This Connecticut Spot Just Made the List of the Best New England Harbor Towns

According to Family Vacations US, which recently put together a list of the best harbor towns in New England for people who dream of life by the water, Connecticut has plenty to brag about. Mystic earned a spot on that list, and honestly, it’s hard to argue with the pick.

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Mystic is one of those towns where the water isn’t just nearby — it’s woven into daily life. Boats drift through the river, the drawbridge rises on schedule, and everything seems to move at a slightly calmer pace. Living here means the shoreline becomes part of your routine, whether that’s a morning walk by the harbor or a quick stop to watch boats pass through on your way home.

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The town strikes a nice balance between history and modern comfort. You feel the maritime roots everywhere, but it never feels stuck in the past. Shops are local and personal, food is a big deal, and even busy days still feel manageable. When summer crowds thin out, Mystic settles into a quieter, cozier version of itself that longtime residents appreciate most.

Housing ranges from classic New England homes to places with water views, and there’s always a bench, dock, or overlook where you can sit and let the day slow down. Mystic doesn’t try to impress — it just does its thing, and that’s exactly why it works.

For anyone looking for coastal living without leaving Connecticut, Family Vacations US made it clear: Mystic belongs in the conversation.

  • Newport, Rhode Island
  • Rockport, Massachusetts
  • Camden, Maine
  • Portsmouth, New Hampshire
  • Gloucester, Massachusetts
  • Kennebunkport, Maine
  • Rockland, Maine
  • New Bedford, Massachusetts
  • Provincetown, Massachusetts

The Forgotten Connecticut Inventions That Changed America

Connecticut has invented a lot more than submarines and insurance paperwork. The everyday stuff — the things you eat, toss, crank, or stash in a drawer — often traces right back to the Nutmeg State. Here’s a look at some fun, surprising, and downright essential items that were born in Connecticut.

Gallery Credit: Lou Milano

Top 10 Chain Restaurants with the Most Locations in Connecticut

The other day the boys and I were talking about KFC’s new “gravy flights,” and it got me wondering—do you know which fast-food chain has the most locations in Connecticut? None of us did, so I looked it up.

The top of the list is mostly what you’d expect, but there are a few surprises. Here’s a look at the Top 10 Chain Restaurants with the Most Locations in Connecticut according to Stacker

Gallery Credit: Lou Milano

Candlewood Lake’s Fall Magic: Stunning Photos of Connecticut’s Most Beautiful Season

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