[RoundTableKnight]

We hear about how downtown Hartford, Stamford & New Haven have a lot to offer in their downtowns. Bars, restaurants, nightlife, theater, concerts, etc. Enough amenities to get residents living in other towns to come to their town. In your opinion/ experience which of CT's towns have exceptional downtowns ? An example I can give is Wallingford. A friend of mine recently moved a stone's throw away from Center/N. Main Streets where the area is filled with bars and restaurants. The few times I've visited it seemed like most places we stopped in were busy and had karaoke, trivia, etc. Also seemed to have a smaller town charm & New England feel to it. Would love to hear other's opinions.

[RiskReturn]

West Hartford, Wallingford, Milford, New Milford, Middletown, Mystic/Stonington, Westport, Southington, Greenwich, New Canaan, Ridgefield come to mind right now.

Middletown, Wallingford, and Southington have nice downtowns that aren't mentioned often IMO.

[ryanthegoldengod]

West Hartford Center. Glastonbury Center on a quieter scale.

Many towns have no walkable downtowns to speak of. Either their stores and restaurants are spread out through town or you have something like Manchester or Enfield where it's completely car-centric and not very pedestrian friendly. Is it like that everywhere or is it just this state?

[RoundTableKnight]

Originally Posted by Sri

West Hartford, Wallingford, Milford, New Milford, Middletown, Mystic/Stonington, Westport, Southington come to mind right now.

Middletown, Wallingford, and Southington have nice downtowns that aren't mentioned often IMO.

I'm very high on Middletown & Southington's downtowns. Both seem to be highly walkable and the dining/bar options are plentiful. I'm assuming Wesleyan brings a lot of students to Middletown's downtown. Southington's Center St. seems to bring an active crowd due to their nightlife options and local shops.

I'm assuming Blue Back Square is considered West Hartford's downtown. There's stuff to do at every inch of that place. I like it but it is pricey. New Milford is smaller-ish but enough to have a vibrant downtown.

Mystic & Westport I don't know too much about so I really don't have any input. One day I'd like to check them out.

[BobNJ1960]

Milford surprises me on the list, and I live here.

A few decent restaurants, but I'd like more.

[RoundTableKnight]

Originally Posted by BobNJ1960

Milford surprises me on the list, and I live here.

A few decent restaurants, but I'd like more.

Milford I don't know too much about is it more a place with lots of bars, restaurants and entertainment spread out throughout or is a lot of it packed into a downtown ? This thread I'm mostly interested in the downtowns.

[kidyankee764]

I’d have to say Greenwich. Very few downtowns come close.

[Stylo]

Originally Posted by BobNJ1960

Milford surprises me on the list, and I live here.

A few decent restaurants, but I'd like more.

I agree. There’s a ton of unmet potential. I think you’ll see some development soon.

Aside from restaurant variety, it is one of the most beautiful with the harbor, duck ponds, green, waterfalls, antique homes, etc.

So it does have some of the best “bones” of any downtown.

There was an old thread on this same topic, but here’s my list of great downtowns:

Greenwich
New Canaan
Westport
Fairfield
Ridgefield
Milford
Branford
Madison
Guilford
Essex
Chester
Bethel
Litchfield
Mystic
Stonington Borough
West Hartford

[Stylo]

Originally Posted by CamonYallCTaintThatBad

Milford I don't know too much about is it more a place with lots of bars, restaurants and entertainment spread out throughout or is a lot of it packed into a downtown ? This thread I'm mostly interested in the downtowns.

Both. Milford has distinct areas. There are small walkable downtowns in Devon and Walnut Beach. There’s lots of commercial on Route 1. But the proper downtown is dense and walkable with restaurants and bars.

[Wilton2ParkAve]

Originally Posted by kidyankee764

I’d have to say Greenwich. Very few downtowns come close.

Overrated. Too touristy and as of late, chain store proliferation. For me a nice downtown is the absence of chains, ample parking and real community. Ridgefield, Fairfield, Wilton and Darien.