[Stylo]

Originally Posted by Danny K

Collinsville is not even a town. It's an area part of Canton. However, the center of Collinsville has a few good shops but I wouldn't say its that special.

I'd agree but it's aesthetically pretty cool and unique. Almost reminds me of older towns out West.

[SteveM85]

Originally Posted by ct1615

Isn't that most downtowns now a days? A few places like New Canaan and Wesport have several chain stores but most have maybe two or three local shops/boutiques that are still in business followed by some restaurants and then the local chain pizza place, a subway, a dunkin, and maybe if your in luck a coffee/tea shop.

Fairfield, Westport, Darien and New Canaan are for all intents and purposes these days glorified outdoor malls. Nice still, don't get me wrong, but glorified sugarcoated outdoor malls, make no mistake.
I like Sono's maritime features and character which stand out as a little different. There are no Abercrombies or Chicos.

Downtowns and centers are the heart, soul and passion of CT. People go ballistic over them.

[Stylo]

Originally Posted by ct1615

I like the chester downtown, it's like a mini version of New Hope, PA but it's definitely more for a couple than a family with kids.

Hmm, I always see families there when we visit (and lots of dogs). Hitting restaurants/shops and Honeycone.

[Stylo]

Originally Posted by ct1615

Isn't that most downtowns now a days? A few places like New Canaan and Wesport have several chain stores but most have maybe two or three local shops/boutiques that are still in business followed by some restaurants and then the local chain pizza place, a subway, a dunkin, and maybe if your in luck a coffee/tea shop.

No, I don't think so. Most of my favorite downtowns have no/few chains. You won't find a chain in Milford, Guilford, Essex, Chester, Stonington Borough, Litchfield, Bethel, etc. All local.

One I'd add to this thread that maybe hasn't been mentioned is Westville in New Haven. It has the appearance/charm of a small town downtown and has had an increasingly great mix of businesses open. With a rustic view of West Rock.

[MikefromCT]

Originally Posted by Danny K

Collinsville is not even a town. It's an area part of Canton. However, the center of Collinsville has a few good shops but I wouldn't say its that special.

The town hosts special events in downtown Collinsville, and that area comes alive. In October, they host a large Halloween party where they close the streets to cars and hundreds of pedestrians roam the downtown area. Kids get dressed up in costumes (as do some adults) while their parents grab beer from the bar at LaSalle Market and walk around outside and enjoy the camaraderie. Then in December you have the Champagne Walk right before Christmas where downtown is lit up. For a small area, it's a nice little treat. The commercial district is small I agree, but that's just part of the area's downtown charm. They have many recreational activities, and IMO that's where much of the appeal lies. There's a canoe and kayak rental shop where you can paddle on the river, or you can rent a bicycle and ride the rail trail.

Originally Posted by Stylo

I'd agree but it's aesthetically pretty cool and unique. Almost reminds me of older towns out West.

I could see that. It also reminds me of one of the small downtowns you see in Cape Cod like in Orleans or Wellfleet (where the CC Rail Trail bisects these towns.)

Originally Posted by Stylo

One I'd add to this thread that maybe hasn't been mentioned is Westville in New Haven. It has the appearance of a small town downtown and has had an increasingly great mix of businesses open.

Westville is great. IMO it's similar to Park Road in West Hartford: a suburban area on the outskirts of a city with its own separate Main Street, so it feels like a mini city. Westville has lots of cool little spots that I enjoy visiting (Pistachio, Camacho Garage, Westville General Store, etc.) and the residential streets are filled with big, beautiful old homes. I have a few friends who live there and they love it. Westville actually used to be a separate municipality until it was annexed by New Haven. I believe the Amity neighborhood also was, but I'm not positive about that.

[East of the River]

I don't think it's the best downtown but I will again throw out Manchester for the really good downtown. There are two breweries within walking distance (Urban Lodge and Labyrinth). There are also two ice cream shops multiple pizza places and restaurants (more opening this year). As well as a higher end restaurant with Auroa. There are antique, jewelry, hardware store and gift shops, You even have Firestone art cafe for something more to do.

[JayCT]

Originally Posted by East of the River

I don't think it's the best downtown but I will again throw out Manchester for the really good downtown. There are two breweries within walking distance (Urban Lodge and Labyrinth). There are also two ice cream shops multiple pizza places and restaurants (more opening this year). As well as a higher end restaurant with Auroa. There are antique, jewelry, hardware store and gift shops, You even have Firestone art cafe for something more to do.

Mulberry Street Pizza in Manchester is great. Worth a trip.

[reslinal]

How is Simsbury’s downtown? I have never visited but heard some good things about it, yet did not see it mentioned here.

[JayCT]

Originally Posted by reslinal

How is Simsbury’s downtown? I have never visited but heard some good things about it, yet did not see it mentioned here.

It’s small. It has a small walkable section but the quickly changes to the typical suburban strip centers. I don’t think it’s worth a special trip.

[UrbanQuest]

Loved New Canaan, Westport and Greenwich. Would like to see Madison, Essex and Wallingford.