28-02-2025
This CT town has one of the best small town art scenes, per USA Today. Here's why
Love art? Consider taking a trip to a small town in Connecticut.
USA TODAY 10BEST Readers' Choice Awards recently released its art award rankings, and the art scene of one Connecticut destination ranked among the best in the country.
The annual 10BEST awards highlight the best in travel, food and lifestyle, and winners are chosen by a public voting poll after being nominated by industry experts. In the 2025 best of art awards, ranking various art attractions across the United States, Old Lyme ranked second for best small town art scene.
Here's what to know about art in Old Lyme.
Connecticut's historic town of Old Lyme is home to the Old Lyme Arts District, an inviting art district filled with arts organizations and small businesses like art galleries, craft supply stores, live music venues and cultural organizations.
The district is home to the prestigious Lyme Academy of Fine Arts, as well as many art museums which house American art pieces from the colonial period through today, including the Lyme Art Association and FloGris Museum.
While Old Lyme offers a vibrant art scene all year-long, USA Today recommends visiting for the annual Midsummer Festival, a celebration of art, music and classic cars held in July.
CT small towns: This popular spot was named the most charming small town in CT by HGTV. See where
Here is the full list of USA Today's 10 small towns with the best art scene:
Vermillion, South Dakota
Old Lyme, Connecticut
Saugatuck, Michigan
Orange Beach, Alabama
Tubac, Arizona
Lucas, Kansas
Saratoga Springs, New York
Abingdon, Virginia
McCook, Nebraska
Stowe, Vermont
This article originally appeared on The Bulletin: This CT small town has the second best arts scene in U.S. Here's where
