One Of Connecticut's Charming Small Towns Is A Hidden Gem With Artsy Museums

Ridgefield is an adorable New England town that's home to art and history museums. Best of all, this underrated spot in Connecticut is only 60 miles outside New York City. Perhaps a day-trip is in order.

This cute town sits in southwestern Connecticut. The border of New York lies to the west. The Berkshire Mountains rise to the north, while Long Island Sound's coast is a quick drive to the south. Ridgefield is perfectly positioned. Its founders thought so, too. Twenty-four families moved inland from the coast to establish a new farming community in 1708. Ridgefield grew into a carriage-making town and then a summer vacation destination for people to escape the city. New Yorkers still flock here. They now come for its quaint Main Street, its historic sites, and its artsy vibe. Two state parks lure nature lovers too.

Given its location, it's easy to travel to Ridgefield. The drive north from New York City takes about an hour and a half. The closest airport, about 40 minutes away, is across the New York border in West Harrison. Its Westchester County Airport (HPN) receives nonstop flights from mostly east coast cities. For more flight options, you can fly into New York City's LaGuardia Airport (LGA). You can also ride the train from Grand Central Terminal. Metro-North's Danbury Branch stops in Branchville, a district in Ridgefield. If you don't catch a peak train, you'll have to transfer in South Norwalk.

There are two museums that draw people to Ridgefield. The first one is the Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum on Main Street. The museum was founded by Larry Aldrich, a fashion designer whose love of art inspired him to create one of the first contemporary art museums in the country. The museum was originally in the "Old Hundred," a Ridgefield building that dates back to 1783. Its current location is a modern, award-winning building. The museum has constantly changing exhibits, since it doesn't have a permanent collection. Current exhibits include art by Uman, Zak Prekop, and Nickola Pottinger. Its outdoor sculpture garden, full of indigenous plants, is equally impressive.

In addition to Aldrich, you can see more artwork at D. Colabella Fine Art Gallery and the Ridgefield Guild of Artists. The former is a contemporary art gallery, while the latter is a nonprofit that hosts art classes and exhibits, artists-in-residence programs, and an annual Art Walk. You should also visit the Ridgefield Playhouse, a recently renovated performing arts center that draws well-known musical artists.

The second museum focuses on Ridgefield's history. Keeler Tavern Museum and History Center is a farmhouse that was turned into a tavern in 1772. The four-acre campus is home to the museum, with items from as early as the 18th-century, a Visitor Center, walled gardens, and a carriage barn. This fascinating site is on the National Register of Historic Places.

After visiting Ridgefield's museums, you should stroll down Main Street to check out its restaurants and shops. Tazza Cafe and Queen B Coffee Company will quell your coffee craving. Bailey's Backyard serves locally-sourced, seasonal dishes, while Olley Court is a boutique with gorgeous home goods.

Head to one of Ridgefield's state parks to walk off your lunch. Seth Low Pierrepont State Park is a reserve that a wealthy former diplomat donated to Connecticut when he died in 1956. Its 305 acres border Lake Naraneka, a popular fishing spot. The state park has a boat launch and five color-coded hiking trails that wind through the forest. Two of them lead to scenic viewpoints. Bennett's Pond State Park's 460 acres were originally the home of a rich businessman. It now has six trails that lead to stone remnants, including a fire tower, foundations, and walls.

Since this part of Connecticut is full of hidden gems, you should explore more of the area while here. Washington is the east coast town that inspired "Gilmore Girls" Stars Hollow. It's a quick drive north of Ridgefield. Redding, the scenic small town in Connecticut that's known as the "Vermont within 60 miles of NYC," sits just to the east. Westport, one of the underrated American cities you need to add to your bucket list, is an easy stop on your way back to the city, If you want to return at all.