by free elections.

“Everyone’s life will be safer in the future and not just Iranians,” Ahmadi said.

Connecticut lawmakers are also responding to the U.S. strikes on Iran.

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Connecticut

Two people shot in New Haven restaurant Saturday evening

Published

22 hours ago

March 1, 2026

Press Room

Two people shot in New Haven restaurant Saturday evening

New Haven police say two people were shot at a restaurant on Grand Avenue Saturday evening.

One of the victims was a 22-year-old male from East Haven who was shot in the leg and was transported to Yale New Haven Hospital for treatment.

According to police, the second victim was a 17-year-old male and arrived shortly after.

While on scene, police confirmed one of the possible shooters was still inside the restaurant.

According to police, the victims were both inside the restaurant when the teen was approached by Naguea Bratton and another suspect.

They say a fight occurred which resulted in both victims being shot.

Police detained Bratton who was charged with carrying a pistol without a permit, two counts of illegal possession of a high-capacity magazine and larceny of a motor vehicle.

Bratton is being held on a $200,000 bond.

Both victims have non-life-threatening injuries police say.

They say additional arrests are expected to be completed by warrant.

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Connecticut

27 Wrestlers Named State Open Wrestling Champions In Connecticut Over Weekend; Xavier Dominates Tournament

Published

1 day ago

March 1, 2026

Press Room

27 Wrestlers Named State Open Wrestling Champions In Connecticut Over Weekend; Xavier Dominates Tournament

Over the weekend, the two-day CIAC State Open wrestling championships took place at the Floyd Little Athletic Center in New Haven, Connecticut.

Twenty-seven wrestlers (14 boys, 13 girls) were named champions in their respective weight classes, displaying intense wrestling featuring the best wrestlers across the state.

Championship bouts started around 4:15 p.m. on Saturday and lasted about two hours.

Below are the results from both the boys’ and girls’ state open championships.

106 lbs.: Xavier’s Josh Perez def. Stafford’s John Bean 17-2 (technical fall)

113 lbs.: Ridgefield’s Cole Desiano def. Suffield/Windsor Locks’ Peter Annis 8-0 (decision)

120 lbs.: Xavier’s Zack Dixon def. Somers’ Will Acorsi 12-0 (majority decision)

126 lbs.: Windham’s Delmazio Despard def. Xavier’s Alexander Depratti 4-3 (decision)

132 lbs.: Fairfield Warde’s Jude Grammatico def. Xavier’s Zaphyr Musshorn 2-1 (decision)

138 lbs.: Ledyard’s Lukas Boxley def. Terryville’s Ethan Bochman Rodriguez (pin)

144 lbs.: Xavier’s Braylon Gonzalez def. Ridgefield’s John Carrozza 3-1 (decision)

150 lbs.: Bristol Central’s Alex Lamarre def. Middletown’s Isaiah McDaniel 1-0 (decision)

157 lbs.: Newtown’s Antonio Arguello def. Notre Dame-West Haven’s Riley Storozuk 8-4 (decision)

165 lbs.: Gilbert/Torrington/Wolcott def. Trumbull’s Hubert Szymko 2-0 (decision)

175 lbs.: Xavier’s Vincent Rivera def. Fairfield Prep’s Jack Lilly 14-10 (decision)

190 lbs.: Xavier’s Chase Catalano def. Fairfield Warde’s Dylan O’Brien 2-1 (decision)

215 lbs.: Lyme-Old Lyme’s Taiyo Gemme def. Staples’ Julian Rousseau (pin)

285 lbs.: Shelton’s Chase Galke def. Ellington’s Jacob Palermo 3-0 (decision)

100 lbs.: South Windsor’s Sophia Gordon def. West Haven’s Isha Khanna (pin)

107 lbs.: RHAM’s Brooke Heffernan def. New Milford’s Clara Reynolds 9-2 (decision)

114 lbs.: Branford’s Ava Gambardella def. Jonathan Law’s Selena Batres 6-0 (decision)

120 lbs.: Trumbull’s Jillian Blake def. Fairfield Warde’s Monica Flores Romero 17-1 (technical fall)

126 lbs.: Ellis Tech’s Adelina Tate def. Fairfield Ludlowe’s Ashlynn Cummings (pin)

132 lbs: Amity’s Eliana Selaris def. Daniel Hand’s Evely Lavigne (pin)

138 lbs.: Stratford’s Winner Tshibombi def. Greenwich’s Gaby Aliaga 22-8 (majority decision)

145 lbs.: Stratford’s Gabriella Kiely def. New Milford’s Josephina Piel (pin)

152 lbs: Bunnell’s Matilda Tote def. Shelton’s Ella Piccirillo (pin)

165 lbs: Trumbull ‘s Marangelie Teixeira def. New Britain’s Kaydence Atkinson (pin)

185 lbs.: Platt’s Kayli Morris def. Bristol Central’s Shyann Bryan (pin)

235 lbs.: Norwalk’s Jeily Euceda def. Maloney’s Arianna Bellamy (pin)

Xavier High School (Middletown, CT) has been the most dominant wrestling program in the state in recent memory. Once again, they stole the show in the state opens, winning its fifth-straight state open title.

The Falcons had seven wrestlers compete out of the 14 state open titles in the boys’ division and had five winners with two runner-ups. As a team, they totaled 218.5 points, which was 72 more points than any other team.

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