The Scenic Small Town In Connecticut That's Known As The 'Vermont Within 60 Miles Of NYC'

What is it about Vermont that people are willing to make the almost six-hour drive from the Big Apple? A laid-back atmosphere, plenty of outdoor recreation in all four seasons, and the Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream Factory are just some of the many reasons people flock to the state. But if a six-hour drive is not in the cards for you, try somewhere a little closer with pretty much the same vibe in Redding, Connecticut. 

Winding country roads, plenty of open spaces, family-friendly activities, and a full calendar of events await visitors coming to scenic Redding for a getaway. Located just 60 miles from bustling New York City, you can reach Redding in an hour and a half for a weekend retreat. Here are just a few of the delights you'll find in this warm, welcoming community. 

Check out the historic Georgetown neighborhood in Redding for local shopping, restaurants, and the Redding Beer Co. See the former home of American writer and humorist, Mark Twain who spent his final years at his Stormfield estate. Look for free Concerts on the Green during the summer and listen to local musicians at Lyrics Coffeehouse. 

To learn more about local history, check out the Lonetown Farmhouse Museum, the one-room brick schoolhouse, the Umpawaug School House Museum, and Zalmon Read Barn, all maintained by the Redding Historical Society. Families will love New Pond Farm — an environmental education center where you can explore this small working farm with milking cows, dairy products, and an astronomy program.

If you're a culinary fan, many of Conneticut's foodie trails pass through Redding, including the Chocolate Trail, Beer Trail, and Signature Cocktail Trail and Pizza Capital Trail, which is being revamped in 2025.

Plan your visit to one of Redding's two state parks. Putnam Memorial State Park is the oldest public park in the state, offering a unique blend of outdoor recreation with Revolutionary War history. Often referred to as "Connecticut's Valley Forge," Putnam stood as the site of the Continental Army's winter encampment where 3,000 soldiers defended the Hudson River Valley between 1778 and 1799. Today, you can visit the museum as well as see the reconstructed log buildings and experience historic reenactments to learn more about this important part of our nation's bid for freedom. Hike the trails, fish for largemouth bass and bluegill in Putnam Park Pond, have a picnic, or camp out in these serene surroundings. 

When you enter C.P. Huntington State Park, you'll be greeted by life-like sculptures of bears and wolves created by Anna Hyatt Huntington, daughter-in-law of the railroad tycoon, Collis P. Huntington, along with ten miles of trails, five ponds, and a lake. The park is known for mountain biking, horseback riding, and cross-country skiing. Read more about why Connecticut is the best state for hiking. If you'd like to spend more time in Western Connecticut, here's a great east coast campground. If you'd like to see more 18th-century architecture in Connecticut, check out this story.