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Main Street & More…

While the Brooklyn, Eastford, Pomfret, Thompson and Woodstock offer village settings, Putnam and Killingly’s borough of Danielson are former mill towns that feature historic brick and stone mill buildings, multi-use riverfront recreation areas and classic, small-town Main Streets with an interesting mix of retail, services and dining. Both have convenient, free public parking and a welcoming, walkable scale.

Downtown Putnam was once hailed as the “Antiques Capital of New England.” Today it is known as the region’s center for arts and culture and a popular dining and entertainment destination. Putnam offers an eclectic mix of restaurants, galleries, and boutique stores all anchored by the still-popular Antiques Marketplace. Two theaters offer live performances, including drama, musi- cals and dance. Events such as First Fridays street festival, the annual Main Street Car Cruise, outdoor concerts, and the Putnam River Fires draw crowds from far and wide.

Putnam is always the place to go for al fresco dining, with several venues offering seasonal outdoor seating. During the pandemic, the Town allowed more restaurants to offer outdoor dining by blocking of parking spots and putting up barriers, which Putnam’s many artists promptly decorated with bright paintings. This temporary outdoor dining has returned for 2021. Putnam’s numerous restaurants offer a wide range of cuisines, prices and ambiance.

Danielson also offers a mix of stores and restaurants in a sidewalk-lined downtown that one can easily explore on foot. A few dining establishments offer seasonal outdoor dining. Shopping includes home décor/artwork, accessories and clothing, sportswear and shoes, appliances, a book store and more.