The Most Delightful Small Towns to Discover in Every State

44. Essex, Connecticut

Often described as a "storybook village," Essex, Connecticut, is a historic seaport town brimming with charm and attractions. Strolling down Main Street, you'll encounter beautifully restored homes once belonging to sea captains, alongside an array of galleries and boutique shops. One of the town's highlights is the Connecticut River Museum, housed in an 1878 steamboat warehouse—the only one of its kind still on the river. For a unique experience, you can take a delightful steam-train-to-riverboat ride.

Exploring Essex on foot is the best way to soak in its quaint atmosphere. History buffs will be intrigued to learn that Essex was one of the few American towns attacked by a foreign power during the War of 1812. Each year, on the second Saturday in May, the town commemorates the "Burning of the Ships" with a parade featuring ancient fife and drum corps and a steamboat ceremony. True to tradition, this event remains unpublicized, adding to its unique local charm.