The Main Streets of America are often the best places for shopping, dining, and discovering the arts. Connecticut is no exception! Take some time out this weekend to visit, or revisit, some of these great Main Streets and fall in love with the charming towns that surround them. Whether you’re bringing the whole family along or planning a romantic date, these are the perfect places to be. Check them out!

  1. Ridgefield

Maggie Deegan/Flickr Not only is this Main Street historic, but it transforms into a beautiful and romantic place for a holiday stroll. It truly is picture perfect all year round!

  1. Middletown

Joe Mabel/Flickr One of the more modern locales, this Main Street is perfect for shopaholics looking to find some unique gifts.

  1. Old Saybrook

Jay McAnally The quintessential New England center, this Main Street is the center of life in the town, attracting folks of all ages with its endless activities.

  1. Essex

Joe Mabel/Flickr Folks flock to this center in the summer season, in part because this Main Street is oceanfront, offering gorgeous views of the harbor.

  1. New Canaan

Terretta/Flickr This place has an older look with a young feel. It’s a great place to go for dinner and an evening walk around the block.

  1. Niantic

dmcoxe/Flickr This is a hidden gem! The stores blend right into the homes, so you’ll have to walk around and explore to really discover what this place has to offer.

  1. Hartford

Chez Julius Livre 1/Flickr You can’t go to the capital and not stop by Main Street! The Wadsworth Anthenuem Museum of Art is here, along with a number of restaurants.

  1. Westport

caboose_rodeo/Flickr Talk about a shopping district! If you’re looking for high-end finds and unique one of a kind places, this is the perfect place to find them!

  1. New Milford

Jerry Dougherty/Wikimedia This historic downtown is the ideal place for young families to spend an afternoon. Pack a picnic and enjoy the window shopping!

  1. Danbury

Daniel Case/Wikimedia The tall century old style buildings of this Main Street make you feel transported to a different era without having to sacrifice any conveniences.

  1. Darien

Doug Kerr/Flickr Another high end option, this gold coast locale has everything you could ever want- or imagine.

  1. New Britain

Sage Ross/Wikimedia Besides the low-key dining options, this place is cool because it has made very few changes over the years. Old postcards reveal the awesome truth that this place is stuck in time.

Have you been to all of these Main Streets before? Tell us which one is your favorite! If you’re looking to explore more of Connecticut’s quaint and quiet side, try checking out these charming small towns. They are irresistible!

Maggie Deegan/Flickr

Not only is this Main Street historic, but it transforms into a beautiful and romantic place for a holiday stroll. It truly is picture perfect all year round!

Joe Mabel/Flickr

One of the more modern locales, this Main Street is perfect for shopaholics looking to find some unique gifts.

Jay McAnally

The quintessential New England center, this Main Street is the center of life in the town, attracting folks of all ages with its endless activities.

Folks flock to this center in the summer season, in part because this Main Street is oceanfront, offering gorgeous views of the harbor.

Terretta/Flickr

This place has an older look with a young feel. It’s a great place to go for dinner and an evening walk around the block.

dmcoxe/Flickr

This is a hidden gem! The stores blend right into the homes, so you’ll have to walk around and explore to really discover what this place has to offer.

Chez Julius Livre 1/Flickr

You can’t go to the capital and not stop by Main Street! The Wadsworth Anthenuem Museum of Art is here, along with a number of restaurants.

caboose_rodeo/Flickr

Talk about a shopping district! If you’re looking for high-end finds and unique one of a kind places, this is the perfect place to find them!

Jerry Dougherty/Wikimedia

This historic downtown is the ideal place for young families to spend an afternoon. Pack a picnic and enjoy the window shopping!

Daniel Case/Wikimedia

The tall century old style buildings of this Main Street make you feel transported to a different era without having to sacrifice any conveniences.

Doug Kerr/Flickr

Another high end option, this gold coast locale has everything you could ever want- or imagine.

Sage Ross/Wikimedia

Besides the low-key dining options, this place is cool because it has made very few changes over the years. Old postcards reveal the awesome truth that this place is stuck in time.

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