With a scenic location along the Connecticut River, Middletown in the state of Connecticut is an old city by all accounts, having been incorporated back in 1650 and grown out of what was originally an Indian settlement known as Mattabeseck (it retained that name for the first 3 years following incorporation). The city grew prosperous off industry and its port but these days it is predominantly a residential and educational center.
Middletown is considered an attractive place to settle, offering a high standard of living, affordable housing, low crime rates and low unemployment levels. Currently, about 45,000 permanent residents call the city home, though this figure fluctuates seasonally with the movement of the student population who make use of the study facilities at the private liberal arts college, Wesleyan University.
The town is not really a major tourist destination by any stretch of the imagination however it can make for a pleasant short-break or weekend trip and there are a few highlights worth checking out.
Highlights
Greater Middletown Military Museum: with a mission to help preserve the military history of the region, this small museum offers visitors views of documents and military memorabilia relating to members of the Armed Forces in Connecticut.
Green Street Arts Center: belonging to Wesleyan University, this facility offers the general public a broad program of art based courses and events.
Middletown Roller Rink: strap on a pair of rollerblades and join the mobile masses as they make their way round this popular skating rink.