Connecticut in Movies and TV: Famous Filming Locations You Can Visit
About an hour northeast of New York City, the town of Litchfield embodies classic New England charm with its colonial architecture and rolling hills, making it a favorite backdrop for many films. Visitors can stroll the Litchfield Historic District, where well-preserved 18th and 19th-century buildings offer a glimpse into the past. This area stood in for small-town America in movies like “Funny Farm,” starring Chevy Chase. The walkable downtown with its antique shops and quaint cafes invites exploration year-round, but autumn here is especially magical when the fiery foliage frames the streets, just like in the films.
Traveling southeast for about 30 minutes from Hartford brings you to the picturesque village of Essex, situated on the Connecticut River. Essex’s waterfront and historic district have appeared in television series such as “The Stepford Wives.” In the summer months, visitors can take a riverboat cruise or wander the charming Main Street lined with colonial-era homes and boutique shops. The village’s timeless character captures that quintessential small-town feel that filmmakers seek when depicting idyllic American life, offering an immersive experience that makes you feel like part of the story.
About 90 minutes south of Hartford, Mystic Seaport is a living history museum that has doubled as a set for several maritime films and TV shows. Here, visitors can explore a recreated 19th-century seafaring village complete with historic ships docked along the waterfront. The Charles W. Morgan, America’s last wooden whaleship, offers guided tours that immerse you in the age of sail, a setting often used in period dramas. The maritime atmosphere is especially evocative on foggy mornings when the masts and rigging shimmer through the mist, creating a cinematic scene straight out of a classic film.
Just under two hours east of New Haven, the town of Goshen offers the rustic landscape that served as a filming site for the movie “Revolution,” a Revolutionary War drama. The Goshen Historic District features colonial stone houses and rolling pastures that transport visitors back in time. Hiking enthusiasts can take the Appalachian Trail sections nearby, which provide gentle to moderate hiking options through dense forests and open fields. Visiting in late spring or early fall reveals the landscape in its most vibrant colors, recalling the historical drama’s rugged authenticity.
In the southwestern corner of Connecticut, Greenwich is a sophisticated town less than an hour from Manhattan, known for its affluent neighborhoods and coastal vistas featured in numerous television shows. The Greenwich Point Park offers sweeping views of Long Island Sound and served as a filming location for the television series “All My Children.” Walking the shoreline trails or enjoying a sunset picnic here gives visitors a chance to experience the luxurious yet natural setting that has captured the attention of Hollywood. Early evening light casts golden hues on the water, perfect for reminiscing scenes from the screen.
About 40 minutes north of New Haven, the Yale University campus in New Haven itself has been a favored setting for films like “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.” The Gothic architecture of buildings such as Harkness Tower and Sterling Memorial Library creates a dramatic backdrop that filmmakers love. Visitors can take guided tours of the campus, marvel at the intricate stone carvings, and explore the Yale University Art Gallery, which holds works spanning centuries. Autumn is an ideal time to visit, as the campus cloaked in fall colors enhances the cinematic feel of this intellectual and architectural treasure.
Heading northeast from Hartford for about 50 minutes, the town of Simsbury offers the Heublein Tower atop Talcott Mountain State Park, a landmark that appears in various regional productions. The hike to Heublein Tower is moderate but rewarding, about 1.25 miles each way, leading to panoramic views of the Farmington River Valley and the distant Hartford skyline. This vantage point has been used to evoke sweeping landscapes in film and television. The best visits come in the late afternoon when the sun casts long shadows across the valley, a perfect moment to imagine yourself on a film set framed by nature’s grandeur.
Finally, the quaint village of Essex, about 30 minutes south of Hartford, also boasts the Connecticut River Museum, which celebrates the region’s maritime heritage and has hosted exhibits related to film productions made along the river. The museum features interactive displays, historic boats, and river history, giving visitors a unique behind-the-scenes glimpse into how the Connecticut River has inspired storytelling on screen. Summer events and calm weather make for a pleasant riverfront experience, connecting river lore to the magic of movies in a way that enriches any visit to Connecticut.