Located just a few minutes east of New York State and 68 miles North of Manhattan, Bethel is distinctive in many ways. It is both one of the smallest and one of the newest (a mere 150 years old!) towns in western Connecticut. Home to Cannondale bicycles, Chocolate Lace and Duracell batteries, Bethel was once home to one America’s most famous independent showmen, P.T. Barnum himself.
Crammed inside its 17 square miles are numerous unique eateries and confectioners, including La Zingara, House of Yoshida, Greenwoods, Molten Java Coffee Roasters, Dr. Mike’s Homemade Ice Cream and Hauser Chocolatier. It even boasts a real-live, drive-in hamburger joint, the Sycamore, where they still make their own root beer. Yet despite its timeless, small town New England charm, this little gem of a town is part of thriving Fairfield County and is connected directly to Manhattan and Boston by commuter rail. In addition, the Bethel Film Festival will be held immediately following the New York Film Festival during the last week of prime foliage season – a perfect time for busy Manhattanites and others to visit us for a relaxed, friendly and affordable alternative to the hustle and bustle of the Big Apple. In fact, you can even pick some of OUR apples while you’re here!
Tags: new england