Washington, Connecticut, is one of those towns that provides a charming glimpse into New England village life as it might have been two centuries ago. The town itself is tiny, with a real community feel (cited by Amy Sherman-Palladino as the inspiration for her hit television show Gilmore Girls), and various specialty stores. Head to the Hickory Stick Bookshop for something unusual, the Gunn Historical Museum, or the Institute for American Indian Studies. The Mayflower Spa is an excellent place to spend a day relaxing, and the Hollister House Garden is a top-notch garden. The Hidden Valley Preserve has a variety of hiking trails for every level of experience and fitness and is well worth checking out.