I'm a big advocate for visiting the Nutmeg State's large cities. A day trip to Hartford or New Haven offers up a wealth of possibilities - after all, the large size means there's a large variety of restaurants and attractions, too. However, there's also something to be said for all the charming small towns in Connecticut. Our state is filled with little towns and villages that may not be nationally-known, but are totally worthy of a visit. We've put together a small town road trip in Connecticut that's a perfect adventure - check it out:

In all, this small-town road trip in Connecticut will take just over three hours of driving, though, of course, you'll want to add in extra time to explore each of the stops.

You can check out the full itinerary at Google Maps. This is a great trip for a three or four-day weekend adventure.

1. Putnam

We'll start our journey off in the Quiet Corner with a visit to the lovely Putnam, CT. This town of 7,200 residents has tons of great locally-owned shops and cafes that are perfect for keeping your dollars local. Fans of antique shopping won't want to miss a visit to the four-story Antiques Marketplace, home to more than 300 vendors. Wonderland Comics is a great comic book and pop culture shop that's home to all kinds of nerdy toys. There are so many great restaurants here that we can't even name them all, but you'll find everything from coffee shops to fine dining in Putnam. This is a charming downtown area that's perfect for a day spent strolling through shops.

2. Mystic

Mystic, CT is my favorite small town in Connecticut - it's such a charming little village. Despite a population of barely over 4,400, this waterfront gem has tons of fun amenities. The Mystic Aquarium is considered one of the top aquariums in the entire nation, and the Mystic Seaport Museum is a wonderful living history museum that documents the importance of the maritime industry in Connecticut history. Love shopping? Olde Mystick Village is an adorable collection of shops set up like a colonial marketplace. The little town got its name on the national stage thanks to the cult classic film Mystic Pizza, which jump-started the careers of Julia Roberts and Matt Damon. You can still visit the real-life Mystic Pizza for a slice of 'za today.

3. Niantic

One cool fact about Niantic, CT is that it's the only village in Connecticut with a Main Street that runs right along the Long Island Sound. This little village of 3,500 is in East Lyme and really has something for everyone. The Niantic Children's Museum is one of the top museums for kids in New England, and you'll find tons of restaurants and shops along the town's one-mile boardwalk. Oswegatchie Hills Nature Preserve is a nature preserve offering up wooded views of the Niantic River, but you'll also find several nearby beaches if you prefer sandy scenery.

4. Essex

Essex, CT is such a neat place that it's been recognized as one of the coolest small towns in America. This little town of 6,800 people is the quintessential New England small town, with historic inns, a quaint downtown area, and a bustling town green. Those who want to try something unique will love exploring the Connecticut River Valley on the Essex Steam Train and Riverboat.

5. Kent

No matter the season, Kent is the perfect small town to visit, thanks largely in part to Kent Falls State Park. The falls that give the park its name are the tallest in Connecticut. Even if you're not a fan of outdoor activities, you'll find lots to enjoy in Kent. The town is also home to the Kent Falls Brewing Company, one of the top breweries in Connecticut, and the charming Eric Sloane Museum, which focuses on antique hand tools.

Doesn't this small town road trip in Connecticut look like so much fun? Before hitting the highway, check out our Road Trip Essentials packing list to make sure you stay safe and sound on your travels.