Skip NYC And Head To This Connecticut Small Town For Old-Fashioned Eats, Traditional Italian Pizza, And An Artisan Bakery

If you're looking for a destination for a foodie's dream getaway, New York City is probably high on your list. It's one of the most famous food cities in the world, and NYC is teeming with excellent restaurants. But let's say you've been there, looking for something different, don't wish to spend quite as much, or all the above. Allow us to introduce your new favorite town: Kent, Connecticut. Just over two hours from NYC, Kent is one of the most foodie-friendly towns in the United States.

For a not-big, bustling city, it's jam-packed with excellent restaurants — frankly, it would be difficult to visit even a portion of them in just one weekend. Two of the best-known establishments are sister eateries: Ore Hill and Swyft. Both sit in the same beautiful, 18th-century farmhouse, but the former is a finer-dining experience, and the latter serves wood-fired pizza. Ore Hill is a seasonal, farm-to-table restaurant with a tasting menu — foie gras, quail, bluefin tuna, and golden beets — while Swyft straddles casual and elevated with Neapolitan-style pizzas and farm-fresh sides.

If you're looking for something beyond one of the best pizza places in Connecticut, Arethusa al Tavolo is another farm-to-table restaurant that makes its own dairy products and offers fresh vegetables, meats, and seafood. Kent is also known for Wilson's Bakery & Cafe by High Watch, where those enrolled in High Watch's recovery program hone their baking skills and customers enjoy the fruits of their labors: mouth-watering cakes, Danishes, buns, croissants, muffins, and more.

While Kent has plenty of travel-worthy restaurants, there's also a variety of more casual eateries. The Villager is a laid-back establishment with a diner-style menu, located in a cute house with sidewalk seating. Kingsley Tavern offers a more robust drink menu alongside thoughtful food options featuring local ingredients. At Fife 'n Drum, you can enjoy fine dining amid a lively atmosphere, often with live traditional Irish music. And don't sleep on Kent Falls Brewing, which boasts exceptional beer and offers a taproom set on a bucolic farm.

Those willing to drive an extra 10 minutes south to Gaylordsville may enjoy The Old Oak Tavern, which presents its own Connecticut charm. Likewise, The Owl Wine & Food Bar, located 20 minutes away in New Preston, allows patrons to sip from an expertly curated wine list while enjoying cheese and charcuterie, acorn squash fondue, panzanella, sliders, and tacos.

If you can time your visit accordingly, Kent boasts a "Restaurant Week" each spring, kicked off by the Sip & Savor event that brings local bars and restaurants together for a festival. Attendees can vote on best appetizer and best cocktail. In a town so rich in locally sourced fare, it's worth checking out the Kent Farmer's Market, which meets Friday afternoons from spring to fall. While you're in town, be sure to visit Kent's charming, local shops and the beautiful Kent Falls State Park.